Events
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August 28, 2015African Union Visits Brazil to Exchange Experiences in Home-Grown School FeedingBRAZIL TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCES IN HOME-GROWN SCHOOL FEEDING
rasilia, Brazil, 28 August 2015: H.E. Dr Martial De Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology led a high level delegation of the African Union to visit Brazil from 22-30 August, to learn from the highly successful Brazilian experience in ensuring that every child goes to school through a robust school feeding programme. They were well received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministers of Agriculture, Education and Social Development, who all collaborate in this multi-sectoral programme.The high level delegation included the Minister for Education of Niger; Minister for Agriculture of Zimbabwe, State Minister for the North Region of Ghana, Ambassador of Cameroon in Brazil representing the Cameroon Minister for Basic Education; and senior officials representing Ministers from Malawi and Kenya. SADC was also represented, as well as the department for Rural Economy and Agriculture. The study visit was organised by the WFP Centre of Excellence against Hunger, the WFP offices to the African Union, and to Niger. Many African countries already have school feeding programmes supported by the governments and the World Food Programme, however much still needs to be done.
Africa has made great efforts in increasing enrolment rates in the education system. However, there are still millions of children out of school and millions other who go to school but are unable to learn. Too many children are too hungry to learn, and too undernourished to achieve optimal cognitive, psychomotor and affective development necessary for success in education. School feeding programmes have enabled millions of children to stay in school remain in school and achieve success. What is more, Home Grown School Feeding programmes contribute significantly to rural development by making small scale farming attractive in generating income, introducing new employment opportunity and profitable occupation for youth, with the potential for building entrepreneurship and innovation among poor communities.
Brazil has been able to lift 50 million families out of absolute poverty through the Home Grown School Feeding programme that has provided a social safety net and enhanced social and economic inclusion.
The Brazilian experience will help enhance existing programmes and help to promote greater government investment, given the clearly demonstrated multiple social and economic benefits of Home Grown School Feeding. According to Commissioner Ikounga, this will make a significant contribution to achieving Agenda 2063 through higher education achievement, enhanced health and nutrition, and new livelihoods and income generation for boosting rural economies through improved productivity and employment opportunities for youth and women in poorer communities.
The Commissioner will establish an inter-departmental committee to develop a feasibility study towards a continental framework for eradicating hunger among school children. The Framework will take into account AU strategy for Education which seeks to promote holistic inclusive quality education for all; and the Science technology and Innovation Strategy and CAADP both of which have eradication of hunger among their priorities. In this endeavor, the Commission will establish technical partnership with the Brazilian Centre for Excellence for Eradicating Hunger, the World Food Programme, the government of Brazil, Regional Economic Communities and other key agencies. This concept will be presented to the next STC on Education, Science and technology; the STC on Agriculture; and to the January 2016 Summit.
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August 25, 2015 to November 30, 2015African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards 2015 Edition
Addis Ababa, 21 January 2014- The African Union Commission (AUC) awarded prices to two female top African scientists: Prof. Merzouk Hafida from Algeria representing the North region and Prof.
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August 11, 2015 to August 12, 2015African Union Celebrations of International Youth Day
AUC Chairperson Challenges the African Youth to be more innovative as the world celebrates the International Youth Day
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 14th August 2015: African Union Commission joined the rest of the world on the 12th of August in commemorating the International Youth Day (IYD) under the theme “Youth Civic Engagement.” The event brought under one roof, the Chairperson of the Commission, H.E Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the Commissioner for Human Resource, Science and Technology, H.E Dr Martial De Paul Ikounga, the Commissioner for political Affairs, H.E Dr Aisha Laraba Abdullahi and African youth from all circles.
The interaction was a window of opportunity for the youth to express their views and to point out the several issues that hinder their full participation and civic engagement hence subsequently, the youth empowerment the continent. They identified different challenges such as the access to the adequate knowledge, corruption, and political instability, discrimination against women, illegal immigration and youth unemployment.
