Events
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May 13, 2013
AU CONSULTATIVE CONFERENCE OF WOMEN STAKEHOLDERS ON PAN AFRICANISM, RENAISSANCE AND AGENDA 2063 ENDS WITH A CALL FOR ACTION
Addis Ababa, 13 May 2013 – Women from African Union Member States, Civil Society, Women Pan-African movements, women’s rights organisations, academics, Diaspora organisations, private sector, UN agencies and other development partners ended a two-day consultative workshop on 13 May 2013. The conference was aimed at defining and strategizing on women’s priorities on Pan Africanism, Renaissance especially to inform Africa’s Agenda 2063.
Thanking the delegates for their determined engagement in the discussions, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) encouraged the women to carry on consulting with other women and men to enrich the framework making people-centred. She encouraged the women to do more so that their voices should be heard in all endeavour striving at re-shaping the discourses on Africa’s role in the world and globalisation. “The Declaration of the Consultative Conference,” she said, “must be part and parcel of what the Heads of State and Governments will adopt in January 2014.”
Organised by the African Union Commission in partnership with UN Women, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in close collaboration with the Global Power Network, the GIMAC and United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the meeting recognised that African and Diaspora women played a critical role in the evolution of Pan-Africanism, through their contributions to the anti-slavery, anti-colonial and liberation struggles.
The conference underscored that, over the last fifty years, Africa recorded progress in economic and social development, women emancipation, democracy, governance among others. However, Africa has not yet realised the dream of an integrated, peaceful and prosperous continent that embodies gender equality. To that effect, the consultative workshop of women recognised the need for Africa to plan ahead for the future, by setting milestones to develop plans toward the realisation of the 2063 vision.The women committed to transform the economy and contribute to the promotion of inclusive growth. They further committed to enhance gender parity by the end of the Decade of Women (2020), by advocating for full gender parity and participation of women in all institutions of society, public, civil and private and for the removal of all forms of discrimination based on gender. They agreed to joint efforts in promoting women’s role in leadership and governance and mobilise resources for Africa’s transformation through development among others. (See complete Declaration on the AU website: www.au.int;) and follow us on twitter @_AfricanUnion
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May 13, 20134th BATCH AFRICAN UNION YOUTH VOLUNTEER TRAINING
What: 4th BATCH AFRICAN UNION YOUTH VOLUNTEER TRAINING
Theme: PAN AFRICANISM AND AFRICAN RENAISSANCE
When: 13 May 2013 Official Opening
Where: DSW BONITA YOUTH TRAINING CENTER, DEBREZEIT, ETHIOPIA
Who: African Union Commission/ Youth Division (HRST)
Event Chair: H.E. Minister of Women, Children & Youth Affairs, Ethiopia
The opening ceremony for the training of the fourth batch of the African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) is scheduled for Monday the 13th of May 2013 at DSW Bonita Youth Center in Debrezet, 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 2013 training which takes place 10 – 25May 2013 will focus on “Pan Africanism and African Renaissance” which is the theme of celebration for the 50th anniversary of the OAU/AU. The event will host 60 youths between the ages of 22 to 33years, from over 21 member states of the African Union.
More Information:
Dr RAYMONE AGOSSOU, Mr DANIEL ADUGNA
youth@africa-union.org,
www.africa-youth.org/auyvc
www.facebook.org/auyvc -
May 12, 2013
Women to craft direction toward Agenda 2063
Addis Ababa, 12 May, 2013: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has called on women to craft, and make their own contribution to Africa’s Agenda 2063, and not wait to make input on a draft document that they would have been presented.
She spoke during the opening of a two-day Stakeholders’ Consultative Conference on Women holding on the theme: “Pan-Africanism, Renaissance and
Agenda 2063.” The Conference is organized within the framework of the OAU/AU 50th Anniversary celebrations. It brought together women stakeholders working for, and on the African continent, including those from Governments, Civil Society, Academia, Business and UN agencies.The sample of about 150 delegates attending the consultative conference from 12-13th May 2013, are expected to organize the rest of the women in the continent. They will organise in-depth discussions in various areas with the aim of making concrete contributions to defining what they would want Women to do, and where to be in the next 50 years.
“The African agenda for 2063 cannot be defined by governments alone; it must involve all of us – in every sector of society. All of us must have a say on the African dream into the next five decades. If we don’t do that, the narrative from Africa will come from other people. It is critical that the narrative and agenda come from us; so that our friends know where we want to be and can help us in that agenda.”Dr. Dlamini Zuma reiterated during her opening remarks.
