CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE OF TEN AFRICAN HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT MEET IN ADDIS ABABA

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1 AUC NEWS The newsletter of the African Union Commission November 2009 CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE OF TEN AFRICAN HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT MEET IN ADDIS ABABA It is high time that the group of ten, mandated by the African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government to speak on behalf of Africa during the Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change, work out a common position for Africa. The declaration was made by Mr. Meles Zenawi, Ethiopian Prime Minister on Tuesday 17 November 2009, at the headquarters of the African Union Commission (AUC), in Ethiopia, while presiding at the meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC). The meeting took place in the presence of Mr Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda and Mr Mwai Kibaki, Kenyan President, Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission and Mrs.Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, AU Commission Prime Minister Zenawi, who is also the coordinator of the CA- HOSCC, underscored the need for a robust and fair practical agreement to be arrived at in Copenhagen just few weeks from now, saying, Africa has contributed nothing to the global warming but the continent will be hardest hit by climate change as compared to other continents. Speaking earlier the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Jean Ping, expressed the wish for an all inclusive agreement to be arrived at, during the Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change so that Africa should be given the necessary support in terms of technology and capacity building to overcome the threat of global warming, given that Africa produces less gas but is greatly impacted by the effect of climate change. Chairperson Ping explained that, what Africa is expecting from the International Community today is not only a mere declaration but to institute concrete practical measures that will help resolve the present climatic crises and spare the continent from catastrophes. It is our lives that are at stake Mr. Ping said. The countries that make up the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change are: Libya; Algeria; Republic of Congo; Uganda; Kenya; South Africa; Nigeria; Mauritius; Mozambique and Ethiopia. The meeting discussed strategies for Copenhagen (COP15) on the basis of the current state of play concerning ongoing negotiations and the proposal made by ministers as well as the institutional mechanism for continuation of the CAHOSCC consultations, amongst other climate change related issues. Pictures Top: Opening session of the climate change meeting Bottom: A view of some of the delegates to the meeting

2 MEMBER STATES SIGN AU CONVENTION FOR PROTECTION AND ASSISTANCE OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS Convention is a unique comprehensive and unequivocal response to the challenges of forced displacement The African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government gathered in Kampala, Uganda since October 22 for the AU Special Summit on Refugees, Returnees and IDP s in Africa adopted and signed the first ever Convention for the protection and assistance of IDP s. The AU Convention was signed in Kampala on 23 October by 5 AU Heads of State, 5 Vice Presidents and Prime Ministers as well as by Foreign Ministers and other Heads of Delegations who attended the historic event. In total, 17 countries signed the convention. They also adopted the Kampala Solemn Declaration for a stronger commitment towards addressing the challenge of mass displacement. The AU Convention will be the first legal framework in the world and will promote and strengthen regional and national measures to prevent or mitigate, prohibit and eliminate root causes of internal displacement as well as provide for durable solutions. The Convention includes general obligations for State Parties, international organizations and humanitarian agencies; and the African Union. For the State Parties, once the Convention is domesticated, they shall respect several obligations relating to protection and assistance of internally displaced persons and avoid situations driving to forced displacement. Africa wants to provide more protection and assistance to IDP s, those living like refugees in their own countries. Through this Convention African leaders will commit themselves to more responsibility. In January 2009, Africa was host to an estimated 12 million internally displaced persons out of the world s 26 million IDPs. President Museveni of Uganda urged the remaining AU Member States to sign the convention and called on those who have already signed, to ratify it. In his closing remarks at the Summit, President Museveni said he was pleased that the summit had anchored the solutions to the challenges of forced displacement to development and social transformation in Africa. In her closing statement, Mrs. Julia Dolly Joiner, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs commended the Assembly for its tireless efforts to address forced displacement. She recalled that the Convention that was adopted, the first of its kind by any regional group or organization in the world, is a unique, comprehensive and unequivocal response to the challenges of forced displacement. She added that this instrument clearly demonstrates that African leaders are conscious of the difficulties that internally displaced persons experience and are poised to, as much as possible, put an end to their suffering. Nevertheless, Commissioner Joiner recollected that the most important part of this process lies ultimately in implementation. That would be the most visible demonstration that Member states are prepared to move beyond intention and rhetoric into visible action. The Convention shall be open to signature, ratification or accession by Member States of the AU in accordance with their respective constitutional procedures. It shall enter into force thirty (30) days after the deposit of the instruments of ratification or accession by fifteen (15) Member States. AUC CHAIRPERSON JEAN PING ATTENDS 2 ND SOUTH KOREA-AFRICA FORUM AUC Chairperson, Jean Ping, attended the 2 nd South Korea-Africa forum in Seoul from 23 to 25 November, at the head of the African Union Commission s delegation. The second South Korea-Africa Forum contributed to strengthening of the mutual partnership that is built on the principles of reciprocity and equality said Chairperson Ping. It represented an important opportunity to discuss ways to further enhance cooperation between South Korea and African countries in various fields, especially climate change, trade, economic and joint ventures, he added. 2

