AUC Staff and REC’s agree to enhance their capacity on Sustainable Development and Green Economy

Addis Ababa, 28 October 2013- Organized by the Cluster Environment, Population and Urbanization in the context of Regional Coordination Mechanism (RCM) for Africa, the African Union Commission (AUC); the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP); the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP); the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and International Labor Organization (ILO), held a two day brainstorming workshop from 24-25 October 2013, at the African Union Commission, in Addis Ababa. The aim of the workshop was to enhance the capacities of the AUC and REC’s in mainstreaming Sustainable Development and Green Economy into regional and Sub-regional policies, strategies and programs.

Participants at the workshop gathered from various AUC Departments, such as, Rural Economy and Agriculture, Social Affairs, Economic Affairs, Strategic Planning, Information and Communications as well as from Regional Economic Communities, namely Inter Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Southern African Development Community (SADC).

In his statement Dr. Khalil Timamy, Head of Division of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture, AUC expressed the benefit of this training in accordance to the importance of Sustainable Development and Green Economy initiative in Africa. The continent is taking stock of the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals, and is preparing for a common position on the post 2015 development agenda, he said.

He also emphasized the benefit of the Regional Coordination Mechanism in Africa. ‘ We are engaged on this cluster to enhance collaborative efforts from UN system in supporting African Union Commission, REC’s and NEPAD policies and strategies related to environment, population and urbanization’, he added.

During the two days training, participants exchanged views and ideas on specifics issues like:
- Tools for mainstreaming Sustainable Development into the regional and national planning process;
- Monitoring and Reporting on the implementation of Sustainable Development: the role of Regional and Sub regional institutions;
- Enabling conditions for promoting Green Economy in Africa;

Further Information:

Dr. Gilles Ogandaga Ndiaye,
Focal person, Cluster 4
Regional Coordination Mechanism for Africa
Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture,
African Union Commission
OgandagaG@africa-union.org