Events
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March 17, 2015AUC hosts the first task force Meeting on the Pan African Virtual UniversityAUC hosts the first task force Meeting on the Pan African Virtual University
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 17 March 2015: The first task force on the Pan African Virtual University under the auspices of the Human Resources Science and Technology department (HRST) was held on 17 March 2015 at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The main purpose of the meeting is to reflect on the importance of Open and Distance Learning which is in line with one of the flagship Projects under Agenda 2063.
Addressing participants at the opening ceremony, H.E. Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, HRST Commissioner, highlighted the technicality of the meeting and the importance of distance learning with the current use of social media to allow continuous teaching regardless of time, the necessity for education for all, open, without discrimination and cost efficient. Commissioner Ikounga encouraged the various presenters to be innovative and “crazy” with ideas and Initiatives, to share their different experiences, state of technology used to enhance e-learning processes in the continent.
Dr. Mahama Quedraogo Ag. Director HRST department on his part, acknowledged the importance of the flagship project towards achieving Agenda 2063.
Dr. Beatrice Njenga, Head of Education Diversion (AUC), recalled that, the 6th aspiration of Agenda 2063 is “an Africa where development is people-driven, unleashing the potential of its women and youth”. She explained the importance education and training to help equip and enrich the youths while preparing them for a better future full of progressive development.
Professor Rotimi Ogidan the representative from the African Council for Distance Education (ACDE) gave an overview about his institution. He said it consist of different levels of memberships and comprises of 52 institutional, 7 associate and 272 individuals located in different regions of Africa, including members from Australia and the United Kingdom.
Fernandes Therezinta, representative from the African Virtual University (AVU) introduced the institution saying its Headquarters is in Kenya. Furthermore, she stated that the main purpose of the Virtual University is to increase distance learning on the continent. In addition, it encourages African people to take advantage of the booming technological advancement and to explore all the possible options for the attainability of distance learning.
The Task Force came up with a conceptual framework and road map for developing the Project Framework document to be presented to the June 2015 Summit. The conceptual framework envisages the University as a multi-dimensional system aimed at bridging temporal, spatial, pedagogical and epistemological distances between learners on one hand and courseware, tutors and institutions on the other hand. The University will leverage existing institutional and infrastructural capacity already in existence. In this case, there will be a need to explore the adaptability of the Pan African e-network infrastructure; as well as the systems already established by other stakeholders. Other major stakeholders and expert institutions will be brought on board very early in the process of developing the Pan African E-University.
The Pan-African E-University will be a dedicated University operating through open distance and e-learning (ODeL) for the benefit of the African continent. It will be managed and operated by Africans for Africa’s development. The Task Force members are chosen for their historical and technical experience in providing open and e-learning in Africa.
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March 09, 20152nd Africa-Model United Nations International Youth Conference opens at the African Union HeadquartersPRESS RELEASE Nº060/2015
2nd Africa-Model United Nations International Youth Conference opens at the African Union Headquarters
Addis Ababa, 9 March 2015 – African Union (AU) Headquarters hosted on 5 March 2015 the opening session of the African Model United Nations International Youth Conference on the theme: “African Diplomacy on multiple fronts”
The event which brings together young university students from different African countries was organised by the Department of Human Resources Science and Technology (HRST) of the African Union in collaboration with the African Model United Nations (Afro-MUN).
The purpose of the conference is to provide opportunity for upcoming youth leaders to deliberate on issues of fundamental importance to Africa and its future, through simulations of AU and UN meetings of Heads of State and Government. The event enables young people to understand high level decision making processes, and provides them an opportunity to explore concrete solutions to the overarching challenges that are manifesting on the continent.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Beatrice Njenga, Ag.Director of Human Resources, Science and Technology, AUC, underlined the importance of youth engagements particularly in the development agenda of the continent, owing to the fact that Africa is a youthful continent with about 65% of its total population below the age of 35
She noted that the African Union envisages an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa driven by its citizens, a vision that is further embodied in the AU Agenda 2063. This she underscored is an action plan for all African societies to work together in building the Africa we all want to see based on shared values and common destiny.
“Africa has come a long way in recognizing and embracing youth development and empowerment as a key driver in achieving Africa’s aspiration for unity, prosperity and peace” noted Dr, Njenga. She urged the emerging young diplomats to build their own capacity by familiarizing themselves with key continental common positions and programs, so that they can be effective in helping to mainstream Africa’s agenda in the international arena.”
Addressing the youths earlier, Dr. Tasew Woldehanna who was representing the Addis Ababa University, explained to the youth that this was a golden opportunity for all of them to gain skills to take on challenges in future.
