Events & Activities

Event

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

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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

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

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http://www.au.int

Event

African Girls and Young Women Dialogue with African Leaders at AU Summit and Iss

30 January 2014

MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release

Addis Ababa, 27 January 2014

African Girls and Young Women Dialogue with African Leaders at AU Summit and Issue Recommendations Setting out Priorities for the Continent

Girls and young women are the future of the African continent, yet are seldom heard.

On 30 January 2014, during an innovative dialogue, some 50 girls and young women will issue a set of recommendations to political and business leaders from around the continent to make their voices heard.

The High Level Intergenerational Dialogue Breakfast Meeting, organised by the World YWCA, UN Women and the Nike Foundation, takes place as African Union states are poised to determine their common position ahead of the negotiations for what follows the Millennium Development Goals in 2015.

These girls and young women, representing the continent of Africa, will speak directly to African leaders, and will hand over a statement setting out their priorities and needs for the forthcoming negotiations on the post-2015 agenda to UN Women Executive Director, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

Media are invited to attend.

When: January 30, 2014 - from 7.30 – 9.30am

Where: Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Please register by Wednesday 29 January 2014

Interviews with participants will be made available upon request.

Media contacts:

UN Women: christian.mulumba@unwomen.org /+251 939 846 086

World YWCA: vivian.hakkak@worldywca.org / +4178 740 24 22

Nike Foundation: Pete.Lewis@nike.com / +1503 869 9653

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

AVIS AUX MÉDIAS

Pour diffusion immédiate

Addis-Abeba, le 27 Janvier 2014

Les filles et les jeunes femmes africaines engagent un dialogue avec les dirigeants africains au Sommet de l'Union Africaine et émettent des recommandations définissant les priorités pour le continent

Les filles et les jeunes femmes sont l'avenir du continent africain, mais sont rarement entendues.

Le 30 Janvier 2014, au cours d'un dialogue innovant, quelque 50 jeunes femmes et filles vont émettre une série de recommandations aux dirigeants politiques et économiques de tout le continent africain pour faire entendre leur voix .

Le dialogue intergénérationnel de haut niveau organisé par l’organisation mondiale du YWCA, l’ONU Femmes et la Fondation Nike, a lieu au moment où les États membres de l'Union Africaine sont prêts à déterminer leur position commune en vue des négociations sur les objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement et l’agenda post-2015.

Ces jeunes femmes et filles, qui représentent le continent africain, parleront directement aux dirigeants africains, et leur remettront une déclaration énonçant les priorités et les besoins pour les négociations à venir sur l'agenda post -2015 , à travers la Directrice Executive d'ONU Femmes , Phumzile Mlambo- Ngcuka .

Les médias sont invités à y assister.

Quand : 30 Janvier, 2014 - de 7h30 - 09h30

Où: Radisson Blu Hôtel Addis-Abeba , Ethiopie

Prière de s’inscrire d’ici Mercredi 29 Janvier 2014

Les entretiens avec les participants seront disponibles sur requête.

Contacts pour les médias :

ONU Femmes : christian.mulumba @ unwomen.org / 251 939 846 086

YWCA Mondiale : vivian.hakkak @ worldywca.org / +4178 740 24 22

Fondation Nike : Pete.Lewis @ nike.com / +1503 869 9653

Event

22nd AU Summit| African Union and IFRC Launch of the World Disaster Report “Te

29 January 2014

MEDIA ADVISORY

AFRICAN UNION AND IFRC LAUNCH OF THE WORLD DISASTER REPORT

“Technology and the Future of Humanitarian Aid”

29 January, 2014, AUC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The Department of Political Affairs in collaboration with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) will be organizing a Launch of the World Disaster Report.

Date Wednesday, 29 January, 2014

Time 10:00 – 12:00 noon, followed by cocktail reception

Venue Small Conference 3, New Conference Centre, AUC, Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Background Ninety per cent of lives saved after disasters are saved by local people, but in much of the world these ‘first responders’ have little or no access to life-saving information and technologies such as early warning systems and mobile phones. New technologies offer many opportunities, but access to technology is deeply unequal. This lack of access has a major impact on people’s ability to prepare for, survive and recover from disasters.

Purpose Bridging the digital divide is critical for the scale and quality of the future of humanitarian action: humanitarian organizations, governments and the private sector must invest in building this bridge. This joint launch reinforces the call to action for governments to take decisive steps in addressing the digital divide in Africa.

JOURNALISTS ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT

Contact Information

Katherine Mueller/IFRC Communications Manager, Africa /+251 930 03 3413 / katherine.mueller@ifrc.org

Tankou Azza Esther | Information and Communication Directorate | AUC | (251) 11 551 77 00 | YambouE@africa-union.org

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network, reaching 150 mil¬lion people each year through its 189 member National Societies. Together, the IFRC acts before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. It does so with impartiality as to nationality, race, gender, religious beliefs, class and political opinions. For more information, please visit www.ifrc.org

For further information contact

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

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Event

NEPAD Heads of State Summit

29 January 2014

MEDIA ADVISORY

NEPAD Heads of State Summit

WHAT: Media is invited to attend the official opening of NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC) Summit.

DATE: Wednesday January 29, 2014

TIME: 09:00

WHERE: Medium Conference Hall – Ground Floor of in the new AU

BACKGROUND: Twenty African leaders who make up the membership of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee - HSGOC will meet I n the Ethiopian Capital Addis Ababa ahead of the AU Summit. The HSGOC provides leadership to the NEPAD process and sets policies, priorities and the programmes of action.

