The Africa Dialogue Series (ADS – 2025), currently holding from 5-30 May 2025 at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York, seeks to amplify a new narrative for Africa from Africa and foster global consensus on innovative solutions to achieve both agendas: the Africa Agenda 2063, and the 2030 Agenda. The global event is jointly organized by the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations (AUPOM) and the United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (UN-OSAA).
The ADS-2025 was launched on 5 May 2025 with keynote messages by Ms. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary - General of the UN, and H. E Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission. The two personalities focused their messages on the ADS theme: "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations », in alignment with the African Union theme of the year 2025.
According to H. E Selma Malika Haddadi, the complexities of addressing past wrongs, whether they stem from colonialism, trans-Atlantic enslavement, apartheid, or systemic discrimination, necessitate a thorough examination.
"Reparations are not merely financial compensation; they represent a profound moral and ethical obligation to acknowledge the wrongs of the past. They symbolize a commitment to healing, reconciliation, and the restoration of dignity. Justice is not just about rectifying historical wrongs but also about ensuring that such injustices are never repeated." Underlined the AUC Deputy Chairperson. She further emphasized that “It is our collective responsibility to acknowledge these injustices, to understand their implications, and to strive for a just and equitable future for Africans and all people of African descent”.
“Let us reaffirm our commitment to justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations. Let our discussions today inspire actionable steps towards a future where justice, equity, and dignity are not just ideals but lived realities for all. Together, we can pave the way for healing and empowerment, ensuring that the legacy we leave behind is one of hope and progress.” Concluded Deputy Chairperson Selma Haddadi.
It is worth noting that, this year, the ADS is focusing on advocating the following three unique sub-themes which will be discussed throughout the month of May:
- Subtheme 1: Learning from the Past: Colonialism, Transoceanic Slave Trade, Extractive Economies and Institutions in Africa;
- Subtheme 2: Understanding the Present: Economic and Social Justice for Sustainable Development; and
- Subtheme 3: Building the Future: Healing and Reparations towards Socio Economic Justice for Africans and People of African Descent.
Through the following three sub-themes, ADS 2025 seeks to amplify a new narrative about Africans and people of African descent, engaging a wide range of stakeholders to contribute towards innovative policymaking and actionable solutions that accelerate the achievement of the 2063 Agenda of the African Union across the continent and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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The ADS 2025 aims to stimulate informed reflection on justice for Africans and people of African descent and encourage meaningful dialogue on reparations. It will provide a platform for partners and stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of current international strategies and frameworks concerning reparative justice for Africans and people of African descent, and advocate for policies to boost initiatives that enhance financial, environmental, socio-economic, and cultural justice.
The ADS will also highlight the vital contributions of youth, women, and marginalized groups, fostering a shared collective memory and a united vision for justice and equity. Throughout the series, the exploration of the past, present, and future of reparations will be emphasized. It will focus on learning from history, addressing current challenges, and building a future of healing and justice. The ADS 2025 is also a call to action, to amplify the voices of Africans and people of African descent and promote inclusive participation. It seeks to translate political commitments into concrete actions, mobilise resources, and forge partnerships for reparatory justice.
On May 2025, a High-Level Policy Dialogue (HLPD) will crown the Dialogue Series. The HLPD is an interactive, forward-looking platform for global leaders and experts to exchange on the elaboration of actionable strategies for accelerating Africa's development. It is the culmination of the Africa Dialogue Series 2024 and features the participation of the United Nations Secretary-General, the African Union Chairperson, the Presidents of the UN General Assembly and the UN Economic and Social Council and several government representatives, delegates, other senior officials and members of civil society organizations and youth representatives.
Mrs. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division, Communication Adviser, Permanent Observer Mission of the AU to the UN | Information and Communications Directorate | E-mail: yamboue@africa-uinon.org, Tel: +251911361185 / +1 3478127195 (WhatsApp);
Mrs. Oumou Daou Koumoue I Communication Advisor I Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the UN I E-mail: Koumoueo@africa-union.org I Tel: +1 914 316 3726
