Speakers in the Virtual Event will include:

Ø H.E. Amira Elfadil Mohammed, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs & Social Development.
Ø Mr. Firmin Eduard Matoko, UNESCO Assistant Director General for Africa
Ø H.E. Mrs. Kadiatou Konare, Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism of the Republic of Mali, AU Champion on Arts, Culture and Heritage
Ø H.E. Mr. Lai Mohamed Minister of Information and Culture of Federal Republic Nigeria and 2nd Vice-Chairperson of the 3rd Specialized Technical Committee on Youth, Culture and Sport (STC-YCS3)

When: The Virtual Event will take place on Thursday, 25 March 2021, 14:30 - 17:00 (EAT)
Who: This event is organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs & Social Development (HHS).

Objectives:
The main aim of this virtual forum is to present, discuss and launch the Concept Note and Roadmap of the Theme of the Year for 2021.
The specific objectives of this Ministerial Virtual Forum are to:

i. Present the Concept Note on the Theme of the Year for 2021;
ii. Discuss key activities and timeframes contained in the roadmap;
iii. Reflect on contributions of AU Member States on the implementation of the roadmap;
iv. Share planned activities and programmes by AU Member States in line with the theme of the year for 2021;
v. Adopt a Ministerial Communiqué on the theme of the year for 2021.

Expected Outcomes
At the end of this Virtual Forum, the following outcomes are expected to be achieved:

i. Concept Note on the Theme of the Year for 2021 disseminated;
ii. Key activities and timeframes contained in the roadmap popularized;
iii. Engagement of Members States in the implementation of the theme of the year for 2021 discussed and agreed upon;
iv. Planned activities and programmes by AU Member States in line with the theme of the year for 2021 shared;
v. Ministerial Communiqué on the Theme of the Year for 2021 adopted and the roadmap launched.

Media representatives are invited to attend and cover this virtual event.

For media inquiries, please contact:
1. Mrs. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head of Information Division | Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission | Mobile: +251911361185 | E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org
2. Mr. Gamal Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer| Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org