Mr. Zemedeneh Negatu, Managing Partner for Ernest and Young in Ethiopia encouraged the youth to be goal oriented and hard working. He called on the youth to recognize and make use of the fact that Africa today is offering much better opportunities for young people, and noted that many Africans in the Diaspora are willing now to return to Africa and contribute to its development.
Mr. Abiy Shimelis, Afro-MUN Secretary General on his part emphasized on the Afro-MUN’s efforts in highlighting issues pertinent to the African youth, citizens and its agenda. He expressed gratitude towards the African Union for hosting this year’s Afro-MUN conference which he said, plays an integral part in facilitating a platform for the young visionary leaders of the continent so that they can share their goals and aspirations.
Afro-MUN is a continental programme initiated by a group of youths, to produce young African diplomats and promote meaningful engagement of African youth in key development processes for achieving Africa’s collective vision of peace, integration and prosperity with technical support of the Commission.
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March 06, 2015H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner HRST paid a working visit to the Department of Science and Technology of...H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner HRST paid a working visit to the Department of Science and Technology of South Africa on 6 March 2015, Pretoria
In a move to fast track the implementation of the STISA 2024, the Commissioner HRST paid a courtesy call to H.E. Naledi Pandor, South African Minister for Science and Technology. During which the Minister and the commissioner HRST exchanged views on the responsibilities of the Members States, the RECs, the AUC and the NEPAD Agency as well as non- state stakeholders to champion the implementation of STISA 2024.
The Minister in her intervention indicated that South Africa’s priority in STI is centered around human capital development, with specific emphasis on grand challenges such as water, energy, bio-economy, space science and astronomy as well as social sciences. Her Department provides leadership in high performance computing together with three other African countries who are stakeholders in the project. She also indicated the decision of South Africa to host the PAU space institute on behalf of the Southern African region. She highlighted South Africa’s commitment in the support of the continental projects such as the African Institute of Mathematical Science (AIMS), the joint action with NEPAD on climate change research at the level of SADC and the possibility to expand this initiative to other African regions. She further indicated the support of South Africa to champion the implementation of STISA noting the importance of African leadership in the funding of African programs.
Looking forwards to the next session of the African ministers in charge of science and technology, H.E. Naledi Pandor stressed on the role of the AUC to provide leadership and call to order the African ministers so as to take their responsibilities and implement their agreed decisions for African development and integration.
The Commissioner HRST expressed his gratitude to the commitment of South Africa and reiterated the need to use domestic continental resources to address the African priorities. He stressed that African countries are at different levels of STI and its mainstreaming thereof to resolve challenges faced in socio-economic and developmental sectors such as agriculture and food security, health, etc. thus underlining the need for Member States to champion STISA 2024. It was agreed that through STISA, the countries are at will to determine their level of involvement from capacity building, development of technical competence, innovation and entrepreneurship, and creation of enabling environment to the flagship research programs on African priorities that will be suggested by the scientific community organized within the African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC).
They both agreed to continue their consultation process so as to determine areas of common interest with the view of scaling up existing best practices in STI to other regions.
The Commissioner’s visit which coincided with the consultative meeting on the implementation of STISA was carried out in the company of the Head of Division S&T, the PAU Deputy Rector and his personal assistant.
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March 06, 2015Consultation on Preparation of Implementation Plan and Roadmap for Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for...Consultation on Preparation of Implementation Plan and Roadmap for Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa, 2024 (STISA-2024)
South Africa – 4-6 March 2015 - Following the adoption of the ten-year Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024) by the Heads of State and Government in June 2014, the Commission and NEPAD Agency convened in South Africa from 4th – 6th March, 2015, a Consultative Meeting to develop an Implementation Plan and Roadmap for the Strategy.
The meeting was attended by several key stakeholders including the South Africa Department of Science and Technology; and Department of Health, NEPAD Science and Technology Hub, AUC Department of Agriculture and Rural Economy, Pan African University, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), African Biosafety Network of Expertise, and African Academy of Sciences.
The STISA-2024 is the first of the ten-year incremental phasing strategies to respond to the demand for science, technology and innovation from various impact sectors including agriculture, health, infrastructure development, mining, security, water, energy, and environment among others. The strategy is anchored on six distinct priority areas that contribute to the achievement of the AU vision. These priority areas are: Eradication of Hunger and Achieving Food Security; Prevention and Control of Diseases; Communication (Physical and Intellectual Mobility); Protection of our Space; Live Together- Build the Society; and Wealth Creation.H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, in his opening remarks, welcomed participants and outlined the objectives and expected outcome of the meeting. He further highlighted the architecture of the strategy and its implementation modalities, drawing lessons learned and best practices from the implementation of other strategies such as the CAADP; Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa; the review of the African Health Strategy.
