New york: Angola reiterated today, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the importance of job creation as a "fundamental instrument for strengthening social cohesion, community resilience" and consolidating sustainable peace. According to Angola Press News Agency, the position was presented by Ambassador Francisco José da Cruz during the 2026 Joint Meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the Peacebuilding Commission (PCC), held under the theme "From Risk to Resilience: Promoting Social Cohesion through Job Creation in Peacebuilding Contexts". In his speech, the Angolan diplomat highlighted the "relevance of the topic for sustainable development and the maintenance of peace", emphasizing that, for Angola, job creation represents much more than an economic priority, constituting a true path to social transformation and the strengthening of stability. He stated that 'decent work promotes inclusion, dignity and opportunities, especially for young people, allowing them t o actively contribute to their communities and to national development.' Ambassador Francisco José da Cruz recalled Angola's experience as a country that emerged in 2002 from nearly three decades of armed conflict, stressing that 'investment in youth continues to be a central element in building a peaceful, resilient and inclusive society.' In this context, he highlighted the efforts made by the Angolan Executive in strengthening human capital, expanding social protection and promoting local economic development, pointing to the KWENDA Program as a concrete example of the link between social protection and the economic inclusion of the most vulnerable families and communities. He also highlighted the strategic role of the Lobito Corridor in promoting economic growth, job creation and regional integration, generating tangible benefits for sustainable development and community stability. The Permanent Representative of Angola further argued that employment strategies in peacebuilding contexts should prioriti ze investment in skills, the empowerment of women and young people, support for entrepreneurship and the strengthening of small and medium-sized enterprises, as essential factors for inclusive development. In concluding his speech, Francisco José da Cruz reaffirmed the country's commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union's Agenda 2063, calling for continued international efforts to place people at the center of development policies. "Expanding access to decent work and economic opportunities is fundamental to building more inclusive, cohesive and resilient societies," he concluded.
