Events & Activities

Event

E-Learning Africa conference, Addia Ababa, Ethiopia

20 May 2015

Event

Joint Press Conference by the African Union Commission and The Ethiopian Ministr

12 May 2015

JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION AND THE ETHIOPIAN MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYON THE 10TH EDITION OF THE eLEARNING AFRICA CONFERENCE

Addis Ababa, 12 May 2015: In the countdown to the 10th edition of the eLearning Africa Conference scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa from May 20 – 22 2015, the African Union Commission and the Ethiopian Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) have convened a joint press conference to brief local and international media about the level of preparations for the event. The press conference, which took place at the MCIT main office in Addis Ababa, was also meant to highlight the significance of the eLearning Africa conference and how it contributes to the development of ICTs and ICT education in Africa.

The AUC Commissioner for Human Resources Science and Technology H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, was represented at the press conference by the Acting Director of HRST Dr. Mahama Ouedraogo. Dr. Ouedraogo told the gathering of Ethiopian government officials and journalists that the AUC is proud to co-host the 10th edition of the eLearning Africa Conference, which is a vital avenue to promote the development of ICTs in Africa. He noted that being the largest gathering on ICT in the continent, the Conference will facilitate networking, debate and idea sharing among ICT professionals, and deliberate on the future of ICT in Africa. He extended appreciation to the Ethiopian government and ICWE for collaborating with the Commission in organizing this year’s edition, and pledged the Commission’s technical preparedness to host the grand event at its headquarters. Dr. Ouedraogo underscored the AUC’s mandate to foster Africa’s skills revolution including in ICT education, particularly within the context of Agenda 2063.

The State Minister at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology of Ethiopia, His Excellency Mr. Getachew Negash said his ministry is excited to host the eLearning Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, alongside the African Union Commission and ICWE. He described the Conference as Africa’s largest and most comprehensive capacity development event for the integration of ICT education and training, with particular focus on seeking ways to use ICT in enhancing knowledge, skills and expertise relevant to the future. Mr. Getachew, said as the host country, Ethiopia is undertaking all necessary preparations for the successful conduct of the event, and cited the ongoing joint and collaborative efforts by his Ministry and the AUC in planning for the Conference.

eLearning Africa is the continent’s largest and most influential conference on technology-assisted learning and training. Every year, it brings together over 1,500 people from nearly 100 countries, providing a unique forum for dialogue, networking and the exchange of ideas. The Conference also hosts a high-level ministerial roundtable, which provides an opportunity for African education and ICT Ministers to meet leading global experts and discuss new opportunities and initiatives in the field of technology and learning.

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Interview requests should be addressed to the following contacts:

Adiatou Fatty, PAU Communication Officer, Department of Human Resources, Science and Technology, Tel: +251912661953, E-mail: fattya@africa-union.org

Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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Event

Dr. Martial De-Paul IKOUNGA, Commissioner for HRST received in N’Djamena by H.E.

30 April 2015

Dr. Martial De-Paul IKOUNGA, Commissioner for HRST received in N’Djamena by H.E. Mr. Idriss DEBY ITNO, President of the Republic of Chad within the framework of the creation of the African Centre for Information Technology (ACIT)

N’djamena, Chad 30th April 2015: H.E. Mr. Idriss DEBY ITNO, President of the Republic of Chad, granted an audience to Dr. Martial De-Paul IKOUNGA, African Union Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology, in the presence of the Minister of Communication, close collaborators of the Head of State and the Ambassador of Chad to the Federal and Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Ahmat Awade Sakine. The Commissioner reported to the Head of State on the outcome of the work he had with Chadians authorities on ACIT project.

In prelude to this audience with President DEBY, Commissioner IKOUNGA who conducted a delegation from the African Union in N’Djamena from 28 to 30 April 2015 was received by Mr. Hassane Sylla Bakari, Minister of Communication of the Republic of Chad, Government spokesperson, who is in charge of CATI dossier on the Chadian side.

The purpose of this working visit was the implementation of Decision Assembly/AU/Dec. 558(XXIV) of January 2015 requesting the Commission and the Republic of Chad to carry out appropriate consultations with a view to evaluating legal, structural and financial implications, and report to the Assembly through the relevant structures.

