Events & Activities

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Floral tribute ceremony at the Monument to the National Hero José Marti in Hav

2 October 2015

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Metting between the AUC Chairperson Dr Dlamini Zuma and the Cuban President Mr R

2 October 2015

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President Raul Castro welcoming AUC leadership during their courtesy visit at th

2 October 2015

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AUC Chairperson Dr Dlamini and the Cuban team of doctors who fought against Ebol

1 October 2015

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AU Commission Chairperson in The Bahamas and Cuba on official visits

30 September 2015

Nassau, The Bahamas – 29 September 2015: The African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has arrived in Nassau, in The Bahamas at the start of a two-day official visit that will also take her to Cuba. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Hon. Fred Mitchell received the AU Commission Chairperson and her delegation at the Lynden Pindling International airport in Nassau, upon arrival on Tuesday, 29 September 2015.

The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Dame Margueritte Pindling offered to the AU Commission Chairperson a luncheon at the Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam in Nassau, after a courtesy call with the Cabinet of Ministers.

During the luncheon, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Right Honourable Perry Gladstone Christie heartily welcomed the Chairperson, describing her as a true friend of The Bahamas. Congratulating the Chairperson for the remarkable work being done by the African Union, he commended her maintaining a strong relationship between Africa and the Caribbean.

Expressing her joy to be back after so many years, the AU Commission Chairperson took the opportunity to call for strengthened collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean, particularly within the vision of delivering on Africa’s Agenda 2063.

The official visit to The Bahamas ends on Wednesday 30 September, and the AU Commission Chairperson and her delegation will continue to Cuba.

In Havana, Cuba, the AU Commission Chairperson will hold meetings with President Raúl Castro and his cabinet, with the discussions aimed at deepening cooperation between Africa and Cuba. Other highlights of the visit include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the African Union and Cuba, and visits to the Latin American International Medical School. Dr Dlamini Zuma will meet with the Women’s Federation and African students in Havana. She will also deliver a lecture at the Cuban Institute of International Relations.

Relations between Africa and Cuba dates back a long way. The AU Commission’s Chairperson’s visit to The Bahamas and Cuba, her earlier visit to Jamaica and that of the AU Commission Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha earlier this year are all aimed at strengthening relations and the bond between Africa and Central American and Caribbean countries.

/JEE

Media Queries contact:

Jacob Enoh Eben, Spokesperson of the Chairperson, African Union Commission; +1 202 751 8517 E-mail EnohebenJ@africa-union.org

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Africa actively and fully participated in SDGs, must own it

29 September 2015

Press Release Nº250/2015

New York, USA – 27 September 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, and the United Nations Secretary General met in New York, USA, on 27 September 2015. They discussed issues of common interest including the recently adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate change, and peace and security on the continent.

The Chairperson expressed delight in the active participation of African countries in the process leading up to the adoption of the SDGs. On his part, the UN Secretary General commended the critical contribution of Africa to the SGDs, as well as the formulation of Africa’s ambitious vision, Agenda 2063. He enjoined Africa to take ownership of the development agendas.

On the issue of peace and security, the AU Commission Chairperson informed the Secretary General that the Heads of State and of Government adopted the report of the South Sudan Commission of Inquiry, when they met during the Peace and Security meeting. The two personalities also exchanged on Darfur, Somalia and Libya.

Both the Chairperson and the Secretary General agreed to continue working hard toward reaching a final agreement on climate change during the conference planned in Paris at the end of the year.

/JEE

Directorate of Information and Communication

Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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AUC Chairperson joins world leaders to commit to gender equality and women's emp

29 September 2015

New York, USA – 27 September 2015: World leaders have voiced overwhelming support and committed to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment aimed at achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The African Union Commission Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, joined global leaders and delegates to make commitments at a meeting co-organised by UN-Women and the People’s Republic of China in the margins of the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York.

In her remarks, the AU Commission Chairperson said the AU places a central focus on achieving gender parity and women’s empowerment in its Agenda 2063. She pointed out that in Africa, the year 2015 is the year of women’s empowerment and development toward Agenda 2063. She noted that during the last Summit of Heads of State and of Government, a Gender Scorecard was developed to track progress made in achieving gender equality. Dr. Dlamini Zuma committed to refining this tool in the future by including more indicators.