The CEO of NEPAD Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki emphasized on the need for a Paradigm shift to ensure that other continental frameworks be informed by STI strategy 2024. He further emphasized that it was essential that a coherence be established between national plan and regional frameworks for stakeholders buy-in and ownership. The deputy Director General of DST, Mr. Daan du Toit also welcomed participants and highlighted the actions undertaken by South Africa in the implementation of STISA at national level and ensured the group on their commitment to support the implementation process of continental strategy.
The Commissioner HRST attended the meeting together with the head of division S&T, the senior policy officer, the PAU vice rector and representatives from DREA, AOSTI and STRC.
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March 03, 2015The HRST Commissioner’s Mission to Discuss the Hosting of the Pan African University Institute for Space Sciences in...THE HRST COMMISSIONER’S MISSION TO DISCUSS THE HOSTING OF THE PAN AFRICAN UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE FOR SPACE SCIENCES IN SOUTH AFRICA
The HRST Commissioner, H.E. Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga had a working mission to the Republic of South Africa on 2nd and 3rd March 2015, to discuss the hosting of the Pan African University Institute for Space Sciences. This follows the decision for South Africa to host the Institute on behalf of the Southern Africa Region, thus completing the hosting of the first five PAU Institutes. Commissioner was accompanied by the Head of Education Division; Acting Vice Rector PAU; Senior Legal Officer, PAU and the Commissioner’s Special Assistant.
The Commissioner met with senior officials from the Ministries responsible for Higher Education and Training; Science and Technology and International Relations and Cooperation. Presentations were made explaining the concept and governance of the PAU; as well as expectations of the South African government and institutions as the host of the PAU Space Institute, ensuring a common understanding on these issues. A tentative roadmap towards the operationalization of the Institute was discussed and agreed, and it will be finalized by the South African team.
In the cordial discussions, it was agreed that there is need to have a robust communication campaign to bring all key African stakeholders up to date with the understanding of the immense value and breadth of applications for space sciences and related technologies. This includes issues of early warning for natural and human made disasters, weather and environmental surveillance and management among others. To this end, the Commission is collaborating with South Africa to produce a publicity video and flyer to be shared at the AU Summit in June 2015.
The Commissioner also informed the South African team that the USA and EU had expressed interest in being thematic partners for this programme, and that there would be a meeting soon to agree on a way forward.
It is hoped that some of the operational agreements will be signed soon, and the process of curriculum development will begin, in order to expedite admission of the first students in January 2016. -
February 08, 2015Second Extra-Ordinary Session of Comedaf VI Bureau, Kigali, RwandaPress Release Nº30/2015
SECOND EXTRA-ORDINARY SESSION OF COMEDAF VI BUREAU, KIGALI, RWANDA
Kigali, Rwanda – 8th February 2015: The second extra-ordinary session of the Bureau of the Conference of Ministers of Education of the African Union (COMEDAF VI) was held in Kigali, Rwanda on the 8th of February 2015. The meeting was called so that COMEDAF could contribute to the Africa position on the global post 2015 Education Programme. Moreover, UNESCO had also called a meeting for Ministers of Education in Sub-Saharan Africa to meet from 9th to 11th February 2015, and the African Union Commission is keen to ensure that the outcome of the UNESCO meeting will represent all Africa geographically and politically. The meeting was open to all Ministers of Education present, and was indeed very well attended.
Objectives of the extra-ordinary COMEDAF VI Bureau session were as follows:
1. Provide the continental perspective on education development, taking into account the AU Decisions on the COMEDAF VI report, the Common Africa Position and Agenda 2063.
2. Enable these important decisions and perspectives to be taken on board in the discussions, and also contribute to the development of the post 2015 Education strategy for Africa.In his remarks, H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, the Commissioner for HRST expressed appreciation for the Ministers present and the Member States represented and recalled that the Second Decade of Education for Africa, which the Member States adopted in 2006, was coming to an end 2015. He said that the African Strategy for Education 2016 - 2025 should be prepared and submitted to African Union Heads of State and Government for adoption before 2016. He reiterated the importance of Africa continuing to speak with one voice as was done in developing the Common African Position and the Agenda 2063. He stressed the fact that education is perhaps the most important tool to help unlock the potential in Africa’s human and natural resources, to ensure peace and prosperity.
Meeting participants underscored the importance of recording all success stories,needs and and challenges expressed during the meeting and advised that these be considered in the development of the continental strategy for education 2016 – 2025. The meeting further called upon Africa to invest in education and develop pedagogical approaches to strengthen the spirit of pan Africanism and mutual responsibility among young people. The meeting emphasized the urgency for Africa to establish a harmonized education management information system (EMIS), giving the continent the ability to effectively evaluate education, compile sustainable data and use it to inform education policy and practice.
