TICAD8 Highlights Value of “Human Security” in Africa | News | SDG Knowledge Hub | IISD

The Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8) highlighted the importance of achieving “human security” in Africa by realizing structural change for sustainable economic growth and social development, a resilient and sustainable society, and sustainable peace and stability.

The conference was held at the level of Heads of State and Government from 27-28 August 2022 in Tunis, Tunisia.

Its result document, ‘TICAD8 Tunis Announcement,’ highlights the importance of investing in people to promote human security, which will “enhance Africa’s significant potential as a driving force of global development.” The declaration underscores the need to address the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing socio-political and environmental crises by advancing action under three pillars:

• Realizing structural change for sustainable economic growth and social development, including: promoting private sector investment in Africa; public-private partnerships (PPPs) such as the Japan Business Council for Africa and the Japan-Africa Infrastructure Development Association; Addressing Africa’s climate vulnerabilities; supporting Africa’s economic resilience; and attracting sound development finance;
• Realizing a resilient and sustainable societyFeaturing human security and the achievement of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 and the SDGs; And
• realizing lasting peace and stabilityPromoting good governance, democracy and the rule of law, among other functions.

The announcement notes that Yokohama Action Plan 2019 In alignment with African and international frameworks such as Agenda 2063 and the SDGs, TICAD 8 will be updated and reworked as the Tunis Action Plan.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed addressing at TICAD8 during the inauguration Stressed on That while the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 represent “the blueprint for achieving sustainable development on the continent”, “our collective efforts to achieve the SDGs” compromise the “perfect storm” of crises. She warned that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of the war in Ukraine, the climate emergency and the financial crisis are creating “a fertile breeding ground” for conflict and unrest, “putting already vulnerable populations under extreme stress.” . “

Mohamed called for expediting action on three main changes, in which Japan is “a key player”: ensuring universal energy access and an equitable and equitable transition to renewable energy; Transforming our food systems; and addressing inequality and its underlying factors.

Elaborating on the value of the human security approach during a dedicated session, Mohamed encouraged: 1) applying a human security lens to implement the Agenda 2063 and 2030 Agenda; 2) Providing a data revolution by going beyond Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and exploring the development of a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI); 3) Using people-oriented and people-centred approaches; 4) initiate a reset of existing responses to prevent and exit conflicts; and 5) a greater focus on digital threats while finding ways to use technology to serve people.

Led by the Government of Japan to Promote “African Development for African People” since 1993, the conference is co-hosted by the United Nations, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the World Bank and the African Union Commission (AUC). . It provides a platform to mobilize support for the development of Africa. [TICAD8 Website] [TICAD8 Updates] [UN News Story] [UNDP News Story]