Events & Activities

Event

26th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC)

19 May 2013

Dr .Zuma was speaking today, Sunday 19th May 2013, at the official opening ceremony of the 26th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme of “Pan- Africanism and African Renaissance”

The opening ceremony took place in the presence of the Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, Mr. Erastus Mwencha, AUC Commissioners, and representatives from the diplomatic corps, the international community, the civil society, the private sector and invited guests among others.

Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, in her address to the session highlighted the fact that the OAU/AU founders had to construct newly independent states and develop a vision and plans for continental integration, on the foundation of the fragmentation and the destruction caused by centuries of colonization. (The AUC Chairperson’s full is available on the AU website: www.au.int)

The Chairperson of the PRC and permanent representative of Ethiopia to the AU, Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis expressed the hope in her opening remarks, that the current and future generations of Africans will rise up to the many challenges and work hard to realize the dreams of the founding fathers for a peaceful, prosperous and united Africa.

Ambassador Sinegiorgis said "we all know that the last fifty years have been fraught with so many challenges but, through it all, we are very proud of our achievements". Fifty years ago, much of Africa was still under the yoke of colonialism and apartheid and today it is gratifying to note that the continent has been liberated from all forms of subjugation, she added. (The Ambassador’s full speech is available on the AU website: www.au.int)

In their two-day meeting, the Ambassadors will exchange views on specific reports including the reports of the Advisory Sub-committee on administrative, budgetary and financial matters; sub-committee on programmes and conferences; sub-committee on structures; multilateral cooperation; economic and trade matters; sub-committee on contributions; and the progress report on the draft Strategic Plan 2014-2017 for the African Union Commission among others.

For more information, please visit the African Union website: www.au.int and visit the 21st Summit web page of the AU at the following link: http://summits.au.int/en/21stsummit/

Journalists are invited to cover the official closing ceremony of the 26th Ordinary Session of the PRC.

Event

The 26th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee

19 May 2013

Opening Ceremony of the 26th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC)

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 19th May 2013: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has called for the general acceptance and understanding about the rise of Africa over the last five decades in terms of economic growth, public investment, infrastructure and regional integration as well as improvement in democracy and governance, peace and stability and some human development indicators among others.

Dr .Zuma was speaking today, Sunday 19th May 2013, at the official opening ceremony of the 26th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme of “Pan- Africanism and African Renaissance”

The opening ceremony took place in the presence of the Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, Mr. Erastus Mwencha, AUC Commissioners, and representatives from the diplomatic corps, the international community, the civil society, the private sector and invited guests among others.

Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, in her address to the session highlighted the fact that the OAU/AU founders had to construct newly independent states and develop a vision and plans for continental integration, on the foundation of the fragmentation and the destruction caused by centuries of colonization. (The AUC Chairperson’s full is available on the AU website: www.au.int)

The Chairperson of the PRC and permanent representative of Ethiopia to the AU, Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis expressed the hope in her opening remarks, that the current and future generations of Africans will rise up to the many challenges and work hard to realize the dreams of the founding fathers for a peaceful, prosperous and united Africa.

Ambassador Sinegiorgis said "we all know that the last fifty years have been fraught with so many challenges but, through it all, we are very proud of our achievements". Fifty years ago, much of Africa was still under the yoke of colonialism and apartheid and today it is gratifying to note that the continent has been liberated from all forms of subjugation, she added. (The Ambassador’s full speech is available on the AU website: www.au.int)

In their two-day meeting, the Ambassadors will exchange views on specific reports including the reports of the Advisory Sub-committee on administrative, budgetary and financial matters; sub-committee on programmes and conferences; sub-committee on structures; multilateral cooperation; economic and trade matters; sub-committee on contributions; and the progress report on the draft Strategic Plan 2014-2017 for the African Union Commission among others.

The Ambassadors will also consider the working documents and draft decisions in preparation for the 23rd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council which will hold on 22nd and 23rd May 2013.

The PRC’s 26th Ordinary Session will end its deliberations on Monday 20th May 2013, and will submit its report to the Executive Council for adoption.