After the working session, both parties (AUC and Chad) adopted a roadmap for the activities to carry out in order to present the ACIT project to Heads of State and Government of January 2016.

The Commissioner expressed his satisfaction for the working conditions and environment and thanked Chadian Authorities for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation.

The African Union Commission delegation was comprised of the representatives of HRST, Infrastructure and energy, Legal Officer’s Office and the Directorate of Communication and Information.

For enquiries, please contact:

Chancelle Claudette Bilampassi

Human Resources, Science and Technology Department

African Union Commission

Email: Bilampassic@africa-union.org

Yasmine Ali

Directorate of Information and Communication

African Union Commission

Email: Aliy@africa-union.org

For further Information contact:

Event

AUC and the Ethiopian Government Agree to Co-Organise the e-Learning Africa Con

20 March 2015

AUC AND THE ETHIOPIAN GOVERNMENT AGREE TO CO-ORGANISE THE E-LEARNING AFRICA CONFERENCE IN MAY 2015

On 20th March, Commissioner for Human resources, science and Technology H.E. Dr Martial de-Paul Ikounga met with H.E. Mr. Peter Gatkuoth Gey, the Ethiopian State Minister for Communication and Information Technology, to discuss the co-organisation of the 10th E-Learning Africa Conference. E-learning is a subject and opportunity of particular important to Africa, for ensuring access to quality education at levels to all. Indeed, one of the flagship programmes under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 is the Pan African E-University, which requires participation of all major stakeholders for its realization. The E-learning Africa conference will, among other issues, provide a unique platform for the AUC to share the concept with Ministers and leading experts from across the continent and beyond, for critical review and contributions. The Minister indicated that about 70 Ministers and higher government officials are expected to attend the Conference, among the expected 2000 participants.

The Commissioner and the Minister agreed that the AUC and the Ethiopian Government would co-organise the E-Learning Africa conference, to be hosted at the AUC headquarters from 20th to 22nd May 2015. The joint conference Steering Committee will meet to agree on the programme. Following a request from the Minister, Dr. Mahama Ouedraogo, the Acting Director of the Human Resources, Science and Technology Department was designated by the Commissioner as the African Union Commission focal person for the organization of the Conference.

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AUC hosts the first task force Meeting on the Pan African Virtual University

17 March 2015

AUC hosts the first task force Meeting on the Pan African Virtual University

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 17 March 2015: The first task force on the Pan African Virtual University under the auspices of the Human Resources Science and Technology department (HRST) was held on 17 March 2015 at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The main purpose of the meeting is to reflect on the importance of Open and Distance Learning which is in line with one of the flagship Projects under Agenda 2063.

Addressing participants at the opening ceremony, H.E. Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, HRST Commissioner, highlighted the technicality of the meeting and the importance of distance learning with the current use of social media to allow continuous teaching regardless of time, the necessity for education for all, open, without discrimination and cost efficient. Commissioner Ikounga encouraged the various presenters to be innovative and “crazy” with ideas and Initiatives, to share their different experiences, state of technology used to enhance e-learning processes in the continent.

Dr. Mahama Quedraogo Ag. Director HRST department on his part, acknowledged the importance of the flagship project towards achieving Agenda 2063.

Dr. Beatrice Njenga, Head of Education Diversion (AUC), recalled that, the 6th aspiration of Agenda 2063 is “an Africa where development is people-driven, unleashing the potential of its women and youth”. She explained the importance education and training to help equip and enrich the youths while preparing them for a better future full of progressive development.

Professor Rotimi Ogidan the representative from the African Council for Distance Education (ACDE) gave an overview about his institution. He said it consist of different levels of memberships and comprises of 52 institutional, 7 associate and 272 individuals located in different regions of Africa, including members from Australia and the United Kingdom.

Fernandes Therezinta, representative from the African Virtual University (AVU) introduced the institution saying its Headquarters is in Kenya. Furthermore, she stated that the main purpose of the Virtual University is to increase distance learning on the continent. In addition, it encourages African people to take advantage of the booming technological advancement and to explore all the possible options for the attainability of distance learning.