One of the main issues raised was the education reform in Africa. H.E Dr Dlamini Zuma underscored the necessity of a radical restructuring of the educational system across the continent. Education was highlighted as a precondition for the structural transformation of African economies and to stop exporting jobs out of the continent, while the majority of African Youth are facing the effects of unemployment.
The AUC Chairperson invited the African countries and the international community to pay more attention on tertiary education which was neglected in the Millennium Development Goals in the past. She reiterated the crucial role of the youth in the promotion of African Union activities and the Pan Africanism. In that regard, she urged the youth to create African Union Clubs in schools and universities.
On youth unemployment which proved to be the biggest challenge amongst the youth in the continent, Dr Dlamini Zuma agreed that as much as efforts are being put in place to curb this issue, it is still not enough and called on youth to be more innovative at the same time urged governments and private sectors of all the countries in Africa to create job opportunities. “Young people are leaving their countries out of desperation not out of choice because of lack of jobs in their own home. This must change and it begins at individual country levels.” Dr. Dlamini Zuma emphasized.
The Commissioner for Political Affairs, H.E Dr Aisha Laraba Abdullahi, reiterated the same and called upon the youth to stay in their countries and contribute in the development of the continent. Dr Aisha also called on the youth to get more involved in the electoral processes and other democratic activities in their countries.
The Commissioner for Human Resource, Science and Technology, H.E Dr Martial De Paul Ikounga, recognized the involvement and participation of youth as essential to achieve sustainable human development and urged the youth to stop waiting for jobs from leaders only but instead go out of their way and become innovators and also take the prime role in creating employment opportunities.
The AU Commission Chairperson also took advantage of the discussions to highlight the crucial role that the African youth will play in the implementation process of the Agenda 2063. The African youth should, therefore, own the vision, take part in popularization of this important development framework and be at the forefront for its implementation.
She highlighted some Agenda 2063 flagship projects such as the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA), the establishment of an African Passport, the African commodities strategies, among others, aimed at improving the livelihoods on the Continent. However, the vision requires critical factors including the creation of space for young people, the management of the diversity in African countries, the spirit of creativity and innovation as well as a paradigm shift to become a reality.
International Youth Day was created by the United Nations and first celebrated in 1998. The event is now marked on 12 August each year; the day aims to celebrate the contribution youths make to society. It will also be worth noting that asides from the global Youth Day, the African continent commemorates the African Youth Day annually on 1st of November.
YA/JL/AMT
For further information contact:
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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June 29, 2015The auc and AIMS sign agreement to strengthen the teaching and learning of Science, Technology, Engineering and...
Press Release Nº150/2015
The auc and AIMS sign agreement to strengthen the teaching and learning of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) IN Africa
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 29 June – The African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening the teaching and learning of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) on the African continent. The signing took place at the headquarters of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the AUC Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST), Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga underlined the importance of science, technology and innovation in the quest for Africa’s rapid development. He recalled the AU Summit decision establishing a committee of ten Heads of State and Government to champion the cause of education, science and technology in Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, from in June 2015.
Description: Description: cid:7582E298-4647-4AB7-A6AD-3BD16C6B04ABThe AUC-AIMS MoU would serve as a critical tool for the implementation of the ten-year Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024), adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in June 2014. Among the areas of collaboration are strengthening linkages between STEM education and research with Industry; and working together on the Next Einstein Forum (NEF). NEF is an initiative that is intended to provide a platform to foster a strong African scientific community as an influential member of the global scientific community, through strengthened tripartite engagement between the scientific and higher education community; the industrial and corporate sector, and high level policy makers. This initiative will celebrate African science and scientists, while building global competitiveness. It is expected that through the NEF, there will be enhanced contribution of Africa’s youth to scientific entrepreneurship, innovation and inventiveness, including creation of next ‘Einstein’ level of emerging scientists. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are powerful forces for the achievement of progress in the global economy. For Africa to fully benefit from these forces to address continental challenges and opportunities, it must build a strong indigenous capacity in these disciplines.
