Skip to main content

NOW

  • 2026-06-03 AU Leaders Stress Urgent Need for Resource Mobilization & Unity
  • 2026-06-03 Fifty Second Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee
  • 2026-05-06 Online Registration For Journalists Now Open 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting
  • 2026-02-14 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly
  • 2025-03-17 Call for papers AU ECHO 2025 Edition
  • 2026-06-25 Statement of the AUC Chairperson following the earthquakes in Venezuela
  • 2026-06-25 Ambassador of Congo presented his Letters of Credence to the AUC Chairperson
  • 2026-06-25 AUC Chairperson received Letters of Credence of Ambassador of Malawi
  • 2026-06-24 AUC Chairperson received a comprehensive briefing from H.E. Jakaya Kikwete
  • 2026-06-24 Illegal Practices of the Israeli Occupation in Occupied Palestinian Territory
    • Arabic
    • English
    • Español
    • Français
    • Portuguese, International
    • Swahili

    Welcome

    Home
    African Union
    • Theme of the Year 2026: Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063
      • HOME
      • WHO WE ARE
        • Who We Are

          Promoting Africa’s growth and economic development by championing citizen inclusion and increased cooperation and integration of African states.

        • About the African Union
          • Overview
          • Member States
          • Constitutive Act
          • AU Symbols & Anthem
          • AU Languages
          • AU Holidays
          • AU Handbook
        • AU Structure & Organs
          • The Assembly
          • Executive Council
          • Permanent Representatives Committee
          • Peace & Security Council
          • Specialised Technical Committees
          • AU Commission
          • NEPAD / AU Development Agency
          • AfCFTA Secretariat
          • AU Foundation
          • Financial Institutions
          • Judicial, Human Rights & Legal Organs
          • Pan-African Parliament
          • Economic, Social & Cultural Council
          • African Peer Review Mechanism
          • Regional Economic Communities
          • Specialised Agencies & Institutions
        • Leadership and Champions
          • African Union Chair
          • Champion Presidents
          • AUC Chairperson
          • AUC Deputy Chairperson
          • AUC Commissioners
          • High Representatives
          • Special Envoys
          • Special Representatives
          • AU Elections
      • WHAT WE DO
        • What We Do

          Promoting Africa’s growth and economic development by championing citizen inclusion and increased cooperation and integration of African states.

        • Key Programme Areas
          • Infrastructure & Energy Development
          • Conflict Resolution, Peace & Security
          • Infrastructure & Energy Development
          • Agricultural Development
          • Trade & Industrial Development
          • Visa Free Africa
          • Democracy, Law & Human Rights
          • Promoting Health & Nutrition
          • Migration, Labour & Employment
          • Promoting Sports & Culture
          • Education, Science & Technology
          • Youth Development
          • Economic Integration & Private Sector Development
          • Diaspora & Civil Society Engagement
          • Gender Equality & Development
        • AU Commission Departments
          • Cabinet of the Chairperson (CCP)
          • Cabinet of the Deputy Chairperson (CDCP)
          • Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE)
          • Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, Minerals (ETTIM)
          • Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI)
          • Infrastructure and Energy
          • Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS)
          • Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS)
        • AUC DIRECTORATES & SPECIAL UNITS
          • Administration & Human Resources
          • Administration & Human Resources
          • Citizens & Diaspora
          • Conference Management and Publications
          • Internal Audit
          • Information and Communication
          • Legal Counsel
          • Internal Audit
          • Legal Counsel
          • Medical and Health Services
          • Programming, Budget, Finance & Accounting
          • Protocol Services
          • Strategic Planning
          • Peace Fund Secretariat
          • Women, Gender & Development
          • Partnerships Management and Resource Mobilisation
          • Intelligence and Security Committee
          • NEPAD Coordination Unit
          • Peace Fund Secretariat
        • MISSION & SPECIAL LIAISON OFFICES
          • Washington DC
          • New York
          • Geneva
          • EU & African Caribbean & Pacific States
          • League of Arab States
          • China
          • Southern Africa Region
          • Other Mission and Special Liaison Offices
          • SPECIAL UNITS
      • AGENDA 2063
        • Agenda 2063

          Agenda 2063 is the blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future. It is the strategic framework for delivering on Africa’s goal for inclusive and sustainable development and is a concrete manifestation of the pan-African drive for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity pursued under Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance.

        • Agenda 2063
          • Overview
          • Aspirations
          • First-Ten Year Implementation Plan
          • Flagship Projects
          • National & RECs Development Priorities
          • Continental Frameworks
          • Key Transformational Outcomes of Agenda 2063
          • Goals & Priority Areas
          • Linking Agenda 2063 and the SDGs
      • AU REFORMS
        • President William Samuel Ruto

          H.E President William Samoei Ruto (PhD), President of the Republic of Kenya and the African Union Champion on Institutional Reform. H.E. Ruto was appointed during the 37th Assembly of Heads of State and Government in February 2024 to champion the AU Institutional Reform process taking over from the H.E Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda who led the implementation of the reform process since 2016.