The Task Force came up with a conceptual framework and road map for developing the Project Framework document to be presented to the June 2015 Summit. The conceptual framework envisages the University as a multi-dimensional system aimed at bridging temporal, spatial, pedagogical and epistemological distances between learners on one hand and courseware, tutors and institutions on the other hand. The University will leverage existing institutional and infrastructural capacity already in existence. In this case, there will be a need to explore the adaptability of the Pan African e-network infrastructure; as well as the systems already established by other stakeholders. Other major stakeholders and expert institutions will be brought on board very early in the process of developing the Pan African E-University.

The Pan-African E-University will be a dedicated University operating through open distance and e-learning (ODeL) for the benefit of the African continent. It will be managed and operated by Africans for Africa’s development. The Task Force members are chosen for their historical and technical experience in providing open and e-learning in Africa.

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Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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Event

2nd Africa-Model United Nations International Youth Conference opens at the Afri

9 March 2015

PRESS RELEASE Nº060/2015

2nd Africa-Model United Nations International Youth Conference opens at the African Union Headquarters

Addis Ababa, 9 March 2015 – African Union (AU) Headquarters hosted on 5 March 2015 the opening session of the African Model United Nations International Youth Conference on the theme: “African Diplomacy on multiple fronts”

The event which brings together young university students from different African countries was organised by the Department of Human Resources Science and Technology (HRST) of the African Union in collaboration with the African Model United Nations (Afro-MUN).

The purpose of the conference is to provide opportunity for upcoming youth leaders to deliberate on issues of fundamental importance to Africa and its future, through simulations of AU and UN meetings of Heads of State and Government. The event enables young people to understand high level decision making processes, and provides them an opportunity to explore concrete solutions to the overarching challenges that are manifesting on the continent.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Beatrice Njenga, Ag.Director of Human Resources, Science and Technology, AUC, underlined the importance of youth engagements particularly in the development agenda of the continent, owing to the fact that Africa is a youthful continent with about 65% of its total population below the age of 35

She noted that the African Union envisages an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa driven by its citizens, a vision that is further embodied in the AU Agenda 2063. This she underscored is an action plan for all African societies to work together in building the Africa we all want to see based on shared values and common destiny.

“Africa has come a long way in recognizing and embracing youth development and empowerment as a key driver in achieving Africa’s aspiration for unity, prosperity and peace” noted Dr, Njenga. She urged the emerging young diplomats to build their own capacity by familiarizing themselves with key continental common positions and programs, so that they can be effective in helping to mainstream Africa’s agenda in the international arena.”

Addressing the youths earlier, Dr. Tasew Woldehanna who was representing the Addis Ababa University, explained to the youth that this was a golden opportunity for all of them to gain skills to take on challenges in future.

Mr. Zemedeneh Negatu, Managing Partner for Ernest and Young in Ethiopia encouraged the youth to be goal oriented and hard working. He called on the youth to recognize and make use of the fact that Africa today is offering much better opportunities for young people, and noted that many Africans in the Diaspora are willing now to return to Africa and contribute to its development.

Mr. Abiy Shimelis, Afro-MUN Secretary General on his part emphasized on the Afro-MUN’s efforts in highlighting issues pertinent to the African youth, citizens and its agenda. He expressed gratitude towards the African Union for hosting this year’s Afro-MUN conference which he said, plays an integral part in facilitating a platform for the young visionary leaders of the continent so that they can share their goals and aspirations.

Afro-MUN is a continental programme initiated by a group of youths, to produce young African diplomats and promote meaningful engagement of African youth in key development processes for achieving Africa’s collective vision of peace, integration and prosperity with technical support of the Commission.

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Event

H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner HRST paid a working visit to the D

6 March 2015

H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner HRST paid a working visit to the Department of Science and Technology of South Africa on 6 March 2015, Pretoria

In a move to fast track the implementation of the STISA 2024, the Commissioner HRST paid a courtesy call to H.E. Naledi Pandor, South African Minister for Science and Technology. During which the Minister and the commissioner HRST exchanged views on the responsibilities of the Members States, the RECs, the AUC and the NEPAD Agency as well as non- state stakeholders to champion the implementation of STISA 2024.

