Ban Ki-moon

Former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, says Africa holds answers to some of the world’s most urgent problems, especially climate change and sustainable development.

He made the remarks on Thursday at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, with the theme “Unlocking Imo’s Economic Potential: Partnership, Investment, and Innovation.”

Ban said Africa’s history of resilience in the face of hardship shows its potential to lead solutions in a rapidly changing world.

“My visit to Imo State today reminds me of enormous sufferings and difficulties that African people, particularly people in Imo State, should have overcome because of colonisation and subsequent war, as the Korean people did,” he said.

“Africa today holds the keys to unlocking so many solutions to current global challenges that humanity and our planet are facing, including climate change and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

The former South Korean foreign minister said the global push for sustainability cannot succeed without tackling Africa’s unique vulnerabilities. He noted that he has consistently supported climate adaptation initiatives on the continent, including through his involvement in the Africa Climate Summit.

“Without addressing the African challenges, we will never be able to declare that we are living in a sustainable world,” he said.

Ban warned that the window to avert dangerous climate consequences is closing, urging governments to stand by their commitments under the Paris Agreement.

He pointed out the imbalance in climate responsibility, saying African nations contribute just 4 percent of global emissions but suffer some of the harshest effects of climate impacts.

Dignitaries at the summit included Vice President Kashim Shettima, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma,