Google Translate
Closing Remarks for the 2010 African Green Revolution Forum - Kofi Annan
Body:
Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (Nairobi)
Let me start by thanking the government of Ghana for the excellent support and generous hospitality they have accorded to this first-ever African Green Revolution Forum. Let me thank my dear friend, former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo for joining us. I also wish to express my deep appreciation to Prime Minister Peter Pinda of the Republic of Tanzania.
My gratitude to the ministers from several countries, as well as the many business leaders, farmers, and civil societies, for joining us for these past three days.
I take this opportunity to sincerely thank all the sponsors that made this unique Forum possible. I am honored that all of you accepted my invitation to this Forum.
When I took on the task of chair of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, I knew we had to get a green revolution on its way. I think we have started doing that.
However, for it to turn into a massive revolution that will impact many countries, and millions of farmers - for that is the only scale that matters - we need a movement behind us. I cannot do this alone.
Therefore, as I stand before you this morning, I am thrilled to see that a genuine movement has emerged. It is a collective, all-inclusive movement. For present here for the past 3 days were farmers. The real foot soldiers. We demonstrated that we are not doing this for them, we are doing this with them.
This week I saw something I have never seen before. The bankers for Africa were in attendance. The CEOs of Africa were in attendance. And they stayed for three days! This is something you never hear of on this continent. Friends said this is the first time they have ever seen such a group of top bankers and CEOs at an agricultural event.
From: http://allafrica.com, 13 September 2010.
