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COVID-19 is catalyst for innovation in Africa: Al-Mashat Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat took part in a roundtable discussion on 19 May, entitled "Resilient World: An African Call for a New World Order".
International collaboration with shared learning and experiences will help create resilient future, minister says Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat took part in a roundtable discussion on 19 May, entitled "Resilient World: An African Call for a New World Order". In a first of its kind gathering, African Heads of State, Ministers and other global development and business leaders came together to accelerate international efforts for Africa. In total, there were as many as 14,000 attendees from 129 countries at the event held by the New York Forum Institute (NYF- Institute). The event highlighted the lessons the world can learn from Africa in addressing the socioeconomic risks and exploring visions for the world following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The minister said, "The pandemic has acted as a catalyst for innovation across the region, and it has pushed us and tested us, and instilled faith in our selves that reforms are possible, and with this we can reset Africa." Minister Al-Mashat said the crisis has given impetus on all levels, including among governments, policymakers, the private sector and civil society, to become more innovative in taking action and finding solutions. She added that intra- and inter-continental collaboration with shared learning and experiences will build a path towards a resilient future. Minister Al-Mashat pointed out that the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic require concerted efforts. She also emphasised the importance of creating economic cooperation and increasing African growth by leveraging on the similarities across the continent. On the topic of food security and strengthening regional value chains, Minister Al-Mashat said, "National policies are important in the agriculture sector, not just for the local population but for its global impact given the downside risks related to food security." She also referred to the significance of increasing investments in technology and human capital. This would come in addition to boosting cooperation with multilateral and bilateral partners since, as she assured, no country could act on its one when facing such a crisis as the coronavirus. Minister Al-Mashat was joined by Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou, President of Cote d'Ivoire Alassane Ouattara, President of Senegal Macky Sall, and President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, among other notable dignitaries.