The Chairperson noted that while Rwanda is leading the world with the highest number of women represented in Parliament, 22 countries have at least 30% of women in Parliament, while 14 countries have 30% of women ministers, with Cape Verde leading Africa with the highest representation of women ministers.

During the gathering, Chinese President Xi Jinping, among others, announced a donation of $10million USD to UN-Women to finance development and training projects aimed at promoting gender parity and women’s empowerment.

While leaders announced various contributions and donations, some of the world leaders expressed political will and determination in advancing the course for women’s empowerment and gender parity. President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya said progress for women is progress for us all, and the whole world stood to gain from gender equality.

Holding 20 years after the Beijing declaration and platform for action to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, the meeting was attended by UN Member States, Non-Governmental Organisations, the private sector and partners.

/JEE

Directorate of Information and Communication

Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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Burkina Faso expresses gratitude to the AU for reversing Coup d’État

29 September 2015

Burkina Faso expresses gratitude to the AU for reversing Coup d’État

New York, USA – 27 September 2015: The Foreign Minister of the Transition Government of Burkina Faso has conveyed the gratitude of his country to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, in contributing to reverse the coup d’État of 17 September 2015.

The Foreign Minister and the AU Commission Chairperson met in New York, USA, on 27 September 2015 in the margins of the UN General Assembly. “The message of the African Union was very clear and unequivocal. It left no room for ambiguity.” The Foreign Minister told the AU Commission Chairperson.

The Foreign Minister briefed the AU Commission Chairperson on the current situation, including the dissolution of the Presidential Security Regiment that led the coup d’État in Burkina Faso. He was conveying a special message of Interim President Michel Kafando.

The AU Commission Chairperson reiterated the AU’s zero-tolerance for coups d’État and unconstitutional changes of governments. She pledged the AU’s support to see Burkina Faso through the transition process.

/JEE

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AU Commission Chairperson leads delegation to 70th UN General Assembly in New Yo

25 September 2015

New York, USA – 23 September 2015: The African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has arrived in New York, heading an AU Commission delegation to attend the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which will be taking place in New York, USA, at the end of September 2015.

UN Member States are converging in New York to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Organisation during which they will also deliberate on key development issues, such as the launching of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, being the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

The Chairperson of the AU Commission and her delegation, comprising the Deputy Chairperson, Commissioners and other Senior Officials will among other engagements, participate in various high level meetings with Heads of State and Government of the African continent and the world to present and discuss Africa’s Agenda 2063 in light of the SDGs.

During these meetings, Dr Dlamini Zuma will underscore Africa’s Agenda 2063, the continent’s development framework’s link to the global agenda. “The Post-2015 Development Agenda is intrinsically linked to Agenda 2063, the African 50-year vision. One cannot be attained without the other. Successful implementation of Agenda 2063 will give impetus for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.” Dr Dlamini Zuma said prior to her arrival in New York.

The AU Commission has been actively engaged in the negotiations leading to the design of the new Post-2015 Development Agenda and securing a Common African Position on the issue. During her address, Dr. Dlamini Zuma will underline priority projects in the first ten year implementation plan of Agenda 2063, which priorities include reduction of poverty, overcoming gender-based barriers to women and girls’, education and economic revolution in Africa, sustainable consumption and production as well as climate change.

The AUC’s delegation will partake in a number of side events organized by the AU Commission and Partners, such as Heads of State and Government Dialogue on the Africa Urban Agenda; UN Women-led session on “Transforming Economies: Empowering Women and Girls”; discussions on Maritime Security and Safety in the Implementation of the post-2015 Development Agenda; Open-ended Ministerial Committee on the International Criminal Court and an Africa-Japan meeting on 2016 TICAD.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma will also attend a number of bilateral meetings with various partners of the AU to exchange views and perspectives on current continental and global issues of critical importance.

Apart from commemorating the 70th anniversary of the UN, member states will listen to an address by His Holiness Pope Francis. It will also be the first time that world leaders commit to common actions and undertakings on such a universal policy agenda.