3 CHAIRPERSON RELEASES MESSAGE TO MARK AFRICAN YOUTH DAY Dr Jean Ping AUC Chairperson African youth around the continent on Monday 1 st November 2009, celebrated the third African Youth Day, in accordance with the African Union decision to encourage innovation and creativity among young people, and to strengthen youth participation in economic, social and political development of their countries. The theme of this year s African Youth Day is Productive youth for stability and economic development. The Africa Union selected this theme to encourage youth involvement in contributing to economic development, poverty reduction and conscientious efforts to promote human development and stability in member States. This highlights young people s central role as active citizens and development stakeholders, actively involved in socio-economic growth while contributing to building a strong, peaceful and prosperous continent. To mark the day, the AUC Chairperson Mr Jean released a statement in which he said commemorating the event of the African Youth Day is an appropriate way to reflect on how Africa has fared within the context of the global financial crisis, keeping in mind how the opportunities of a youthful Africa can be used for the ultimate benefit and development of the continent; and work out programmes and strategies that would contribute to achieving goals and policy priorities set out in the African Youth Charter. There can be no better way to achieve these goals than a clear political commitment to the development process that will take the continent to sustainable growth and economic stability. The year 2009 has been a very remarkable year for young people in Africa, the Chairperson said. Firstly, the heads of state and government at their 12th ordinary summit in Addis Ababa declared the years as the decade for youth development in Africa. Secondly, the African Youth Charter entered into force on August 8, Both the declaration of the decade and the entry into force of the Charter demonstrate the political will of the member states to youth issues and provide the enabling legal and policy environment to invest in the right programmes for the empowerment of the youth He went further to say that it is imperative that within the context of the decade for youth development in Africa, various policies are pursued to address youth productivity, employment, skills development training, entrepreneurship education, ICTs and educational development. It is also imperative to take into account the broad challenges like HIV/AIDS, globalization and climate change, which have the potentials to erode any progress made in the area of youth development. Finally, the Chairperson encouraged young Africans to embrace the spirit of hard work, patriotism and commitment to development. To celebrate African Youth Day, an Africa YMCA Youth Summit was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Entitled From Subject to Citizen: African Youth Claiming their Space, Influencing for Positive Transformation, it was a youth-led process, and most of the facilitators were youth. The Summit drew together 60 youth participants from YMCAs around Africa along with representatives from YMCAs of Canada and Europe. The current economic crisis presents both a challenge and opportunity for Africa. Given our huge youth population on the continent - what is known as the youth bulge - this may well be the time for Africa s economic prosperity, devoid of aid, said Dr. Raymonde Agossou, Head of the Youth Division in the AU Commission. NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT ON CLIMATE CHANGE AUC DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON The Deputy Chairperson of African Union Commission, Erastus Mwencha, took part on Thursday 22 nd October 2009, in Stockholm at a high level seminar held within the framework of the fourth edition of the European Development Days, under the theme: Understanding the costs of adaptation. The objective of the seminar was to raise awareness and improve understanding of the costs of adaptation to climate change, including uncertainties, in developing counties as well as improve understanding on costing, prioritizing and integrating adaptation in development planning and budgetary processes at the national level, for effective use of resources. Focusing on the costs of adaption in Africa, the Deputy- Chairperson observed that, there is sufficient evidence for action and we should not wait until we know everything to act. The time to act is now, he said. Mr. Mwencha underscored the need to screen each project for an opportunity so as to promote climate adaptation and reduce future impacts and establish a national and regional framework for action. Delayed adaptation costs today will mean increased adaptation costs in the future, said Mr. Mwencha, adding that, provision of financial resources for implementation of adaptation measure is critical for Africa. The panel of the high level seminar was composed of: Mr. Raila Odinga, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, Mr. Bert Koenders, Minister for Development Cooperation, The Netherlands and Mrs. Katherine Sierra, Vice President for sustainable Development, World Bank. 3

