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My dear Sisters Nardos and Mimi,
My dear brother Jean,
Your Excellency Emmanuel Bugingo,

Let me begin by congratulating the team for their unwavering commitment and hard work, which have brought us to this successful conclusion.

As we bring this very important engagement to a close, we do so with a shared sense of accomplishment and confidence. Today, clarity of direction has been affirmed, institutional responsibility has been decisively transferred, and a renewed sense of duty has been firmly set in motion.

His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC),
Your Excellencies Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of the Member States of the African Union (AU),
Her Excellency Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, Vice-Chairperson of the AUC,
Your Excellencies Commissioners of the AUC,
Your Excellency Director-General of the AU Commission,
Distinguished Representatives of AU Member States,
Distinguished Representatives of other AUC Bodies, Directorates and Services,

Distinguished Representatives of Regional Economic Communities, Heads of Subregional Research Organisations, Leaders of Farmer Organisations, Development Partners, Members of the Private Sector, Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we commemorate International Migrants Day today, 18th December, we celebrate the enduring spirit, resilience and innovation of migrants across Africa and the world. This annual observance provides an opportunity to recognise the invaluable contributions of migrants to societies globally. This year’s theme “Honouring the Contributions of Migrants and Respecting Their Rights,” underscores Migration as an age-old human phenomenon that has profoundly shaped global socio-economic, culture and political landscape.