MEDIA ADVISORY

Africa Month concludes with the High-Level Policy Dialogue on the crucial topic of reparative justice for Africans and People of African Descent

High-Level Policy Dialogue at the Africa Dialogue Series 2025

The Africa Dialogue Series (ADS) 2025 concludes on 30 May, with the High-Level Policy Dialogue discussing the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”

Hosted by the United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA), the UN President of the General Assembly (PGA), the African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the UN (AUPOM) and partners,  the HLPD is an interactive, forward-looking platform for global leaders and experts to discuss actionable strategies for accelerating Africa's development.

This segment of the ADS draws high-level policymakers and features the participation of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, the President of the UN General Assembly Philemon Yang,  African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf,  heads of UN entities, government representatives, delegates, other senior officials, academics, members of civil society organizations and youth representatives from Africa and the African Diaspora.

This ADS aims to stimulate informed reflection on justice for Africans and people of African descent and encourage meaningful dialogue on reparations.  It provided a platform for partners and stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of current international strategies and frameworks concerning reparative justice for Africans and people of African descent, and advocate for policies to boost initiatives that enhance financial, environmental, economic, and social justice.  

As part of the ADS, the Office of the President of the General Assembly is hosting the National Orchestra of Cameroon, which will perform live at UNHQ on 28, 29, and 30 May.

• 30 May, 3 – 6 pm, High-level Policy Dialogue in Conference Room 4, United Nations Headquarters, New York or online through UN Web TV or YouTube Eng or YouTube Fr
• 28 May, 29 May, and 30 May, 1 – 3 pm, Visitors’ Plaza. 30 May, 6 – 8 pm, Sputnik Area

Performances by the National Orchestra of Cameroon at United Nations Headquarters, New York

Register to participate or watch the livestream using the links below:

More information: ADS 2025 website: bit.ly/2025ADS

Speakers at the High-Level Policy Dialogue on 30 May include:  

• Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
• H. E. Mr. Philemon Yang, President of the 79th session of the General Assembly
• Senior officials from the African Union
• H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission
• H.E. Ambassador Fatima Kyari Mohammed, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations
• H.E. Ambassador Sophia Tesfamariam, Permanent Representative of Eritrea to the United Nations, New York
• H.E. Ambassador. Taonga Mushayavanhu, Permanent Representative of Zimbabwe to the United Nations, New York
• H.E. Ambassador. Coly Seck, Permanent Representative of Senegal to the United Nations, New York
• H.E. Ambassador. Tesfaye Yilma Sabo, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia, Chair of the African Group for the month of May
• Ms. Cristina Duarte, Special Adviser on Africa to the Secretary-General
• Mr. Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
• Ms. Ilze Brands Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
• Ms. Diene Keita, Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director (programs), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
• Ms. Alison Drayton, Assistant Secretary General Human and Social Development, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat
• Ms Patricia Da Silva, PhD: Senior Programme Adviser, Global Coordinator Leave No One Behind - at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
• Mr William Carew, Head of Secretariat African Union Economic Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC)
• Dr. Daniel Chidubem Gbujie, Founder, Team 54 Project

More details, including the programme and a full list of speakers, are at bit.ly/2025ADS

United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa

• Matilda Moyo | moyo1@un.org

African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations

• Oumou Daou Koumoue |  Koumoueo@africa-union.org   
• Esther Azaa Yambou Tankou | YambouE@africa-union.org

All media representatives need to be accredited to attend in person during the High-level Policy Dialogue and the musical performances.

Media representatives applying independently are required to submit an application form, including a letter of assignment from a bona fide media organization, samples of their work and a government-issued ID. Instructions are available on the website of the Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit.

 
Requests for delegation media, including journalists, official photographers and videographers, should be submitted by Missions and Organizations enrolled in the e-Registration system, which is available through the e-deleGATE portal (instructions).

Note that ALL media representatives must apply for accreditation in advance, as there will not be on-site accreditation.

For more information, visit the UN Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit’s website or contact them at malu@un.org or +1 212-963-6934.