4 EXTRAORDINARY CONFERENCE OF AFRICAN UNION MINISTERS IN CHARGE OF COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES (CITMC) ADOPTS OLIVER TAMBO DECLARATION The extraordinary conference of African Union Ministers in charge of communication and Information technologies (CITMC) was held in Johannesburg on 5 November in Johannesburg. The one day conference of Ministers was preceded by a meeting of experts in ICT which was held from 2-4 November. Overall utilization of ICTs in Africa is still low, leaving ample room for further growth in the coming years. Africa is still the least connected continent in the world, both from an internet penetration perspective and in terms of the total bandwidth utilized by the continent. This new dynamic crosscutting sector requires discussion at the highest levels of Governments. It is in this context that the meeting was held. Commissioner for HRST Prof Ezin addresses the ministers The objectives of the CITMC extra-ordinary session were twofold. Firstly, the conference came up with concrete recommendations on critical issues pertaining to ICTs that will accelerate the development of the ICTs as an industry and as a catalytic tool for development. These recommendations will be used to convince the Heads of State and Governments on the key role of ICTs in the socio-economic development of Africa. The second objective of the conference was to continue the all inclusive process and get as much input as possible from Member States and other stakeholders, as the AU prepares for the January 2010 Summit, whose theme will be Information and Communication Technologies in Africa: Challenges and Prospects for Development. A group photo of the ministers who attended the meeting The Ministerial conference ended with the adoption (with amendments) of the Oliver Tambo Declaration, Johannesburg 2009 which lays out commitments by Member States of the African Union in the development of ICT, recommendations for the way forward and directives for the African Union to follow up. The Ministers also adopted the report of experts. In the Declaration, the Ministers committed themselves to ESTABLISH mechanisms to accelerate and monitor the implementation of ARAPKE, the Reference Framework for Telecommunication and ICT, the Strategies and Action Plans for the development of a Postal Sector in Africa; PROMOTE the development and implementation of harmonized regional and continental policies and conducive regulatory frameworks for affordable and reliable broadband infrastructure development and encourage open access and private sector investment; WORK TOGETHER to protect African geographic and heritage names, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions which are recognized as economic assets in the information society; ENSURE that ICT policies are mainstreamed in other national, regional and continental policy sectors; INTEGRATE ICTs into National Education and Training systems with a view to produce a critical mass and increase skilled human capital and promote access and use of ICTs at 10% per annum; PROMOTE ICT R&D within the framework of Africa s Science and Technology Research Programs(CPA); WORK TOGETHER to ensure that Country Code Top Level Domains (cctlds) are considered as a nation s critical resource and hence ensure that the technical and administrative operations are at international standards to foster trust and use of African domain names in order to bring financial, economic and social-cultural benefits to Africa. 4

5 AFRICAN MINISTERS OF SPORT CALL FOR COMMITMENNT TO ENSURE AFRICA s LEGACY WITH THE 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP EVENT The Third Conference of Ministers of Sport (CAMS3) was held in Abuja Nigeria and ended on Friday 16 October. The two-day ministerial brainstorming meeting was held to provide direction with regard to future coordination and a proposed Architecture for African Sport, and on utilizing sport in the service of social and economic development, integration, peace and security on the continent. Organised by the Department of Social Affairs of the African Union Commission, the Third Session of the AU Conference of Ministers of Sport took place under the chairmanship of Eng. Sani M. Ndanusa, Federal Minister of Sport, Nigeria, in the presence of Adv. Bience Gawanas, Commissioner for Social Affairs of the African Union Commission and Mr. Wilfried Lemke, Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace. Speaking during the closing ceremony, H.E. Commissioner Gawanas highlighted the serious commitment of Member States in support of South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup event. The meeting also discussed preparations and Member State support for the 10 th All Africa Games to be held in Maputo, Mozambique, in 2011; the 2010 Football African Cup of Nations in Angola; and the Under-17 FIFA World Cup that commences on 24 October 2009 in Nigeria. With regard to the new Architecture for African Sport, the Ministers called for the strengthening of the capacity of the Department of Social Affairs to execute its sport programme effectively. Participants at the conference included representatives from AU Member States, members of the African sports movement, the diplomatic corps, international organizations and Civil Society Organizations. EMPOWERING NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS IN AFRICA The Third Conference of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), which started on Sunday, 8 November, 2009, in Banjul; Gambia, ended Tuesday, 10 November 2009, with constructive conclusions and recommendations to promote and support NHRIs in Africa. The meeting noted that since the last Conference held in 2004, NHRIs had made significant progress in promoting and protecting human rights in Africa through activities such as capacity building, advocacy and counseling. However, challenges such as the unavailability of financial and human resources are still to be addressed. There is also the need to strengthen relations with other actors at the national and regional levels. At the closing ceremony of the Third Conference of NHRIs, participants recommended that Member States should establish NHRIs according to the Paris Principles. NHRIs should be provided with the appropriate technical and financial support. Member States should further ensure that NHRIs fulfill their missions without impediments and maintain regular and constructive dialogue. Participants recommended that the African Union should organize NHRIs conferences every two years, and capacity building thematic sessions every six months, prior to the ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR). The following topics were proposed for the thematic sessions: governance of NHRIs and interaction with other African Union (AU) organs with human rights promotion mandate; social, economic and cultural rights and transitional justice. It was proposed that a focal point should be established at the Political Affairs Department of the AU to ensure coordination with NHRIs. To this end, a study to assess the status of relations between AU and the NHRIs should be conducted. Participants recommended that advocacy should be carried out for the establishment of NHRIs in Member States. Dialogue should be facilitated between AU organs Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), African Court of Human and Peoples Rights, the Africa Court Justice and Human Rights, ACHPR, etc.) and national human