On 17th October 2012, Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Ron Prosor made a compelling case for a new partnership for Africa's development. He was speaking at the 67th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations.
New Partnership for Africa's Development: progress in implementation and international support; Causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa.
Mr. President,
I speak to you today as someone who had the privilege of spending part of my childhood growing up in Africa, while Africa was growing up.
My understanding of Africa is not based on textbooks, or movies, or safaris. I speak from personal experience. As a young child living in what was then Tanganyika, I remember vividly the excitement that went along with independence, and the strong desire of the African people to take control of their destiny.
Mr. President,
Africa and Israel share a deep connection — one that dates back thousands of years.
Both the Ethiopian and Jewish traditions tell the story of the Queen of Sheba. After hearing about the wisdom of Israel's King Solomon, she embarked on a three-year journey to meet the only ruler at the time who could match her intellect, ambition, and visionary leadership.
This story was a sign of things to come. Today, the women of Africa carry the same determination and spirit. They are pioneers who spearhead progress in their nations – from President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in Liberia, to Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo in Rwanda, to the late Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai in Kenya.
Strong, empowered women are a great secret to success for both Israeli and African societies.
If the top echelons of Arab Governments were filled with empowered women with the same frequency, I am confident that we would have a very different situation in the Middle East today.
Mr. President,
NEPAD is an initiative led by Africans for Africa. Israel has supported this approach for more than five decades.
In 1958, Golda Meir, then serving as Israel's foreign minister, undertook a historic visit to the continent. At the time, Israel was in its infancy. We were a developing nation facing a range of overwhelming challenges. Yet, she saw assistance to newly independent nations of Africa as an imperative. She sent thousands of Israeli experts of every sort – scientists, doctors, engineers, teachers and irrigation experts – to work hand in hand with their African counterparts.
Since that time, our development work in Africa has blossomed into an extensive program of cooperation, covering a wide range of sectors.
In Ghana, Israeli health clinics have drastically improved maternal and baby health.
In Senegal, our drip irrigation system is increasing crop yields and enriching the lives of farmers.
In Cameroon, Israeli doctors recently set up an 'eye camp', performing free life-changing surgery on dozens of patients.
In Kenya, Israel is partnering with Germany to improve wastewater treatment and introduce new technology in the tilapia fisheries of Lake Victoria. These efforts are also benefiting people in Tanzania and Uganda.
Mr. President,
The medieval Jewish philosopher Maimonides taught that we reach the highest level of righteousness when we give someone else the means to sustain themselves.
This principle underlies Israel’s approach to development – and our commitment to promote entrepreneurship in all corners of the world. We believe that this is one of the greatest tools for global development. By unlocking minds, we can inspire change.
As President Kagame of Rwanda said: “Entrepreneurship is the surest way for a nation to meet its goals and to develop prosperity for the greatest number of people.”
Building entrepreneurial cultures empowers people with the skills and opportunities to solve problems around them, unleashing waves of innovative ideas and solutions.
Mr. President,
The New Partnership for African Development is about supporting Africa as its people turn ideas into action and problems into solutions. As someone who had the opportunity to witness firsthand the resourcefulness and resolve of the African people, I strongly believe that every African problem has an African solution.
An old African proverb says "If you can talk you can sing, if you can walk you can dance." The vast promise of Africa is clear. And to be true partners, the international community must hear the distinctive sound of the African continent, feel its beat, and move to its rhythm.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Statement by Ambassador Ron Prosor
Permanent Representative of Israel
To the United Nations