During the course of the two-day Conference the delegates will frame discussions around: Pan-Africanism and Renaissance: Situating African Women in the Debate past and Present; A Vision for African Women; and the interface between the Millennium Development Goals Agenda and the Agenda 2063.
Also attending the conference is the Vice President of The Gambia, Mrs. Isatou N. Saidy and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Mrs. Thokozani Khupe, as well as some Founding Mothers of the Pan-African Women’s Organisation (POWA).The POWA was founded 1962, a year ahead of the founding of the OAU.
For more information, consult the AU website: www.au.int
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May 11, 2013
Message of Condolences of the AFISMA Head of Mission, following the death of Brigadier General Yaye Garba, AFISMA Deputy Force Commander
Bamako, 11 May 2013 – President Pierre Buyoya, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Head of the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA), has learned with shock and sadness of the sudden and untimely demise of Bigadier General Yaye Garba, AFISMA Deputy Force Commander, who passed away in his home in Bamako, Mali, today, at the age of 55.
On this sad occasion, the Special Representative extends his deepest condolences, as well as those of the African Union, the Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS), and the entire African Continent, to the bereaved widow and family, and to the Government and People of Niger.
“Brigadier General Yaye Garba was a great soldier and an efficient Field Commander, who was highly respected by his superiors and the troops under his command. He was a Senior Officer who had served in several peacekeeping missions, and since his deployment to Mali in January 2013, he discharged his duties as AFISMA Deputy Force Commander with commendable dedication and outstanding efficiency. He will always be remembered as a valiant soldier for peace in Africa and a worthy Son of the Continent.” The Special Representative declared.
May his soul rest in peace.
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May 08, 2013 to May 10, 2013
Media Advisory
1st All Africa Public Relations and Strategic Communication Summit
INVITATION TO THE MEDIA TO COVER AND ATTEND THE SUMMIT
WHAT: 1st All Africa PR and Strategic Communication Summit
WHEN: 8-10 May 2013 starting at 09:00
WHERE: African Union Commission Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
WHO: The summit is organized by the African Public Relations Association, with assistance from the African Union Commission. Keynote speakers will be Mr Paul Mutie- President of the African Public Relations Institute; Mr Erastus Mwencha- Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Mr John Dramani Mahama FIPR- President of the Republic of Ghana; and Mr Haile Mariam Desalegn- Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
WHY: The summit will seek to find ways of helping to shape and or reshape the perception of Africa
Participants: Participants will be public relations experts and media personnel from Africa and beyond
About APRA
APRA is the successor organization to the Federation of African Public Relations Associations. It has the following objectives: to be the clearing house for public relations information in Africa; to set standards of public relations practice through its code of ethics; to foster the establishment of national and sub regional public relations associations so that the practice can flourish on the continent; to promote African unity and cooperation especially as consultant body to the African Union and its various agencies; to publish bulletins and journals on public relations in Africa; to affiliate with all other similar international professional bodies.About the Africa Union Commission
The African Union Commission is the Secretariat of the African Union whose vision is that of “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena.” The mission of the Commission is to become “An efficient and value-adding institution driving the African integration and development process in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens”. Guided by its values and principles, the Commission will endeavour to achieve its mission through implementation of clear goals and strategies and by committing the requisite resources for effective discharge of its mandate. This would require the AUC presenting specific proposals to give full effect to its texts, and bring new possibilities and benefits to the citizens of Africa.Media Contact
Wynne Musabayana
Deputy Head of Information and Communication
African Union Commission
Email: MusabayanaW@africa-union.orgThe draft agenda of the opening session of the summit is attached.
Journalists are invited to cover the official opening ceremony at 09:00 on 8 May 2013 and to attend the summit
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May 08, 2013 to May 14, 2013
African Ministers of Women and Gender Affairs hold their 5th Ordinary Meeting in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, 14th May 2013: Under the theme of the 50th Anniversary of the AU “Pan Africanism and African Renaissance”, the Fifth Ordinary Meeting of AU Ministers of Gender and Women’s Affairs held today Tuesday, 14th May 2013, at the headquarters of the AU Commission (AUC), in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In her address to the Meeting, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, AUC Chairperson, emphasised on the role of women on the continent and said "this celebration should give us a unique opportunity to reflect on what we women did since the establishment of the OAU/AU 50 years back and our targets for the coming 50 years".