rights institutions. The meeting also requested the AU to assist national human rights institutions in mobilizing resources and building capacities. With regards to NHRIs, the conference recommended that they should participate in the work of ACDPHR, including the submission of shadow reports. They are also to participate in the promotion and protection of women s rights and advocate for the ratification of regional instruments on these rights. NHRIs should also reinforce partnership with human rights and civil society organizations, including traditional and religious leaders. They should further participate in the implementation of General Assembly Resolution A/RES/60/1 on the development of a coherent human rights strategy for Africa as well as the implementation of the recommendations of the Durban Conference on racism. In addition, NHRIs should encourage bilateral cooperation within the national human rights institutions community with a view to building capacity. Lastly, the Conference recommended that, in collaboration with AUC and ACDPHR, the impact of the resolution on granting of affiliate status to NHRIs should be assessed for its potential revision, as may be necessary. 5

6 LEGISLATION SHOULD PROTECT AFRICAN CULTURAL HERITAGE AND GOODS: THE 2 nd PAN-AFRICAN CULTURAL CONGRESS The 2 nd Pan-African Cultural Congress of the African Union concluded on Wednesday, 11 November 2009, at the headquarters of the African Union Commission (AUC), Addis Ababa, with a common position to protect Africa s cultural heritage and goods. Presiding over the Congress was Commissioner for Social Affairs, Advocate Bience Gawanas of the AUC. It was at the closing session of the Congress that the participants stressed on the need for African countries to have legislation that must regulate both local sale and export of cultural goods. The need for each African country to conduct a national audit of its cultural goods and to take an inventory of its cultural objects outside the country was also recommended with emphasis. While urging African countries to commence bilateral negotiations with those countries holding their irreplaceable masterpieces for their return, they recommended ratification of the international conventions which protect and promote cultural heritage. Participants of the Congress observed the need for capacity building of museums in Africa. In this regard they agreed on a need to build the professional capacity of museum staff, to harmonize policies and practice in the management of museums and their financing, and to set standards for African museums. The Congress, while discussing Africa-European Union cooperation, recommended the strengthening of structures necessary for the production and distribution of African cultural goods and their access to international markets. They further agreed on the need to promote cultural and social education programme for all Africans. The meeting also held celebrations to mark the centenary of the birth of Mr. Kwame Nkurumah.. Mr. Nkurumah, a former President of Ghana was born on 21 September His vision was to achieve a continental union government for Africa through Pan Africanism. He was also one of the founding fathers of the Organisation of African Union, predecessor of the African Union, which came into effect in 1963 While concluding the three-day meeting, held from 9-11 November, Commissioner Gawanas said that the next stage should be the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the Congress both at national and regional level as well as popularizing, ratifying and translating into policies and strategies of the Charter for the African Cultural Renaissance and other international legal instruments relating to the protection and promotion of cultural goods. Present at the closing session of the Cultural Congress were, among others, Ministers of Culture of AU Member States, representatives of the Pan-African cultural institutions, representatives of UNESCO and other UN Agencies and international organizations and representatives of European Commission. THE AFRICAN UNION AND PARTNER ORGANISATIONS STRIVE TO ERADICATE PANDEMICS IN THE CONTINENT The 3 rd Inter-Agency Meeting on Coordination and Harmonization of HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria Strategies opened on 28 October 2009, at the UN Conference Center, Economic Commission for Africa (ECA. Holding under the theme Progress Towards Achievement of Abuja Call for Universal Access to HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria Services by 2010: The Final Push for Action, the Inter-Agency Meeting was organized under the umbrella of the African Union Commission (AUC). The meeting brought together stakeholders and international organisations dealing with HIV/ AIDS, TB and Malaria, to share good practices and experiences on how to curb the proliferation of diseases on the continent. The objectives of the meeting amongst other things were: To review progress and challenges encountered in implementing the recommendations and Agreed Actions of the 2 ND Inter- Agency Meeting on Coordination and Harmonization (Abuja, November 2008); Agree on how to facilitate Africa s Final Push for Action to ensure strong health systems and adequate resources towards Universal Access to HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria Services by 2010; and Consider actions to accelerate the operationalisation of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa. Participants at the three-day meeting brainstormed on the strategies to identify priority actions with a view to elaborate strategies for the 5-year review and preparation of the reports on the status of implementation of the 2006 Abuja Call, and Africa s Common Positions to the UNGASS, amongst others. 6