There will be media briefing after the HSGOC Summit by NEPAD’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Ibrahim Mayaki outside the hall of the HSGOC meeting

For Badges for the HSGOC and media interview please contact:

Maureen Nkandu – Head of NEPAD Communications in Room G09 on the ground floor

Phone: +251 927348384

Email: maureenn@nepad.org

Event

Press Briefing Commissioner for Social Affairs

29 January 2014

INVITATION TO THE MEDIA

PRESS BRIEFING COMMISSIONER FOR SOCIAL AFFAIRS

Within the frame work of the 22nd AU Summit, H.E. Dr. Mustapha S. Kaloko, Commissioner for Social Affairs, at the AU Commission will, on Wednesday, 29 January 2014 at 11:30 hold a press briefing on the following issues:

- Labour, employment, mobility and migration;

- Nutrition

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. 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

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 H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, AUC Chairperson

29 January 2014

INVITATION TO THE MEDIA

PRESS BRIEFING OF H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, AUC Chairperson

Within the frame work of the 22nd AU Summit, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of AU Commission will, on Wednesday, 29 January 2014 at16:00 hold a press briefing on the following issues:

- The Africa we want in 2063

- The theme of 22nd AU summit

The press 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. 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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Africanunion

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Learn more at:

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

Event

Launch of Joint NEPAD-AUC Publication on Agriculture in Africa

29 January 2014

MEDIA ADVISORY

LAUNCH OF JOINT NEPAD-AUC PUBLICATION ON AGRICULTURE IN AFRICA

WHAT: Media is invited to attend the official launch of the AGRICULTURE IN AFRICA publication by the AUC Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture Mrs Tumusiime Rhoda Peace and NEPAD Chief Executive Officer Dr Ibrahim Mayaki.

DATE: Wednesday January 29, 2014

TIME: 14:30

WHERE: Press Briefing Room 1 on the ground floor

BACKGROUND: The Publication is a state of the art, defining the key priorities and opportunities to advance agriculture. It is developed within the context of sustaining the CAADP momentum and especially to inform decisions on key issues that will drive agriculture into to the next decade and beyond. It reflects debate and consultations going on with regard to two key themes, Agenda 2063 and Post 2015 Agenda.

For more details contact:

Maureen Nkandu – Head of NEPAD Communications

Phone: +251 927348384

Email: maureenn@nepad.org

Event

“Africa needs internal solutions to internal social issues”, says Commissioner K

29 January 2014

Press Release Nº21/22nd AU SUMMIT

“Africa needs internal solutions to internal social issues”, says Commissioner Kaloko

Addis Ababa, 29 January 2014- Commissioner for Social Affairs of the African Union, Dr Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko has spoken extensively on the need for the African Union member states to recognize and address the linkages of social issues, such as human and child trafficking, migration and malnutrition. Speaking at a press conference at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa today, he noted that African states had already taken the initial steps towards defining and implementing comprehensive labour laws, citing the 2004 Ouagadougou Declaration and Plan of Action on Employment.

However, whilst addressing the challenges in the formal economy is a necessary measure, he said, it was imperative for governments to look more closely at the informal economies across the continent, as between 80% and 90% of the continent’s working population operates informally. Those individuals who work in the informal sectors are far more vulnerable to unfair labour practices and are more likely to contribute to inter-linked trends such as undocumented migration, which leave them vulnerable to exploitation. He underlined the need for a holistic approach and commended the African Union and its member states for moving towards inclusive problem-solving mechanisms which involve all stakeholders affected by social issues.

Later on this year, African states will be re-visiting the Ouagadougou Declaration to re-assess its frameworks and implementation, and to re-affirm their commitment to sustainable labour practices, he said.

Speaking on the linkages of the social issues affecting many of the continent’s nations, Dr Kaloko emphasized that an internally-based approach was needed in order for Africa to find sustainable solutions. Governance is a key success factor in the design and implementation of national policies to tackle such issues as human trafficking and child labour, said Dr Kaloko and he was encouraged by the constantly improving state of the continent’s governance systems.

Also key in the Commissioner’s press conference was the issue of malnutrition on the African continent. Dr Kaloko noted that a larger percentage of the African population is malnourished today than was the case 20 years ago. He underlined the cost of hunger on the continent by pointing out, that malnourished children underperform in school, leading to them not attaining jobs or underperforming at their jobs in the future. The cost to national GDPs caused by these lost workers is high, and one which Africa can scarcely afford.

In concluding, Dr. Kaloko re-emphasised that the member states of the African Union must continue to move towards an integrated and comprehensive approach to tackling the continent’s social issues. In a few years, he said, Africa’s population will reach the 1 billion mark and it is imperative to make sure that every one of the continent’s citizens has the opportunity for education and decent employment.

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

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Event

Press Briefing of African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the

29 January 2014

INVITATION TO THE MEDIA

PRESS BRIEFING OF AFRICAN COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS ON THE RIGHTS AND WELFARE OF THE CHILD (ACERWC)

Within the frame work of the 22nd AU Summit, the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the child (ACERWC), will on Wednesday, 29th January 2014 at 10:30 hold a press briefing on the following issue:

- Launching of Campaign for the Universal Ratification and reporting on the African Committee of on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).

The press briefing will be addressed by the following personalities:

- Justice Alfas CHITAKUNYE, Rapporteur of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child;

- Mme Fatima Delladj-Sebaa, 1st Vice-President of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

The press 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

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

Pre-Press Briefing on the African Solidarity Initiative (ASI) to be convened “Af

29 January 2014