On Africa Day, celebrated on May 25 each year, the world celebrates a continent rich in heritage, vibrant in diversity, and remarkable in its contributions to the global community.

Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), in a message delivered on May 25, said that entrenched inequalities affect Africans and people of African descent to this day.

He stated that Africa is home to the world's youngest population and is fast becoming a powerhouse in renewable energy and technological innovation; yet, it bears the scars of historic injustices.

The Secretary-General emphasised that the legacies of slavery, colonialism, apartheid, and systemic racism still cast long shadows, saying, "this year's theme calls for confronting these shameful legacies."

Mr. Guterres further renewed his call for reparatory justice that is grounded in accountability, reconciliation, and equity, noting that at a time when barriers are being erected, Africa leads by example.

According to him, the Pact for the Future, adopted in September, urges greater African representation, particularly at the Security Council, and reforms to the international financial system to support African countries with financing and debt relief.

The Pact, through the Global Digital Compact, the Secretary-General indicated, also seeks to close the digital divide and promote the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

He hailed the African Continental Free Trade Area, which promises to usher in a new era of economic integration, opening the door to jobs, growth, and prosperity.

"We must support Africa's efforts to expand its clean-energy sector and ensure that the minerals that are critical to the renewables revolution benefit Africans first and most," Mr. Guterres said.

The Secretary-General assured that the UN will continue to stand with Africa to silence the guns, tackle terrorism and safeguard human rights for all.

"On this Africa Day, let us recommit to not only addressing past wrongs but also to building a sustainable future for the people of Africa, grounded in peace, dignity, and opportunity for all," he reiterated.