Events
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June 04, 2013The AU’s 2050 Aim Strategy Hailed during TICAD V by Mr. Koji Sekimizu, Secretary General of the International...Press Release Nº64/2013
THE AU’S 2050 AIM STRATEGY HAILED DURING TICAD V BY MR. KOJI SEKIMIZU, SECRETARY GENERAL OF
THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION (IMO)Yokohama, Japan, June 4, 2013 – 5th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V)
As co-organizer of the TICAD V, a massive delegation, led by the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H. E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, took part in the 5th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V) held in Yokohama, Japan from June 1st to June 3rd 2013.
TICAD’s co-organizers work together to keep Africa’s agenda in the forefront of the world’s attention by mustering support for Africa and also have worked to form an international consensus on the priorities in African development based on the principle of African ownership of Africa’s Development.
The over one thousand conference delegates included Heads of State and Government, and delegations from Japan and 51 African countries, 35 partner countries, 75 international and regional organizations from Africa and Asia, the private sector and civil society. It was the first time that the AUC had joined the Government of Japan, the UN, the UNDP, and the World Bank as co-organizer.
Amongst eminent invitees to the Yokohama Conference in Japan was also Mr. Koji Sekimizu, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), who, among others, mentioned the importance and necessity of a common Maritime Strategy. He elaborated a supportive speech in favor of the AU’s 2050 AIM Strategy in front of African Heads of State and Governments stating in the following terms:
“My message to TICAD V was that, as set out in the African Union's 2050 Integrated Maritime Strategy, maritime development should be placed at a high position in the Post 2015 Development Agenda.” ... “I ask all African countries to please see the way forward. New frontiers and opportunities are wide open to you; that is maritime development, the blue economy and blue growth.”
It shall be recalled that it is the AU Commission who first initiated the conceptualization of what is now known as the “Blue Economy”, within the framework of its AU’s 2050 Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy (2050 AIM Strategy).
In his speech, the Secretary General of the IMO urged that “TICAD V attaches great importance” to issues developed in the 2050 AIM Strategy. He further highlighted that “TICAD should formalize the need for maritime development and maritime capacity building in the context of the Post 2015 Development Agenda.”
Headquartered in London, the United Kingdom, the IMO, with its 170 Member States, is the United Nations (UN) specialized agency in charge of developing and adopting global regulations on safe, secure and efficient shipping and protection of the marine environment.
For your reference, the speech can be downloaded on www.au.int
The adoption of the AU’s 2050 AIM Strategy in December 2012 by the African Ministers in charge of Maritime-related Affairs marked an important milestone towards the development of the African maritime sector.
It will be a giant step if the IMO can work together with the AU in the near future towards the successful implementation of the 2050 AIM strategy .
For more information logon: www.au.int/maritime.
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June 03, 2013AU Officers trained in Performance AuditPress Release Nº61/2013
AU Officers trained in Performance Audit
Addis Ababa, 3 June 2013 – A two – week Performance Audit Training – Module Two kicked off on 3rd June 2013 at the Headquarters of the AU Commission. The training brough together auditors from the office of Internal Audit - African Union Commission (AUC), office of the Federal Auditor Generals of Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
According to the organizers, the training will equip auditors with a good theoretical understanding of performance audit and capability of carrying out basic performance audit projects. At the end of the course, participants are expected to be familiar with performance audit concepts and theories, produce a performance audit report and master the different phases of performance audit work. The training will also put in place a network of performance auditors within AFROSAI-E region.
Dr. Mustapha S. Kaloko, Commissioner for Social Affairs of African Union, in his opening remarks highlited the outcomes of the first module training that was held in February: “So far, we have noticed that due to the training of the first group of staff in the Office of the Internal Audit, the modus operandi of carrying out performance audit has considerably altered auditing. Last year alone, three structured performance audit assignments were successfully carried out. We have also noticed that this has enhanced the general auditing methodologies as it continues to emphasize on quality of the whole auditing process.”
Mr. Terence Nombembe, Chairperson of Auditor-General of South Africa and member of AFROSIsaid SAID, this professional programs serves as a continuous update and refreshers on the solid foundation already built. He underlined the need for excellence and quality audit performance so that people can rely on auditors conclusions.