        • AU Reforms
          • Overview of Institutional Reforms
          • Continental Priorities
          • Institutional Realignment
          • Connect with Africans
          • Operational Effectiveness and Efficiency
          • Sustainable Financing
          • Peace Fund
      • TREATIES
        • AU Treaties
        • Treaties
          • Constitutive Act, Charters, Privileges & Immunities
          • Treaties on Peace & Security
          • Energy & Infrastructure Treaties
          • Agriculture & Environmental Management Treaties
          • Treaties on Trade, Economic Integration & Development
          • Treaties on Refugees, Migration, Labour & Employment
          • Governance Treaties
          • Human Rights Treaties
          • Health & Social Welfare Treaties
          • Treaties on Sports, Arts & Culture
          • Treaties on Education, Science & Technology
          • Treaties on Youth Development
          • Treaties on Civil Society & Diaspora
          • Treaties on Women & Gender Issues
          • Status of All Treaties
      • NEWS & MEDIA
        • AU News and Media
        • NEWS & MEDIA
          • Latest News
          • Press Releases
          • Briefings / Media Advisories
          • Web TV / Livestream
          • Spokesperson
          • Audio-Visual Library
        • SOCIAL MEDIA
          • Facebook
          • Twitter
          • YouTube
        • MEDIA ACCREDITATION
          • LEGAL NOTICES
      • RESOURCES
        • AU Resources
        • Key Documents & Reports
          • AU Financial Statements
          • AU Budgets
          • Assembly Decisions & Declarations
          • Executive Council Decisions and Declarations
          • Reports of the AUC Chairperson
          • Mid-Year Coordination Declarations
          • Budget and Financial Reports
          • STC Reports
          • PRC Reports
          • Financial Reports and Information
        • Publications
          • AU Echo Magazine
          • Agenda 2063: The Africa we want
          • Sectoral Reports
          • The Africa Fact Book
        • More Resources
          • Election Calendar
          • All African Union websites
          • Webmail
          • AU Library
          • AU Archives
          • African Knowledge Sharing Platform - AKSP
      • WORK WITH US
        • Work with Us

          The AU offers exciting opportunities to get involved in determining continental policies and implementing development programmes that impact the lives of African citizens everywhere. Find out more by visiting the links on right.

        • Job Seekers
          • Vacancies
          • Volunteer
          • Internship
        • Corporate Procurement
          • Business Opportunities
          • AUC Procurement Policy
          • Annual Procurement Plan
          • Notice of Awarded Contracts
          • Notification of Unsuccessful Bids
          • Bids
        • PARTNERS
          • Development Partners
          • Private Sector
          • Civil Society
        • Meet Us
          • 3D Tour of AU Facilities
          • Events
          • Annual Meetings & Summits
          • Visit the AU Headquarters
          • Host your event at the AU Headquarters
      • SEARCH

      Breadcrumb

      1. Home
      2. News & Events
      3. Events & Activities

      Events & Activities

      Event
      Motion of Thanks by H.E. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, President of the Republic of Ma
      31 January 2014
      Event
      Les chefs d’État et de gouvernement africains s’engagent à soutenir le Fonds p
      31 January 2014

      Communiqué de presse No38/22e SOMMET DE l’UA

      Les chefs d’État et de gouvernement africains s’engagent à soutenir le Fonds pour le patrimoine mondial africain (AWHF)

      africaine.

      La Présidente de la Commission a rappelé que le Fonds pour le patrimoine mondial africain a été créé par l’UA en vertu des décisions prises à la première Conférence des ministres de la Culture de l’Union africaine en 2005 à Nairobi, et approuvées par le Sommet des chefs d’État et de gouvernement de l’Union africaine tenu en 2006 à Khartoum.

      Dr Zuma a exprimé son inquiétude au sujet de la grande urgence de sauvegarder l’héritage culturel au cours d’un conflit et de gérer les menaces alarmantes provenant des activités d’extraction et d’expansion sur l’ensemble du continent. Elle a souligné qu’il est extrêmement urgent que le Fonds appuie les programmes de formation en gestion de risques et finance davantage les initiatives de conservation.