The Chairperson said "we have contributed a lot to our continent and made progress, and women always played a prominent role at all times and in the fight against slavery and colonialism as well". There is an urgent need to give very special attention to increasing the participation of women in decision-making in all areas of life, she added. (See the complete speech of the Chairperson on the AU website: www.au.int)
Minister of Women, Children and Youth Affairs of the Federal Democratic of Ethiopia Ms. Zenebu Tadesse, highlighted in her remarks the importance to review the achievements and weaknesses in the empowerment of women at all levels." African woman must lead the African Renaissance and shape the vision of the African Union for the next 50 Years", she emphasized. (See the complete remarks of the Minister on the AU website: www.au.int)
Organized by AUC Women, Gender, and Development Directorate (WGDD), the Ministers meeting will, among other things, consider and adopt the Report of the Meeting of Experts, which was held from 8-9 May 2013. They will also reflect on Pan- Africanism and African Renaissance as the theme of the OAU/AU 50th Anniversary and contribute as well as influence and shape the vision of the AU-wide strategic plan and the Union's 2013 development agenda.
They will also discuss Commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People's Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, scheduled for July 11. Equally, they will consider the report of an Annual High Level Panel on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment to create space for women scholars, researches, academia, and gender experts to deliberate on emerging issues.
The Women’s Affairs Ministers are also expected to approve projects for the African Women's Decade (AWD) 2013 theme, through a collaboration with the UN Women at country level in strengthening the AWD National Coordinating Committees.
The meeting was attended by the Vice President of the Gambia, Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy and a number of Ministers responsible for gender and Women’s affairs from AU Member States, representatives of WGDD, representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs), and other invited guests.
The Ministerial meeting will end today Tuesday.
For further information, please visit AU website: www.au.int -
May 07, 2013
Africa’s investors Challenged to invest in infrastructure to drive growth and prosperity agenda
Cape Town, 7May, 2013: Ahead of the World Economic Forum billed to run from 8 – 10 May, 2013, in Cape Town, South Africa, African Investors have been challenged to convert continental constraints into opportunities for growth and prosperity. In a keynote address to open the 6th Africa Investor CEO Summit and Awards,the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, called on private investors to increase their investment in infrastructural development. The lack of infrastructure is a constraint against growth. Investing to fill this infrastructural gap will unleash the potentials for future growth on the continent.
The Chairperson noted that while 65% of Africa’s infrastructural funding comes from public investments by governments, only a quarter (25%) comes from private investor, according to World Bank statistics. Investment from non-EOCD countries, including China, amounts to 6%, while that of multi-lateral development assistance remains at 4%. In a vivid comparison to illustrate the level of deficit, the Chairperson drew the investors’ attention to the fact that Africa’s total electricity generation equals that of Spain, even though we have twenty times the population.
“Large-scale scale investment in energy, including hydro, coal, geothermo and solar power over the next decade will therefore be critical to Africa’s transformation, both in the economic and social spheres.” She said.
Extending appreciation to Dr. DlaminiZuma for what he described as an informative and inspirational keynote address, and a visionary leadership in promoting African private sector participation in infrastructure development,” Hubert Danso, CEO and Vice Chairman of Africa, welcomed the collaborative partnership of the African Union. He noted that with the leadership of Dr. DlaminiZuma, as AUC Chairperson, Africa can increase its intra-Africa investment to 40%, from the current 5%, which is extremely low, especially when compared to the intra-regional average of 12-15%.
The 6th Africa Investor Summit was organized with the aim of bringing infrastructure project developers together, and to facilitate increased private capital and private investment flows into infrastructure projects in Africa.
The Commissioners for Infrastructure and Energy; Trade and Industry and other officials were also in attendance at the Africa Investor summit. They are expected to also attend the upcoming World Economic Forum.
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May 07, 2013 to May 09, 2013
Press Release
For immediate release
Hunger not impossible to eradicate says Consultative Workshop to eradicate hunger
Addis Ababa-May 7, 2013–The status of food and nutrition security in Africa still remains critical with an estimated 25 per cent of the population still undernourished, Ethiopian State Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Wondirad Mandefro has said.
Officially opening the Pre-High Level Consultative workshop to eradicate hunger within the CAADP process, organized by the African Union Commission, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Lula Institute, Mr. Wondirad said there was need to act collectively and wisely if hunger is to be eradicated in Africa.
He noted and commended the decision by African Heads of State and Government to promote agricultural development through the implementation of CAADP as a basis to end hunger.
