CNRST1 Meetings Document : Opening Statement

Economic Commission for Africa Commission économique pour l'Afrique

Opening Statement

K.Y. Amoako
United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa

First Meeting of the Committee on Natural Resources and Science and Technology

Addis Ababa, 15 November1999
18 August, 2000

Your Excellencies,Distinguished member of the Committee on Natural Resources and Science and Technology,Dear colleagues,Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to formally welcome you to the first meeting of the Committee on Natural Resources and Science and Technology (CNRST). The Committee is one of the seven subsidiary bodies established by the twenty-third meeting of the Conference of African Ministers responsible for Economic and Social Development and Planning. As a subsidiary body of the Commission, the Committee provides policy and technical guidance to the Commission in the areas of natural resources and science and technology.

As this is the first meeting of the Committee - your Committee - you will first look into the modalities of its operation. A Proposal on the Constitution and Functions of the Committee has been prepared to this effect and you will be invited to make suggestions to make the Committee an instrument for effective regional cooperation and integration, a forum for the exchange of information and experiences and a mechanism for strengthening the work of the Commission in the areas of natural resources and science and technology.

The first meeting of the Committee is taking place at a time when it is realized that the abundance of natural resources does not in itself constitute a comparative and competitive advantage and does not ensure development. It is also realized that Africa cannot develop without achieving a higher degree of competitiveness and sustainability in the transformation and use of its natural resources. Competitiveness and sustainability cannot be enhanced without the judicious and widespread application of competitive and sustainable technology. Hence the main theme of this meeting: “BUILDING AFRICA’s CAPACITY IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES”.

Our continent faces a number of daunting challenges. One of the most critical amongst these is: "How Africa can better utilize science and technology to compete in the area of natural resources in a sustainable way in the new global environment". In view of the difficulties of the region to harness science and technology for the sound and competitive exploitation of its biodiversity and for the transformation of its natural resources, the first meeting of the Committee is called upon to focus on two main overriding and critical issues:

· Competitiveness, and

· Sustainability.

Africa's competitiveness has substantially declined during the last three decades. This is reflected in the loss of market shares in most of the commodities exported outside the continent and also reflected in the decline of Africa's share of foreign direct investment in the natural resources sectors. The export of untransformed natural resources cannot ensure economic progress. This is an observation that is shared by more and more development theorists. In today’s world the full participation of Africa in the global economy requires that the continent exports more manufactured goods, largely based on its resources endowment. Comparative advantages are less and less given by nature and are more and more created by an enabling policy environment, entrepreneurship, knowledge and technology. It is in this context that competitiveness can be increased. Major efforts should thus be made to strengthen technological innovation and the technological capabilities of African countries in the area of natural resources management.

Sustainability has also become a major challenge in many areas of the region in view of the high rate of deforestation, soil erosion, loss of soil fertility, desertification, loss of species and biodiversity, and pollution of water resources, air and land through mining activities. Inappropriate technology, poverty, armed conflicts and rapid population growth contribute to the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. Consequently, more efficient and more environment-friendly technology and practices must be used to compete in the world markets and maintain the resource base for future generations.

Sustainability also implies that sufficient food is produced to feed the growing African population. As we all know, food production is not keeping up with population growth with the result that more and more Africans consume far below the minimum daily calorie intakes for active lives. The problems of food insecurity is likely to get worse and likely to affect a growing number of people in the years ahead. Consequently, this is an area of great concern to the ECA and where your advice is most needed.

As a forum of experts that would provide advice to the ECA for the advancement and efficient application of science and technology and the sustainable development of natural resources in Africa, the Committee is expected to focus its attention on five main areas.

Firstly, the Committee will undertake an in-depth review and analysis of the most important trends and issues in the application of science and technology for the efficient management of natural resources, including biodiversity. It is expected that the Committee will suggest answers to those related questions: why the endowment of abundant natural resources and rich biodiversity has failed to ensure economic development? and is development and application of science and technology essential to create sustainable comparative advantages ?
Secondly, the Committee will formulate related policy recommendations on these issues for implementation by African policy-makers, regional institutions and the international development community. The recommendations should be concrete, realistic and action oriented. The Committee may consider setting up a sub-committee to draft a coherent set of recommendations for the attention of the Committee. The most critical of these recommendations could then be submitted for endorsement to the ECA Conference of Ministers which meets every two years.
Thirdly, the Committee will review progress made in the implementation of recommendations, resolutions and plans of action in the field of water, mineral and energy. It will suggest further actions and mechanisms for implementation based on current realities and the recent experiences of member States in these areas. The issues related to these areas have grown in importance during the last few years and further actions to be taken by member States may have real impacts on their development in the years to come. A strengthening of regional cooperation in these areas can be expected provide substantial benefits to member States.
Fourthly, the Committee will review and provide guidance to the effort of ECA in the areas of natural resources and science and technology by examining current work programme and the proposed programme of work for the biennium 2000-2001. The Committee may wish to propose additional activities that could be carried out in partnership or propose ways to assist the ECA in the implementation of its work programme.
Fifthly, the Committee will discuss follow-up and inter-sessional activities and propose themes for discussion at its next meeting.

In order to provide intellectual guidance and stimuli for the discussions various support mechanisms will be used. The Institute for Natural Resources in Africa of the United Nations University (UNU/INRA) will provide lectures by a distinguished and renowned international expert on themes related to the issues mentioned.

I would like to thank the Institute for having accepted our offer of partnership for this meeting and for the high quality of the lectures that it will provide. The contribution of the institute to this meeting is highly appreciated.

Furthermore, a Panel of high level experts in science and technology will debate the burning issues that Africa is facing in building science and technology capacities for the competitive and sustainable exploitation of its natural resources and biodiversity. The Panel will focus the meeting on critical aspects of science and technology capacity building and natural resources management, including issues related to the development of biotechnology, global competitiveness and natural resources exploitation and transformation in Africa. We hope that these contributions will facilitate and enlighten your deliberations.

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The policy orientations, technical advice and recommendations that you will formulate from your deliberations will be highly valuable in assisting the ECA articulate a road map for the management of natural resources and science and technology in Africa as we enter the next millennium. In this regard your work during the next four days will contribute to foster regional cooperation and integration and accelerate Africa’ development.

In conclusion, we shall be looking forward to your advice and guidance regarding what the ECA can do to promote regional development. Whatever we do here at the Secretariat is expected to address your concerns and your priorities. I therefore encourage you to help us sharpen our goals, refine our modalities, and propose relevant activities that will better support national agendas and plans of action. In all, your work during the next few days will help the ECA to serve Africa better.

We at the ECA consider this Committee a very important mechanism to foster regional cooperation in the area of natural resources and science and technology. We greatly appreciate your contribution to this meeting and we look forward to benefiting from the outcome of your discussions.

I thank you for your kind attention and wish you much luck in your deliberations.

Thank you.