      «Nous pouvons faire croître nos économies et résoudre nos problèmes sociaux, mais notre croissance culturelle, c’est notre âme. L’Afrique ne doit pas négliger son âme», a affirmé Dr Zuma en guise de conclusion à son allocution. Selon M. Sibusiso Xaba, Président de l’AWHF, les objectifs du Fonds sont les suivants: i) rendre crédible, représentative et équilibrée la liste du patrimoine mondial ; ii) assurer la gestion et la conservation durables des sites du patrimoine mondial en Afrique ; et iii) assurer que les moyens de subsistance des communautés locales vivant au sein et autour des sites du patrimoine mondial sont améliorés grâce à des activités économiques durables. «Nous pourrions considérer que les cinq dernières années ont été consacrées à la formation du Fonds, et je voudrais remercier les États membres de l’Union africaine de leur appui inébranlable au Fonds, s’assurant que nous avons jeté des bases solides pour la

      1

      Addis-Abeba (Éthiopie), 31 janvier 2014: La Présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, a coprésidé une manifestation du Fonds pour le patrimoine mondial africain/de l’Union africaine (UA) avec

      M. Sibusiso Xaba, Président du Conseil d’administration du Fonds pour le patrimoine mondial africain. L’événement a été coorganisé en marge de la vingt- deuxième session ordinaire de la Conférence de l’UA, au Siège de l’Union

      conservation et la gestion de nos lieux de patrimoine culturel et naturel», a ajouté M. Xaba.

      M. Getachew Engida, Directeur général adjoint de l’UNESCO, a pris la parole au nom de Mme Irina Bokova, Directrice générale de l’UNESCO. Il a déclaré que le Fonds pour le patrimoine mondial africain contribue à valoriser l’héritage africain à tous les niveaux grâce au renforcement des capacités des gestionnaires des sites, des professionnels du patrimoine et des communautés locales qui bénéficient de cours de préparation à la gestion des risques et grâce à la conversion et la réhabilitation des sites en danger. Il a aussi souligné que le Fonds a produit une nouvelle génération de professionnels du patrimoine en Afrique.

      S’agissant des défis, M. Engida a mis en lumière l’extension urbaine et le tourisme, le braconnage et l’extraction non durable des ressources, portant gravement atteinte aux sites naturels, à leur faune et à leur flore. Il a ajouté : «C’est alarmant de constater que 17 sites africains figurent sur la liste du patrimoine mondial en danger. Cela signifie que l’Afrique abrite presque la moitié de tous les sites en danger – aucune autre région affiche un pourcentage aussi élevé».

      Président d’honneur de l’AWHF et représentant du secteur privé, M. Phuthuma Nhleko a déclaré : «Il est tout simplement impossible de réaliser la Renaissance africaine en l’absence d’une vision convergente et totalement intégrée et tripartite sur les plans politique, commercial et culturel. La prédominance d’un aspect sans les autres n’est pas durable». Il a invité l’ensemble du secteur privé africain d’aider à créer le troisième volet de la trilogie qu’il a décrite.

      D’autres participants à cette manifestation ont également pris la parole. M. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, Président de la République de Mauritanie et Président de l’Union africaine ; M. Hifikepunye Pohamba, Président de la République de Namibie, qui a promis de contribuer 50 000 $EU cette année ; M. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, Président de la République du Kenya, qui s’est engagé à contribuer 1 500 000 $EU; M. Jacob Zuma, Président de la République d’Afrique du Sud, a promis de contribuer un montant supplémentaire de 1 000 000 $EU - l’Afrique du Sud couvre les frais de fonctionnement annuels du Fonds.

      En outre, des interventions ont été prononcées au nom de M. Idris Debby, Président de la République du Tchad, dont le Ministre de la Culture a promis une contribution de

      100 000 $EU; de M. Kailash Purryag, Président de la République de Maurice ; de M. Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Président de la République algérienne démocratique et populaire, dont la délégation a promis de contribuer 100 000 $EU annuellement, d’envoyer des experts au siège du Fonds, d’abriter la réunion du Conseil d’administration et de former des Africains sur le terrain au niveau universitaire.

      Dans son allocution de clôture, D. Mustapha S. Kaloko, Commissaire de l’Union africaine en charge des Affaires sociales, a vivement exhorté les États membres à ratifier promptement la Charte de la Renaissance culturelle africaine qui, à ce jour, selon le Commissaire, n’a été ratifiée que par six pays.

      2

      RA/wzm

      Pour de plus amples renseignements, s’adresser à :

      Direction de l’Information et de la Communication | Commission de l’Union africaine I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Sit Web: www.au.int I Addis-Abeba | Éthiopie

      Nous suivre sur :

      Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion

      YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission

      En savoir plus au :

      http://www.au.int

      Event
      The African Institute for Remittances (AIR) will be fully operational in 2015. T
      31 January 2014

      JOINT PRESS RELEASE

      The African Institute for Remittances (AIR) will be fully operational in 2015. The AU Executive Councilselected the Republic of Kenya to host the AIR Secretariat.

      Addis Ababa January 31, 2014; The African Union Executive Council, in its 24th Ordinary Session on 27 – 28 January 2014 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, accepted the offer from the Republic of Kenya to host the African Institute for Remittances (AIR). The Councilrequested the African Union Commission (AUC) to conclude the Host Agreement with the Republic of Kenya so as to ensure the formal take-off of the Institute in 2014. It also requested the World Bank and other development partners to support the Institute. The Institute is expected to be fully operational by the year 2015.

