Global heavyweights discuss South-South cooperation ahead of COP 22

Major players in global politics and economics gathered at this year’s Crans Montana Forum (CMF) in Dakhla, Western Sahara to set the agenda for COP 22 which will be held later in November in Marrakech, Morocco.

The 27th session of the CMF was attended by more than a thousand participants, including dignitaries from 131 countries, 27 regional and international organizations as well as the national and international press.

For the event organizers, the choice of theme and city was not accidental.

“For us, the choice of the city of Dakhla is absolutely essential. Dakhla is now a veritable laboratory for the whole of Africa. I find it quite symbolic to be able to continue to organize such a dialogue between major players in the global economy and international politics in a city and a region that demonstrates that no fate resists a proactive development policy” said Pierre Emmanuel Quirin, the new president of the organisation.

Former Burkinabe Prime Minister, Youssouf Ouedraogo was of the view that Africa’s development hinged on “South-South development cooperation”.

Renowned American civil rights activist and former US Democratic presidential hopeful, Rev. Jesse Jackson said: “Africans trading with other African countries is a big deal; and agriculture is a growing industry … for the world.”

The forum which was under the theme “Africa and South-South cooperation: better governance for sustainable economic and social development” also offered women the platform to discuss matters of concern.

The women thus discussed the political, economic and social roles of African Women.

Daughter of South Africa’s President, Ntombenhle Msiza urged women not to relax.

“It is time that women stood up. Women need to stop standing behind men or hiding behind men. We are strong, we are powerful, we have a voice and we have to contribute to this continent, it’s our right. And we’re going to do it by force if it means doing that” she said.

Afghanistan’s first lady, Rula Ghani also highlighted the important role women play in modern society and in the management of public and private affairs.

“Little by little, we realize that women are important, that is whether in the economy, society, education or health. And I believe that maybe the 21st century will be the century where women will begin to have a little more weight in the world” Rula Ghani said.