For more information, please visit the African Union website: www.au.int and visit the 21st Summit web page of the AU at the following link: http://www.au.int/en/summit/21thsummit

Journalists are invited to cover the official closing ceremony of the 26th Ordinary Session of the PRC.

Event

Press Briefing of the AU Commission Leadership and Host Country Representative o

19 May 2013

Press Briefing of the AU Commission Leadership and Host Country Representative on the 21st AU Summit And The Celebrations of The Golden Jubilee Of The OAU-AU

Within the framework of the 21stAU summit, falling within the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the OAU-AU, the leadership of the African Union (AU) Commission and the representative of the host country will on 19 May 2013 at 15h00 hold a press briefing on the celebrations of the theme of the Summit and the 50th anniversary of the OAU-AU.

The panel will be constituted of Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mr Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson, Ambassador Konjit SineGiorgis, representing the Host Country and Ambassador Jean Mfasoni, Secretary General of the AU Commission.

The briefing will be held at the new AU Conference Center in the Small Conference Hall 2, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Journalists are invited to take part in the press briefing.

Contact:

Ms. Yaye N. Sène

Direcorate of Information and Communication

E-mail: seney@africa-union.org

Office : +251 115 182 568

Cell : +251 913 45 31 13

Event

Announcement of The 21st Ordinary Session of The Summit of The African Union

19 May 2013

The 21st Ordinary Session of the Summit of the African Union will take place from 19- 27th May 2013 under the theme “Pan Africanism and African Renaissance”. The Summit will be held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as follows:

19 and 20 May 2013: 26th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee

22 and 23 May 2013: 23rd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union

26 and 27 May 2013: 21st Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union

Event

S.E. M. Roberto Carvalho De Azevêdo, Directeur Général désigné de l’OMC a

18 May 2013

S.E. M. Roberto Carvalho De Azevêdo, Directeur Général désigné de l’OMC accueilli par le Groupe africain de Genève

Genève : Au lendemain de sa désignation au poste de Directeur Général de l’OMC, S.E. M. Roberto Carvalho de Azevêdo, Ambassadeur, Représentant Permanent du Brésil auprès de l’OMC a rencontré le Groupe Africain dans les locaux de la Délégation Permanente de l’Union Africaine à Genève le mercredi 15 mai 2013. Cette rencontre, hautement symbolique, est la première du Directeur Général désigné de l’OMC à un Groupe régional.

L’Ambassadeur De Azevêdoa exprimé sa gratitude, ses remerciements et sa reconnaissance au Groupe Africain ainsi qu’à l’Union Africaine pour le soutien apporté à sa candidature durant le processus de désignation du Directeur Général de l’OMC. Le DG désigné a souligné que le Groupe africain a été le « faiseur de Rois » dans le cadre de sa désignation au poste de Directeur Général de l’OMC, car la quasi-totalité des pays africains ont accordé leur préférence à sa candidature. Il a souligné qu’il tiendra ses promesses faites pendant sa campagne aux pays en développement en général et à l’Afrique en particulier. A cet effet, l’Ambassadeur De Azevêdo a donné l’assurance que tout au long de son mandat, il veillera à ce que l’Afrique, longtemps écartée du processus de négociations, en fasse dorénavant partie intégrante.

Les Ambassadeurs africains à Genève ont félicité leur homologue, l’Ambassadeur De Azevêdo, pour sa désignation au poste de Directeur Général de l’OMC, tout en soulevant les préoccupations du continent africain. A cet égard, ils ont relevé la question de la rotation géographique pour le poste de Directeur Général de l’OMC, l’inclusion de l’Afrique dans le processus de prise de décisions au sein des organes de l’OMC, l’accession, la question du Coton, les préparatifs de la Conférence de Bali, la faible présence africaine au sein du Secrétariat de l’OMC, la conclusion du cycle de Doha qui est actuellement dans l’impasse etc...