      “I am delighted that the Executive Council has decided that the Republic of Kenya will host the AIR. The establishment of AIR, the first of its kind in the world,is a cornerstone in harnessing Diaspora resourcesfor social and economic development in Africa” said Dr. Mustapha S. Kaloko, Commissioner of Social Affairs of the African Union Commission. He also called upon development partners to continue supporting the Institute.

      AIR project partners – AUC, World Bank, European Commission (EC), African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) - agreed to the need for sustained collaboration and coordination ofefforts in support of the Institute to achieve the planned improvement inthe market for remittances and to leverage their impact on development in the continent.

      Background

      The decision to create AIR was taken by the AUC in the framework of the Africa-EU partnership on Migration, Mobility and Employment, for the purpose of leveraging the untapped development potential of remittance flows to the African continent. The magnitude of remittances to Africa has grown remarkably in recent years, gaining the attention of the international development community due to their positive impact on the living standards of beneficiaries. However, their precise volume is unknown and presumed undercounted, their transfer cost remains unacceptably high by international standards and their full potential for economic and social development is largely unexploited.

      Thus the AIR Project was launched in 2010 with funding from the EC, execution by the World Bank in collaboration with AfDB and the IOM),with the primary objective of facilitating the AU Member States and the African Union Commission in establishing AIR.

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      For more information, please Contact;

      Ambassador Olawale I. Maiyegun, Director of Social Affairs Department: MaiyegunO@africa-union.org

      Ms. Soheyla Mahmoudi, Senior Operations Officer, World Bank: Smahmoudi@worldbank.org

      Mr. Ron Hendrix, Program Manager, EU Delegation to AU: Ron.HENDRIX@eeas.europa.eu

      Ms. Bernadette Dia Kamgnia, African Development Bank: B.KAMGNIA@AFDB.ORG

      Mr. Josiah Ogina, Head of Mission to Ethiopia and Rep to AU/ECA/IGAD, IOM: jogina@iom.int

      Event
      New Chairperson and members of the bureau elected at AU Assembly meeting
      New Chairperson and members of the bureau elected at AU Assembly meeting
      30 January 2014

      PRESS RELEASE N0.24/ 22nd AU SUMMIT

      New Chairperson and members of the bureau elected at AU Assembly meeting

      Addis Ababa, 30 January 2014. This morning marked the official opening of the 22ndOrdinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of States and Governments of the African Union.

      The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo announced the results of the electionto the Assembly.

      The new Chairperson of the African Union is Mr Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.He replaces former Chairperson Mr. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

      Zimbabwe was elected as first Vice President, the second Vice Presidency went to the Democratic Republic of Congo and the third Vice President is Nigeria. Ethiopia was designated as Rapporteur.

      BBT/ eta/wzm

      For further information contact

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

      Follow us

      Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission

      Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion

      YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission

      Learn more at:

      http://www.au.int

      Event
      Global learning crisis is costing $129 billion a year
      30 January 2014

      Press Release

      Global learning crisis is costing $129 billion a year

      Crisis will affect generations of children without action to boost teaching, report warns.

      Strict embargo until 29 January 00.01 GMT:

      The 11th Education for All Global Monitoring Report reveals that a global learning crisis is costing governments $129 billion a year. Ten per cent of global spending on primary education is being lost on poor quality education that is failing to ensure that children learn. This situation leaves one in four young people in poor countries unable to read a single sentence. The Report concludes that good teachers are the key to improvement and calls on governments to provide the best in the profession to those who need them most.

      This year’s Report, Teaching and learning: Achieving quality for all, warns that without attracting and adequately training enough teachers the learning crisis will last for several generations and hit the disadvantaged hardest. In many sub-Saharan African countries, for example, the Report reveals that only one in five of the poorest children reach the end of primary school having learnt the basics in reading and mathematics.

      Poor quality education is leaving a legacy of illiteracy more widespread than previously believed. Around 175 million young people in poor countries – equivalent to around one quarter of the youth population – cannot read all or part of a sentence, affecting one third of young women in South and West Asia. On current trends, the Report projects that it will take until 2072 for all the poorest young women in developing countries to be literate; and possibly until the next century for all girls from the poorest families in sub-Saharan Africa to finish lower secondary school.

      In a third of countries analysed by the Report, less than three-quarters of existing primary school teachers are trained to national standards. In West Africa, where few children are learning the basics, teachers on temporary contracts with low pay and little formal training make up more than half of the teaching force.

      “Teachers have the future of this generation in their hands,” said UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. “We need 5.2 million teachers to be recruited by 2015, and we need to work harder to support them in providing children with their right to a universal, free and quality education. We must also make sure that there is an explicit commitment to equity in new global education goals set after 2015, with indicators tracking the progress of the marginalized so that no one is left behind.”

