Events
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June 30, 2014
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea 30 June 2014 - The 23rd Ordinary Session of the Summit of the African Union concluded in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea on 27 June 2014. The summit’s Assembly, comprising Heads of State and Government of the African Union, was held from 26-27 June 2014. In their Assembly organised under the theme: “ 2014 Year of Agriculture and Food Security”, the Heads of State and Government adopted a number of key decisions with a view to enhancing the socio-economic and political development of the continent, notably in the areas of education, health, agriculture, trade, women and youth development.
The Assembly adopted the AU Budget for 2015 which amounts to a total of US$ 522,121,602.00, including US$142,687,881.00 for operational costs and US$379,433,721.00 for programmes.
The Assembly received an update report on the development of Agenda 2063: the fifty year vision for Africa. The popular version of Agenda 2063; the Africa we Want was tabled, and the Assembly instructed the Commission and the NEPAD Agency, together with the UNECA, the African Development Bank to popularise it widely and solicit further inputs from the African citizenry. Member states who have not yet made their submissions on Agenda 2063, further undertook to have national consultations and submit inputs on behalf of their countries as soon as possible. The Assembly further mandated the AU Commission to explore Agenda 2063 flagship programmes, such as the Continental Free Trade Area, free movement of people, the continental integrated high speed rail network, and to report to the Summit in January 2015. The Summit in January 2015 will also adopt Agenda 2063 and its first ten year plan.
The Assembly adopted the Protocol and the Statute for the Establishment of the African Monetary Fund. It further called on Member states to sign and ratify that Protocol as expeditiously as possible, for its early entry into force.
Regarding the Post-2015 Development Agenda, the Assembly considered the report of the High Level Committee (HLC) on the Post 2015 development agenda and requested Member States to mobilize together, to ensure that the agreed Common African Position (CAP), which is to eradicate poverty in all its forms, is the key message for all African representatives in the intergovernmental negotiation process on that crucial subject for Africa. In this regard, the Assembly mandated the HLC to coordinate Member States with the support of the secretariat and in collaboration with partners and other relevant African stakeholders, as Africa engages in the negotiation process with the rest of the world on CAP. The CAP will serve as the basis for Africa's input at the global level into the on-going post-2015 sustainable development intergovernmental deliberations, including the work of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing and the final phase of intergovernmental negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda. The assembly further requested Member States to enhance their statistical capacity to enable them to effectively monitor progress in the implementation of the Post-2015 Development Agenda, and urged them to speedily ratify the African Charter on Statistics.
The Assembly called for the enhancement of the Pan African Productivity Association, to provide it with the capacity enabling it to act as a regional think tank, catalyzer, research and knowledge developer and policy adviser on productivity at the continental level. Additionally, it called for the establishment and enhancement of productivity organizations at national and regional levels, which would eventually become members of the Pan African Productivity Association.
The Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa -2024 (STISA-2024) was adopted as the continental framework for accelerating Africa’s transition to an innovation-led, knowledge-based economy within the overall framework of the AU Agenda 2063.
Similarly, the Statute of the African Observatory on Science Technology and Innovation (AOSTI) was considered, with the Heads of State and Government calling upon Member States and development partners to avail the necessary technical and financial support for sustaining the AOSTI. Further, the Assembly, while recognizing ARIPO and OAPI as building blocks of the Pan African Intellectual Organization (PAIPO), welcomed and endorsed the offer of Tunisia to host the Headquarters and Secretariat of the PAIPO.
A proposal by Republic of Congo to organize in Brazzaville every two years, an International Salon on Invention and Innovation under the auspices of the African Union; and to host a high level Ethics and Bioethics Forum in Brazzaville was welcomed and endorsed by the Assembly.
The Assembly underscored the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to Africa’s development, particularly for youth empowerment, employment and entrepreneurship and adopted the ten-year AU Continental TVET Strategy.
The Summit in Malabo decided that the APRM shall be an autonomous entity within the AU system. In this regard, the African Union Commission and the APRM Secretariat were requested to consult on the practical modalities for the integration of the APRM into the African Union system.
