Events
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January 30, 2014Email from the Future, Election of New Chairperson and Awards to Prominent Africans Mark Opening Session of African...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.
WZMFor 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 | EthiopiaFollow us
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January 30, 2014Press briefing of Deputy Chairperson of the AUCINVITATION 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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Learn more at:
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January 30, 2014Press briefing of the African Court and African CommissionPRESS 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
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Africanunioncommision Twitter: https://twitter.com/Africanunion
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Learn more at:
http://summits.au.int/en/22ndsummit
Attachments -
January 30, 2014African Youth Forum: “Accelerate Youth Employment in Africa”
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/wzmFor 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 | EthiopiaFollow us
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January 29, 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 -
January 29, 2014The launch of the Global Monitoring Report (GMR): Education for all
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January 29, 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 summitThe 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.orgFor 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
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http://summits.au.int/en/22ndsummit -
January 29, 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;
- NutritionThe 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.orgFor 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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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Africanunioncommision
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Africanunion
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January 29, 2014Pre-Press Briefing on the African Solidarity Initiative (ASI) to be convened “Africa helping Africa”
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January 29, 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 -
January 29, 2014“Africa needs internal solutions to internal social issues”, says Commissioner Kaloko
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 | EthiopiaFollow us
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January 29, 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.orgThe 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 | EthiopiaFollow us
Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommissionLearn more at:
http://www.au.int