Description: Description: cid:15F6873C-E573-4FC4-A95D-E63EE1BF1C50This signing comes as the African Union Commission takes steps to achieve Agenda 2063 – the vision of Africa by Africans for the next 50 years. This collaboration envisaged between AIMS and the AUC will therefore empower young Africans to excel in science, technology and innovation, thereby contributing towards the achievement of the goals of Agenda 2063. Popularly themed ‘The Africa We Want’, the African Union Agenda 2063 encapsulates the voice of Africa’s people and their aspirations for the next 50 years. It emphasizes inclusive prosperity, integration, community participation, good governance and peace as well as investment in Africa’s youth and women.
The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a pan-African network of centres of excellence for postgraduate education, research and outreach in mathematical sciences.
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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June 26, 2015CAPACITY BUILDING TRAINING ON YOUTH MAINSTREAMING
PRESS RELEASE
CAPACITY BUILDING TRAINING ON YOUTH MAINSTREAMING
Addis Ababa Ethiopia, 24 June 2015: The Human Resource, Science and Technology Department (HRST) of the African Union Commission (AUC) conducted a capacity building training for staff on Youth Mainstreaming. The training, targets African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AUYVCs) and youth focal persons in all departments within the commission.
The capacity building comes in light of the importance of Youth Mainstreaming as stipulated in the AUC policy frameworks. Mainstreaming Women and Youth in all AUC and continent wide activities is identified in the African Union Strategic Plan 2014 – 2017 as the fifth of the eight priority areas. Similarly, under aspiration six of agenda 2063, “all forms of systemic inequalities, exploitation, marginalization and discrimination of young people will be eliminated and youth issues mainstreamed in all development agenda.”
The training also forms part of the regular capacity building of the African Union Youth Volunteer Corps. Participants were taken through the available tools and resources that ensure youth are mainstreamed in a development agenda. From the training, it is hoped that participants, as youth focal persons, will ensure youth are reflected in policy and project stages in various sectors and also that there are specific projects addressing youth and that youth are involved at all stages.
In her opening statement HRST, Youth division acting Head, Dr Beatrice Njenga, mentioned that the mainstreaming is guided by the policy frameworks of the AUC. Furthermore she spoke of how the African Union Youth Volunteer Corps has been in existence for the past five years and the need to continuously improve the program with the help of the youth.
Commissioner of HRST, H.E Dr Martial De-Paul Ikounga, stressed the need to create enabling environments for the Africa Union Youth volunteers in the organisations where they are deployed which includes accepting ideas from them and helping them gain new skills. In addition, he announced that he commits to further engage with youth on this and related issues on his twitter handle @MDPIkounga under the hashtag #AskTheCommissioner
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June 25, 2015Inauguration of the Pan African University (PAU) Council
The Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology inaugurates the Pan African University Council
Addis Ababa: 25 June 2015: The Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology, H.E Dr. Martial De Paul Ikounga, has officially inaugurated the Pan African University (PAU) governing Council, on behalf of the Chairperson of the Commission, H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
In his inaugural speech, Commissioner Ikounga underscored the African Union’s commitment to the development of the education sector, which is exemplified among other things by the formation of a Heads of State Committee on education, Science and Technology at the last Summit. He said the PAU is central to the Commission’s agenda for the advancement of education and represents the hope of young people in the continent. With a Council in place, he continued, there is cause for optimism that the PAU project will succeed. Commissioner Ikounga thanked PAU partners, host countries, host universities and institutes for their support and commitment to the project.