In his closing remarks, the HRST Commissioner, HE Dr Martial Paul De Ikounga, thanked the COMEDAF VI bureau for their commitment and the commitment of the government of Rwanda for their support in hosting this meeting. He looked forward to continuing the partnership with UNESCO to take a strong African position to the global forum on education in Incheon, Korea in May 2015, with the ultimate intention to influence the Global Sustainable Development Goals in New York in September 2015.
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February 06, 2015The AUC makes donations for the disabled of the Mekedonia Home, Addis Ababa
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January 27, 2015Livestream: Press Briefing of the Commissioner for Human Resources Science and Technology
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January 23, 2015 to February 28, 2015
The Pan African University is an initiative of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union. It is a Premier continental university network whose mission is to provide wholesome postgraduate education geared towards the achievement of a prosperous, integrated and peaceful Africa. The Pan African University is an initiative of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union. It is a Premier continental university network whose mission is to provide wholesome postgraduate education geared towards the achievement of a prosperous, integrated and peaceful Africa.
Young, qualified, talented and enterprising applicants from African countries and the Diaspora are invited to apply to join Masters or PhD degree programmes in ANY of the following four PAU institutes listed below. Candidates with potential, motivation and desire to play transformative leadership roles as academics, professionals, industrialists, innovators and entrepreneurs are particularly encouraged to apply.
Young, qualified, talented and enterprising applicants from African countries and the Diaspora are invited to apply to join Masters or PhD degree programmes in ANY of the following four PAU institutes listed below. Candidates with potential, motivation and desire to play transformative leadership roles as academics, professionals, industrialists, innovators and entrepreneurs are particularly encouraged to apply.
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December 04, 2014
What: OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE 5th BATCH AFRICAN
UNION YOUTH VOLUNTEER TRAINING
When: 1st DECEMBER 2014 Official Opening
Where: DSW BONITA YOUTH TRAINING CENTER, DEBREZEIT, ETHIOPIA
Who: African Union Commission/ Youth Division (HRST)
The opening ceremony for the training of the 5th batch of the African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) is scheduled for Monday the 1st of December 2014 at DSW Bonita Youth Center in Debrezeit, Ethiopia.
AU-YVC is a continental development program that works with youth professionals, in all Member States of the African Union. AU-YVC promotes volunteering to deepen the status of young people in Africa as key actors in the delivery of Africa's human development targets and goals. It brings people together to share skills, knowledge, creativity and learning to build a more integrated Continent and by implication strengthening Africa's relevance in the globalized world.
The 2014 training will take place from the 1st to the 12th of December 2014. The event will host 50 youths from different Member States of the African Union.
More Information:
Dr BEATRICE NJENGA
youth@africa-union.org,
www.africa-youth.org/auyvc
www.facebook.org/auyvc -
November 23, 2014
Pan African University to graduate first batch of students
Nairobi, Kenya – 23 November 2014: African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, for a graduation ceremony of first batch of students from the Pan African University Institute of Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI). She will also be awarded an Honary PhD in Public Health.
The graduation ceremony will take place on Monday, 24 November 2014 at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Juja. Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is expected to preside over the graduation ceremony which is also the 24th graduation ceremony of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
The graduands will be awarded a Joint Masters Degree of the Pan African university and the host University.
The Chancellor of JKUAT, Prof Geoffrey Moriaso Ole Maloiy will confer H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma the Degree of Doctor of Science in Public Health (Honoris Causa).
At this historic ceremony of the AU’s university, the AUC Chairperson will deliver a speech, underscoring the importance of science, technology and innovation as priority areas where Africa must make breakthroughs in driving the continental Agenda 2063.
AUC Commissioner for Human Resource, Science and Technology H.E. Martial de Paul Ikounga, is accompanying the Chairperson to the graduation ceremony to be attended by Higher Education Ministers from AU Member States as well as African Ambassadors with residence in Nairobi and other members of the Diplomatic Corps in Kenya.
The Pan African University has five campuses. Apart from Nairobi, Kenya the other campuses are located in Tlemcen - Algeria, Yaounde - Cameroon, Ibadan - Nigeria and South Africa.
The Government of Kenya has availed the PAU high quality university facilities for use by students from all over Africa. It has also committed to construct excellent premises for this important pan African institution that will serve to produce a new crop of pan African leaders and academics in Science, Technology and Innovation.
Media contact
Jacob Enoh Eben | Spokesperson of the Chairperson | | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: EnohebenJ@africa-union.org or Spokesperson@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int|Addis Ababa | EthiopiaFor further information contact
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October 12, 2014African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards 2014 Edition