The AU Ministerial Retreat in Bahir Dar The First African Union Ministerial Retreat was held in Bahir Dar, seat of the Amhara Regional State, over the weekend (January 24-26) to map out the AU’s vision for its next fifty years. Foreign Minister, Dr. Tedros, Chairperson of the AU Executive Council, noted that the decision to hold the retreat in Bahir Dar provided ministers with the opportunity to witness progress in other parts of Ethiopia; and delegates were welcomed by Gedu Andargachew, President of the Amhara Regional State. The Ministerial Retreat was held under the theme: “Defining Agenda 2063: Towards a peaceful, integrated and prosperous Africa”, and the Ministers discussed a framework document outlining Agenda 2063: A shared Strategic Framework for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development. The document was prepared by the African Union Commission, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the African Development Bank. Speaking at the closing of the Retreat, Dr. Tedros thanked the participants for a “very enriching and very insightful debate on where we want Africa to be in the next 50 years.” Agenda 2063 will be considered by the 22nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government on 30th January. The final adoption is expected to be done at the 23rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly in June/July 2014. In a communiqué at the end of the Retreat, the Ministers noted that the dream of an Africa that is integrated, peaceful and prosperous is achievable provided that actions are taken now to construct the future. The Retreat identified key strategic initiatives for 2014 aimed at giving added impetus to fast-track the continent’s socio-economic and political development through Agenda 2063. Accelerating human capital development and regional integration and strengthening financial independence of key continental bodies as well as strengthening efforts to end conflicts were among the key initiatives proposed. The Retreat was attended by AU Foreign Ministers and Members of the Executive Council as well as by Dr. Carlos Lopez, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa; Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, AU Commission Chairperson; Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission; AU Commissioners, and members of the Permanent Representatives Committees and other officials.
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 05:27:30 +0000
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