The following legal instruments were adopted in Malabo: Protocol on the Establishment of the African Monetary Fund; African Convention on Cross border Cooperation (Niamey Convention); African Union Convention on Cyberspace Security and Protection of Personal Data; African Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralization, Local Governance and Local Development; Protocol on Amendments to the Protocol on the Statute of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights; Protocol to the Constitutive Act of the African Union on the Pan-African Parliament. Furthermore, Member States were called upon to speedily sign and ratify the above legal instruments as well as all the other legal instruments they have not yet ratified.
The Assembly, while considering the Report of the High Level Committee on African Trade (HATC), directed the AU Commission to prepare Draft Terms of Reference of the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) Negotiating Forum based on best practices in the regional economic communities (RECs)/Tripartite, refined draft Guiding Objectives and Principles as well as Institutional Arrangements to be submitted to the next AU Trade Ministerial Conference for consideration, along with other negotiation-related issues, and subsequent endorsement by the Assembly in January 2015 so as to facilitate the effective launching of the CFTA negotiations in June/July 2015. In this regard, the Assembly called upon Member States to maintain the momentum to fast track the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) as scheduled by providing the necessary financial and technical resources at national, regional and continental levels.
On the UN Reforms, the Assembly considered the Report of the Committee of Ten on that issue, and endorsed its recommendations, notably heeding the call for Africa to speak with one voice on this crucial matter, for it to be adequately represented in the UN system, and for the intensification of efforts towards building alliances with diverse interest groups engaged in intergovernmental negotiations, with a view to gathering support of the African Common Position.
On climate change, the Assembly considered the Report of the Committee of African heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSSC) and endorsed the Framework Work programme on Climate Change Action in Africa as a continental framework that will guide the African Union, its Member States and the RECs in addressing climate change in the near future. It further reaffirmed that adaptation is a priority in all actions on Climate Change in Africa. In this regard, the Assembly urged all Member States to urgently complete the development of their National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and put in place systems and structures for Africa to take full advantage of the global mechanisms in support of climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. The Assembly moreover took note of the global events on climate change to be convened by the UN Secretary General in the months ahead, notably in New York on 23 September 2014 and in Lima, Peru in December 2014.
The decision was made that the Thirty-First Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Union will be held in Dakar in June/July 2018 following an offer by the Republic of Senegal to host it.
The Conference of Ministers in charge of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and the Conference of Ministers of Communication, with the participation of national and international regulatory entities for the broadcasting sector, were directed to take up the issue of migration from analogue radio/television broadcasting to digital transmission, and to work in concert to protect the interest of the public broadcasting services of the AU Member States. The Commission, in collaboration with the African Union of Broadcasting and the African Telecommunication Union (ATU) was requested to expeditiously establish an African Technical Committee for the Information and Media Society, to accompany Member States in their transition to full digital broadcasting, while at the same time stimulating economic recovery in Africa.
The offer by Togo to host a Regional Conference on Maritime Piracy and other Criminal Acts Committed at Sea was welcomed and as such, Member States and their appropriate Administrations, Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms, African and International Institutions specializing in maritime and related activities, as well as development partners, were encouraged to participate actively in the Conference when it is convened.
The mandate of the African Union Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan (AUCISS) was extended for an additional three (3) months in order to enable it complete its work.
Regarding the Report of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) and the State of Peace and Security on the continent, the Assembly called for renewed efforts by the AU Member States and the Commission, as well as by the Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (RECs/RMs) towards achieving the objective of a conflict-free Africa by 2020, as provided for by the Solemn Declaration adopted at its 21st Ordinary Session held in Addis Ababa, on 25 May 2013.
At the same time, the Assembly welcomed the continued progress in post-conflict reconstruction and development and peace building processes in the Comoros, Côte d'Ivoire and Liberia. It expressed satisfaction at the continued positive evolution of the situation in Madagascar. The Assembly welcomed the completion of the transition and restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau following the presidential and legislative elections held on 13 April and 18 May 2014, and the resumption of the participation of Guinea-Bissau in AU's activities, following the decision taken by the PSC at its 442nd meeting held on 17 June 2014.
