INVITATION TO THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

WHAT:           The African Union Commission (AUC) and its partners invite the media to attend the 13^th High-Level Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance: Trends, Challenges, and Prospects, under the theme “Justice, Rights, Reparation & State Building.”

HIGHLIIGHT FOR MEDIA:

• Opening remarks will be provided by H.E John D. Mahama, the President of the Republic of Ghana. 
• There is a Leaders Pannel after the opening composed of former Presidents, Vice President and Prime Minster.
• Pannel will be taking group photographs.

WHEN:          29-30 July 2025, starting at 9 AM West African Time.

WHERE:        Accra International Convention Center, Accra, Ghana

WHY:            

• To foster inclusive dialogue on reparative justice as a key pillar for democratic governance, social cohesion, and accountable state institutions in Africa;
• To enhance understanding of the normative, legal, and policy frameworks related to transitional and reparative justice within the African Union architecture;
• To amplify youth and women’s voices and agency in continental processes of justice, reconciliation, and institution-building;
• To generate actionable policy recommendations for AU Member States, RECs, and civil society on advancing justice and strengthening governance systems;
• To promote a shared Pan-African vision of healing, transformation, and development anchored in Africa’s historical memory and collective future.

BACKGROUND:

Africa’s journey toward unity, peace, and prosperity continues to be shaped by the resilience of its people and their unwavering demand for justice, dignity, and inclusion. In recognition of the historical injustices that have shaped the continent, from colonialism and enslavement to systemic exclusion, the African Union has declared “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations” as its theme for 2025. This theme reaffirms the AU’s commitment to truth-telling, healing, and rebuilding African societies on foundations of accountability, equity, and people-centred governance.

The African Governance Architecture and African Peace and Security Architecture (AGA-APSA) Platform together with the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department (PAPS), will convene the 13^th High-Level Dialogue (HLD), co-hosted by the Government of the Republic of Ghana.

This 13^th edition of the Dialogue will serve as a strategic and inclusive platform for reflection, consensus-building, and collective action. It aims to explore how reparative justice processes can strengthen democratic institutions, reimagine governance systems, and promote lasting peace rooted in African values and historical contexts.

The HLD will be officially opened by H.E. John D. Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, and followed by a Leaders’ Panel Session featuring former Heads of State and Government. The panel will focus specifically on democracy, justice, reparations, and state-building.

In addition, the Dialogue will witness the launch of two key reports:

• The African Governance Report (AGR-2025), developed by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)
• The State of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Africa Report, developed by the Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC)

Both reports are flagship initiatives of the AGA-APSA Platform and were developed collectively by AU Organs, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the AUC, and Regional Mechanisms that are part of the AGA-APSA Platform.

A thematic publication comprising various articles by contributors, primarily young Africans from across the continent will also be featured. The publication reflects diverse perspectives on the AU’s theme of the year.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Go to the event landing page at: https://au.int/en/newsevents/20250729/13th-high-level-dialogue-human-rights-democracy-and-governance. Also follow at : www.peaceau.org and www.au.int/aga

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

Physical attendance. It will also be livestreamed.

Follow the conversation at #DGTrends; @AUC_PAPS, @AGA_Platform, and @_Africanunion 

The event will be conducted in English and French- with simultaneous interpretation services provided.

For further information, please contact: 

Mrs. Wynne Musabayana, Head of Communication; Knowledge Management, Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission | Email: musabayanaw@africanunion.org |  Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Ms. Limi Mohammed Shash, Communications focal person, GCPD- PAPS, African Union Commission | E-mail shashlm@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Ms. Patricia Yeboah, Director/Information and Public Affairs Bureau, Ghana.

Email: patricia.yeboah@mfa.gov.gh, ipab@mfa.gov.gh