En réponse aux préoccupations du Groupe Africain, l’Ambassadeur De Azevêdo, DG désigné de l’OMC, a indiqué qu’il ne ménagera aucun effort pour que le principe de la rotation géographique à la tête de l’OMC soit appliqué et que l’Afrique fasse partie du processus décisionnel. Il a promis le soutien du Secrétariat de l’OMC aux pays engagés dans le processus d’accession ainsi qu’une assistance technique accrue aux pays africains. Tout en soulignant la nécessité pour tous les membres de l’OMC de faire preuve de flexibilité, le Directeur Général désigné de l’OMC a exhorté les membres du Groupe Africain à s’impliquer davantage dans le processus de négociations avant et après Bali pour faire de cette Conférence un réel succès.

Event

Release of the Overview of OAU/AU events schedule

17 May 2013

Release of the Overview of OAU/AU events schedule

Addis Ababa, 17 May, 2013: The African Union (AU) released, today its events schedule for what will be a memorable, people centred and global year long celebrations which kick off in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Sunday 19 May with a preparatory meeting of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) of the AU. The yearlong celebrations will include a commemorative summit, celebrations, sporting and cultural events as well as a gala dinner. These events will coincide with the Special Commemorative Summit on 25 May 2013 on the theme “Pan Africanism and African Renaissance”, and the 21st Assembly of the Heads of State and Government on 26 – 27 May 2013, which will be concluded with the adoption of a ‘landmark’ proclamation.

The Commemorative Summit and associated events will be attended by about seventy-five heads of state and government coming from the continent and beyond. Several build up, parallel and side events will take place in the week of 19 to 27 May, which include an African Youth and Children’s Intergenerational Forum which will be addressed by President’s Kenneth Kaunda and Sam Nujoma, amongst others. To complement these civil society based and people centered interactions, the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI) will also convene a one-day dialogue on Securing Africa’s Renaissance: the Role of the Private Sector in the next 50 years.

In order to ensure a transparent and all-inclusive Commemorative Summit and Celebrations the AU has, so far, accredited about 450 journalists from Africa and abroad, who will receive a live feed all proceedings through the web and Ethiopian TV based broadcast. A media centre and media hotspots have been setup, for the first time in AU history so as to ensure better coverage for the event. Accreditation remains open for all media seeking to attend the events, which include:

• The Youth Forum to be hosted at the AU Conference Centre and Africa Hall (where the OAU was founded 50 years ago) at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), 22-24 May, which will have the participation of Presidents Kaunda and Nujoma and seven other Heads of State and Government,

• The Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry dialogue on 24 May to be hosted at the ECA on 24 May,

• A debate on the adopted theme of Pan Africanism and the African Renaissance at the AUCC will include the participation of accredited media, guests and civil society, on the morning of 25 May at the African Union Conference Centre,

• Celebrations on the afternoon of 25 May, which will include 15 000 invited guests and messages of support from the continent and abroad, as well as performances from cultural groups and internationally renowned artists such as Salif Keita, Papa Wemba, Steel Pulse and the SOWETO Gospel Choir, and

• A Confederation of African Football (CAF) organised exhibition football game between two of the four founding members of CAF that is Ethiopia and Sudan.

The dialogues and celebrations will be followed by the 21st Summit of the Heads of State and Government, which will commence on 26 May and conclude on 27 May in an open session, which will adopt a ‘landmark’ proclamation.

Accreditation and further information on Press briefings is available on the African Union website www.au.int and event related information can be received by mailing africa50@africa-union.org.

Interview requests should be directed to Mrs. Esther Azaa Tankou, Directorate of Information and Communication, Tel: +251911361185, E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org

Attached is the program of events

Event

“Being Pan-African” Symposium

17 May 2013

PRESS RELEASE

Leading intellectuals from Africa and the African Diaspora are convening in the Old Plenary Hall of the African Union on May 17 & 18, 2013 on the occasion of the symposium “Being Pan-African.” Such a conversation on the roots, achievements and challenges of Pan-Africanism represents a foundational step towards the African Renaissance. The symposium is a formal side event to the OAU-AU 50 years Anniversary and it is the main academic event related to the African Union Special Summit.

