Al-Mashat: COVID-19 acted as 'catalyst' for innovation in Africa

CAIRO - 23 May 2020: In a first of its kind high-level virtual event dedicated to Africa “Resilient World: An African Call for a New World Order”, Minister of International Cooperation Dr. Rania Al Mashat joins 5 African Head of States and Global Leaders with more than 14,0000 people to accelerate international efforts for the continent.

“The pandemic has acted as a catalyst for innovation across the region, it has pushed us and tested us, and instilled faith in our selves that reforms are possible, and with this we can reset Africa said H.E. Dr. Rania Al Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation.

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The Minister of International Cooperation Dr. Rania Al-Mashat took part in the roundtable discussion held by New York Forum Institute (NYF- Institute) under the title “Resilient World: An African Call for a New World Order, which was the first of its kind, gathering several African Heads of State, Ministers and other global development and business leaders with attendees totaling up to 14,000 from 129 countries from all over the world.

It is the first of its kind, gathering African heads of state and governments who have shown exemplary leadership. The event highlighted the lessons the world can learn from Africa, addressing the socioeconomic risks, and exploring visions for the world post-health crisis.

Dr. Al-Mashat explained that the crisis drove the all countries, on all levels, including governments, policy-makers, the private sector and the civil society to become more innovative in taking action and finding solutions, adding that collaboration with shared learning and experiences between countries in Africa, and between Africa and other countries, is the path towards a resilient future. She pointed out that the challenges caused by the pandemic require concerted efforts, and emphasized the importance of bridging economic cooperation and expanding growth among African nations leveraging on the complementarities between them.

On the topic of food security and strengthening regional value chains, she added that “national policies are important in the agriculture sector, not just for the local population but for its global impact given the downside risks related to food security”.

The minister also referred to the significance of increasing investments in technology and human capital, and boosting cooperation with multilateral and bilateral partners since, as she assured, no country could act on its one when facing this crisis.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al Mashat was joined by President of the Republic of Niger Mahamadou Issoufou, President Cote d’Ivoire Alassane Ouattara, President of Senegal Macky Sall, President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Sierra Leone Dr. Julius Mmada Bio, in addition to the Minister of the Economy, Planning and Cooperation of Senegal Amadou Hott, Special Envoy of the African Union on COVID-19 and Board Chair of the Vaccine Alliance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-lweala, Under-Secretary General of the UN Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa Dr. Vera Songwe, Senior Partner and Chairman of McKinsey Africa Dr. Acha Leke, Group Chairman of the United Bank for Africa Mr. Tony Elumelu and the Founder of NYF Institute Mr. Richard Attias.