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Steps towardsachievingsustainablegrowth inAfrica28 June 2009Sirte, LibyaWe are meeting at a crucial time for Africa, which must remainalert and mindful of global developments that are impactingon its economic and social development. This Council, through itsdeliberations, has a critical role to play in ensuring that Africa speakswith a clear and common voice on global matters, especially theglobal economic and financial crisis and negotiations on a post-Kyototreaty on climate change. Africa is often represented – in global processesto address these issues – by our diplomatic representatives inmajor negotiating centres who take their cue from decisions takenby our Heads of State and Government on the advice of this Council,so your deliberations are very important for the continent.It is in this context that I wish to focus my remarks on three majorissues that will no doubt engage your attention: the economic andfinancial crisis, climate change and the theme of the forthcomingsummit, which is “Investing in Agriculture for Economic Growth andFood Security”. The first two issues require that Africa have a clearappreciation of the issues at stake and identify its interests so thatwe can continue to speak with one voice in global forums convenedon these matters, for if care is not taken they can undo recent gainsin peace and security and economic development. Already, growthrates in Africa are expected to fall to an average of 2% this year comparedto a rate of nearly 6% in the preceding half-decade. Moreover,there is clear evidence that economic instability and political insta-Integrating Africa37