Media Queries contact:

Esther Azaa Tankou, Head of Information, Directorate of Information and Communication, African Union Commission Tel: +1 646 546 7776 E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org

Bushy Sekhu, Communications Officer, Bureau of the Chairperson, African Union Commission; +251 926 773 226 or +27 84 245 1574; E-mail: SekhuB@africa-union.org AND sekhub@gmail.com

Jacob Enoh Eben, Spokesperson of the Chairperson, African Union Commission; +1 202 751 8517 E-mail EnohebenJ@africa-union.org

Directorate of Information and Communication

Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

Event

Africa is urbanizing very fast, though it is the least urbanised… it must get

25 September 2015

New York, USA – 24 September 2015: “The AU has prioritized the development of an African Charter on Urban Development and Human Settlements to lay down key principles and minimum standards towards facilitating sustainable urbanization and human settlements development.” The African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, said during the Presidential Dialogue on the African Urban Agenda, on 24 September 2015, on the margins of the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The AUC Chairperson noted that it is projected that, by 2025, the total number of African cities with over a million people would have reached 64, overtaking the US, Europe and India in the next fifteen years. Africa is urbanizing very fast, though it is the least urbanised.

Citing the Goal 11 of the proposed Sustainable Development Goal, the AUC Chairperson said we all must commit to make cities and human settlements inclusive, resilient, safe and sustainable.

Given the rate of urbanisation in Africa, Dr. Dlaimini Zuma said the nexus between urbanization, industrialization, social transformation and economic development must be tackled together. She also emphasized the need for education and training of urban planners and engineers to meet contemporary African needs, as well as the use of latest and appropriate technology.

Also speaking at the luncheon, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Goal 11 “places a high priority on the role of efficient urbanization as a tool for development.” He added that a profound change is required.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon added that, “the UN Conference for Housing and Sustainable Urban Development – Habitat III – which will take place in Quito, in Ecuador, next year in October 2016, is an extraordinary opportunity to help shape the Urbanization in Africa.”

Also speaking at the Presidential Dialogue was the new President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Dr. Adesina Akinwumi who challenged Africa to get rid of slums on the continent.

/JEE

Directorate of Information and Communication

Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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AU Commission Chairperson offers condolences to Hajj stampede victims

25 September 2015

Press Release

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 25 September 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, on behalf of the Commission and its staff, the Union and the rest of the continent, expressed her grief on the passing of over 700 people in a stampede near the holy city of Mecca, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Thursday 24th September 2015.

“The continent of Africa collectively joins me in praying for the souls of those who perished in this tragic accident during the holy pilgrimage. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families. We hope that their hearts find solace in this holy period. We also pray for the speedy recovery for all those injured,” said Dr. Dlamini Zuma after learning of unfortunate accident.

The stampede occurred on a street in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday 24 September 2015, where approximately two million Muslims were performing the annual hajj pilgrim, one of the pillars of the Muslim faith.

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AU Commission, UNECA Heads to officially welcome new AfDB President in Addis Aba

25 September 2015

New York, USA – 24 September 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Dr. Carlos Lopes will officially welcome the new President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Adesina Akinwumi, to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, headquarters of both the AUC and the UNECA. Dr. Dlamini Zuma and Carlos Lopes told the new AfDB President when the three met in New York, USA, on 24 September 2015, in the margins of the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly meeting.

Meeting for the first time since the new AfDB President assumed his functions on 1 September 2015, the three heads of Africa’s premier institutions took the opportunity to discuss energy, agriculture and migration as some of the strategic areas of focus that would help to overcome some of Africa’s current challenges, in order to leapfrog its transformation.

The AfDB President said the bank was going to increase its investment in the energy sector, and fast-track energy reforms. He called on other sectors to equally do the same. The scaling up focus and investment in energy, as well as the coordination was greatly appreciated.

“We will count on your wisdom on many issues, especially having an equitable distribution of wealth in society. Your experience in agriculture in Nigeria made a very big difference,” Dr. Dlamini Zuma said. She added that the issues of agriculture and energy are two issues critical for women, as well as to poverty alleviation.

Over the past 20 years, the three institutions have operated a joint secretariat to facilitate their strategic efforts aimed at strengthening continental development initiatives and efforts. They noted that these have been 20 years of accomplishments, but also of challenges.

The three were meeting for the first time since the new President took office on 1 September 2015. That was just before the AU Commission Chairperson and the ECA Executive Secretary had travelled to Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire on 28 August 2015, to officially bid farewell to Donald Kaberuka.

They agreed to produce great things, given that the three institutions were created to do big things. Hence, apart from energy and agriculture, these African institutions will step its collaborative effort to stem the times of African migrants leaving the continent in search of better economic and socio-political opportunities.

/JEE

Directorate of Information and Communication

Addis Ababa | Ethiopia