Events
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May 23, 2013
INVITATION TO THE MEDIA
PRESS BRIEFING OF CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS ON THE RIGHTS AND WELFARE OF THE CHILD (ACERWC) IS POSTPONED
The press conference of Dr Benyam Dawit Mezmur, Chairperson of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child of the African Union, scheduled to take place on Thursday, 23rd May 2013 at 16h00 hold a press briefing on the following is postponed to Friday 24 May at 15h00.
Theme - Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance for an Africa Fit for Children
Objective – To highlight the role of the ACERWC, and take some stock of the state of children in Africa, and reflect on the way forward on issues such as the MDGs, post-2015 development agenda, birth registration, harmful practices, and the Day of the African Child for 2013 and 2014.
The briefing will be held in Briefing Room 1, at the new AU Conference Center, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Journalists are invited to take part in the press briefing.
Contact:
Ms. Yaye N. Sène
Directorate of Information and Communication
E-mail: seney@africa-union.org
Office : +251 115 182 568
Cell : +251 913 45 31 13 -
May 23, 2013
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May 23, 2013
MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT
High resolution pictures available for download on AU Website
The Directorate of Information and Communication would like to inform all media representatives that high resolution photos of the 21st Ordinary Session of the AU Summit and of the 50th OAU/AU anniversary are available for the use of media on the African Union Website at http://share.au.int/50th.
MTs -
May 23, 2013
PRESS RELEASE Nº23/21st AU SUMMIT
ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN FIRST LADIES AGAINST HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) TECHNICAL ADVISERS MEETING
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 23 May 2013: In line with the framework of the 50th Anniversary of the African Union Commission (AUC), a technical advisers meeting of OAFLA (Organization of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS) is being held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at the African Union old building, from the 23- 24 May, 2013. The first ladies of Africa, as women and mothers, bring a unique passion, perspective and position to fight against HIV/AIDS. These leaders want to utilize their roles as first ladies and join forces with those responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa.
Today’s meeting was attended by consultants and participants from different African countries including Namibia, Swaziland, Chad, Nigeria and a host of other countries. The Executive Secretary of OAFLA, Sonia Ndimbira opened the session by welcoming and thanking the participants for attending the event. Tigist Alemu, A consultant for OAFLA welcomed the participants and further highlighted that the technical advisers meeting is being held in order to contribute ways in which HIV/AIDS can be tackled both at the community, regional and national level.
The advisors also tackled the question of where the continent wants to see OAFLA in the next five years in terms of what it wants to achieve by the aforementioned time. The improvement of the vision of the organization was also critically discussed, in terms of what distinguishes the organization from other organizations (uniqueness). Tigist Alemu stated that it is very important for OAFLA to carry out its activities diligently because, it is a life saving/ maintaining organization therefore, it is indeed crucial for the continent as a whole but specifically for those that are infected/ affected by HIV/AIDS.
The goals of OAFLA were also discussed. They include the following:
• Reducing new HIV Infections among the general population by promoting the prevention of mother-child-transmission (PMTCT) continuing education, information and communication (in school and out of school).
• Reducing stigma and discrimination (mobilization support for People Living with HIV and AIDS orphans)
• Increasing Anti retroviral Therapy (ART) coverage through universal access, mass drug production and the mobilization of the public for action.
• The promotion of women’s rights and opportunities through campaigning for the elimination of gender based violence and also for the lobby of women’s small scale projects and entrepreneurs.
• Reducing maternal and child deaths by promoting the benefit of immunization, integration of services and spouses support, the promotion of cancer screening and also the need to improve the nutritional status of mothers and their children was also stressed.On the 24th of May, 2013, the major common challenges will be identified and discussed by the consultants and participants. Possible solutions and recommendations will also be brainstormed in the session.
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May 23, 2013
INVITATION TO THE MEDIA
PRESS BRIEFING OF THE NATIONAL GROUP FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Within the framework of the 21st AU summit, falling within the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the OAU-AU, the National Group for Human Rights, will on Thursday, 23rd May 2013 at 12h00 hold a press briefing on the following:
- Women situation in Sudan
- Peace process in SudanThe briefing will be held in Briefing Room 1, at the new AU Conference Center, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Journalists are invited to take part in the press briefing.
