The African Union (AU) HISTORY The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was established on 25 May 1963 in Addis Ababa, on signature of the OAU Charter by representatives of 32 governments. A further 21 states have joined gradually over the years, with South Africa becoming the 53rd member on 23 May 1994. The OAU aims to promote the unity and solidarity of African States; co-ordinate and intensify their co-operation and efforts to achieve a better life for the peoples of Africa; defend their sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence; eradicate all forms of colonialism from Africa; promote international co-operation, giving due regard to the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and co-ordinate and harmonise members’ political, diplomatic, economic, educational, cultural, health, welfare, scientific, technical and defence policies. The objectives of the AU are: 1. To achieve greater unity and solidarity between the African countries and Africans. 2. To defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States. 3. To accelerate the political and social-economic integration of the continent. 4. To promote and defend African common positions on issues of interest to the continent and its peoples. 5. To encourage international cooperation, taking due account of the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 6. To promote peace, security, and stability on the continent. 7. To promote democratic principles and institutions, popular participation and good governance. 8. To promote and protect human and peoples rights in accordance with the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and other relevant human rights instruments. 9. To establish the necessary conditions which enable the continent to play its rightful role in the global economy and in international negotiations. 10. To promote sustainable development at the economic, social and cultural levels as well as the integration of African economies. 11. To promote co-operation in all fields of human activity to raise the living standards of African peoples. 12. To coordinate and harmonise the policies between the existing and future Regional Economic Communities for the gradual attainment of the objectives of the Union. 13. To advance the development of the continent by promoting research in all fields, in particular in science and technology. 14. To work with relevant international partners in the eradication of preventable diseases and the promotion of good health on the continent. The programme was composed of modules such as: - Developing a pan-african orientation; - Leadership roles and skills; - Problem solving; - Intercultural communication; - Life skills and personal discipline; - “My role as an African Union Young volunteers Corps”; - Team building through sport.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Nov 2014 10:34:22 +0000
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