Mr. Assefa Desta, Deputy Auditor General of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, in his opening statements stressed that, performance audit has recently come to the forefront in terms of its contribution to the economic management as well as effective and efficient use of public resources. He added that in performance audit, current real time audit is done as opposed to financial audit where post mortem examination is done. Explaining how the current global trend has changed to undertaking more performance audits in comparison with financial audits, he cited example of Ethiopia that 2 or 3 audits used to be undertaken few years back; however today, his office tables 20 performance audit report in parliament. He also cited the relevance of performance audit in bringing about improvements on on-going large projects such as the infrastructure projects recently approved by AU to interconnect the continent.
Mr. Desta in outlining some of the challenges countries face in performance audit said is due to the lack of skilled and experienced performance auditors, the ability to retain qualified performance auditors, the expensive nature of performance audit as it involves a long period of time among others.
The training is done on three modules, they are: Basic Module, held in February 2013; Pre-Study Module, is the current training under session and Main Study Module which will be held after one year. -
June 01, 2013 to June 03, 2013TICAD V Summit, Yokohama, JapanTICAD V ends with a Challenge for total implementation
Yokohama, Japan: 3 June, 2013:Delegates at the Fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V) have been challenged to ensure total implementation of conference recommendations,if the outcomes of rich debates and discussionswere to be reaped. The African Union (AU) Chairperson, and Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. HailemariamDesalegn raised the challenge on 3 June 2013, at the closing of the three-day conference in Yokohama, Japan.
Prime Minister Hailemariam said that,“the three day Summit enabled participants to reflect on the remarkable progress Africa is making and the support Japan provided in the process and acknowledged the need for TICAD to evolve with the priorities of Africa.” But added that, “"no matter how generous Japanese support to Africa, it would not be half as effective unless Japanese investors step up to the plate and make their long overdue presence felt in the African continent.”
During his closing speech, the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, thanked conference delegates for what he described as,“superb discussions from the various aspects of the economy, society, and peace, with focus placed on Africa’s agenda.”
Referring to the $32 billion announced on early during the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Abe reiterated his commitment to deliver on the promisedassistance.He reassured that, “once we have pledged something, we will most certainly carry it out, just as we have always done until now.”
Conference participants agreed to the Yokohama 2013 declaration, which identifies the areas of focus, as well as the Yokohama Action Plan 2013-2017 on which to base implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and an Implementation Matrix with existing continental initiatives of the African Union.
With respect to the declaration, the principles on which to inform key strategic approaches will include: supporting Africa’s own efforts; mainstreaming women; increasing opportunities for youths and promoting human security. Emphasis was placed on providing the necessary impetus and frameworks aimed at promoting private sector-led growth, accelerating infrastructure development, empowering famers as mainstream economic actors, and promoting sustainable and resilient growth. Also, attentionwasdirected toward creating an inclusive society for growth, as well as consolidating peace, stability and good governance.
The over thousand conference delegates included Heads of State and Government, and delegations from Japan and 51 African countries, 35 partner countries, 75 international and regional organisations from Africa and Asia, the private sector and civil society. It was the first time that the AUC had joined the Government of Japan, the UN, the UNDP, the World Bank as co-organiser.
The next venue for TICAD VI was not disclosed, though there were indicators and lots of wishes that it takes place in the African continent, for the first time after its 20 years history.
Reviewing its progress after 20 years, TICAD is said to have open served as an open and inclusive forum to raise and maintain awareness on Africa’s development challenges and opportunities. It has, “contributed to African development, emphasizing issues such as human security and private sector-led growth now embedded in African and international development agenda.”
