Executive Secretary

Public-Private Partnerships crucial to finance development in Africa, says Songwe

Palais des Nations, Geneva, May 8, 2019 (ECA) – A three-day forum showcasing projects and approaches to people first Public-Private Partnerships and how the United Nations is working together as one to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development opened in Geneva Wednesday with Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA) Executive Secretary, Vera Songwe, calling for the advancement of PPPs to finance development in Africa.

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Press freedom essential for democracy and development in Africa, says Songwe

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, May 2, 2019 (ECA) – Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA) Executive Secretary, Vera Songwe, on Thursday celebrated World Press Freedom Day by emphasizing the important role of the media in facilitating free and fair electoral processes on the continent.

Speaking at a global conference to mark the day in Addis Ababa, held on the theme Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in times of Disinformation, Ms. Songwe said the media has an important role to play in enabling accountability in the democratic process.

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Vera Songwe thanks staff for busy and successful first quarter; announces launch of accountability exercise

ECA staff on Tuesday observed a minute of silence for colleagues Hind Jabir and Samira Ezzine who died in a tragic car accident in Rabat, Morocco, earlier this month.

Led by Executive Secretary, Vera Songwe during a town hall meeting, staff at headquarters and sub-regional offices honoured their departed colleagues with silent prayers and contemplation. The two worked in the ECA’s North Africa office.

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A world first: Women at the helm of every UN Regional Commission

Although United Nations Regional Commissions have been in existence for more than 70 years, for the first time ever, each one is currently headed by a woman designated by Secretary-General António Guterres. This accomplishment underscores that, since the day he took office, the UN chief has been determined to achieve gender parity by 2030 as part of the Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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President Paul Biya and Vera Songwe invigorate Cameroon-ECA relations, spotlight Free Trade Agreement

Yaounde, 19 April 2019 (ECA) – On her first official visit to Cameroon after her appointment as UN Under Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA – Ms. Vera Songwe met with President Paul Biya and explored pathways to the country’s emergence via: improved macroeconomic policies for diversification and job creation; leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), unleashing the power of the digital economy and firming up the ‘tripod of peace, security and development.”

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