Contact:
Mrs Abla Mahdi Abdel Maniem
National Group for Human Rights
E-mail: ablamahdi@hotmail.com
hawasociety@hotmail.com
Cell : +251 922 72 65 67 -
May 23, 2013
$1M Grant to Fund Great Storytelling on Key African Issues
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, May 23, 2013 - A new $1 million programme of reporting grants for African journalists will be launched in Addis Ababa on Sunday May 26 during African Union 50th anniversary celebrations. The African Story Challenge will award over 100 reporting grants for stories on development issues.
The new competition will offer journalists grants to support investigative, multimedia and data-driven stories that aim to improve health and prosperity across the continent.
Journalists chosen for the grants will come together for intensive sessions to improve their project ideas. Grantees who produce the best stories published or broadcast in media that reach African audiences will win cash prizes or a major international reporting trip.
The Story Challenge is a project of the African Media Initiative (AMI), the continent’s largest association of media owners and operators. AMI content development director and Knight International Journalism Fellow Joseph Warungu is leading the project. The Knight Fellowships are administered by the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ).
"This new challenge will encourage journalists to experiment with new content ideas and find new ways to engage audiences through mobile technology, social media and other digital tools, “ said Warungu, a former BBC Africa Editor. “The awards will make a major difference in the number and quality of stories produced on health and development issues in Africa."
AMI Chief Executive Amadou Mahtar Ba added, “It is essential to encourage and reward African journalists and news organisations that go the extra mile to deliver high-quality digital news and information to promote transparency, accountability and a higher quality of life for our citizens. We can reboot journalism in Africa by incentivizing stories that count.”
The African Story Challenge will run in five themed cycles. Grant requests for stories focusing on agriculture and food security, the first theme, will be accepted from May 26 to June 14, 2013. Other themes will include health, business and technology.
An international panel of editors and media experts will judge the entries. Contest details are available at africanstorychallenge.com and on the websites of AMI, ICFJ and the International Journalists’ Network (IJNet).
The African Story Challenge is supported by an $800,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The programme also has support from the African Development Bank and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (Agra).
ASC Press Release No 0010513
For more information or to request an interview, kindly contact:
Contact:Maimouna Jallow
Senior Programme Manager, African Story Challenge
Tel: + 254 788 279 091 / mjallow@africanmediainitiative.orgJoseph Warungu
Editor, African Story Challenge
Tel: +254-722-708-370, warungu@africanmediainitiative.org -
May 23, 2013
Programme of Events
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May 22, 2013 to May 25, 2013
African Youth Forum, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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May 22, 2013
MEDIA ADVISORY
PRESS RELEASE: LET’S MAKE THE NEXT 50 YEARS EVEN BETTER FOR CHILDREN IN AFRICA
INVITATION TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA
On Thursday, 23 May 2013 Save the Children is hosting a press conference to describe steps that must be taken to improve progress towards the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goal (MDG4) of reducing child mortality by two-thirds. We would be delighted if you could join us.
WHEN: Thursday, 23 May 2013
The format: A press briefing to take place from 17:00hrs – 17:30hrs
Speaker: Hussein Halane, Regional Director for Save the Children International East Africa Regional Office and Head of Delegation to the AU Summit
WHERE: New AU Conference Center, Briefing Room 2, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
WHY: Over the last decade, Africa has doubled the rate at which it’s reduced child mortality. There are many individual stories of success, with countries such as Malawi and Rwanda, despite enormous odds, being on track to meet MDG4 by the 2015 deadline.
However that progress is still not fast enough – despite counting for only 15% of the world’s population, Africa accounts for nearly half of the world’s child deaths. At the current rate of reduction Africa won’t meet Millennium Development Goal 4. We need to redouble our efforts to meet our collective promises, and ensure that children growing up over the next fifty years are given the opportunity to meet their full
CONTACT: Franco Wandabwa
251-11-4654684/4668075
Africa Advocacy Director
Africa Area Office
Save the Children
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
fwandabwa@savechildren.org
251-11-4654684/4668075 -
May 22, 2013
Media Advisory
WHAT: Journalists are invited to cover the official launch of the NEPAD Atlas Publication on Rural Development in Africa.