It further welcomed the restoration of constitutional order in Egypt following the constitutional referendum and the presidential election held in January and May 2014, respectively and noted, with satisfaction, the resumption by Egypt of its participation in AU's activities. The positive developments that have taken place in Somalia were welcomed by the Assembly.
Concerns were raised at the prevailing situation in Libya and its impact on the conduct of the on-going transition and the cohesion of the country, as well as on regional security and stability.
The cowardly kidnapping by Boko Haram of over two hundred young girls in northern Nigeria elicited outrage from the Heads of State and Government who also welcomed the on-going AU efforts to address the scourge of terrorism, notably through the cooperative mechanisms being implemented by the African Centre on the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT), the Nouakchott Process, the Regional Cooperation Initiative for the Elimination of the LRA. It hailed the AMISOM achievements in Somalia. For each of these issues, the Assembly recognised efforts being exerted to resolve them and made further recommendations towards consolidation of gains.
Heads of State and Government at the Malabo Summit also adopted some declarations related to accelerated agricultural growth and transformation for shared prosperity and improved livelihoods; ending preventable child and maternal deaths in Africa; support of small island developing states ahead of the third international conference on small island developing states; and nutrition security for inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in Africa. The Assembly also adopted a Resolution calling for the lifting of embargo of the USA against the Republic of Cuba.
Finally, the Assembly agreed to hold its 24th Ordinary Session at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 30-31 January 2014 under the theme: “Year of Women’s Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063”.
(All the decisions of the 23rs AU Assembly will be posted shortly on the AU website: www.au.int ).
WZM/EAT/HMC
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June 27, 2014La transition en Tunisie progresse en douceur
Malabo (Guinée équatoriale), 26 juin 2014 : Le Président de la Tunisie, S.E.M. Moncef Marzouki a assuré la Présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine, S.E. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, que le processus de transition en Tunisie progresse sans anicroche. Il a ajouté qu’à l’issue de l’adoption de la Constitution, le pays organisera les élections d’ici la fin de 2014.
Dr Dlamini Zuma a félicité la Tunisie de demeurer ferme sur ce processus très important et a promis au Président l’appui continu de l’Union africaine. Leur entretien a également porté sur d’autres questions d’intérêt commun à la Tunisie et à l’Union africaine.
Cette rencontre, qui a eu lieu en marge du 23e Sommet de l’Union africaine à Malabo (Guinée équatoriale), a permis à la Présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine et au Président tunisien d’échanger leurs points de vue sur les menaces du terrorisme dans la région, y compris la situation en Libye.
EAT/JEE/rv
For more information on media accreditation and coverage of the Summit please visit the 23rd AU Summit web link:
http://summits.au.int/en/23rdsummit
Journalists wishing to interview the leadership of the AU Commission during the Summit should submit their requests to Mrs Esther Azaa Tankou E-mail: YambouE@africa-union.org / esthertankou@yahoo.com
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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June 27, 2014
PRESS RELEASE N…/ 2014
African leaders adopt experts report with key actions to defeat AIDS, TB and malaria
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea 27 June 2014: More than 50 African Heads of State and Government committed Friday to work together to sustain efforts to defeat AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria on the continent. With major commitments including the Abuja Declaration and the African Union Roadmap ending in 2015 leaders emphasised the need to remain focused on ensuring the gains made, will be sustained and that Africa moves towards fully controlling the three epidemics.
Translating political commitments into action
The AIDS Watch Africa report, which was endorsed by African leaders, has concrete recommendations that include prioritising AIDS, TB and malaria in the new development goals to ensure that the continued international financing of the response will not be threatened. AIDS, TB and malaria remain major threats to Africa’s health and development priorities and should therefore be at the core of the Post-2015 development agenda.
According to the latest reports AIDS remains a major public health threat killing 1.2 million people on the continent in 2012. Yet, based on the progress that has been made, ending the AIDS epidemic is possible in the Post-2015 era. To achieve this, Africa will need to accelerate antiretroviral treatment as a catalytic action for ending AIDS.
