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Introductory Remarks of the Chairperson of the Commission at Donors' Conference on Mali, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 29 January 2013

Discours de la République Fédérale du Nigéria à la Conférence des donateurs pour le Mali

Statement by the Federal Republic of Nigeria at tha Donors' Conference on Mali, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 29 January 2013

Discours du Secrétaire d'Etat chargé des Affaires Etragères du Japon, Masaji Matsuyama, a l'occasion de la Conférence des donateurs sur la Mission internationale de soutien au Mali sous conduite africaine (AFISMA)

Statement by Parliamentay Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan at the Donors' Conference on Mali, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 29 January 2013

STATEMENT

BY

H.E MRS. RHODA PEACE TUMUSIIME
THE COMMISIONER FOR RURAL ECONOMY AND AGRICULTURE
AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION

AT THE
HIGH LEVEL PANEL MEETING ON THE POST 2015 DEVELOPMENT AGENDA

MONROVIA, LIBERIA
30 JANUARY-1st FEBURARY 2013

Your Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of the Republic of Liberia, Goodwill Ambassador for Water and Sanitation in Africa and Co-Chair of the UN Secretary General of the High-Level Panel on Post-2015 Development Agenda

Hon S. K. Woods, Minister of Public Works of Liberia
Hon Sarah Reng Ochekpe, Minister of Water Resources of the Federal Republic of Nigeria/Vice President of the African Ministerial Council on Water (AMCOW) for West Africa Region, representing the AMCOW President)
Mr Girish Menon, Director of International Programmes and Deputy Chief Executive, Water Aid
Mrs Kitty van der Heijden, Director of Environment, Climate, Water and Energy, Netherlands
Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen

Let me first of all, on behalf of the Chairperson of African Union Commission, Her Excellency Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini–Zuma, welcome you all to this important meeting of the High Level Panel (HLP) on the post 2015 development agenda. She has asked me to convey to you her warm greetings and best wishes and also to register her sincere regrets for her inability to come in person owing to other official exigencies. The Chairperson and indeed the African Union as a whole highly values this process.

At the out-set, I wish to thank the Government and the People of Republic of Liberia, our host, and, of course, the Liberia Secretariat for HLP for the hospitality and courtesy extended to the delegation of the African Union Commission since our arrival in this friendly and beautiful city of Monrovia. Your Excellency we recognize and applaud your leadership and commitment to development in Liberia in particular and in Africa as a whole.

The AU salutes the initiatives taken by the UN Secretary General in taking forward the charting of the global development agenda beyond 2015, by: establishing the UN System Task Team, launching the High-level Panel of Eminent Persons and appointing a Special Advisor.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

As you are aware, with only three years remaining until the 2015 target date for reaching the Millennium Development Goals, Africa’s progress towards the various targets of the MDGs continues to be mixed. It is gratifying to note that significant advances have been made in some indicators such as net primary enrollment, gender parity in primary education, representation of women in decision making, immunization coverage, stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS and water supply. We are, however, concerned with the quality of education as well as the pace of progress towards health-related MDG targets such as child and maternal mortality and access to sanitation. Reducing inequity in access to basic social services also remains a critical challenge for Africa. These inequities explain, in large measure, the continent’s slow progress in attaining the health MDGs.

The time span left until 2015 for the African continent to achieve the MDGs is fast approaching and there is still no clarity within the development community about the fate of the MDGs post 2015. Africa would like to see the goals and indicators substantially revised to reflect changing development priorities and performance on the MDGs by a number of developed and developing countries.
The AU wishes to emphasize that in order for Africa to reap the rewards of its increasing population and impressive economic growth, its post MDGs agenda must prioritize:

- building skills for tomorrow's job market
- fostering efficiency and accountability in services
- building social and financial systems for inclusive growth
- mobilization of domestic resources
- rural development
- bringing together the social, environmental and economic dimensions of sustainable development

