The 37th African Union (AU) Summit has drawn to a close. It was held from the 14th – 18th of February at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia under the theme “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa”.
African Heads of State, esteemed guests of government, delegates, representatives and the continent’s global partners attended the event.
The summit got off the ground, with the heads of state paying their respect to the late Namibian President H. E. Hage Geingob, with a moment of silence.
The current chairperson of the AU, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, delivered the keynote address which highlighted critical concerns facing the continent which includes political instability, peace & security, climate change and economic challenges. He also expressed the positive achievements under his leadership namely improved social development, women empowerment, education and making headway in peace and security. The chairperson stressed the importance of African states holding hands and working together for a prosperous future further, saying “The strengthening of our unity and the intensification of our struggles require a new start, a true renaissance of nationalism and Pan Africanism.”
H.E. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, also delivered an address which focused on improving and furthering Brazil’s relations with Africa stating “rekindling Brazil’s relationship with Africa involves reclaiming our historical connections and playing a significant role in shaping a new, more equitable, and supportive global order. Most importantly, it paves the way for us to unite in addressing the forthcoming challenges.”
The current ongoing conflict in the Gaza strip didn’t go unnoticed with the Secretary General of the League of Arab States and the Prime Minister of Palestine, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, stressing peace and security concerns, calling for an immediate ceasefire.
South African President, H.E Cyril Ramaphosa presented a report on the continent’s response to covid-19 and its preparedness for any future health threats. He said “Despite these successes, we are still at the delicate juncture of recovery. There is the threat of future pandemics. Our rapid and precise interventions have averted further crises, and for this, we must continue to sharpen our vigilance.”
During the summit, delegates, champions of the AU commission, its organs and sub-committees held bilateral, trilateral and multilateral meetings discussing matters of urgency and dissecting various reports to foster a peaceful, economic stable democratic Africa which upholds human rights and respect sovereignty.
The two-day summit concluded with an adoption of the decisions, declarations, and resolutions that speak to the presented theme.
