African and European leaders explore the possibilities of digitalisation
Digitalisation and other modern technology can play a significant role in promoting sustainable development. This theme, along with the need to secure more private sector investments in Africa, was an important topic of discussion at the meeting of African and European leaders in Vienna. Finland’s representative at the high-level forum was Prime Minister Juha Sipilä.
“It is important to make digital development a part of sustainable development. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence, can support this development in a very significant way,” Prime Minister Sipilä commented.
In his two speaking turns, Prime Minister Sipilä emphasised the possibilities presented by digitalisation, as well as the need to create employment opportunities for women and young people in Africa.
“Young people are frontrunners when it comes to using new technologies, provided they are given the possibility. Digitalisation offers new opportunities for education, for example, and skilled young people fare better on the labour market. We must also remember the rights of girls and the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for education. These are the keys to sustainable development,” Prime Minister Sipilä said.
“Women are still clearly underrepresented in technology, inventions and sciences, as well as in the corporate world. We need to focus on this issue and make sure we are using the full capacity of our societies,” Prime Minister Sipilä stated.
Prime Minister Sipilä also highlighted the need for companies’ help in solving problems related to clean energy and water, ensuring sufficient food production and improving health and education.
“The role of the private sector as a promoter of sustainable development and an alleviator of poverty cannot be emphasised enough. When it comes to climate change, for example, we need the innovative efforts of the private sector. One concrete way to help mitigate climate change is through increased investments in the African forestry sector,” Prime Minister Sipilä said.
Prime Minister Sipilä also met for bilateral talks with leaders of several African countries in connection with the forum. He met for discussions with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, Angolan Vice-President Bornito de Sousa Baltazar Diogo, Gabonese Vice-President Pierre Moussavou and Nigerian Vice-President Yemi Osimbajo GCON.
Inquiries: Jani Raappana, Special Adviser (international affairs), tel. +358 295 160 306 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office