The report, which was put, together by Member States experts working on AIDS, TB and malaria underscores that unprecedented levels of international funding for health since 2001 has resulted in significant progress in improving peoples’ lives. However as the resource landscape is changing, the focus should now be on innovative domestic financing for health. In the spirit of shared responsibility and global solidarity international support will still be critical as Africa will not be able to mobilise sufficient resources to address all the health needs in the short to medium term.
The report further urges African countries to take advantage of the current unprecedented expansion of infrastructural development taking place in Africa, and ensure that environmental impact assessments contribute to expanding access to HIV, TB, and malaria services.
According to the report Member States should continue to prioritise rights based responses to HIV, TB and malaria in access to justice and in law enforcement, including the prioritisation of marginalised populations.
With the huge proportion of the resources committed to addressing these diseases going into procurement of drugs and commodities abroad new strategies are needed. Accelerating the full implementation of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa business plan, which promotes local production of medicines, will improve universal access to health. In addition there is a greater need to accelerate regulatory medicines harmonisation to improve access to affordable and quality assured drugs.
For more information, visit http://www.africa-union.org, www.aidswatchafrica.org
For further information contact
Ms. Tankou Azaa Esther I Head of Information Division | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission, Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: YambouE@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.intMr. Tawanda Chisango I AIDS Watch Africa (AWA) Programme Advocacy & Partnership Expert | Social Affairs | African Union Commission I Mobile +251934167052 | E-mail: Chisangot@africa-union.org | Web www.au.int I
Addis Ababa | EthiopiaAbout the African Union
African Union The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena. Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en/
About AIDS Watch Africa
Created at the Abuja 2001 Special Summit, AIDS Watch Africa (AWA) is an Africa-led instrument to stimulate leaders into action and mobilise the resources needed to address AIDS, TB and Malaria in an effective, sustainable and accountable manner. Learn more at: http://www.aidswatchafrica.org -
June 27, 2014
Malabo (Guinée équatoriale), 26 juin 2014: Le Secrétaire général des Nations Unies, M. Ban Ki-moon, a félicité la Présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine, S.E. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, d’axer son attention sur le développement de l’Afrique au lieu de se limiter aux conflits.
«Depuis que vous assumez la présidence, la vision globale à long terme acquiert davantage d’importance...avec l’Agenda 2063 comme vision plus élargie. Vous avez l’appui total des Nations unies». C’est ce qu’a déclaré le Secrétaire général au cours d’un entretien qui a eu lieu en marge du 23e Sommet des chefs d’État et de Gouvernement de l’Union africaine à Malabo (Guinée équatoriale).
Dr Dlamini Zuma et Ban Ki-moon ont discuté de questions relatives au développement, mettant l’accent sur le programme de développement post-2015 et sur la paix et la sécurité en Afrique. La Présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine a indiqué que la position africaine commune sur les objectifs de développement post-2015 situe délibérément l’Afrique sur la voie du développement, ce qui pourrait s’avérer la première décennie de l’Agenda 2063.
Ils ont également partagé leurs préoccupations sur le changement climatique. Le Secrétaire général des Nations Unies a fait part de sa satisfaction de la position africaine commune sur le changement climatique. Le changement climatique affecte sérieusement le continent, bien que l’Afrique y contribue le moins. La Présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine a saisi cette occasion pour souligner la nécessité de moderniser l’agriculture. Cette initiative contribuerait à atténuer l’impact du changement climatique en réduisant l’incitation à abattre des arbres en vue d’étendre les terres agricoles et accroître ainsi la production alimentaire.
Directorate of Information and Communication. African Union Commission E mail: dinfo@africa-union.orgDr Dlamini Zuma et Ban Ki-moon ont également examiné la situation de la paix et de la sécurité sur le continent, notamment au Mali, en République centrafricaine, en Somalie, au Soudan et au Soudan du Sud. En ce qui concerne le maintien de la paix, ils sont convenus de la nécessité de revoir ces dispositions dans les situations de conflit, étant donné les nouvelles sources de menace en particulier. Ils ont aussi évoqué les menaces du terrorisme, comma au Nigeria, au Kenya, en Libye et dans d’autres endroits. Il est envisagé de tenir une réunion de haut niveau en marge de l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies cette année à New York.