This symposium is coordinated by the Commission of the African Union, with the support of the European Union, the CODESRIA, the Pan-African University, and the Institute of Research for Development. Other institutions involved in supporting this event are Open Society Foundation, the French Centre for Ethiopian Studies, the Institut Français, the Research Unit of Migrations and Society, the UNESCO, the OIF and BGI Ethiopia.

The “Being Pan-African” symposium starts on the 17th of May 2013 at 8.30am and lasts two full days.

Event

African Ministers of Women and Gender Affairs hold their 5th Ordinary Meeting in

14 May 2013

African Ministers of Women and Gender Affairs hold their 5th Ordinary Meeting in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, 14th May 2013: Under the theme of the 50th Anniversary of the AU “Pan Africanism and African Renaissance”, the Fifth Ordinary Meeting of AU Ministers of Gender and Women’s Affairs held today Tuesday, 14th May 2013, at the headquarters of the AU Commission (AUC), in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In her address to the Meeting, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, AUC Chairperson, emphasised on the role of women on the continent and said "this celebration should give us a unique opportunity to reflect on what we women did since the establishment of the OAU/AU 50 years back and our targets for the coming 50 years".

The Chairperson said "we have contributed a lot to our continent and made progress, and women always played a prominent role at all times and in the fight against slavery and colonialism as well". There is an urgent need to give very special attention to increasing the participation of women in decision-making in all areas of life, she added. (See the complete speech of the Chairperson on the AU website: www.au.int)

Minister of Women, Children and Youth Affairs of the Federal Democratic of Ethiopia Ms. Zenebu Tadesse, highlighted in her remarks the importance to review the achievements and weaknesses in the empowerment of women at all levels." African woman must lead the African Renaissance and shape the vision of the African Union for the next 50 Years", she emphasized. (See the complete remarks of the Minister on the AU website: www.au.int)

Organized by AUC Women, Gender, and Development Directorate (WGDD), the Ministers meeting will, among other things, consider and adopt the Report of the Meeting of Experts, which was held from 8-9 May 2013. They will also reflect on Pan- Africanism and African Renaissance as the theme of the OAU/AU 50th Anniversary and contribute as well as influence and shape the vision of the AU-wide strategic plan and the Union's 2013 development agenda.

They will also discuss Commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People's Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, scheduled for July 11. Equally, they will consider the report of an Annual High Level Panel on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment to create space for women scholars, researches, academia, and gender experts to deliberate on emerging issues.

The Women’s Affairs Ministers are also expected to approve projects for the African Women's Decade (AWD) 2013 theme, through a collaboration with the UN Women at country level in strengthening the AWD National Coordinating Committees.

The meeting was attended by the Vice President of the Gambia, Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy and a number of Ministers responsible for gender and Women’s affairs from AU Member States, representatives of WGDD, representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs), and other invited guests.

The Ministerial meeting will end today Tuesday.

For further information, please visit AU website: www.au.int

Event

Diaspora African Forum: Invitation for Press Conference

14 May 2013

Event

Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Organization of

13 May 2013

Press Release

Golden Jubilee For the Establishment of the Organization of African Unity/African Union

============

African Union celebrated this year the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (AU) under the theme "African Unity and the African Renaissance."

On this occasion, the Permanent Delegation of the African Union to the League of Arab States and the Council of African Ambassadors accredited to the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Institute of African Research and Studies (Cairo University) and the African Society, and the African Export-Import Bank, will organize several events, cultural, media and sport, this year celebration begins on Saturday, May 18, 2013, and will continue until Thursday, May 30, 2013, (Attached Program of the celebration)

The attendance of celebration will include public figures, African and Arab diplomats, international and regional organizations, and a number of senior officials in the state, the press and media, and representatives from the private sector and civil society.

