The Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States

ACP/EC/UN-HABITAT INTERNATIONAL TRIPARTITE CONFERENCE ON URBANISATION CHALLENGES & POVERTY REDUCTION IN ACP COUNTRIES

Nairobi (Kenya), 8 June 2009

Opening Statement of Mr. Andrew BRADLEY Assistant Secretary-General of the ACP Group of States at the Technical Preparatory Meeting

Honourable Minister Shitanda,
Executive Director of UN-Habitat,
Representatives of the EU-Presidency,
Representatives of the European Commission,
Senior Officials of ACP States,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honour for me to take the floor at this Technical Preparatory Meeting for the important international gathering with the focus on urbanization challenges and poverty reduction in ACP States. Allow me to express my appreciation to the Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, Dr. Anna TIBAIJUKA and her staff, for the excellent work done over the years to ensure that critical urban issues of the poorest of this world are taken into account at the international level. Allow me also to take this opportunity to thank the host country, Kenya, and the organizers, for the warm welcome and the impeccable facilities put at our disposal to complete our work.

Honourable Minister,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The ACP Group of States, representing more than 730 million people, will be celebrating 35 years of existence in 2010. 35 years during which the Group has expanded to proudly show a membership of 79 States - 48 African, 16 Caribbean, and 15 Pacific States. The ACP Group is today the largest organized entity representing the developing world. The main objective of the Group, as also reflected in its Cotonou Partnership Agreement with the European Union, is to reduce and eventually eradicate poverty while contributing to sustainable development.

On behalf of the ACP Group, I would like to re-affirm the importance of sustainable urban development. We want to underlined the importance of exchanging experiences and best practices among cities, authorities and development partners that will contribute towards the creation of organized and well-managed settlements.

Honourable Minister,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Together with our development partner, the European Commission, we have embarked on a Tripartite Agreement to create opportunities for sustainable development, and bring the plight of poor living conditions of millions of people in ACP States and other countries, to the forefront of the developmental agenda. This Conference illustrates the unique character of our cooperation: Development funds from Europe, political commitment and strategy planning from ACP States, and combined with the technical know-how and capacity of UN-Habitat. This cooperation led to the implementation of the very ambitious “Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme in ACP States”, implemented by UN-Habitat. This Programme’s implementation has strarted, and the first working session will provide us the opportunity to learn, and give orientations for the continuation of its implementation.

Honourable Minister,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

We all share the view that the biggest challenge to addressing slums and slum proliferation is Government policy and strategic urban planning. Further, we all share the view that only coordinated and holistic efforts will assist the 1 billion people, including citizens of ACP States, living in urban slums.  We all have to recognize that today, the impact of the financial crisis is a great risks for those who are the most vulnerable. I invite you to discuss the effects of the global financial crisis on urban development as a transversal issue during all sessions. 

You have an ambitious work programme during the next two days, and I invite you to utilize your collective expertise to present to ACP Ministers conclusions and recommendations that are substantive, innovative and far reaching.

In the developing world, our greatest asset is our people.  Our people are the future, and we must do our utmost to create situations and an environment that will contribute to their well-being, and indeed their development. This Tripartite Conference on Urban Challenges is taking place at a time when the international community has integrated sustainable urbanization within the globalization context.  I can assure you that the ACP Group will continue its support towards the creation of a better world, and provide opportunities to our populations.

Honourable Minister,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to conclude by urging you to freely share your knowledge and experiences. There is no one else with genuine knowledge and hands-on experiences as all of you who have assembled here today.  And that is why we trust that the output of your meeting will be of immense benefit to our Ministers. I thank you for your attention.