EAT/JEE/CJ/rv
For more information on media accreditation and coverage of the Summit please visit the 23rd AU Summit web link:
http://summits.au.int/en/23rdsummit
Journalists wishing to interview the leadership of the AU Commission during the Summit should submit their requests to Mrs Esther Azaa Tankou E-mail: YambouE@africa-union.org / esthertankou@yahoo.com
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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June 27, 2014
Malabo (Guinée équatoriale), 26 juin 2014: L’Union africaine maintiendra son appui pour promouvoir la paix et le développement au Mali. La Présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine, S.E. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, a renouvelé cet appui au cours d’un entretien avec le Président malien, S.E.M. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.
Au cours de cet entretien, le Président a mis à jour la Présidente sur la situation de la paix et de la sécurité au Mali et du processus en cours pour ramener la paix après ce qui s’est passé en mai à Kidal. Il a rendu hommage aux efforts entrepris dans la région en vue d’un cessez-le-feu et d’une reprise du dialogue avec le groupe armé.ils ont également discuté du rôle de la CEDEAO et de l’ONU.
La Présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine et le Président Keita ont conjointement renouvelé leur appui total au retour de la paix et du développement. «Bien que toute situation de conflit puisse connaître des revers, il est nécessaire d’entretenir la dynamique avec l’aide de tous les acteurs les plus importants», a déclaré Dr Dlamini Zuma.
Cette rencontre entre la Présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine et le Président malien a eu lieu en marge du 23e Sommet de l’Union africaine à Malabo (Guinée équatoriale).
EAT/JEE/rv
For more information on media accreditation and coverage of the Summit please visit the 23rd AU Summit web link:
http://summits.au.int/en/23rdsummit
Directorate of Information and Communication. African Union Commission E mail: dinfo@africa-union.org

Journalists wishing to interview the leadership of the AU Commission during the Summit should submit their requests to Mrs Esther Azaa Tankou E-mail: YambouE@africa-union.org / esthertankou@yahoo.com
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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June 27, 2014
Malabo (Guinée équatoriale), 26 juin 2014: Le Président Blaise Compaore du Burkina Faso a informé la Présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine, S.E. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, des préparatifs dans le cadre du Sommet sur le chômage des jeunes, prévu en septembre 2014 à Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso).
La Présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine, S.E. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, et S.E.M. Blaise Compaore, se sont entretenus en marge du 23e Sommet des chefs d’État et de Gouvernement de l’Union africaine à Malabo (Guinée équatoriale).
Ils ont examiné la situation au Mali, où le Président Compaore agit comme médiateur. Ce dernier a informé la Présidente de son déplacement prévu à Bamako afin de poursuivre les discussions. Ils ont également évoqué la situation au Nigeria et l’engagement de la région à y trouver une solution durable.
La Présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine a promis l’appui continu de l’Union africaine pour faire face fermement aux menaces du terrorisme.
EAT/JEE/CJ/rv
For more information on media accreditation and coverage of the Summit please visit the 23rd AU Summit web link:
http://summits.au.int/en/23rdsummit
Journalists wishing to interview the leadership of the AU Commission during the Summit should submit their requests to Mrs Esther Azaa Tankou E-mail: YambouE@africa-union.org / esthertankou@yahoo.com
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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June 27, 2014
INVITATION TO THE MEDIA
PRESS BRIEFING OF MS. BINETA DIOP, MEMBER OF THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION OF INQUIRY ON SOUTH SUDAN
Within the framework of the 23rd AU Summit, H.E Ms. Benita Diop, member of the African Union Commission of inquiry on South Sudan, will today 27 June 2014 at 15:00 address a press conference on the report on the Commission on South Sudan.
