AU Begins Its Annual Summit in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa: Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) began holding their 37th Ordinary Session today at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The summit, which has brought together most of Africa’s leaders, is expected to discuss the major issue of the continent including the future role of Africa in the global economy, security, and health, education and among other.
Key speakers during the official opening ceremony included Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission, Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, the outgoing Chairperson of the Union, and among others.
Leaders of 49 countries are attending the summit, 30 represented by their presidents and five with vice presidents. Some six leaders outside of Africa are attending this summit, it was indicated.
The leaders are also expected to discuss on ways to liberate the continent from external financial dependency by taping their own potential to accelerate developm
ent with a view to averting economic and social challenges in the region.
As long as the African Union annual summit is becoming one of the key global diplomatic platforms, about 13 leaders of international organizations including the United Nations, are also taking part in the 37th AU Summit.
The African Union has named 2024 the Year of Education, which is entitled ‘Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.
The theme is fitting considering the continent’s significant portion of the population still has no access to education, it was stated.
Most importantly, educating the next generation has positive outcomes for stability, as Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission stated.
‘Educational reforms will reverse the trend towards poverty and enhance the attractiveness of Africa, in terms of investment and therefore, the creation of prosperity,’ according to t
he commissioner.
Thus, Africa, which is considered as home to some of the world’s fastest growing economies, youngest populations, rich human capital and natural resource markets, the outcome of this 37th annual summit is instrumental to the continent that can play fair share in future global dynamics, it was indicated.
Despite optimism about this future, the African continent has been still also facing several challenges that could stand in the way.
Particularly, food insecurity, humanitarian disasters including droughts and floods, military led coups, threats to elections, and growing conflicts in various parts of Africa have still remained major bottlenecks for the development and growth of the continent.
Therefore, African leaders are highly anticipated to discuss opportunities to advance sustainable development and growth and decrease external shocks, peace and security, including the role of integration and trade such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Source: Ethiopian News Agen
cy