WHEN: Thursday May 23, 2013
TIME: 09:00 – 09:30
WHERE: Press Briefing Room 1, AUC Conference Centre
WHO: Chief Executive Officer of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Agency, Dr Ibrahim Assane Mayaki and the AUC Commissioner and Ms Rhoda Peace Tumissime, African Union's Commissioner for Rural Economy and AgricultureBACKGROUND:
NEPAD’s Rural Futures Programme, launched in 2010 reflects the commitment of African leaders to advance the rural sector as a more effective engine for development and transforming the lives of the majority of Africans who still live in rural areas.NEPAD Agency recently held a Forum of key stakeholders and partners, with an important outcome – the Cotonou Declaration. The Declaration with tangible deliverables is vital in that it will serve as a guiding framework for African Union member states and the NEPAD Agency, in designing and implementing a development strategy that emphasis transformation and growth in Africa’s rural areas.
The mini Atlas points to NEPAD and partners roadmap to efforts for rural development in Africa
For more information and to arrange interviews contact:
NEPAD Agency
Maureen Nkandu
Phone: + 251 927348384
E-mail: maureenn@nepad.org -
May 22, 2013
PRESS RELEASE N. 16/ 21ST AU SUMMIT
The African Union Executive Council opens with a call for a People Centred Unionto achieve the Africa 2063 vision
Addis Abba 22 May 2013 –“We meet on the eve of the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU. Like in May 1963, the eyes of the continent and the world are focused on our activities and deliberations” Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, was speaking today, Wednesday 22 May 2013, while addressing the 23rdOrdinary Session of the Executive Council at theheadquarters of the African Union (AU), in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She noted that, “like in 1963 when the founding states took their first steps into political independence, in 2013 we see Africa taking off towards peace and prosperity”.
The opening ceremony took place in the presence of Mr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Chairperson of the Executive Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, Mr. Carlos Lopes, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) ; AUC Commissioners, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, AUC staff, and the invited guests.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma expressed satisfaction at the state of preparedness of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now the African Union (AU), which she qualifies as memorable, people-centered, global, involving the young people , the women, and the Diaspora with a view to leaving a lasting legacy. “Through these celebrations we will reclaim the African narrative, as we reflect on the past, assess our present state and plan our future” she emphasized.
Year-long Anniversary activities to galvanise, mobilise and energize
The AUC Chairperson expressed appreciation of the fact that African Member States and the different sectors in the society have taken up the clarion call to organize commemorative activities in their respective countries through the year-long anniversary celebration of the OAU - AU. Global reflection and debates are ongoing on the theme of the 21st AU Summit: Pan Africanism and African Renaissance and on the Africa 2063 vision, across the continent and the Diaspora. According to Chairperson Dlamini – Zuma, “these debates by Africans from all walks reaffirm Pan Africanism as a guide to action and the foundations for Africa’s Renaissance”. She added that, “ as we reflect on the 50th Anniversary Proclamation, we must be mindful of the inputs from our people….We must be mindful of our people’s expectations that we should emerge from this Summit – as our Founders did in 1963 – with a mission that will unite Africa and set her on the path to peace and prosperity”.
Dr. Dlamini – Zuma expressed optimism on the fact that Africa’s natural resources, its unused arable land and water, its potential for energy generation, its long coastlines rich in marine resources, to name but a few are potentials to use in achieving the 2063 agenda.
Quoting the eminent Pan Africanist, President Kwame Nkrumah in his speech to the Founding meeting in May 1963, the AUC Chairperson said “Nothing will be of avail, except the united act of a united Africa”. She explained that “as we chart the mission of our generations for the next fifty years, we must learn from the past and guard against the difficulties that President Nkrumah warned against. ( see complete speech of the AUC Chairperson on the AU website: www.au.int ).
The Chairperson of the Executive Council on his part congratulated the AU Member States for the celebration of the 50th anniversary which he said is a significan milestone and a historic occasion to honor African heroines and heros while placing Africa at the forefront of world affairs. Dr. Tedros underlined that the commemoration of the OAU-AU jubilee is important as it will chart the way for a prosperous and peaceful Africa. He hoped that this new generation of panAfricans will achieve the dreams of the founding fathers through African renaissance.
Minister Tedros called on his peers to meet at a more appropriate time and reflect on how to contribute to the agenda 2063. In this respect, he invited the Ministers for a retreat in one town called Bahidar outside of Addis Ababa where they can exchange views and produce constructive input to the vision.
Chairperson Tedros reminded the ministers on the items on their agenda including the draft Proclamation of the 50th OAU-AU anniversary to be adopted during the 21st AU Summit scheduled for 26 and 27 May 2013. (See complete speech of the AU Chairperson on the AU website: www.au.int ).
