The Nairobi Maafikiano and the Nairobi Azimio embody the spirit of the fourteenth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XIV) and encapsulate the high hopes and resolve of the global community to achieve prosperity for all.
Fittingly, given the aspirations of developing countries and the challenges of the day, the conference defied expectations, resulting in the most ambitious and constructive outcome of an UNCTAD conference in many years.
Together, the Maafikiano and Azimio define a vision for UNCTAD to play a key role in the implementation and follow-up of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as for UNCTAD to address persistent and emerging development challenges in an integrated and holistic manner. The Maafikiano and Azimio thus provide the inspiration and guidance for UNCTAD to enhance its ongoing work, as well as to embark on important cutting-edge initiatives to realize the founders’ vision of a global economic system that benefits all of humanity.
Yet the road to Nairobi was not an easy one. Discussions on the possible themes and sub-themes for the conference were protracted and revealed differing visions for UNCTAD and the future direction of its work. Unexpected twists on the road fortuitously led to the conference being held in Nairobi, as a visible and clear manifestation of development solidarity and a commitment to a strong UNCTAD.
Notwithstanding the challenges along the way, the substantive preparatory process for UNCTAD XIV was conducted in a positive spirit not seen in many years, underscoring the universal commitment to a good outcome and a strong future for UNCTAD. Perhaps most importantly, the conference anchored the ambitious vision of the role of UNCTAD in implementing the global development agenda in a revitalized intergovernmental machinery.
Together, the various elements of the Maafikiano and Azimio are a firm foundation for enhancing the impact of UNCTAD on the broader development community and a clear guide for its renaissance, thus living up to the theme of the conference, “from decisions to actions”.
Secretary-General of UNCTAD