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May 31, 2013Synopsis of the Celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the OAU / AU, AU-IBAR Premises in Nairobi, Kenya, 25 May 2013Synopsis of the Celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the OAU / AU, AU-IBAR Premises in Nairobi, Kenya, 25 May 2013
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May 31, 2013
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May 30, 201350th Anniversary Solemn Declaration
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May 30, 2013
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May 30, 2013Africans must be the architects of their own prosperity and the peaceful Africa we all want - AUC ChairpersonPRESS RELEASE N. 057/2013
Africans must be the architects of their own prosperity and the peaceful Africa we all want - AUC Chairperson
Addis Ababa, 30 May 2013 – The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, today, Thursday 30 May 2013, received in audience at the African Union (AU) headquarters, Mr. Rachid Benlounes, newly accredited Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to the African Union. Ambassador Benlounes presented his letter of credence to the AUC Chairperson.
Dr Dlamini Zuma commended Algeria for its engagement in the advancement of the African Union, the renaissance of Africa and the welfare of African citizens. To this effect, the AUC Chairperson expressed her gratitude and on behalf of the AU to the Algerian Government for its great commitment to the organisation, which, she said should serve as a good example for other countries.
Referring to the Golden Jubilee celebration, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma explained that this historical moment provides Africans with an opportunity to crystallize the vision of Panafricanism and the African Renaissance.
“The African Union has to inspire all our citizens and together, we should seize the opportunity to implement and strengthen unity, in order to realize the dependency of our people and deliver our own agenda”, said the AUC Chairperson. She added that, “Africans must be the architects of their own prosperity and the peaceful Africa we all want”.
Ambassador Rachid Benlounes underscored the willingness of his country to constantly work with efficiency to crystallize the AU shared vision and achieve its objectives. He reiterated the commitment of the leadership of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to work hand in hand with the AU Commission and Member States to strengthen the African Union and enhance the joint Pan African projects, for the benefit of the African people as well as the stability and the sustainable development of the entire continent.
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May 29, 2013AUC Chairperson receives Newly Accredited Ambassadors of Lithuania and ACBF to the AUPRESS RELEASE N.42/21st AU SUMMIT
AUC Chairperson receives Newly Accredited Ambassadors of Lithuania and ACBF to the AU
Addis Ababa, 29 May 2013 – The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, today, Wednesday 29 May 2013, received in audience at the African Union (AU) headquarters Mrs. Asta Skaispiryte Liauskiene, newly accredited Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania in the United Kingdom, Ambassador Liauskiene presented her letter of credence to the AUC Chairperson and a letter of congratulations from the Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania for the successful organization of the golden jubilee celebration of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now the African Union (AU). The Ambassador expressed the wish for her country to have an observer’s status in the AU.
The two personalities discussed among other things, the issue of women’s empowerment.
On the other hand, Dr. Dlamini Zuma also received in her office the newly accredited representative of the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) to the AUC, Amb. Samuel Assefa.
The issue of agriculture among others was discussed, stressing on capacity building to be reinforced in this sector.
The AUC Chairperson commended the work done so far by the Foundation, underscoring the need for all African countries to be involved in the ACBF projects.
Ambassador Assefa expressed the wish for the Commission to support agriculture activities in some pilot African countries with ACBF support.
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May 29, 2013
AUC Chief of Staff says the OAU-AU Golden Jubilee is “an opportunity to strengthen our goal of achieving a union of peoples”
Addis Ababa, 29 May 2013 – On the occasion of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Organisation of African Union (OAU) now the African Union (AU), Mr. Jean-Baptiste Natama, Chief of Staff of the bureau of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, sent a message on Pan-Africanism in which he expressed his views on PanAfricanism and African renaissance. The message was addressed to his colleagues and staff of the AU as well as to all militants of Panafricanism in the continent and the Diaspora.
He recalled the PanAfrican spirit that motivated the founders of the OAU and hoped that same spirit will help to consolidate the unity of all the Africans and the Diaspora as the organization plan to embark on its journey for African renaissance and 2063 agenda.
Wishing successful and happy Jubilee celebrations to all the AU staff in all the regional offices and AU offices abroad, Mr. Natama underlined the importance for all to feel African in all the undertaking and be proud of being African. “We should have big dreams and know how to keep them from a concerted prospective vision”, he noted.
