UN General Assembly
2005

action for Africa. Let us ask other donors to join in this initiative. The Marshall Plan for Africa should cover much more than a call to cancel debt and increase financial support. It should take into account Africa’s potential and the right steps that are needed to realize it. It should build a positive image of our continent and determine the role that it could play in economic, political, social and cultural spheres. Globalization highlights the economic dimension of international relations. However, we need to invest more in the social dimension of development by enhancing the role of the Economic and Social Council so as to meet the legitimate aspirations of our peoples. The future of Africa lies, of course, with its children. The plan for Africa should describe how we can approve the transfer of knowledge and how we can ensure access for young Africans to the world’s knowledge and expertise, so that the intellectual potential of millions of people will not be wasted. We need to increase literacy levels. We also need an educational system that meets international