UN asked to consider new development agenda after MDG

The meeting is on the theme; ”The Church for Development, Justice and Peace in Africa in the context of post-Millennium Development Goals in the light of Ecclesia in Africa and Africae Munus”.

Most Rev Palmer-Buckle said the new agenda had to start with a thorough, broad-based and inclusive review of the present agenda and its underlying approach, as well as assessment of what had worked and what had not.

He said such a review would need to be put in the context of the global development challenges ahead and would be based on the fulfilment of universally recognised human rights principles and rules such as individual freedoms for democratic and participatory governance, equality among nations and individuals, among others.

The archbishop, who is also the treasurer of SECAM, noted that 50 years after Africa’s independence and two years to the deadline for achieving the targets of the MDGs, the forum offered an opportunity to reflect on development in Africa over five decades and how to work towards a new African renaissance.

Archbishop Palmer-Buckle said the Church in Africa recognised the opportunities provided by political discussions on a post-2015  UN development agenda  and a new set of sustainable development goals.

He said right from its inception, SECAM had always shown concern about issues pertaining to human development.

Such concern, he said, led to the establishment of the SECAM’s Department of Justice, Peace and Development.

He said the department had appealed to African governments to be accountable and responsible for the leadership of their countries by promoting conditions for development through forgiveness, reconciliations and peace.

Story by Mary Mensah