Representative of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia
Representatives of UN Agencies
Excellencies
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen 

On behalf of Mr. Nyambi, UNDP Resident Representative and, on my behalf, let me express our pleasure and honor to be present at the opening of the third conference organized by the Development Policy Management Forum (DPMF) on “Democratization, Development Management and Conflicts in Africa”. 

I would like first of all to congratulate DPMF for bringing together African government representatives, development partners and experts and creating a forum to discuss critical and burning issues such as the linkages between good governance, development and conflict prevention in Africa. 

African countries are increasingly introducing reforms based on internal convictions and specifications which are fostering positive economic growth, security and stability.  As a consequence foreign investments flow are increasing and so does one witness also an intensive drive toward democratization in the continent. However, regrettably, efforts to reduce poverty, establish democracy or enhance good governance are seriously undermined by the prevailing conditions of conflicts in our continent. 

The issue of conflict prevention is crucial to UNDP, which believes that development cannot occur without peace; and peace can only be nurtured by improving the living conditions of the people which, in turn calls for promoting development.  The international community as well as the countries concerned generally react strongly to the consequences of conflicts but do little to prevent them in times of peace.  If more funds were devoted by the countries themselves and by external partners to combat poverty, improve access to health and education as well as to sustainable livelihood, less funds would be needed for carrying out conflicts and for addressing their costly consequences in terms of human sufferings and material losses. 

UNDP has strengthened its focus on Governance for Human Development in partnership with Governments and as well as with the civil society institutions to support countries to operationalize policies that will create an enabling environment for human development and the self determination of people. 

I trust that this collaborative effort will contribute to finding strategies geared towards a shift from reactive and curative solutions to preventive action in terms of increased efforts in Development and Good Governance. 

Back to Publications page