7 EMPOWERING NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS IN AFRICA The Third Conference of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), which started on Sunday, 8 November, 2009, in Banjul; Gambia, ended Tuesday, 10 November 2009, with constructive conclusions and recommendations to promote and support NHRIs in Africa. The meeting noted that since the last Conference held in 2004, NHRIs had made significant progress in promoting and protecting human rights in Africa through activities such as capacity building, advocacy and counseling. However, challenges such as Participants to the NHRI conference the unavailability of financial and human resources are still to be addressed. There is also the need to strengthen relations with other actors at the national and regional levels. At the closing ceremony of the Third Conference of NHRIs, participants recommended that Member States should establish NHRIs according to the Paris Principles. NHRIs should be provided with the appropriate technical and financial support. Member States should further ensure that NHRIs fulfill their missions without impediments and maintain regular and constructive dialogue. Participants recommended that the African Union should organize NHRIs conferences every two years, and capacity building thematic sessions every six months, prior to the ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR). The following topics were proposed for the thematic sessions: governance of NHRIs and interaction with other African Union (AU) organs with human rights promotion mandate; social, economic and cultural rights and transitional justice. It was proposed that a focal point should be established at the Political Affairs Department of the AU to ensure coordination with NHRIs. To this end, a study to assess the status of relations between AU and the NHRIs should be conducted. Participants recommended that advocacy should be carried out for the establishment of NHRIs in Member States. Dialogue should be facilitated between AU organs Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), African Court of Human and Peoples Rights, the Africa Court Justice and Human Rights, ACHPR, etc.) and national human rights institutions. The meeting also requested the AU to assist national human rights institutions in mobilizing resources and building capacities. With regards to NHRIs, the conference recommended that they should participate in the work of ACDPHR, including the submission of shadow reports. They are also to participate in the promotion and protection of women s rights and advocate for the ratification of regional instruments on these rights. NHRIs should also reinforce partnership with human rights and civil society organizations, including traditional and religious leaders. They should further participate in the implementation of General Assembly Resolution A/RES/60/1 on the development of a coherent human rights strategy for Africa as well as the implementation of the recommendations of the Durban Conference on racism. In addition, NHRIs should encourage bilateral cooperation within the national human rights institutions community with a view to building capacity. Lastly, the Conference recommended that, in collaboration with AUC and ACDPHR, the impact of the resolution on granting of affiliate status to NHRIs should be assessed for its potential revision, as may be necessary. UN PEACE BUILDING COMMITTEE AND THE AU SEEK SYNERGY The silencing of guns does not necessarily mean the beginning of peace. In many cases, it marks the beginning of a long road to achieving and promoting peace. So said African Union Commission Deputy Chairperson Mr. Erastus Mwencha on 9 November, as he held consultations aimed at synergizing the work of the AU with that of the UN Peace Building Committee (PBC) whose representatives were at the African Union yesterday. Yesterday s mission to the AU was led by its Chairperson Ambassador Heraldo Munoz of Chile, who is also his country s representative to the United Nations. In the meeting, Mr. Mwencha recalled that the AU has, as part of its mandate, the attainment of peace and security, and sharing values such as good governance among others. He also recalled that the AU has a policy framework for post conflict reconstruction (PCRD) which represents a platform on which resources are mobilized to support post conflict activities, with a view to consolidating peace in countries emerging from conflict. The UNPBC is the arm of the United Nations that has a mandate to support post conflict peace building efforts, including initiatives for post conflict reconstruction. The PBC, which has a kitty of $300 million, is currently active in four African countries, namely Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic and Burundi. The PBC was in Addis Ababa to brief the AU Peace and Security Council on its activities. 7

8 AUC TAKES HIGHER EDUCATION AS FUNDAMENTAL PILLAR FOR DEVELOPMENT AND LAUNCHES TWO NEW PROGRAMMES Organized by the Department of Human Resources Science and Technology (HRST) of the African U n i on C om mi s s i on (AUC), a two day meeting of African education experts took place from November 2009, in Mombasa, Kenya, ahead of the Forth Session of the Conference of Ministers of Education of the African Union (COMEDAF IV). The African Union Commission has initiated two programmes: one on mutual recognition of degree and higher education qualification in Africa, which aims at creating academic space on the continent in which there can be free movement of students and lecturers. The second programme is the Pan African University, which aims to equip Africa with University and permanent research institutions and a significant mass of researchers and professionals in five key areas for sustainable development in Africa: namely: water and energy science; life and land science; space science and technology; basic science, technology and innovation; and governance, art and social science. This was disclosed by Prof Jean Pierre Ezin, AU Commissioner for Resources Science and Technology (HRST) at the Fourth Session of the Conference of Ministers of Education of the African Union (COMEDAF IV) held in Mombasa, Kenya on 25 November 2009, with the theme: Revitalisation of Higher Education. Speaking during the opening ceremony, Commissioner Ezin said that the role of higher education so as to achieve) is decisive, and for this reason, he added, AUC has decided to take up higher education and scientific research as one of the fundamental pillars of the new architecture of development on the continent. Addressing participants, Kenyan Vice President Mr. Kalonzo Musyoka revealed that due to the global economic recession and natural phenomena like prolonged drought and famine, investing in education is at risk of lack of resources and competing priorities. However, the importance of education for Africa s economic recovery process and sustainable development goal cannot be ignored or downscaled. He also stressed that member states should committee themselves towards the realization of the MDGs & Education For All. Africa has no choice but to strengthen South-South cooperation through learning from each other and sharing experiences & resources he emphasised. While suggesting the need to accelerate the agenda of