It could be recalled that the January 2015 Summit of the African Union had elected Professor Tolly S. Mbwette of Tanzania and Professor Paulo de Carvalho of Angola as President and Vice President of the PAU Council respectively, and directed the AUCommission to proceed and constitute the broader membership of the Council.The Council is a provision of the PAU Statute, which was adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in 2010. It is the highest governing body of the University, with a membership of 28 officials drawn from a broad spectrum of stakeholders. These include representatives of the AU Commission, Member States, Regional Economic Communities, the Pan African University Rectorate, staff, students, host universities, partners, academia, the private sector, the African diaspora and civil society.For further information and media contact:
Mr. Adiatou Fatty,
Pan African University
Department of Human Resources, Science and Technology
FattyA@africa-union.org; Tel: 0912661953Mr. Molalet Tsedeke,
Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC
molalett@africa-union.org; Tel: 0911630631 -
June 23, 2015Press Conference on the upcoming inauguration of the Pan African University (PAU) CouncilINVITATION TO MEDIA
What: Press Conference on the upcoming inauguration of the Pan African University (PAU) Council
When: Tuesday, 23 June 2015 at 2:30pm
Where: Media Briefing Room 1, AUC Conference Center
Who: H.E Dr. Martial De Paul Ikounga, the Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology
Why: To share vital information on the role of the PAU Council, and on the implementation of the Pan African University as an AU flagship.
Background
The January 2015 Summit of the African Union elected the President and Vice President of the PAU Council, and directed the AUC to constitute the broader membership of the Council. The inaugural meeting of the PAU Council will be held on Thursday, 25 June 2015, at the AU Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, H.E Erastus Mwencha, will deliver the inaugural address on behalf of the Chairperson.
ThePAU governing Council is a provision of the PAU Statute, which was adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in 2010.It is the highest governing body of the University, with a membership of 28 officials drawn from a broad spectrum of stakeholders. These include representatives of the AU Commission, Member States, Regional Economic Communities, the University Rectorate, staff, students, host universities, partners, academia, the private sector, the African diaspora and civil society.
The PAU governing Council has the primary duty of issuing all PAU rules and regulations, as well as approving the University’s strategic and operational plans, agreements, programs and budgets.The Council is also mandated toperform important oversight roles on academic activities, university management and administration, in addition to representing and furthering the general interests of the University.
The Pan African University project is the culmination of the efforts of the African Union to contribute to the revitalization of higher education and research in Africa, by nurturing quality and exemplifying excellence. The strategic objective of the PAU is the development of institutions of excellence in key areas of Science, Technology, Innovation, Humanities, Social Sciences and Governance, which would constitute the bedrock of an African pool of world-class higher education and research. This would usher in a new generation of African leaders with capacity to optimally harness available human and material resources towards a peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa.For further information and media contact:
Mr. Adiatou Fatty,
Pan African University
Department of Human Resources, Science and Technology
FattyA@africa-union.org; Tel: 0912661953Mr. Molalet Tsedeke,
Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC
molalett@africa-union.org; Tel: 0911630631 -
June 22, 2015DEPARTMENT FOR HUMAN RESSOURCES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ONTINENTAL STRATEGY OF EDUCATION 2015-2025 ,22-26 June 2015
DEPARTMENT FOR HUMAN RESSOURCES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ONTINENTAL STRATEGY OF EDUCATION 2015-2025 ,22-26 June 2015
PRESS RELEASE
On 22nd June 2015, Commissioner for Human Resources Science and Technology, HE. Dr. Martial de Paul Ikounga opened the workshop for developing the Education Strategy for Africa 2016-2025. This follows on from the Plan of Action for the Second Decade of Education for Africa, which comes to an end this year 2015. The new Strategy takes advantage of the global discussions on post 2015 development and takes Agenda 2063 as the over-arching vision. It also comes at a time when the status of education has received a boost at the highest political level of the African Union, whereby the June Summit established a team of Ten Heads of State and Government as Champions for Education in Africa. The workshop involves experts from Member States, RECs and partner agencies, African Union Commission and NEPAD agency.
