Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said the world will struggle to solve its most urgent crises without Africa, arguing that the continent sits at the centre of global climate and sustainable development solutions.

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

Ban, recalling Nigeria’s historical struggles, said his visit to the state evoked memories of the suffering endured in the aftermath of colonisation and conflict, which he compared to Korea’s own painful journey.

“Africa today holds the keys to unlocking so many solutions to the global challenges facing humanity, including climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.

The former South Korean foreign minister stressed that genuine global sustainability will remain out of reach until the international community confronts the continent’s unique vulnerabilities. He noted his long-standing advocacy for climate adaptation efforts across Africa, including support for the Africa Climate Summit.

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He added that he had consistently warned, even while in office at the UN, that failure to address Africa’s development and climate gaps would undermine global progress.

Ban cautioned that the window to avert severe climate consequences is closing quickly and urged governments to accelerate emission reduction commitments. He reminded leaders that the climate crisis is already unfolding in real time and pressed nations to uphold the Paris Agreement despite geopolitical distractions.

He also underscored what he called a profound climate injustice, pointing out that Africa’s 54 countries generate only about 4 per cent of global emissions but remain among the hardest hit by extreme weather events and climate-related losses.

The Owerri summit drew several high-profile participants, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, former Mauritian President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim and Minister of Finance Wale Edun. Industrialist Aliko Dangote and officials from AFREXIM Bank were also in attendance.