The Minister in her intervention indicated that South Africa’s priority in STI is centered around human capital development, with specific emphasis on grand challenges such as water, energy, bio-economy, space science and astronomy as well as social sciences. Her Department provides leadership in high performance computing together with three other African countries who are stakeholders in the project. She also indicated the decision of South Africa to host the PAU space institute on behalf of the Southern African region. She highlighted South Africa’s commitment in the support of the continental projects such as the African Institute of Mathematical Science (AIMS), the joint action with NEPAD on climate change research at the level of SADC and the possibility to expand this initiative to other African regions. She further indicated the support of South Africa to champion the implementation of STISA noting the importance of African leadership in the funding of African programs.

Looking forwards to the next session of the African ministers in charge of science and technology, H.E. Naledi Pandor stressed on the role of the AUC to provide leadership and call to order the African ministers so as to take their responsibilities and implement their agreed decisions for African development and integration.

The Commissioner HRST expressed his gratitude to the commitment of South Africa and reiterated the need to use domestic continental resources to address the African priorities. He stressed that African countries are at different levels of STI and its mainstreaming thereof to resolve challenges faced in socio-economic and developmental sectors such as agriculture and food security, health, etc. thus underlining the need for Member States to champion STISA 2024. It was agreed that through STISA, the countries are at will to determine their level of involvement from capacity building, development of technical competence, innovation and entrepreneurship, and creation of enabling environment to the flagship research programs on African priorities that will be suggested by the scientific community organized within the African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC).

They both agreed to continue their consultation process so as to determine areas of common interest with the view of scaling up existing best practices in STI to other regions.

The Commissioner’s visit which coincided with the consultative meeting on the implementation of STISA was carried out in the company of the Head of Division S&T, the PAU Deputy Rector and his personal assistant.

Event

Consultation on Preparation of Implementation Plan and Roadmap for Science, Tech

6 March 2015

Consultation on Preparation of Implementation Plan and Roadmap for Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa, 2024 (STISA-2024)

South Africa – 4-6 March 2015 - Following the adoption of the ten-year Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024) by the Heads of State and Government in June 2014, the Commission and NEPAD Agency convened in South Africa from 4th – 6th March, 2015, a Consultative Meeting to develop an Implementation Plan and Roadmap for the Strategy.

The meeting was attended by several key stakeholders including the South Africa Department of Science and Technology; and Department of Health, NEPAD Science and Technology Hub, AUC Department of Agriculture and Rural Economy, Pan African University, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), African Biosafety Network of Expertise, and African Academy of Sciences.

The STISA-2024 is the first of the ten-year incremental phasing strategies to respond to the demand for science, technology and innovation from various impact sectors including agriculture, health, infrastructure development, mining, security, water, energy, and environment among others. The strategy is anchored on six distinct priority areas that contribute to the achievement of the AU vision. These priority areas are: Eradication of Hunger and Achieving Food Security; Prevention and Control of Diseases; Communication (Physical and Intellectual Mobility); Protection of our Space; Live Together- Build the Society; and Wealth Creation.

H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, in his opening remarks, welcomed participants and outlined the objectives and expected outcome of the meeting. He further highlighted the architecture of the strategy and its implementation modalities, drawing lessons learned and best practices from the implementation of other strategies such as the CAADP; Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa; the review of the African Health Strategy.

The CEO of NEPAD Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki emphasized on the need for a Paradigm shift to ensure that other continental frameworks be informed by STI strategy 2024. He further emphasized that it was essential that a coherence be established between national plan and regional frameworks for stakeholders buy-in and ownership. The deputy Director General of DST, Mr. Daan du Toit also welcomed participants and highlighted the actions undertaken by South Africa in the implementation of STISA at national level and ensured the group on their commitment to support the implementation process of continental strategy.

The Commissioner HRST attended the meeting together with the head of division S&T, the senior policy officer, the PAU vice rector and representatives from DREA, AOSTI and STRC.

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The HRST Commissioner’s Mission to Discuss the Hosting of the Pan African Univer

3 March 2015

THE HRST COMMISSIONER’S MISSION TO DISCUSS THE HOSTING OF THE PAN AFRICAN UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE FOR SPACE SCIENCES IN SOUTH AFRICA

The HRST Commissioner, H.E. Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga had a working mission to the Republic of South Africa on 2nd and 3rd March 2015, to discuss the hosting of the Pan African University Institute for Space Sciences. This follows the decision for South Africa to host the Institute on behalf of the Southern Africa Region, thus completing the hosting of the first five PAU Institutes. Commissioner was accompanied by the Head of Education Division; Acting Vice Rector PAU; Senior Legal Officer, PAU and the Commissioner’s Special Assistant.