      The Report calculates that the cost of 250 million children around the world not learning the basics translates into a loss of an estimated $129 billion. In total, 37 countries are losing at least half the amount they spend on primary education because children are not learning. By contrast, the Report shows that ensuring an equal, quality education for all can generate huge economic rewards, increasing a country’s gross domestic product per capita by 23 per cent over 40 years.

      Even in high-income countries, education systems are failing significant minorities. In New Zealand, while almost all students from rich households achieved minimum standards in grades 4 and 8, only two-thirds of poor students did. Immigrants in rich countries are also left behind: in France, for example, fewer than 60 per cent of immigrants have reached the minimum benchmark in reading.

      The Report shows that to achieve good quality education for all, governments must provide enough trained teachers, and focus their teacher policies on meeting the needs of the disadvantaged. This means attracting the best candidates into teaching; giving them relevant training; deploying them within countries to areas where they are needed most; and offering them incentives to make a long-term commitment to teaching. The Report also highlights the need to address gender-based violence in schools, a major barrier to quality and equality in education. It underscores the importance of curriculum and assessment strategies to promote inclusion and improve learning.

      Pauline Rose, the director of the EFA Global Monitoring Report, said: “What’s the point in an education if children emerge after years in school without the skills they need? The huge numbers of illiterate children and young people mean it is crucial that equality in access and learning be placed at the heart of future education goals. New goals after 2015 must make sure every child is not only in school, but learning what they need to learn.”

      The Report makes the following recommendations:

      1. New education goals after 2015 must include an explicit commitment to equity so that every child has an equal chance of an education. New goals need clear, measurable targets with indicators that will track the progress of the most disadvantaged.

      2. New goals after 2015 must ensure that every child is in school and learning the basics. Children do not only have the right to be in school, but also to learn while there, and to emerge with the skills they need to find secure, well-paid work.

      3. Ensure the best teachers reach the learners who need them most. National education plans must include an explicit commitment to reaching the marginalized. Teachers should be recruited locally, or have similar backgrounds to disadvantaged learners. Every teacher needs pre- and in-service training on ways to target support to disadvantaged children. Incentives must be provided to ensure the best teachers work in remote, under-served areas. Governments must work to retain their best teachers, providing pay that meets at least their basic needs, good working conditions and a career path.

      For interviews, photos, b-roll, pre-edited videos, quotes or case studies of teachers or children please contact:

      Kate Redman : k.redman@unesco.org 0033 6 71 78 62 34

      Sue Williams: s.williams@unesco.org 0033 1 45 68 17 06 or 0033 6 15 92 93 62

      Notes to Editors:

      Developed by an independent team and published by UNESCO, the Education for All Global Monitoring Report is an authoritative reference that aims to inform, influence and sustain genuine commitment towards Education for All.

      @EFAReport / GMR Facebook Web: http://www.efareport.unesco.org | World Education Blog: http://efareport.wordpress.com

      The global GMR launch in Addis Ababa is held in cooperation with the Government of

      Ethiopia and the African Union Commission.

      Event
      African Youth Forum: “Accelerate Youth Employment in Africa”
      30 January 2014

      PRESS RELEASE N0. 27/ 22nd AU SUMMIT

      African Youth Forum: “Accelerate Youth Employment in Africa”

      The Department of the Human Resource Science and Technology in collaboration with the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation (OOF) organized a Youth Forum on accelerating Youth Employment in Africa on the sidelines of the 22nd African Union Summit on 29 and 30 January in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

      After debating on the theme during the meeting held in United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) on Wednesday 29th January 2014, the invited African youth and the former Nigerian President Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo, discussed and presented the recommendations to the Heads of States during a luncheon held at the African Union Commission today, 30th January 2014.

      The lunch was hosted by Dr. NkosazanaDlaminiZuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Mr. Obasanjowho is the founder and chairman of the OOF. Heads of States of African member states of the AU; among themwere the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia;the President of Burkina Faso (Host country of the AU special Summit on Employment in 2004), President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and Chairperson of the African Union and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

      The event was moderated and led by Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST). The participants discussed the recommendations made by the youths and on the way forward.

      “The Heads of States have heard you and I am sure that they will dialogue with you”, said Dr. NkosazanaDlaminiZuma. She added, “We want you to be the masters of the digital age, the masters of the space age, the masters of the knowledge age, and the masters of the economy age”. She encouraged the youth to input their ideas into what should Africa look like in 2063 before April 2014, through the Agenda 2063 framework.

      Although African countries have seen tremendous economic growth over the recent years, youth unemployment and education are still pressing issues that need to be addressed by policy makers and African leaders. As President Obasanjo said “Education is the basis for the empowerment of the youth.”

      The President of Haiti, Mr. Michel Martelly, shared the Haitian experience regarding alternative funding for education with his peers and the invited guests. He explained the ways in which the Haitian government raised funds from its Diaspora to fund the construction of schools. “131Million Dollars were raised and the entire fund was used to build schools” he said.