As you are all aware, the MDG 1 focused on poverty and hunger. Although many countries are not on track to meet these targets, discussions and evidence has shown that even if these targets were met, they were less ambitious. The challenge was contained in the fact that they were lumped and lacked disaggregation to ascertain concreteness. The African Union is now advancing discussions on detailed and concrete commitments to advancing agricultural productivity and growth as an instrument and catalyst elimination of hunger and poverty. The ongoing process of developing and agricultural transformation index will be used an input to this dialogue. This work will build from the progress in advancing the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Development Program (CAADP) and the focus of raising household incomes as well as food and nutrition security.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

As the international development community evaluates the contribution of MDGs and begins to define a post- 2015 global development framework, Africa has already embarked on the process to articulate its common position. Accordingly, with the mandate given by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the African Union Commission and its specialised technical body, the African Ministerial Council on Water (AMCOW), in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the United Nations Development Programme-Regional Bureau for Africa (UNDP-RBA), is in advanced stages of consulting with AU Member States on the post-2015 development agenda.

Some of the issues that were identified as critical enablers of development during our consultation were institutional capacity development, domestic resource mobilization, participation and ownership at the community, national and global level, social inclusiveness and equality, governance and leadership, peace and security, regional integration and trade, infrastructure development and global cooperation and development.

In addition to the enablers, we reached a consensus that the post-2015 development agenda be led by economic growth, and assessed by indicators of performance in the area of economic transformation, education, technology and human development.

The four collaborating organizations jointly published the 2012 Report on Assessing Progress in Africa toward the Millennium Development Goals which brings out the outcomes of our consultations as a Thematic Focus. The report was presented at the joint AU/UNECA Conference of Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in March 2012 and consequently to the 19th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in July 2012.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government mandated the African Union Commission, in close consultation with Member States and Regional Economic Communities to identify Africa’s priorities for the post 2015 development agenda in order to consider making 2015-2024 a decade of transformation for Africa with the support of the AfDB, the UNDP, the ECA and all other stakeholders.

The Africa process, that provides for regional and continental engagement, has ensured broad participation and contribution of all stakeholders in identifying Africa’s priorities for the post-2015 development agenda.

The Africa process is also taking full advantage of the opportunity of other forums such as the 5thAfrican Private Sector Forum, the Regional Coordination Mechanism (RCM) and the Committee of Directors General of Statistics meeting that were held in November 2012. to consult the private sector and statisticians on the post 2015 development agenda.

The outcome of the consultations will culminate in an African common position to be presented at the 6th Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in March 2013 and subsequently to be considered and adopted at the 21st Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in May 2013. The African Union will be presenting the common position to inform the discussion during the 68th United Nations General Assembly in September 2013.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

As I conclude, let me reaffirm Africa’s commitment to our collective efforts to identify the key priority areas that need focus in this regard. The African Union considers this as one of its key undertakings in the context of marking the 50th Anniversary of the Organization of African Unity/African Union scheduled to be commemorated in May 2013. The celebrations will provide the opportunity to look at Africa’s achievements registered and challenges faced in the last 50 years, where the continent is currently, where it should be in 50 years’ time, and what it will take to get there. This will certainly be a good opportunity for all stake holders to reflect on Africa’s priorities on the post 2015 development agenda.

Finally, I look forward to fruitful deliberations. I thank you.

Statement by H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma,Chairperson of the AU Commission,

at the Tenth AU-RECs-ECA-AfDB Coordination Committee Meeting

23 January 2013, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Your Excellencies, Chief Executives of Regional Economic Communities,
Your Excellency, Executive Secretary of UNECA,
Your Excellency President of the African Development Bank,
Your Excellencies Commissioners,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an honour and privilege to welcome you to Addis Ababa - and this being my first time to attend this important meeting - I wish to thank you for the work in support of our collaboration.

This forum provides an opportunity to examine the progress so far achieved, discuss the key challenges facing the integration of our continent and share some thoughts on moving the process forward.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
Since we are about our core agenda of integration and development as continental institutions. We must address the central question of the Abuja Treaty: how “to increase African self-reliance and promote an endogenous and self-sustained development.” This is very true even today, to develop an endogenous and self-sustained development, because we have seen how many models of growth globally has come apart, so it is important that we find our own models of development.