implementing the Plan of Action for the Second Decade of Education for Africa Mrs. Angie Motshekaga, Minister of Basic Education, Republic of South Africa and outgoing Chairperson of COMEDAF III, noted that The Second Decade of Education Plan of Action is the legitimate collective African vision. AFRICAN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION INDICATORS INITIATIVE (AST) TO FORM CORNERSTONE OF AFRICAN OBSERVATORY The current pilot phase of the African Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators Initiative (AST) will form the cornerstone of the African Observatory on Science, Technology and Innovation. This was said on 30 November by the African Union Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology Professor Jean Pierre Ezin, at the official opening of the 4 day AST II validation workshop which was being held in Addis Ababa. Professor Ezin was addressing delegates from 19 AU Members States who were in the AST initiative as well as development partners and representatives from various organizations gathered in Addis Ababa to validate outputs from a survey conducted over the last three years, wherein participating countries worked hard in conducting R&D and innovation surveys and developing STI indicators. The workshop also prepared the contents of the first African Innovation Outlook. The Commissioner further encouraged all AU Member States to devote more resources into science and technology, highlighting that very few countries have met the target of devoting 1% of GDP, since it was first agreed to do so in Addressing the same ceremony, the Chairperson of the African Ministerial Conference on Science and Technology (AMCOST) Steering Committee and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology in Kenya Prof Krispus Kiamba, said that the indicators are crucial in monitoring science and technology and research and development in Africa. The official opening ceremony of the workshop was also addressed by Prof Agggrey Ambali of the NEPAD Secretariat; Mr. Anton Johnson of SIDA; Prof Claes Brundenhuis of the AST II faculty; a representative of the Ethiopian Minister of Science and Technology Mr. Juneydi Saddo and Prof Pierre Mohnen of the University of Masstricht. The validation workshop fed directly into the establishment of an African Observatory on Science, Technology and Innovation, whose implementation was agreed upon by the January 2009 AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government. In 2005, the AUC and NEPAD/OST put together Africa s Science and Technology Consolidated Plan of Action (CPA) which integrated NEPAD/OST and AU Commission programmes into a single programme and policy framework that was launched by the African Ministerial Conference on Science and Technology (AMCOST) and subsequently adopted by the AU Executive Council in Khartoum in The CPA forms a common platform for Africa s Science programmes and the ASTII initiative is one of the key flagship projects being championed by NEPAD and UNESCO. 8

9 AUC, RECS AND CIVIL SOCITY AGREE WITH DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS TO BOOST AFRICAN AGRICULTURE THROUGH CAADP PROGRAMME The two day meeting of the 5 th Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme Partnership Platform (CAADP-PP), which was organized by the African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the New Partnership for Africa s Development (NEPAD) and the Economic Commission for West African States (ECOWAS) ended on Tuesday, 10 November 2009, in Abuja, Nigeria. Commissioner Tumusiime Organised by the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union Commission, the closing session of the 5 th CAADP PP meeting took place under the chairmanship of Professor Richard Mkandawire, Agriculture Advisor of the NEPAD Secretariat, in the presence of Mrs. Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, AUC Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture; and Mr. Salifou Ousseini, Commissioner in charge of Environment Agriculture and Water Resources at ECOWAS. The meeting discussed and reached consensus on the following, amongst others: Development partners to intensify their support for countries that have signed the compact and for those who are lined up To finalise the work on the CAADP Mutual Accountability Framework to be endorsed at the next Partnership platform AUC and NEPAD to devise and/or strengthen mechanisms to support the engagement of NGOs and Civil Society Organizations within the CAADP agenda AU-NEPAD to prepare a statement on CAADP and African Agriculture for the World Food Summit Participants at the 5 th CAADP PP meeting were drawn from AUC, NEPAD, RECs, Pillar Lead Institutions, development partners, private sector organisations, farmers organisations, and Civil Society Organisations. CAADP: AU COMMISSION ANDTHE GAMBIA AGREE TO MOVE AGENDA FORWARD Meanwhile The African Union Commission (AUC) signed a Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Program (CAADP) country compact agreement with the Republic of The Gambia. The event took place on Wednesday, 28 October 2009, in Banjul, in the presence of Dr. Yemi Akinbamijo, Head Agriculture and Food Security Division, Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture of the AUC; Mr. Salifou Ousseini, Commissioner for Agriculture, Environment and Water Resources, ECOWAS Commission; Mr. Modou S. Kah, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, the Government of The Gambia, as well as representatives of International Organizations and the Private Sector. The signing ceremony was preceded by a two-day round table discussion chaired by Mr. Alieu Ndow, Chairperson of the National Planning Commission of the Government of The Gambia. FORUM ON CHINA-AFRICA COOPERATION (FOCAC): SENIOR OFFICIALS EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE SHARM EL SHEIKH DECLARATION AND ACTION PLAN Senior officials from Africa and China met on Friday 6 November 2009 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to consider the Sharm El Sheikh draft Declaration and Plan of Action ( ). The two documents will be submitted for adoption during the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, scheduled for 8 and 9 November 2009 in Sharm El Sheikh. The meeting was an opportunity for both parties to discuss the main areas of cooperation as stipulated in the Action Plan as well as agree on ways to reinforce cooperation ties, while consolidating a strategic partnership between China and Africa adopted three years ago at the Beijing Summit on Sino-Africa Cooperation. Top: AUC Chief of Staff Ambassador Shinkaiye Bottom: The top table at the meeting 9