      Mr. DessalegneHailemariam, strongly commended the youth not to wait for governments to help them. “You must struggle for your rights and you should have a strong African organization to engage with politicians”. He then added “as leaders we have to lead the process and engage the youth in the building of a prosperous Africa”.

      The event concluded with a message that will be disseminated by the youth. The message included the will to participate actively in reduction of poverty, creating a strong pan African organization and reinforcing leadership of the youth with the assistance of governments at a national and continental level.

      HM/wzm

      For further information contact

      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

      Follow us

      Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission

      Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion

      YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission

      Learn more at:

      http://www.au.int

      Event
      Press Briefing H.E Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia and H.E Donald Ka
      30 January 2014

      INVITATION TO THE MEDIA

      PRESS BRIEFING H.E ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF, PRESIDENT OF LIBERIA AND H.E DONALD KABERUKA, PRESIDENT OF AFDB

      Within the frame work of the 22nd AU Summit, H.E Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia and H.E Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank ( AfDB) will, on Thursday, 30 January 2014 at 17:30 will hold a press briefing on the following issue:

      - Launching of the report on Fragile States in Africa

      The press briefing will be held in Briefing Room1, at the new AU Conference Center, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

      Journalist are invited to take part in the press briefing

      Media Contact

      Mr. MolaletTsedeke

      Media Center Coordinator

      Directorate of Information and Communication

      AU Commission

      Tel:+251911630631

      E-mail: molalett@africa-union.org

      For further information contact

      Directorate of information and communication /African union commission/ E- mail:dinfo@africa-union.org/Web site: www.au.int/ Addis Ababa / Ethiopia

      Follow us

      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Africanunioncommision

      Twitter: https://twitter.com/Africanunion

      YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUcommision

      Learn more at:

      http://summits.au.int/en/22ndsummit

      Event
      Seven African Countries Lead the Continent in Malaria Control Annual awards – be
      30 January 2014

      30 January, 2014 Contact: Saleemah Abdul-Ghafur

      Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Saleemah@alma2015.org

      +251 939 643 193

      SEVEN AFRICAN COUNTRIES LEAD THE CONTINENT IN MALARIA CONTROL

      Annual awards – bestowed at the AU – highlight how Africa’s future

      is inextricably tied to progress in defeating malaria

      Today during the official opening of the African Union Summit of heads of state, H.E. Armando Guebuza, President of Mozambique, conferred the 2014 African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) Awards for Excellence in Vector Control to Cape Verde, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe,and Swaziland. Each country has demonstrated exemplary leadership in maintaining at least 95% coverage year round of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) and/or Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) interventions, the most important tools in preventing malaria.

      Malaria is a leading cause of child deaths and kills 627,000 people every year, most in Africa. The continent has made tremendous progress in the delivery and use of life-saving tools in the fight against malaria, including LLINs, IRS, rapid diagnostic tests, and effective treatments, including preventative care during pregnancy.

      Yet malaria continues to wreak a huge toll on Africa. It burdens already fragile health systems; it is a leading cause of absenteeism in schools; it negatively impacts agricultural productivity and businesses large and small when employees and entrepreneurs are kept from their work; and it robs African countries of at least USD $12billion every year in economic potential.

      “We cannot lose ground in our struggle to end preventable deaths and suffering from malaria” said President Guebuza, who serves as Chair of ALMA. “Our people and our communities are counting on us to continue to scale proveninterventions to insure that no African loses their livelihood or life to this ancient disease.”

      Last month, the World Malaria Report declared that as a result of significant scaling-up of malaria control interventions, an estimated 3.1 million lives have been saved in Africa since 2000, reducing malaria mortality rates by 49%. And while funding challenges remain, resources for malaria prevention globally have grown from $100 million in 2000 to an estimated $1.9 billion in 2013. ALMA’s current Chair, H. E. President Guebuza of Mozambique, has rallied his peers and partners to increase malaria funding so that we sustain these impressive gains.

      ALMA was founded by H.E. President Jakaya Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania to create a platform for Africa’s presidents and prime ministers to accelerate action on malaria prevention and control. ALMA’s second chair, H.E. President Ellen Sirleaf of Liberia, continued to promote performance and accountability through the innovative ALMA Scorecard for Accountability and Action. Winners of ALMA’s Awards for Excellence are selected by an independent committee representing the World Health Organization (WHO), Roll Back Malaria (RBM), the private sector, civil society and academia. For more information about ALMA and for a profile of the progress shown by the seven winning countries, please visit www.alma2015.org.

