UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Statement by H.E. Mr Peter Tesch
Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia
to the United Nations
High-level plenary meeting of the General Assembly to consider how to support the New Partnership for Africa's Development
New York
16 September 2002
Mr President
Australia warmly welcomes the New Partnership on Africa's Development.
NEPAD articulates an integrated African vision for a new African future and a set of principles for achieving that vision. Created by Africans for Africans, it is a historic new partnership. Based on the principles of good political and economic governance, democracy and market-led economic growth, it deserves strong support.
NEPAD acknowledges that the primary responsibility for lifting Africa out of poverty lies with Africa itself. It is, therefore, qualitatively different from past initiatives designed to foster development in Africa that, regrettably, have failed to realise the goal of sustainable development.
Australia commends the forward-looking African leaders who recognised that development has to be underpinned by a strong commitment to international standards of good governance, sound economic management, respect for human rights and the rule of law, peace and security.
Mr President
It is vital that these laudable principles be realised through a real commitment by African countries to their implementation, and through support by the rest of the international community for this endeavour. These commitments will be fundamental in helping Africa to create an environment where new investment and economic growth can flourish. They will also assist in preventing and ending endemic armed conflict, and in overcoming the development challenges Africa faces.
Mr President
Australia is encouraged by the commitments embodied in the Declaration on Democracy, Political, Economic and Corporate Governance, issued by the NEPAD Heads of State in June 2002. We are also encouraged by the African Peer Review Mechanism. The early and consistent implementation of these principles will establish their credibility and will be a key part of the success of NEPAD. It needs to be said, Mr President, that the opposite will also be true.
Mr President
NEPAD's focus on securing and reaping the benefits of further trade liberalisation is clear-sighted, necessary and welcome. Trade liberalisation represents one of the single most important steps that can be taken to help eradicate poverty and encourage sustainable development.
Australia is a leading advocate of trade liberalisation, particularly in the field of agriculture, a sector of special importance to African countries. We have long advocated ending farm subsidies in developed countries. Not only are these subsidies hugely expensive - more is spent on them than Africa's combined economic output they are also highly damaging to Africa's development prospects. Australia will continue to work with developing country partners to create a fair international trading system in agricultural products, including in the Doha Trade Round.
Mr President
While trade liberalisation and private-sector led growth are crucial, we recognise the importance of development assistance programs. HIV/AIDS is a serious threat to development and will remain a major focus of Australia's development assistance program for Africa. Australia's other priorities - governance and education, including through the African Virtual University in Nairobi and efforts to bridge the digital divide, are also relevant to NEPAD priorities.
Mr President
NEPAD provides a promising and practical path towards Africa's sustainable development. The challenge for Africans, and indeed for all of us in the international community, is to combine our efforts to help make it work.
Thank you Mr President.