See complete message of the AUC Chief of Staff on the AU website: www.au.int
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May 29, 2013Indian Prime Ministers sends Congratulatory Message to the AUC Chairperson for celebrations of OAU-AU Golden Jubilee
PRESS RELEASE N.42/21st AU SUMMIT
Indian Prime Ministers sends Congratulatory Message to the AUC Chairperson for celebrations of OAU-AU Golden Jubilee
Addis Ababa, 29 May 2013 – The Prime Ministers of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh has sent a letter to congratulate the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma for the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now the African Union (AU).
According to the congratulatory letter, Prime Minister Singh underlined that India shares the sense of achievement and optimism pulsating in the African continent at this historic moment. “Africa, for us, is the land of awakening of the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It was during the 21 year of his life in Africa that his political beliefs against violence and oppression were formed”, he said. He added that, “We deeply acknowledge Africa’s contribution in our freedom struggle”.
In his letter, the Indian Prime Ministers stated that, “it was the belief of the founding fathers that India’s freedom would remain incomplete as long as the scourge of colonialism was not removed from Africa. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s Prime Minister, carried forward the conviction by supporting liberation movements across the continent. This policy was implemented by successive governments in India until the end of colonialism and apartheid on the continent” he noted.
To that effect, Prime Minister Singh said, India takes pride in being a close partner in Africa’s renewed dynamism and resurgence. The India-Africa partnership, he underscored, is anchored in equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit. “Our multi-faceted engagement with the African Union reflects Africa’s own aspirations for pan-African institutions and development programmes. …We commit ourselves once again to working with Africa for the holistic empowerment of the 2 billion people of India-Africa”. He noted.
Referring to the Golden Jubilee celebration, the Indian Prime Minister explained in his letter that it provides the Indians and opportunity to pay tribute to the founders of the OAU who fought for the emancipation of Africa and laid the vision of panAfricanism in the 20th century. “I have no doubt that the African Union will continue the march ahead in its pursuit of the African Renaissance”, he acknowledged. He added, “Our cooperation with Africa will aim for the fulfillment of this objective”.
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May 27, 2013
AFRICAN LEADERS SIGN DECLARATION OF OAU/AU 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Addis-Ababa, 27 May 2013 – The African Union Heads of State and Government (AU), solemnly signed on Sunday in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), during their 21th Summit, the declaration of the fiftieth anniversary of the OAU/AU.
African leaders reaffirmed in this declaration, their commitment to the Pan-Africanism ideals and Africa aspiration for "greater unity". They also reaffirmed their "determination" to build an integrated, a prosperous and peaceful Africa driven by its citizens and representing a dynamic force, including those of equality between men and women and a union of peoples.AU Member States reaffirmed their " unflinching believe " in their common destiny, Shared Values and commit to the development of the African identity; the celebration of unity in diversity and the institution of the African citizenship. As part of advancing the African identity, they will promote and harmonize the teaching of African history in all schools and educational institutions in Africa.
They also confirmed the commitment to Africa’s political, social and economic integration agenda, and in this regard speed up the process of realizing the objectives of the African Economic Communities (RECs), and undertake steps towards the construction of a united and integrated Africa.
Building on existing commitments and instruments, AU Member States undertake in particular the speedy implementation of the Continental Free Trade Area, free movement of people and goods, with focus on integrating local and regional markets, and they realize progress on the construction of a united Africa through the implementation of their common continental governance, democracy and human rights frameworks and move with speed towards the integration and merger of the RECs as the building blocks of the Union.
Africa Union Heads of State and Governments have expressed their "determination to achieve the goal of a conflict-free Africa to make peace a reality for all African people and to clear the continent of wars, civil conflicts, human rights violations, humanitarian disasters and violent conflicts".
The leaders of Africa pledge to articulate the above ideals and goals in the context of developing the Continental Agenda 2063, through a people-driven process for the realization of their vision for an integrated, people-centred, prosperous Africa at peace with itself.
For more information, please visit the website: www.au.int
Notes to the Editor
Proclamation of the African Union Executive Council adopted at the 23rd Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, held 19-23 May 2013. This statement is adopted by the 21st Ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, Addis Ababa, 26 May 2013.
GAAK/ MW
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