“This shows the commitment and determination to put agriculture as a basis of addressing food insecurity, poverty eradication and establishing sociao economic growth,” Mr. Mande fro said.
AUC Director for the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture, Dr. Abebe Haile Gabriel said hunger in Africa was not impossible to eradicate despite the existence of tendencies to make the concept of hunger abstract.
He said it was possible to eradicate hunger provided existing possibilities and opportunities were fully utilized, coupled with commitments and responsibilities in order to achieve results.
Dr. Abebe cited CAADP as one such example of an opportunity that could be utilized to its full potential as hunger could not be eradicated without giving due priority to agricultural development.
“This is a call for action, genuine action for change; let us use the opportunities that are abundant and let us hold each other accountable,” he said.
FAO Sub-regional coordinator for Eastern Africa and representative to Ethiopia, AU and the UNI Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Dr. Modibo Traore emphasized the need to enhance social protection systems for the vulnerable population if hunger and poverty are to be eradicated.
“In addition to efforts for mobilizing new resources for implementing the new program components, emphasis should be placed on the reallocation of existing budgetary resources to compensate for limited new external resources in the context of current financial and economic crisis,” he added.Lula Institute representative, also representing the Brazilian Government, , Ms. Maya Takagi said, “The first step to hunger and poverty eradication is to believe that it is possible, learn from experiences, and work together, linking experiences in innovative ways of transforming society.”
The African Union Commission in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Instituto Lula convened the two day consultative meeting for Africa to:
• Adopt a common agenda of concrete activities to coordinate and unify the different on-going initiatives aimed at overcoming the plight of African populations suffering from hunger.
• As part of the Zero Hunger Challenge, support the creation and implementation of comprehensive food-security and social-development plans at national, sub-regional and regional scopes, jointly with the African Union, African economic communities and other African players.
• Help African countries, their governments and organize civil society to incorporate successful experiences from Brazil and other countries.For further information please contact:
Wynne Musabayana, African Union
MusabayanaW@africa-union.orgCarol Jilombo African Union Commission/CAADP
Jilomboc@africa-union.orgTewodros Negash, Food and Agriculture Organization
Tewodros.Negash@fao.org | +251 91 142 2991 -
May 02, 2013 to May 04, 2013
World Press Freedom Day Conference, Safe to Speak: Securing Freedom of Expression in All Media, San Jose, Costa Rica, 2-4 May 2013
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May 01, 2013
Africa – Russia Cooperation: AUC Chairperson discusses business opportunities with Russian International Congress of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs
Moscow 1st May 2013–The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zumaheld a working session on 29 April 2013 with the International Congress of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs(ICIE) of the Russian Federation, to discuss business and investment opportunities in Africa. The AUC Chairperson was welcomed on arrival to this meeting by the board members of the ICIE Council led by Mr. Anatoly Tkachuk, First Deputy Chairman of the Council.
During the working session, Dr. Dlamini Zuma underlined the importance of establishing a win-win relationship given the long historical relationship between Russia and Africa and considering the fact that Africa has a lot of potentials as well as natural resources which need to be transformed into concreteoutcomes actions aimed at enhancing Africa’s post 2015 development agenda.
Addressing the business entrepreneurs, Dr, Dlamini Zuma said the African continent is majorly made up of a youth full population which will constitute a growing market in the near future. “It is in this light that I want to encourage Russian investment” she noted, particularly in the areas of infrastructure;energy development and management; mining; science and technology, including research; innovation and knowledge management / skills development; agro-business among others.
The AUC Chairperson commended the Russian Government for offering scholarships to African scholars given that over 8000 students are currently studying in various socio-economic and scientific fields in Russian universities. She called for the shedding of Russia’s excess human capacity to contribute directly to capacity development on the continent, by seconding such personnel to train and conduct research in African institutions such as the Pan African University.
A Memorandum of understanding was signed between the AUC Chairperson and the vice president of the International Congress of Industrialists and Entrepreneur, Mr. Viacheslav Pshenichnikov. Both parties agreed to maintain regular consultation through open dialogue and improve communication and information sharing to raise awareness on the partnership.
A press conference concluded the working session followed by a 45 minute conversation with a major Russian newspaper.
Worth recalling is that the ICIE is a nongovernmental organisation created in 1992. Currently,it cooperates with the national unions of industrialist and entrepreneurs from 26 European and Asian countries, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the Inter-parliamentary Assembly of member nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States (IA-CIS). Furthermore, theICIE has formalized relations for long term cooperation with the international center for scientific and technical information as well as the general confederation of trade unions.