      Event
      Email from the Future, Election of New Chairperson and Awards to Prominent Africans Mark Opening Session of African Union Assembly Meeting
      Email from the Future, Election of New Chairperson and Awards to Prominent Afric
      30 January 2014

      PRESS RELEASE No. 23 / 22nd AU SUMMIT

      Email from the Future, Election of New Chairperson and Awards to Prominent Africans Mark Opening Session of African Union Assembly Meeting

      Addis Ababa, 30 January 2014- An “email from the future” delivered by African Union Commission Chairperson Dr NkosazanaDlaminiZuma has served to encourage Africa to continue its fifty year development agenda (Agenda 2063), with the confidence that it is possible for the continent to achieve prosperity, integration and peace within that time, or less.

      Delivered during the opening of the 22nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, the email is written to a hypothetical “Kwame Nkrom” by “Nkosazana”.

      Speaking from the year 2063, after the full implementation of Africa’s Agenda 2063, the email lauds the progress achieved in initiatives that are, at present, being pursued by Africa. These include programmes on achieving an integrated Africa,developing industry and manufacturing, advanced use of information and communication technologies, mastery over the oceans and their wealth, beneficiation of minerals and natural resources, intra African trade, and sufficient infrastructure. In her message to “Kwame”, “Nkosazana” talks about an Africa that has turned itself from an importer of food to a major exporter.

      “My friend, Africa has indeed transformed herself from an exporter of raw materials with a declining manufacturing sector in 2013, to become a major food exporter, a global manufacturing hub, a knowledge centre,” the email reads.

      The Africa of 2063, according to the email, isno longer a dark continent but rather one which islit up using hydro, solar, wind, and geo-thermal energy, in addition to fossil fuels. It isan Africa at peace with itself after having tackled the root causes of conflict. The email compliments the continent’s commitment to invest in its people, especially in the empowerment of young people and women, as being key issues that made peace happen. It mentions the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the formation of Organisation of African Unity held in May 2013 as having been the start of a major paradigm shift: a point where Africa took charge of its own narrative.

      After reading her “email from the future”, the Chairperson sent a word of encouragement to all of Africa, that the contents of the email can be a reality. “It is impossible until it is done,” she concluded.

      In the meantime, Dr Dlamini-Zuma announced the appointment of Mrs BintaDiop as Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security, “to ensure that the voices of women and the vulnerable are heard much more clearly in peace-building and in conflict resolution”.

      The opening session of the Assembly was also addressed by the Under Secretary General of the United Nations, who spoke about how the African Union and the United Nations can work together to address pressing crises and to build on Africa’s progress, announcing that “The United Nations is your unwavering partner” in the quest for advancement and growth.

      The meeting, which elected President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of Mauritania as the Chairperson of the African Union for the coming one year and Zimbabwe as the first Vice Chairperson, also heard from the newly elected President of the Republic of Madagascar Mr RajonarimamnianinaRakotoarimanana who paid tribute to his country men and women for making the choice for the restoration of constitutional order and going to the ballot box to elect their leaders. He proclaimed a new dawn for development, peace and security in his country but also added the urgent need for vital assistance for the country to realize its full potential.

      President Jacob Zuma of South Africa took the floor to express his country’s appreciation for Africa’s support during the death and burial of its former President Mr Nelson Mandela last year. He paid homage to other African countries for having supported and harboured not just the leadership of the struggle against apartheid, but also many other South African liberation fighters and activists.

      The Prime Minister of the Republic of Haiti, Mr. Laurent Salvador Lamothe took to the stage to deliver the message of Haitian solidarity with Africa on behalf of the country’s President, Mr. Michel Joseph Martelly.

      Ethiopian Prime Minister Mr HaileMarianDesalegn gave his final address as Chairperson of the African Union before handing over to President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz. A press release on the Prime Minister’s statement as well as the statement itself is available at www.au.int

      The opening ceremony also saw the presentation of US$100 000 prizes under the Kwame Nkurumah Scientific Awards to two prominent African scientists; awards to Heads of State and Governments who have successfully championed the fights against malaria, launch of 2014 as the Year of Agriculture and Food Security in Africa and an acceptance statement by the incoming Chairperson of the African Union, President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz. Press releases on all the events are also available at www.au.int as is the full list of the new bureau of the African Union.

      WZM

      For further information contact

      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

      Follow us

      Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission

      Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion

      YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission

      Learn more at:

      http://www.au.int

      Event
      Press briefing of Deputy Chairperson of the AUC
      Press briefing of Deputy Chairperson of the AUC
      30 January 2014

      INVITATION TO THE MEDIA

      PRESS BRIEFING OF DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE AUC

      Within the frame work of the 22nd AU Summit, H.E. Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the AUC will, on Thursday, 30 January 2014 at 15:00 hold a press briefing on the following issue:

      - Institutional Capacity Building

      The briefing will be held in Small Conference Hall 4, at the new AU

      Conference Center, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

      Journalist are invited to take part in the press briefing Media Contact

      Mr. Molalet Tsedeke

      Media Center Coordinator

      Directorate of Information and Communication AU Commission

      Tel: +251911630631

      E-mail: molalett@africa-union.org

      For further information contact

      Directorate of information and communication /African union commission/ E- mail:dinfo@africa- union.org/Web site: www.au.int/ Addis Ababa / Ethiopia