Description: Description: C:\Users\wonge_000\Documents\Bluetooth Folder\20150622110450_IMG_3431.JPGIn his keynote presentation, the Commissioner provided the conceptual framework for the new strategy. He insisted on the need for a paradigm shift in education systems, in order to enable the empowerment of African youth including young girls with the appropriate competencies to become responsible citizens capable of problem-solving and innovation. Some of the issues that should be considered in the strategy, he said, include relevance and quality of pedagogies, teaching and learning environments and school infrastructure, responsive to a pragmatic and inclusive definition of education.
Commissioner urged the experts to freely explore options for ensuring that the new strategy will be user-friendly and most especially take into account that education is open, accessible to all girls and boys regardless of their circumstances. No one should be denied access to quality education because of factors such as poverty, gender, ethnicity, culture, religion or disability.
The new strategy will require pedagogic discipline and curriculum development and delivery mechanisms that respond to the aspirations expressed in Agenda 2063. The current workshop will produce Draft Zero of the strategy which will be circulated to member states, recs and education agencies for input, to produce draft 1. Draft 1 will be subjected to a Validation Workshop in September before presentation to the Specialised Technical Committee on Education, Science and technology in October , and finally to the January 2016 Summit of Heads of State and Government. The strategy will be the basis for designing and implementing programs at the continental, regional and national levels.
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May 20, 2015E-Learning Africa conference, Addia Ababa, Ethiopia -
May 12, 2015Joint Press Conference by the African Union Commission and The Ethiopian Ministry of Communication and Information...JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION AND THE ETHIOPIAN MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYON THE 10TH EDITION OF THE eLEARNING AFRICA CONFERENCE
Addis Ababa, 12 May 2015: In the countdown to the 10th edition of the eLearning Africa Conference scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa from May 20 – 22 2015, the African Union Commission and the Ethiopian Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) have convened a joint press conference to brief local and international media about the level of preparations for the event. The press conference, which took place at the MCIT main office in Addis Ababa, was also meant to highlight the significance of the eLearning Africa conference and how it contributes to the development of ICTs and ICT education in Africa.
The AUC Commissioner for Human Resources Science and Technology H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, was represented at the press conference by the Acting Director of HRST Dr. Mahama Ouedraogo. Dr. Ouedraogo told the gathering of Ethiopian government officials and journalists that the AUC is proud to co-host the 10th edition of the eLearning Africa Conference, which is a vital avenue to promote the development of ICTs in Africa. He noted that being the largest gathering on ICT in the continent, the Conference will facilitate networking, debate and idea sharing among ICT professionals, and deliberate on the future of ICT in Africa. He extended appreciation to the Ethiopian government and ICWE for collaborating with the Commission in organizing this year’s edition, and pledged the Commission’s technical preparedness to host the grand event at its headquarters. Dr. Ouedraogo underscored the AUC’s mandate to foster Africa’s skills revolution including in ICT education, particularly within the context of Agenda 2063.The State Minister at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology of Ethiopia, His Excellency Mr. Getachew Negash said his ministry is excited to host the eLearning Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, alongside the African Union Commission and ICWE. He described the Conference as Africa’s largest and most comprehensive capacity development event for the integration of ICT education and training, with particular focus on seeking ways to use ICT in enhancing knowledge, skills and expertise relevant to the future. Mr. Getachew, said as the host country, Ethiopia is undertaking all necessary preparations for the successful conduct of the event, and cited the ongoing joint and collaborative efforts by his Ministry and the AUC in planning for the Conference.
eLearning Africa is the continent’s largest and most influential conference on technology-assisted learning and training. Every year, it brings together over 1,500 people from nearly 100 countries, providing a unique forum for dialogue, networking and the exchange of ideas. The Conference also hosts a high-level ministerial roundtable, which provides an opportunity for African education and ICT Ministers to meet leading global experts and discuss new opportunities and initiatives in the field of technology and learning.