The Commissioner met with senior officials from the Ministries responsible for Higher Education and Training; Science and Technology and International Relations and Cooperation. Presentations were made explaining the concept and governance of the PAU; as well as expectations of the South African government and institutions as the host of the PAU Space Institute, ensuring a common understanding on these issues. A tentative roadmap towards the operationalization of the Institute was discussed and agreed, and it will be finalized by the South African team.

In the cordial discussions, it was agreed that there is need to have a robust communication campaign to bring all key African stakeholders up to date with the understanding of the immense value and breadth of applications for space sciences and related technologies. This includes issues of early warning for natural and human made disasters, weather and environmental surveillance and management among others. To this end, the Commission is collaborating with South Africa to produce a publicity video and flyer to be shared at the AU Summit in June 2015.

The Commissioner also informed the South African team that the USA and EU had expressed interest in being thematic partners for this programme, and that there would be a meeting soon to agree on a way forward.

It is hoped that some of the operational agreements will be signed soon, and the process of curriculum development will begin, in order to expedite admission of the first students in January 2016.

Event

Second Extra-Ordinary Session of Comedaf VI Bureau, Kigali, Rwanda

8 February 2015

Press Release Nº30/2015

SECOND EXTRA-ORDINARY SESSION OF COMEDAF VI BUREAU, KIGALI, RWANDA

Kigali, Rwanda – 8th February 2015: The second extra-ordinary session of the Bureau of the Conference of Ministers of Education of the African Union (COMEDAF VI) was held in Kigali, Rwanda on the 8th of February 2015. The meeting was called so that COMEDAF could contribute to the Africa position on the global post 2015 Education Programme. Moreover, UNESCO had also called a meeting for Ministers of Education in Sub-Saharan Africa to meet from 9th to 11th February 2015, and the African Union Commission is keen to ensure that the outcome of the UNESCO meeting will represent all Africa geographically and politically. The meeting was open to all Ministers of Education present, and was indeed very well attended.

Objectives of the extra-ordinary COMEDAF VI Bureau session were as follows:

1. Provide the continental perspective on education development, taking into account the AU Decisions on the COMEDAF VI report, the Common Africa Position and Agenda 2063.

2. Enable these important decisions and perspectives to be taken on board in the discussions, and also contribute to the development of the post 2015 Education strategy for Africa.

In his remarks, H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, the Commissioner for HRST expressed appreciation for the Ministers present and the Member States represented and recalled that the Second Decade of Education for Africa, which the Member States adopted in 2006, was coming to an end 2015. He said that the African Strategy for Education 2016 - 2025 should be prepared and submitted to African Union Heads of State and Government for adoption before 2016. He reiterated the importance of Africa continuing to speak with one voice as was done in developing the Common African Position and the Agenda 2063. He stressed the fact that education is perhaps the most important tool to help unlock the potential in Africa’s human and natural resources, to ensure peace and prosperity.

Meeting participants underscored the importance of recording all success stories,needs and and challenges expressed during the meeting and advised that these be considered in the development of the continental strategy for education 2016 – 2025. The meeting further called upon Africa to invest in education and develop pedagogical approaches to strengthen the spirit of pan Africanism and mutual responsibility among young people. The meeting emphasized the urgency for Africa to establish a harmonized education management information system (EMIS), giving the continent the ability to effectively evaluate education, compile sustainable data and use it to inform education policy and practice.

In his closing remarks, the HRST Commissioner, HE Dr Martial Paul De Ikounga, thanked the COMEDAF VI bureau for their commitment and the commitment of the government of Rwanda for their support in hosting this meeting. He looked forward to continuing the partnership with UNESCO to take a strong African position to the global forum on education in Incheon, Korea in May 2015, with the ultimate intention to influence the Global Sustainable Development Goals in New York in September 2015.

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The AUC makes donations for the disabled of the Mekedonia Home, Addis Ababa

6 February 2015

Event

Livestream: Press Briefing of the Commissioner for Human Resources Science and T

27 January 2015