For more information on the official visit of AUC Chairperson to Russia, consult the AU website: www.au.int
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April 30, 2013
MEDIA ADVISORY
Meeting of African Ministers of Defense, Safety and Security, 30 April 2013
The 6th Ordinary Meeting of the Specialized Technical Committee on Defense Safety and Security
What: Following the preparatory meeting of the African Chiefs of Defense Staff, the Commission will hold a meeting of African Ministers of Defense, Safety and Security in Addis Ababa on 30 April, 2013. Representatives of the media are welcome to cover the opening ceremony and attend a press briefing to be held at the conclusion of the meeting.
When: Tuesday 30 April, 2013
• Opening Ceremony: from 14:00 - 14:30pm
• Press briefing: from 17:30 – 18:00pm
Where: AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa
• Opening Ceremony: Main Hall, New AU Conference Complex
• Press briefing: 5:00pm: Media Briefing Room 5, New AU Conference ComplexWho: • The Opening Ceremonywill be attended by among others:
o AUC Chairperson, H.E Dr. NkosazanaDlamini-Zuma
o Ministers of Defense of AU Member States
o African Chiefs of Defense Staff, Heads of Security and Safety Services and experts
o Commissioner for Peace and Security, Amb. RamtaneLamamra• Press briefing: A High-Level Panel will brief members of the press on the outcomes of the meeting and way forward and answer related questions. The Panel will include:
o AUC Chairperson, H.E Dr. NkosazanaDlamini-Zuma
o Commissioner for Peace and Security, Amb. RamtaneLamamra
Why: • The meeting will examine the recommendations that the Commissions intends to make in order to facilitate the early operationalization of the Rapid Deployment Capability of the African Standby Force,
• The Rapid Deployment Capability is one of the key components of the African Standby Force,
• The objective of the Rapid Deployment Capability is to enable the AU respond swiftly and effectively to conflicts and crises on the continent,
• Recent developments particularly in Mali have highlighted the need to expedite efforts to operationalize the Rapid Deployment Capability,
• The outcomes of this meeting will be submitted to the AU Peace and Security Council, and subsequently to the Assembly of the Union at its May 2013 Ordinary Session.For further details about the upcoming meeting, visit our website:
http://www.peaceau.orgFor more information please contact:
Mr. Marsden Momanyi,
Senior Communications Officer,
Peace and Security Department,
Mobile: +254 923 57 4014,
Email: MomanyiM@africa-union.org
orSituationRoom@africa-union.org -
April 29, 2013 to May 10, 2013
MEDIA ADVISORY
African Union Commission National BRIDGE Workshop for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) in Malawi
INVITATION TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIAWhen:
Monday 29 April – 10 May, 2013Where: Mangochi, Malawi (29 April – 03 May) 1st Workshop
Lilongwe, Malawi (06 – 10 May) 2nd WorkshopWho:
Organized by the Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit, DEAU of the Department of Political Affairs of the African Union Commission (AUC)Objectives:
This is part of the Political Affairs Department National Capacity building Trainings for EMBs of member states of the African Union, designed to train staff of EMBs in the continent in various areas of electoral management as requested by them, using the BRIDGE curriculum. This first phase covers seven countries from South, East, Central and West AfricaParticipants:
Participants are staff and Members of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC)
Background The Political Affairs Department through the Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit DEAU is charged with the responsibility of improving the national electoral processes of member states of the African Union towards the conduct of free fair and credible elections within a framework of direct technical assistance to Election Management Bodies, EMBs. In this regard, the DEAU has been developing electoral process standards, which include the provision of BRIDGE electoral trainings in different aspects of electoral management to the various EMBs in the continent. The workshops are organized in the countries of the beneficiary EMBs.
This programme is part of the expanded National Capacity Building Programme of the DEAU aimed at addressing specific electoral training needs of members and staff of Electoral Commissions of member states who have so requested from the African Union Commission. The next AU National BRIDGE Workshop will take place in Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire for the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) of Cote d’Ivoire.Journalists are invited to cover the Opening ceremony of the AUC National BRIDGE Workshop for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) in Mangochi, Malawi on 29 April, 2013
For Further Information consult the AU website: www.au.int
Interview requests should be addressed to Mrs. Esther Azaa Tankou, Directorate of Information and Communication, Tel. +251 911 3611 85, e-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org / esthertankou@yahoo.com .