Mr. Lopes on his part stressed on the importance of the celebrations as it acknowledges the key role that the pan-African ideal played in promoting continental unity. “It meant overcoming domination and oppression by ending colonialism and apartheid in the continent. It asserted at the same time the possibility of rapid socio-economic transformation of the continent”. He said, adding that, “it was only quite logical that our forefathers and foremothers came together despite divergences in their ideological dispositions to form the Organization of African Unity”.
In concluding his statement, the ECA Executive Secretary said “just as our forefathers and foremothers laid the foundation for our dignity and freedom from oppression, we have the collective responsibility to lay a sound basis for the prosperity of present and future generations. The trends are in our favourbut we must do our part”.(See complete speech of the ECA Executive Secretary on the AU website: www.au.int ).
Ministers to Brainstorm on AU Proclamation /Agenda 2063
The Executive Council at their current ordinary session will discuss and provide a framework for the Proclamation on the 50th anniversary of the OAU-AU and the implementation of the Africa 2063 vision.
The draft Proclamation comprises inputs from civil society including the youth assembly, business forum, women, African Editors, and academicians. It frames the African Union’ s key objectives for the next five decades around the themes of African Identity and Renaissance; the Integration agenda; the agenda for Social and Economic Development and Prosperity; Peace and Security; Democratic Governance; Self-reliance and Africa’s place in the World.According to the AUC Chairperson, in each of these areas, the Proclamation must spell out the continental mission and strategic objectives for the next fifty years in a bid to help Africa to comprehensively deal with the challenges ahead.
EAT/WM
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May 22, 2013
MEDIA ADVISORY
Press Briefing:
THE APRM +10: REVIEWING A DECADE OF PEER LEARNING AND PROJECTING A FUTURE OF GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA
Dear Colleagues:
The Africa Governance Monitoring Project (AfriMAP), Electoral Institute of Southern Africa (EISA), Oxfam and South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) hosted an international workshop on the APRM ahead of the Forum of Participating Heads of State and Government meetings during the AU Summit/50th anniversary of the OAU/AU. The meeting focused on the effective participatory approach that civil society could adopt in engaging in the APRM process, with the aim of strengthening the mechanism. A briefing will take place on 23 May 2013.
When: 23 May 2013
Times: 11:00hrs
Where: Briefing Room 1, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
What:
The APRM established in 2003, shows a unique peer review process, which no other regional grouping has. To date 33 countries (Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda and Zambia) have signed up and 17 (Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, Algeria, Benin, Uganda, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique, Lesotho, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Zambia and Tanzania) have completed their reviews. However, challenges still loom large over the mechanism’s endurance in the face of uncertainty, at several levels. The way and manner in which the process has been implemented in different countries point to differing motives by individual countries in engaging with the APRM. And whilst some countries have shown strong political commits to ensuring that the process is transparent and participatory others have engaged in a cosmetic exercise of merely ‘going’ through the motions, with no real intensions of implementing recommendations.
Speakers include:
• Prof Ahmed Mohiddin, APRM Expert and leading academic in the field of Governance
• Mr Sam Cudjoe, Executive Secretary APRM Ghana
AfriMAP, the Africa Governance Monitoring and advocacy Project, is an initiative of the Soros foundation network’s four African foundations, and works with national civil society organizations to conduct systematic audits of government performance in three areas: the justice sector and the rule of law; political participation and democracy; and effective delivery of public services. The project also assesses roles of Public broadcaster in Africa, as well as advocating on Citizenship issues on the African continent.
www.afrimap.org
EISA evolved from an election NGO servicing Southern Africa into a more diversified organisation working throughout the continent with national, regional, Pan-African and global partners. The Institute’s work covers elections and other Democracy & Governance fields like political party development, conflict management, legislative strengthening, the African Peer Review Mechanism and local governance and decentralisation. Outside the southern African region, EISA has field offices in Burundi, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya and Sudan, which is a reflection of its broader geographical mandate.
www.eisa.org.za
SAIIA, South African Institute of International Affairs has a long and proud record as South Africa’s premier research institute on international issues. It is an independent, non-government think-tank whose purpose is to encourage wider and more informed awareness of the importance of international affairs. It is both a centre for research excellence and a home for stimulating public debate.
saiia.org.za
For more information please contact:
In Johannesburg/Addis, Jeggan Grey Johnson – Mobile+ 27 836 200578-
email: jeggangj@osisa.org or jgreyjohnson@yahoo.com