As part of the on-going Africa Week at the UN General Assembly in New York, the NEPAD delegation led by CEO Dr Mayaki, held a bilateral meeting with UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA) Director, Mr Abdoulaye Mar Dieye.

Dr Mayaki briefed the UNDP on the status of various areas of cooperation between the two organisations and expressed NEPAD’s appreciation for UNDP’s support through the secondment of an Economist. “NEPAD has not been very strong at the economic analysis of Africa so the presence of an Economist positions us well,” he said. Dr Mayaki also pointed out the forth-coming Dakar Financing Summit in Senegal in mid-December.

Mr Dieye said NEPAD is a major stakeholder. He proposed that the Agency be involved in the Steering Committee of the lead UN Agency. Said Mr Dieye: “What UNDP does for the world, NEPAD does for Africa so we have a lot of common ground.” 

The RBA Director committed to assist NEPAD in monitoring and evaluating its Programmes. It was also agreed that the two develop a common work plan and establish focal points to meet on a quarterly basis.

Mr Babacar Cissé chatting with Dr Mayaki. Looking on RBA Director Mr Abdoulaye Mar Dieye and Mr Bankole Adeoye.

Earlier in the day, Dr Mayaki attended a special luncheon with 35 African Ambassadors to the UN, where discussions focused on the Post 2015 Agenda. The event was hosted by South Africa’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Mr Kingsley Mamabolo.