Omar Touray, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, underscored the urgent need for tangible actions to fulfill longstanding commitments to global peace and development during his remarks at the Summit of the Future at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In a statement from the ECOWAS Commission, Touray commended UN Secretary-General António Guterres for convening the summit, emphasizing its significance at a time when the world is faced with critical choices. He highlighted the pivotal nature of the summit, noting that it comes at a moment when society must choose between a tumultuous past and a more equitable, collaborative future.
Touray expressed skepticism about the Pact for the Future, questioning its originality and pointing out that many of its commitments have been reiterated in various UN frameworks before. He noted, “The fact that we have come back to the same old commitments suggests that we still need greater political will to deliver on the good promises.”
For ECOWAS, Touray asserted that the essence of the Pact lies in its actual implementation. He called for decisive action on pressing issues such as peace and security, sustainable development, climate justice, and youth empowerment. He urged leaders to prioritize regional unity and integration, cautioning against the perils of disunity and conflict, especially in West Africa.
“If we fail to deliver once again, history will look back to this summit not as the summit of the future but as a Summit of the Past. This is the choice before us,” he concluded.
Written By; Christopher Emuakpeje