Addis Ababa, Feb 15 (NationPress) The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, commended Africa for tackling some of the globe's most difficult challenges with creativity, resilience, and diligence.

Speaking to the press during the 39th African Union (AU) Summit at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he recognized the ongoing endeavors of African nations to confront developmental obstacles, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

"There are no miracles, only consistent practical efforts to address tangible issues amid an international landscape that is increasingly polarized, unpredictable, and volatile—more so than at any point since the Cold War's conclusion," Guterres remarked to journalists.

He pointed out that the African continent is making strides in areas such as regional integration, clean energy initiatives, and infrastructure development, stating, "Progress is evident, albeit sometimes uneven and slow."

Emphasizing the enduring potential and power of Africa, he reinforced the stronger than ever partnership between the UN and AU, focusing on three key areas: peace and security, financial justice, and climate action.

Guterres noted that various regions, including Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Sahel, and the Horn of Africa, are grappling with profound and intricate crises, characterized by numerous actors and interests.

He acknowledged the commitment of African leadership and institutions to silence the guns across the continent, urging for enhanced global support for Africa’s peace and security initiatives, stressing that such efforts cannot rely solely on political goodwill.

According to Guterres, Africa boasts some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, yet also faces severe financial constraints. He pointed out that debt burdens, elevated borrowing costs, and limited access to long-term financing hinder advancements in education, health, and job creation.

"It is utterly unacceptable that, having survived the enduring scars of colonialism, Africa now has to grapple with an economic and financial framework that is fundamentally unjust," Guterres stated.

He emphasized the critical necessity for developing nations to have a genuine voice and substantial participation in the international financial institutions that influence their futures.

Regarding climate efforts, Guterres remarked that despite contributing minimally to climate change, Africa endures the gravest consequences, facing droughts, floods, hunger, and extreme heat.

He pointed out that the continent receives insufficient support to adapt and transition towards clean energy, calling it a case of climate injustice. Yet, he expressed optimism that with adequate backing, Africa can emerge as a global leader in renewable energy.