10 AU COMMISSION LAUNCHES STATE OF THE AFRICAN POPULATION REPORT 2008 On October 22 the African Union Commission (AUC), launched the State of African Population Report 2008 at the 7 th Session of the African Population Commission (APC) in the Conference Center of the Economic Commission for Africa. Dr Mkwezalamba Prepared under the theme, Population Dynamics and Climate Change: Implications for Africa s Sustainable Development, the 94-page report, which covers the state of Africa s population highlighting fertility levels, trends in mortality, migration, population density, water and land resources as well as challenges emanating from the relationship between population dynamics and the environment, particularly the effects of climate change, aims to advance holistic and integrated approaches to development in Africa. Developed with planners, policy makers, parliamentarians as well as program implementers in mind, the report presents Africa as the continent that is most vulnerable to the consequences of climate change, and cites declining rainfall and agricultural productivity, desertification, severe water shortages, and the spread of diseases, among other environmental challenges and adverse phenomena that will inflict poverty and human misery on the continent if appropriate actions are not taken at the global, continental, national and community levels. The report further points to a slight decline in population growth around the continent noting, however, that the total population will continue to increase as a result of the young age structure and its associated population momentum. In 2005, Africa s population was estimated at 922 million and it is expected to exceed 1 billion in 2010, and to reach approximately 2 billion in 40 years time. The growth in size has implications for natural resource use and improvement in the quality of life. Speaking before the launching, the AUC s Director for Social Affairs, Dr. Olawale I. Maiyegun, considered the thematic version of the report as AUC s realization of the interface between population and climate change, and stressed the need for urgent action to address the negative consequences of climate change in Africa. He urged all member states, and the African Population Commission Bureau to play a proactive role to shape the outcomes of the APC Session in ways acceptable and desirable for Africa. For his part, the United Nations Population Fund Director for the Africa Regional Office, Mr. Bumni Makinwa, applauded the African Union Commission for producing a biannual report on the state of Africa s population and for the AU leadership role in social development including population and reproductive health and for serving the APC Secretariat. He encouraged the APC to strengthen its role significantly in such areas as (i) effective evidence-based advocacy for the mobilization and support of communities; (ii) increased involvement of the private sector and other stakeholders intensifying the implementation of the ICPD Plan of Action; and (iii) the monitoring of progress, and documentations of lessons learnt issues highlighted by the delegates from member states during the launching. In his closing remarks, the AU Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Dr. Maxwell Mkwezalamba, said the AUC has been collaborating with ECA and the African Development Bank in preparing statistics on health and population development and encouraged member states to submit data regularly to facilitate the preparation and proper updating of the report. AU / ICRC ORGANISE PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION MARKING ICRC JUBILEE YEAR Two thousand and nine (2009) has been an important year for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the humanitarian actors' community, as it marked the 60 th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions (1949), and the 150 th anniversary of the battle of Solferino (1859), which gave birth to both the International Movement of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, and modern International Humanitarian Law (IHL). To further highlight these landmarks anniversaries that have been widely commemorated around the world, the ICRC together with the Commission of the African Union launched on 4 th of December 2009, 4.00 p.m., at the AUC a photographic exhibition entitled Humanity in War designed to focus on the deep suffering caused by war and other forms of violence, and on the efforts made to both prevent violations of the law and alleviate the situation of those affected, with a look at historical tragedies and more recent war related contexts. The exhibition consisted of a total of 40 historic ICRC photos and contextual ones taken by 5 award winning photographers from the VII Photo Agency in eight conflict-affected countries, namely, Afghanistan, Colombia, DRC, Georgia, Haiti, Lebanon, Liberia and the Philippines. 10

11 AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION HOLDS CONSULTATION WORKSHOP ON NEW ADMINISTRATIVE GOVERNANCE A workshop under the theme Strengthening of AUC Capacity Building: New Administrative Governance for African Union kicked off in Awassa, some 270 kms away from the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa between November 23 and 29. The workshop brought together African Experts, partners and representatives of the African Union Commission (AUC). Addressing participants, Mr. Jean-Marie Agboton, Coordinator of the Institutional Transformation Program (ITP) in the African Union Commission, indicated in his opening remark that, the workshop would brainstorm on new Administrative and Financial governance policies, with particular emphasis on institutional capacity building of the Commission. The workshop paved the way to build a new accountability system with a new administrative and financial order. Creating an opportunity Delegates at the Awassa workshop to propose a new accounting, and financial governance as well as strengthen human resources management where management of contracts and development of new skills were highlighted. The exercise, the ITP Coordinator said, is a process of transformation rather than a reform. Mr. Pierre Moussavou, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Bureau of the Chairperson of the Commission, in his speech underscored the commitment of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mr. Jean Ping, to ensure the implementation