The briefing will be held at the Sipopo Conference Center, Press Conference Hall, (A102), in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
Journalists are invited to take part in the press briefing
Media contact
Mr. Molalet Tsedeke
Media Center Coordinator
Directorate of Information and Communication
AU Commission
Tel: +240551983361; E:mail: molalett@africa-union.orgFor further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.orgI Web Site: www.au.intI Addis Ababa | EthiopiaFollow us
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June 26, 2014AU Commission Chairperson and Spanish President met in Malabo
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, 26 June 2014: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Spanish President H.E. Mariano Rajoy Brey met in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea in the margins of the 23rd African Union Summit.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma welcomed President Rajoy Brey, who is attending the AU Summit as Guest of Honour. They had a brief discussion on strengthening the relationship between Africa and Spain.
The Spanish President expressed his delight in attending the Summit, and for the opportunity to address the African Heads of State and Government.
JEE/
For more information on media accreditation and coverage of the Summit please visit the 23rd AU Summit web link: http://summits.au.int/en/23rdsummitJournalists wishing to interview the leadership of the AU Commission during the Summit should submit their requests to Mrs Esther Azaa Tankou E-mail: YambouE@africa-union.org / esthertankou@yahoo.com
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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June 26, 2014African Nutrition Champion urges African leaders to invest in nutrition
African Nutrition Champion urges African leaders to invest in nutrition
MALABO, Equatorial Guinea, 26 June 2014- Recently appointed African Nutrition Champion, His Majesty King Letsie III of the Kingdom of Lesotho today pressed African governments to commit resources to their nutrition plans to allow them to reap the benefits of investment in nutrition. The king made the call during a breakfast meeting held on the sidelines of the 23rd African Union Heads of State and Government Summit under the theme, “Strengthening Advocacy for Improved Nutrition and Inclusive Development.”
King Letsie III told African leaders that “investing in nutrition is an investment in the social and economic development of the continent”.
Africa is the only continent in the world, where the number of stunted children has increased. Stunting, or low height for age, is associated with impaired brain development, which is likely to have long-lasting negative consequences throughout a child’s life and in a nations’ socio economic growth. If having access to enough food is necessary for a person’s survival, then getting an adequate combination of safe and nutritious foods is fundamental to his or her future, and to the wellbeing, health and development of entire communities and economies.
In his address, His Majesty, King Letsie III, emphasized that “poor nutrition is closely linked to extreme poverty, and improving nutrition is a prerequisite for reaching the targets of the Millennium Development Goals, especially those related to education and health. This places a heavy burden on us to work hard, in collaboration with stakeholders outside nutrition, in order to see positive results on economies of African countries.”
“Investing in nutrition will greatly improve productivity, economic growth, and will promote education, intellectual capacity and the social development of people,” said Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, Commissioner for Social Affairs of the African Union Commission.
Partners also asserted or re-affirmed their commitment to nutrition, including UNICEF, the United Nations World Food Programme and Save the Children.
“The nutritional status of a child is influenced by three broad factors: intake of quality food, health and care,” said Dr. Noel Marie Zagre, UNICEF’s Regional Nutrition Advisor for Eastern and Southern Africa. “The programmes that address malnutrition therefore have to be multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder. The most crucial time to meet a child’s nutritional requirements so as to avoid long term and irreversible damage is during the first 1,000 days, beginning from the start of pregnancy to the child’s second birthday.”
United Nations World Food Programme Africa Office Director, Dr. Menghestab Haile, highlighted the statistics that emerged from the Cost of Hunger in Africa (COHA) study, noting that “we have systematically under-invested in the nutrition and food security sector and expressed the scope and magnitude of the problem as well as offered policy options to guide decision makers.”
On his part, Mr. Franco Wandabwa, Africa Advocacy Director of the Save the Children, called for strong leadership in leading the fight against malnutrition, adding that Africa could ill-afford the cost of child stunting.
A key objective of this breakfast meeting, organized by the African Union Commission and supported by UNICEF, WFP and Save the Children, was to continue to rally high-level political resolve, leadership and commitment among African leaders on decisive policies and programmes to invest more in nutrition.