      Follow us

      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Africanunioncommision Twitter: https://twitter.com/Africanunion

      YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUcommision

      Learn more at:

      http://summits.au.int/en/22ndsummit

      Event
      Press briefing of the African Court and African Commission
      30 January 2014

      PRESS BRIEFING OF THE AFRICAN COURT AND AFRICAN COMMISSION

      Within the frame work of the 22nd AU Summit, African Court and African Commission, will on Thursday, 30 January 2014 at16:30 hold a briefing on the following issue:

      - Relationship between the two institutions

      - Development since the last summit

      - The recent cases handled by the court

      During the press conference the following panelists will address the media:

      - Hon. Justice Sophia A. B. Akuffo, President of the Court

      - Hon. Justice Bernard M Ngoepe, Vice President of the Court

      - Hon. Justice Ben Kioko, Member of the Court

      - Hon. Commissioner Zainabou Sylvie Kayitesi

      The briefing will be held in Briefing room 1, at the new AU Conference Center, in

      Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

      Journalist are invited to take part in the press briefing

      Media Contact

      Mr. Molalet Tsedeke

      Media Center Coordinator

      Directorate of Information and Communication AU Commission

      Tel: +251911630631

      E-mail: molalett@africa-union.org

      For further information contact

      Directorate of information and communication /African union commission/ E- mail:dinfo@africa- union.org/Web site: www.au.int/ Addis Ababa / Ethiopia

      Follow us

      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Africanunioncommision Twitter: https://twitter.com/Africanunion

      YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUcommision

      Learn more at:

      http://summits.au.int/en/22ndsummit

      Attachments

      Event
      Opening session of the 22nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Unio
      30 January 2014

      MEDIA ADVISORY

      Opening session of the 22nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union

      WHAT: Opening session of the 22nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union. The opening ceremony will comprise the following agenda items:

      • H.E. Ato Hailemariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Chairman of the African Union, declares the beginning of the Session (2 minutes)

      • AU Anthem (3 minutes)

      • Minute of silence in memory of the Late former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela of the Republic of South Africa

      • Statement by H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (10 minutes)

      • Statement by H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine and Chairman of Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Executive Committee (7 minutes)

      • Statement by H.E. Dr. Nabil Elaraby, Secretary General of the League of Arab States (LAS) (7 Minutes)

      • Statement by the Guest of Honour, H.E. Mrs. Park Geun-hye, President of the Republic of Korea (7 minutes)

      • Opening Statement by H.E. Ato Hailemariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Chairman of the African Union (15 minutes)

      • Election of the Chairperson of the African Union and members of the Bureau and members of the Drafting Committee (Announcement of the results of the elections by the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps) (7 minutes)

      • Acceptance Statement by the incoming Chairperson of the Union (7 minutes)

      • Awards Ceremony for the Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards for 2014 (10 minutes)

      • Prof. Andre Bationo, from Burkina Faso, Winner in the field of Earth and Life Sciences

      • Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, from Nigeria, Winner in the field of Basic Sciance, Technology and Innovation

      • ALMA Award Ceremony for selected Laureates by the chair of ALMA, H.E. Armando Guebuza, President of the Republic of Mozambique

      • Signing of AU Treaties (continuous during the Session)

      • Launch of “2014 Year of Agriculture and Food Security, Marking 10th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP)”

      A group photograph is scheduled immediately after the opening ceremony. Strict order and discipline are advised for the taking of the photograph.

      WHEN: 30 January 2014 at 10:00. Media personnel are advised to arrive early in order to be in position in time for the opening ceremony.

      WHERE: Large Conference Hall, African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa Ethiopia

      Media personnel are advised to refer to the attached media tips for information on how to access the AU premises and conference rooms, as well as facilities and services available for all media.

      For further information contact

      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

      Follow us

      Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission

      Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion

      YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission

      Learn more at:

      http://www.au.int

      Pagination

      • Previous page ‹‹
      • Page 2
      • Next page ››
      MORE

      About the African Union

      An Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

      African Union Headquarters
      P.O. Box 3243, Roosvelt Street W21K19
      Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
      Tel: +251 11 551 77 00
      Fax: +251 11 551 78 44

      Follow Us

      Opportunities

      • Bids / Procurement
      • Careers
      • Internship
      • Procurement / Bids
      • African Union Youth Volunteer Corps
      • Visit the AU Headquarters
      • AU Library
      • Achats / Offres

      Quick Links

      • Home
      • AU Handbook
      • Agenda 2063
      • Financing the Union
      • All African Union websites
      • Agenda 2063
      • Organes de l'UA

      • Web Mail
      • Legal Notice
      • Official Warning

      © The African Union Commission