AU Summit digs into issues of infrastructure, financial crisis, regional security

Source: Xinhua | 02-03-2009 07:54

by Fei Liena

ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) started its second day of the 12th Summit here on Monday, with leaders from the United Nations (UN), the AU, and the Arab League addressing hot issues including infrastructure, financial crisis and regional security and safety.

Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-Moon addresses the opening ceremony of the 12th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, capital of  Ethiopia, Feb. 2, 2009. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the summit, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said infrastructure development is key to Africa's economic growth and social progress.

"Africa needs good roads, schools and hospitals, as well as reliable and efficient water services, electricity grids and telecom networks, while information and communications technologies must also be a bigger part of Africa's future," said Ban.

"These remains the building blocks for job creation and the ability to compete in global markets."

He called on all parties to mobilize the resources and invest more funds to Africa's infrastructure building. "Investing in Africa's infrastructure is a cornerstone of Africa 's development," said the UN chief. "We must rededicate ourselves to this vital objective."

The UN chief said he was alarmed by the current grave international economic and financial crisis and its possible impact on the African continent.

"The global economic crisis is unprecedented in scale and scope...For a majority of people, particularly those in developing countries, the most painful and terrifying phase of the crisis has only just begun," Ban said.

The negative effects of the crisis will reach not only growth, trade and financial flows, but also Africa's fight against poverty and the likelihood of reduced official development assistance, said Ban.