On July 17, 2024, Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers, Executive Director of the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN), had the privilege of addressing the ministerial plenary at the 2024 United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) High-Level Segment in New York. The theme of the general debate was “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: delivering sustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions.” Dr. Rogers brought attention to the critical issue of land grabbing in Africa, where multinationals are acquiring land to meet global food production targets, with 35% of global land grabbing occurring on the continent. He emphasized that it is unacceptable to use Africa’s fertile land to export food abroad while leaving host nations hungry. Dr. Rogers urged world leaders to adopt an integrated approach to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring progress in one area does not hinder progress in others. The ECOSOC High-Level Segment represents the culmination of ECOSOC’s annual cycle of work, convening high-level representatives from government, the private sector, civil society, and academia.
Read the full text of AFJN’s Statement submitted to the UN ECOSOC.
