PRESS RELEASE N0.36 /21 AU SUMMIT

Former AUC Commission’s Chairperson Dr Jean Ping Awarded Medal for Distinguished Achievements

Addis Ababa, 26th May 2013: During the OAU/AU 50th anniversary celebrations the Former AUC Chairperson Dr Jean Ping was awarded a medal and certificate of appreciation in recognition of his distinguished achievements and excellent contribution to the African Union.

The African Union had an opportunity to acknowledge his selfless service to the African Continent at its 21st summit which was held in Addis Ababa from 19-27 May. Like all the leaders of the African continent, during his term of office, Dr Ping had a responsibility to realize the dream set out by the continent's forefathers of independence years ago, that of a politically and economically united continent .

Dr. Ping believes that the “AU vision is one of a common future, that will ensure the economic well-being, improvement in the quality of life, freedoms, social justice and peace and security for the people of African continent," and “Unity in Africa has a deep historical resonance and It was the goal of the Fathers of independence and has remained the basic aspiration of African citizens across the continent.

Dr .Jean Ping was born on the 24 November 1942 in Omboue (Etimbwe), Gabon. He has PhD in Economic Science from the University of Paris and he holds two honorary doctorates from the Insitute of Diplomacy in China. Dr Ping s worked at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1972, before becoming Gabon’s Ambassador to the institution from 1978 to 1984. He moved on to President Omar Bongo’s cabinet, jumping from one ministerial office to another, with stints at Information, Finance, Mines, and Foreign Affairs, before settling at the latter post in 1999. He was one of President Bongo’s closest and longest-serving ministers and is considered one of the most powerful figures in Gabon. He has also accompanied President Bongo in his mediation efforts to São Tomé, Chad, Central African Republic, and Congo-Kinshasa. He was elected as African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson at an African Union (AU) summit in, Addis Ababa Ethiopia on 1 February 2008 up to 2012