Foreign Secretary Delivers Keynote Address at Accra Reset Event

It is truly a privilege to partake in this vital discourse, and I would like to extend particular appreciation to President Mahama for spearheading the significant initiative known as the Accra Reset.

Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, whose ongoing efforts in this realm are invaluable. It is an honour to stand alongside him, as he remains a tremendous asset to the United Kingdom.

Foundational Values of the Accra Reset

The Accra Reset is rooted in a core value that the UK holds dear: international solidarity. This initiative is predicated on the principle of partnership among equals, ensuring that solidarity is not merely a concept but a practical framework for cooperation.

This approach necessitates that countries define their own priorities and establish institutions that accurately mirror the communities they serve, fostering a shared responsibility among all stakeholders.

The UK has significantly revised its strategy to align with these evolving realities. We are transitioning from a role as a donor to that of an investor, shifting our focus from fragmented service funding to the fortification of entire systems.

Our strategy is evolving from traditional grant funding to comprehensive plans that incorporate finance, expertise, science, and technology. We are moving away from external intervention towards empowering local leadership and fostering innovation, which is crucial to the agenda we are discussing today.

Integrating Health Reform with Economic Cooperation

The programme today rightly interlinks health reform with enhancing negotiating capabilities, attracting investment, encouraging private enterprise, and fostering stronger South-North cooperation.

However, to achieve meaningful progress, we must initiate changes in several key areas, which I will outline briefly.

Firstly, we require finance on a larger scale and on more equitable terms. While the world is not lacking in capital, the challenge lies in facilitating its flow into productive investments, infrastructure, robust public services, and sustainable growth.

The UK will continue to advocate for reforms within multilateral development banks, promote smarter utilisation of guarantees and private capital, and take action against unsustainable debt and illicit financial flows. I will also be attending the annual meetings in my capacity on the board of the World Bank to advance this agenda.

Legitimacy and Accountability in Global Institutions

Secondly, we must ensure that institutions possess greater legitimacy. Nations most impacted by global decisions should have a more significant voice in their formulation. It is imperative that the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United Nations, and the broader development system reflect the realities of today’s world more accurately.

Thirdly, we need to measure reform by tangible outcomes. New initiatives should bolster effective institutions and enhance coordination amongst them.

As the United Kingdom prepares for its G20 presidency, we are eager to collaborate with Ghana and other nations represented here to transform shared aspirations into actionable cooperation.

Commitment to Genuine Partnerships

Ghana’s leadership in the Accra Reset signifies a formidable contribution to this dialogue. The United Kingdom approaches this conversation not with preordained solutions but with a steadfast commitment to listen, to forge authentic partnerships, and to leverage our diplomatic, financial, and technical capabilities in support of locally-led reforms that are mutually beneficial and scalable.

In closing, I would like to emphasise that the true measure of our efforts lies not in merely reinterpreting the world but in effecting positive change. This is the guiding principle I carry into my role as Foreign Secretary.

I firmly believe that Britain must embody greater strength in its values, exhibit boldness in its actions, and remain relentless in forging alliances with our global partners.

Thus, I reiterate my message of solidarity and the United Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to collaborate with you in a spirit of authentic partnership, one grounded in equality. Thank you very much.