of the ITP program within the Commission. He stressed that this workshop was to come up with results and tools that will enable the Commission to be more efficient, credible and respectable. For one week, participants at the workshop came out with recommendations in the domain of Public Accounting and International Law of the AU; Resource Mobilization and Budget Public Management Control; and Public Management of Human Resource and Labor Law. Chairperson Ping Receives High Level Delegation of Chinese Officials The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mr. Jean Ping received a high level delegation of Chinese officials, in his office at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Friday 13 November The Chinese delegation was led by Mr. Shao Zhanwei, Special Adviser of the Governor of the Wenzhou province. The officials held a working session with the AUC Chairperson in the presence, of the Commissioner for Trade and Industry of the AU, Mrs. Elizabeth Tankeu. The meeting centered on the need to reinforce cooperation ties between China and the African Union Commission, and how to improve the scope for partnership in the different areas of cooperation. Participation of the African Union Commission at the 2010 Shanghai exhibition was also discussed during the meeting. Chairperson of the AUC, Mr. Jean Ping with Commissioner Tankeu, Amb Shinkaiye an officials of the AUC AU, IGAD, KAIPTC, ECOWAS, UNECA AND GOVERNMENT OF DEN- MARK SIGN AGREEMENT ON AFRICA PROGRAMME FOR PEACE The African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) have signed an agreement with the Government of Denmark on the Africa Programme for Peace (APP). The signing ceremony took place under the framework of strengthening the African Peace and Security agenda on Thursday 12 November 2009, at the AU Headquarters, in Addis Ababa. On the occasion of the signing ceremony Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission, acknowledged the support of the Danish government and the importance of this agreement towards the implementation of peace and security in Africa as well as for institutional capacity building. Mr. Mwencha also mentioned the upcoming First AUC/ECA Strategic Partnership Forum, which is scheduled from 1-3 December 2009, at the AUC. This forum will be used to evaluate Africa s changing role in the light of emerging global trends and help redefine the quality of partnership between the AUC and its strategic and development partners he added. On her part H.E Ulla Tornaes, Minister for Development Cooperation of the Government of Denmark, noted the encouraging reduction of armed conflicts in Africa over the past 10 years, She said that the basic institutions of the African Peace and Security Architecture are playing their role, adding however that they still need to be strengthened. The new phase of Danish support in the field of Peace and Security in Africa is broader in scope as it also recognises the importance of strengthening of the democratic development and fighting corruption as conflict preventive measures she underscored. Addressing the participants Mr. Abdoulie Janneh, Executive Secretary of UNECA, appreciated the ongoing support of the Danish Government and pledged to put more effort towards the implementation of the AU PSC agenda. 11

12 GERMANY PLEDGES 30 MILLION SUPPORT FOR AFRICAN UNION Mr Erastus Mwencha with the Geraman Ambassador Dr Claas Knoop Aligning cooperayion to AU strategies - delegates discuss how best to cooperate Negotiation on Development Cooperation between the African Union (AU) and Government of the Federal Republic of Germany were held in Addis Ababa on 18 November The German delegation emphasized the pivotal role of the AU for the process of African integration and for Africa as a partner in the globalised world. Specifically, the German delegation lauded the AU Strategic Plan and the significant progress the AU made in advancing the African political agenda, e.g. peace & security. Both parties shared the view that the voice of Africa should be more clearly audible in global fora. Both delegations agreed to focus cooperation on few selected areas of pan-african importance to maximize impact and visibility and to enhance aid effectiveness. The following priority areas of cooperation were agreed upon: Peace and Security Shared Values (Good Governance) Water and Institutional Transformation. In the negotiations the German government committed additional funding amounting to 30 million - i.e. USD 45 million for the period of 2009/2010 for the cooperation with the AU and AU-Commission, thus duplicating previous levels of commitment. AU/ German cooperation will be fully aligned to the new AU strategic objectives Peace and Security, Shared Values, Development, Integration and Cooperation, and Institutional Transformation. AU/German Cooperation will focus on respective priority agendas, in particular the establishment of the African Peace and Security Architecture, the Sharm el Sheik Water agenda and the Charter for Democracy and Elections, amongst others. Special emphasis is put on regional infrastructure. Germany will contribute 10 million to the Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility at the African Development Bank, which is preparing regional and pan-african AU priority infrastructure projects. The AU delegation was led by the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Erastus Mwencha. The delegation of the Federal Republic of Germany was headed by Mr. Thomas Albert, Deputy Director General in the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development together with the German Ambassador to the AU, Dr. Claas Knoop. AU SIGNS MOU TO PROMOTE CHILDREN S RIGHTS The African Union Commission and Plan International on 30 November signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote the rights of children, their inclusion in development and contribution to society and their access to basic social and health services. The MOU also aims to encourage AU Member States to pass enabling legislation on children and implement the relevant international agreements which they are parties to, as well as to encourage families and communities to support children and to promote the implementation of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. The MOU was signed in Addis Ababa today by the AU Commissioner for Social Affairs Advocate Bience Gawanas and Plan International s Deputy CEO Mr. Jim Emmerson Done deal: Commissioner Gawanas and Mr Emmerson exchange signed documents 12