Kindly take appropriate action to arrange full coverage of this important occasion by media and press

Event

AU Consultative Conference of Women Stakeholders on Pan Africanism, Renaissance

13 May 2013

AU CONSULTATIVE CONFERENCE OF WOMEN STAKEHOLDERS ON PAN AFRICANISM, RENAISSANCE AND AGENDA 2063 ENDS WITH A CALL FOR ACTION

Addis Ababa, 13 May 2013 – Women from African Union Member States, Civil Society, Women Pan-African movements, women’s rights organisations, academics, Diaspora organisations, private sector, UN agencies and other development partners ended a two-day consultative workshop on 13 May 2013. The conference was aimed at defining and strategizing on women’s priorities on Pan Africanism, Renaissance especially to inform Africa’s Agenda 2063.

Thanking the delegates for their determined engagement in the discussions, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) encouraged the women to carry on consulting with other women and men to enrich the framework making people-centred. She encouraged the women to do more so that their voices should be heard in all endeavour striving at re-shaping the discourses on Africa’s role in the world and globalisation. “The Declaration of the Consultative Conference,” she said, “must be part and parcel of what the Heads of State and Governments will adopt in January 2014.”

Organised by the African Union Commission in partnership with UN Women, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in close collaboration with the Global Power Network, the GIMAC and United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the meeting recognised that African and Diaspora women played a critical role in the evolution of Pan-Africanism, through their contributions to the anti-slavery, anti-colonial and liberation struggles.

The conference underscored that, over the last fifty years, Africa recorded progress in economic and social development, women emancipation, democracy, governance among others. However, Africa has not yet realised the dream of an integrated, peaceful and prosperous continent that embodies gender equality. To that effect, the consultative workshop of women recognised the need for Africa to plan ahead for the future, by setting milestones to develop plans toward the realisation of the 2063 vision.

The women committed to transform the economy and contribute to the promotion of inclusive growth. They further committed to enhance gender parity by the end of the Decade of Women (2020), by advocating for full gender parity and participation of women in all institutions of society, public, civil and private and for the removal of all forms of discrimination based on gender. They agreed to joint efforts in promoting women’s role in leadership and governance and mobilise resources for Africa’s transformation through development among others. (See complete Declaration on the AU website: www.au.int;) and follow us on twitter @_AfricanUnion

Event

Women to craft direction toward Agenda 2063

12 May 2013

Women to craft direction toward Agenda 2063

Addis Ababa, 12 May, 2013: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has called on women to craft, and make their own contribution to Africa’s Agenda 2063, and not wait to make input on a draft document that they would have been presented.

She spoke during the opening of a two-day Stakeholders’ Consultative Conference on Women holding on the theme: “Pan-Africanism, Renaissance and

Agenda 2063.” The Conference is organized within the framework of the OAU/AU 50th Anniversary celebrations. It brought together women stakeholders working for, and on the African continent, including those from Governments, Civil Society, Academia, Business and UN agencies.

The sample of about 150 delegates attending the consultative conference from 12-13th May 2013, are expected to organize the rest of the women in the continent. They will organise in-depth discussions in various areas with the aim of making concrete contributions to defining what they would want Women to do, and where to be in the next 50 years.

“The African agenda for 2063 cannot be defined by governments alone; it must involve all of us – in every sector of society. All of us must have a say on the African dream into the next five decades. If we don’t do that, the narrative from Africa will come from other people. It is critical that the narrative and agenda come from us; so that our friends know where we want to be and can help us in that agenda.”Dr. Dlamini Zuma reiterated during her opening remarks.

During the course of the two-day Conference the delegates will frame discussions around: Pan-Africanism and Renaissance: Situating African Women in the Debate past and Present; A Vision for African Women; and the interface between the Millennium Development Goals Agenda and the Agenda 2063.

Also attending the conference is the Vice President of The Gambia, Mrs. Isatou N. Saidy and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Mrs. Thokozani Khupe, as well as some Founding Mothers of the Pan-African Women’s Organisation (POWA).The POWA was founded 1962, a year ahead of the founding of the OAU.

For more information, consult the AU website: www.au.int