By Oracle News Daily
In a powerful address at the opening of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, Liberian President Joseph Boakai pushed for “shared growth, sustainability, and solidarity” between Africa and South Korea to create a better future for their people.
Speaking before a gathering of African heads of state and South Korean leaders, President Boakai praised the Republic of Korea as a “true friend and partner” that Africa can learn from. He said the theme of the summit – “The Future We Make Together” – must serve as a call to action for both continents to work in concert to tackle global challenges.
“The future we want for our people and the world cannot just be hoped for or dreamed of or even guaranteed; it is one only achieved through concerted and deliberate actions,” Boakai declared to thunderous applause.
The Liberian leader highlighted how globalization and technological advancement have spurred economic growth worldwide, but their impact has been unequal, particularly in Africa. He stressed the need for “shared growth” that prioritizes inclusive prosperity and development for all people, not just a privileged few.
Boakai also underscored the importance of pursuing sustainable development in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. As the custodian of the world’s second-largest rainforest, he said Liberia intends to leverage this natural asset to contribute to the fight against climate change.
Emphasizing the need for collective action, the Liberian president said the nations represented at the summit, comprising about 20% of the world’s population, have a “critical mass in solidarity” to confront challenges like climate change, disease, hunger, and poverty.
“No nation can address the myriad of complex global challenges alone,” Boakai said. “It is by standing together in solidarity that we can we bring our collective efforts to bear tackling the problems that plague us collectively.”
The historic Korea-Africa Summit, the first of its kind, is expected to yield major announcements and agreements in the areas of trade, investment, technology transfer, and development cooperation between the two regions.