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Editor’s Note
In January 2014, His Majesty King Letsie III, the reigning King of the Kingdom of Lesotho, was appointed by the Assembly of African Union Heads of State and Government as the African Nutrition Champion for a two-year period. King Letsie III committed to advocate to Heads of State and Government and high level policy makers on the continent for increased awareness, commitment and investment for better nutrition for all Africans.For media inquiries and requests contact:
Ms. Tankou Azaa Esther, African Union Commission, YambouE@africa-union.org
Mr. Kenneth Oliko, African Union Commission, Kennetho@africa-union.org
Mr. Anthony Mwangi, UNICEF, amwangi@unicef.org
Mrs. Sophia Nesri, WFP, sophia.nesri@wfp.org
Mr. Franco Wandabwa, Save the Children, FWandabwa@savechildren.org -
June 26, 2014The Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change meet in Malabo
Press Release Nº08.23rd AU SUMMIT
The Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change meet in Malabo
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea – June 26, 2014 – H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Coordinator of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) yesterday, 25th June 2014, hosted the meeting of the CAHOSCC to discuss the impacts of climate change on agriculture on the African continent.The meeting, which took place on the margins of the 23rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Union Heads of State and Government at the Sipopo Conference Center in Malabo, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, was attended by H.E Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda and Ugandan first lady, H.E Janet Kataha Museveni; Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma; ministerial delegations from CAHOSCC member states; Dr. Carlos Lopez, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa; and Commissioner of the African Union’s Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA), H.E Tumusiime Rhoda Peace.
Opening the meeting, President Kikwete said political will and good governance were imperative if effective measures were to be put in place to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. President Kikwete said Africa now required in excess of US$15 billion per year to combat climate change and that the figure continues to rise.
He emphasized the need to prioritize skills development, the provision of training for young people and the need for other collective solutions among African countries to increase the level of preparedness and anticipation with regards to the negative effects of climate change.
The meeting identified five key points in setting up plans for climate change in Africa namely; climate finance and technology needs, adaptation, mitigation, participation and institutional cooperation.
H.E. Dr. Dlamini-Zuma while addressing the members of CAHOSCC said, “Africa contributes less than 4 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, and yet it will be the worst impacted by this adverse externality through more intense and more frequent extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, coastal erosion, diseases and exacerbating impacts of climate change. Additionally Africa is a region with the least capacity to deal with the challenges of adaptation which is why the issue of climate change is so alarming and calls for decisive action.”
The meeting agreed that AU Member States should intensify research if Africa is to have a chance at surviving the future implications of climate change and continue harnessing agriculture as a vehicle for food and nutrition security, economic development, job creation and decreased vulnerability.
Women empowerment was placed high on the agenda and the meeting resolved to develop a CAHOSCC Women and Gender Programme on Climate Change to engage women and gender in climate change related actions.
Commissioner Tumusiime summed up the key messages that emerged from the meeting and stressed that they would serve as a basis for follow up actions. They included: examining and adopting the High Level Work Programme on Climate Change Action in Africa, views and strategies on Africa’s engagement at the global events of the Twentieth Conference of the Parties and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, as well as areas of action in the preparation for the United Nations Secretary-General’s Climate Summit
“We stress the need for adequate means of implementation that would allow Africa the space for sustainable development”, she said.
Media contact:
Ms Carol Jilombo
Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture, AUC
E-mail: Jilomboc@africa-union.org
For information contact
Ms. Olushola Olayide
Olusholao@africa-union.orgFor further information contact
Directorate of information and communication /African union commission/ E- mail: dinfo@africa-union.org /Web site: www.au.int / Addis Ababa / EthiopiaFollow us
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June 26, 2014
MEDIA ADVISORY
What: Meeting of AIDS Watch Africa (AWA) Heads of State and Government Action Committee Meeting
The AIDS Watch Africa (AWA) Action Committee of Heads of State and Government will meet on the sidelines of the 23rd Ordinary Summit of the African Union to deliberate on the report of the African Union Member States Experts working on AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The meeting will be followed by a Press Conference to present the outcomes of the meeting.