We must help give direction as to how to move more swiftly to ensure that Africa becomes prosperous, integrated, peaceful and indeed a global growth-pole over the next few decades. This means that we cannot anymore be satisfied with small, incremental improvements, but we have to think and act bolder.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is an opportune moment, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the OAU/AU. This is an opportune moment to look at our achievements, to learn from the past, what we we could have done better. As the three organisations we have complementary mandates and therefore define our common agenda for the next fifty years. The RECs as building blocks for integration and development are critical in this process.
Given the scale and scope of global changes, it is therefore important that Africa reenergizes our momentum for integration and development, guided by its leadership in order to claim its renaissance in a very competitive, insecure and unequal world that we see today.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In this context, I am pleased to inform you that on 11 and 12 January this year, I had the honour and privilege of holding extensive discussions, with Dr. Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary, UNECA, and Dr. Donald Kaberuka, President of the AfDB on a range of topical issues.
Among other things, we reiterated the need to coordinate our activities in setting the agenda to support Africa’s socio-economic transformation as we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU in May this year. We affirmed the spirit of Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance, which inspired the political revolution of the continent in the last 50 years, and is now critical for realization of Africa’s socio-economic transformation.
We also reflected on the key challenges, opportunities and priorities facing Africa going forward, drawing on the past 50 years. We noted that Africa’s economic growth and development challenges require the need to focus on equity, inclusiveness, the preservation of natural capital and creation of decent jobs, especially for the youth and women. To support the vision of Africa’s leaders to transform the continent over the next 50 years, we re-affirmed the commitment by the three (3) Pan-African institutions to collaborate closely with RECs and other partners to foster the agenda of an integrated and prosperous continent with a view to realize Africa’s renaissance.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me at this juncture, set out and suggest the context or framework, within which we need to approach our important relationship, as we gather here today.
In my view, the framework has two important elements. One should be a frank acknowledgment of the many challenges we continue to face in fostering our integration agendas, and those that may arise, moving forward. Second, is the obvious need for a stronger commitment to manage these challenges in a straight-forward and constructive way, with the eye for the longer-term.
We also need to continue to deal with, as a matter of priority, issues related to global public goods including climate change, peace and security as well pressing challenges regarding youth and women unemployment. The way forward is to keep urging the leaders of our Member States on the need to accelerate the implementation of agreed decisions and actions.
Outside the provisions of our Protocol requesting us to formally meet twice a year, I think that the emergencies generated by our changing environment force upon us the need to often meet to agree and have common positions on specific agendas before meeting the external world and our partners. I would like also take this opportunity to invite you to fully participate in the elaboration of o the next AU Strategic Plan which is ongoing preparation.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am aware that a number of RECs represented here at this meeting have made substantial progress in a range of areas, but a great deal of work remains to be done. Among others, shortcomings in the removal of unnecessary barriers for movement of goods, services and labour, have root of the challenges. As a matter of priority, we need to tackle these surmountable challenges head-on, to realize of our dream for a united and deeply integrated continent.
May I recall that the central pillar of Africa’s integration process should be anchored on her people. Ordinary citizens should enjoy the benefits associated with regional integration, and in this connection, free movement of our citizens should be made a reality. Therefore, a central challenge of our everyday work should be to set favourable conditions that allow the skills and capabilities of our labour force, especially, the youth and women, to be fully exploited.
Excellences, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
On a more optimistic note I must emphasize that, among other positive developments, the establishment and continued strengthening of the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area should give us a large of confidence, on what can be achieved, when we agree to synergize our limited resources and rich experiences. In this vein, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage other RECs represented here, to learn and emulate the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite FTA initiative that I just alluded to.
In conclusion, I wish to once again to applaud you for the tireless effort you continue to extend to the AU Commission, and the important relationship all of us have developed and nurtured over the years, in support of our integration agenda.
I have no doubt that there are many opportunities that can be seized which will enable us to reap the benefits of continental integration and sustainable economic prosperity for our people.
I encourage the members of the media present to interact and get information from the RECs.
I thank you for your kind attention.