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Interview requests should be addressed to the following contacts:Adiatou Fatty, PAU Communication Officer, Department of Human Resources, Science and Technology, Tel: +251912661953, E-mail: fattya@africa-union.org
Esther Azaa Tankou | Head of Information Division| Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission | Tel: +251911361185 | E-mail: Yamboue@africa-union.org
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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April 30, 2015Dr. Martial De-Paul IKOUNGA, Commissioner for HRST received in N’Djamena by H.E. Mr. Idriss DEBY ITNO, President of the...Dr. Martial De-Paul IKOUNGA, Commissioner for HRST received in N’Djamena by H.E. Mr. Idriss DEBY ITNO, President of the Republic of Chad within the framework of the creation of the African Centre for Information Technology (ACIT)
N’djamena, Chad 30th April 2015: H.E. Mr. Idriss DEBY ITNO, President of the Republic of Chad, granted an audience to Dr. Martial De-Paul IKOUNGA, African Union Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology, in the presence of the Minister of Communication, close collaborators of the Head of State and the Ambassador of Chad to the Federal and Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Ahmat Awade Sakine. The Commissioner reported to the Head of State on the outcome of the work he had with Chadians authorities on ACIT project.
In prelude to this audience with President DEBY, Commissioner IKOUNGA who conducted a delegation from the African Union in N’Djamena from 28 to 30 April 2015 was received by Mr. Hassane Sylla Bakari, Minister of Communication of the Republic of Chad, Government spokesperson, who is in charge of CATI dossier on the Chadian side.
The purpose of this working visit was the implementation of Decision Assembly/AU/Dec. 558(XXIV) of January 2015 requesting the Commission and the Republic of Chad to carry out appropriate consultations with a view to evaluating legal, structural and financial implications, and report to the Assembly through the relevant structures.
After the working session, both parties (AUC and Chad) adopted a roadmap for the activities to carry out in order to present the ACIT project to Heads of State and Government of January 2016.
The Commissioner expressed his satisfaction for the working conditions and environment and thanked Chadian Authorities for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation.
The African Union Commission delegation was comprised of the representatives of HRST, Infrastructure and energy, Legal Officer’s Office and the Directorate of Communication and Information.For enquiries, please contact:
Chancelle Claudette Bilampassi
Human Resources, Science and Technology Department
African Union Commission
Email: Bilampassic@africa-union.orgYasmine Ali
Directorate of Information and Communication
African Union Commission
Email: Aliy@africa-union.org
For further Information contact:Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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March 20, 2015AUC and the Ethiopian Government Agree to Co-Organise the e-Learning Africa Conference in May 2015AUC AND THE ETHIOPIAN GOVERNMENT AGREE TO CO-ORGANISE THE E-LEARNING AFRICA CONFERENCE IN MAY 2015
On 20th March, Commissioner for Human resources, science and Technology H.E. Dr Martial de-Paul Ikounga met with H.E. Mr. Peter Gatkuoth Gey, the Ethiopian State Minister for Communication and Information Technology, to discuss the co-organisation of the 10th E-Learning Africa Conference. E-learning is a subject and opportunity of particular important to Africa, for ensuring access to quality education at levels to all. Indeed, one of the flagship programmes under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 is the Pan African E-University, which requires participation of all major stakeholders for its realization. The E-learning Africa conference will, among other issues, provide a unique platform for the AUC to share the concept with Ministers and leading experts from across the continent and beyond, for critical review and contributions. The Minister indicated that about 70 Ministers and higher government officials are expected to attend the Conference, among the expected 2000 participants.
The Commissioner and the Minister agreed that the AUC and the Ethiopian Government would co-organise the E-Learning Africa conference, to be hosted at the AUC headquarters from 20th to 22nd May 2015. The joint conference Steering Committee will meet to agree on the programme. Following a request from the Minister, Dr. Mahama Ouedraogo, the Acting Director of the Human Resources, Science and Technology Department was designated by the Commissioner as the African Union Commission focal person for the organization of the Conference.