When: 26 June 2014, 1300-1500
Where: Sipopo Conference Centre, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
Why:
The experience in Africa in responding to AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria has been a major pathfinder to strategic action by African leaders at the highest level and collaboration by various players at global, continental and country levels. Joint efforts have resulted in unprecedented mobilisation of resources domestically and substantial global resources flowing in rapid scale from contributions by donors. While significant progress has been made in responding to these three diseases major resource gaps and more strategic actions still need to be taken to effectively stem the tide of Africa’s big three diseases. High-level leadership and advocacy is thus required more than ever before to advocate for the needed resources and to promote accountability. Heads of State and Government will thus meet to consider the key issues to accelerate the continental response.
Who:H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Chairperson of the African Union Commission
H.E Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania Chairperson of African Union and AIDS Watch Africa
H.E Ato Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
H.E Armando Guebuza, President of the Republic of Mozambique
H.E Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia
H.E. Theodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea
AIDS Watch Africa Heads of State and Government
For more information, visit http://www.africa-union.org, www.aidswatchafrica.org
For further information contact
Ms. Tankou Azaa Esther I Head of Information Division | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission, Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: YambouE@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.int
Mr. Tawanda Chisango I AIDS Watch Africa (AWA) Programme Advocacy & Partnership Expert | Social Affairs | African Union Commission I Mobile +251934167052 | E-mail: Chisangot@africa-union.org | Web www.au.int I
Addis Ababa | EthiopiaAbout the African Union
African Union The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena. Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en/
About AIDS Watch Africa
Created at the Abuja 2001 Special Summit, AIDS Watch Africa (AWA) is an Africa-led instrument to stimulate leaders into action and mobilise the resources needed to address AIDS, TB and Malaria in an effective, sustainable and accountable manner. Learn more at: http://www.aidswatchafrica.org -
June 25, 2014Modernising agriculture will attract young women and men
PRESS RELEASE Nº07/23rd AU SUMMIT
Modernising agriculture will attract young women and men
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, 25 June 2014: Employing the latest technology and modern machines in farming will attract more young women and men into the industry, said the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma today, while addressing the Summit of NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC) holding in the margins of the 23rd ordinary session of the African Union Summit, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
The AUC Chairperson called for more access to land and credit facilities as concrete support to women, who constitute the majority of the population engaged in farming. Speaking on the AU’s 2014 theme of “Agriculture and Food Security”, the Chairperson said “speaking and acting together would make a difference on the ground.”
Opening the NEPAD summit, the President of the HSGOC and President of Senegal Mr Macky Sall highlighted the impact of CAADP in driving Africa’s economic and social development. He stressed the need for structural transformation to set the basis for sustainable development beyond the current average 5% growth rate.
President Sall noted that the high level round table was aimed at sharing experiences on structural transformation, which also depends on financing and implementing Africa’s Programme for Infrastructure Development (PIDA). He recalled the Dakar Financing Summit as a major moment for the mobilisation of international financing to support 16 key regional projects.
The Chairperson of the African Union, Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, said agriculture occupies a priority place in Africa's economy, and has no other equivalent in combating poverty. However, he challenged member states to think more strategically to do more, given that 10 years after the adoption of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), the results were still below set indicators.
The NEPAD Agency will be supporting agricultural transformation through the implementation of the CAADP results framework: 1) Agricultural transformation for accelerating growth (production and productivity); 2) Harnessing markets and trade opportunities; 3) Enhancing investment financing in agriculture; 4) Food Security and Nutrition: towards ending hunger and malnutrition in Africa; and 5) Enhancing Resilience of Africa’s agriculture to climate change shocks and other natural hazards.
EAT/JEE/CJ/wzm
For more information on media accreditation and coverage of the Summit please visit the 23rd AU Summit web link: http://summits.au.int/en/23rdsummitJournalists wishing to interview the leadership of the AU Commission during the Summit should submit their requests to Mrs Esther Azaa Tankou E-mail: YambouE@africa-union.org / esthertankou@yahoo.com
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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