Addis Ababa, Feburary 14, 2024 (FBC) – In his remarks at the 44th session of the African Union Executive Council Foreign Affairs Minister, Taye Atske Selassie stated that the theme for the year 2024, Educate an African fit for the 21st century,” resonates deeply with the expectation of people across the continent for progress and development.
“It underscores the urgent need to build resilient education system that provides increased access. It also aspires to promote inclusivity, respond to lifelong learning and ensure quality education for all children in Africa,” he noted.
Over the last five years, the government of Ethiopia has prioritized investment to enhance quality education. Through our nationwide school feeding programs, feeding over six million students daily, we have ensured participation and witnessed the positive impact education can have on the lives of our people.
“Through a deliberate policy intervention, the government increased the number of public boarding schools and remote learning center, thereby enhancing inclusive and quality education. It is critical that we work together tirelessly to ensure that every child in Africa has access to education,” Taye said.
All members must join hands with the African Union Commission in launching the theme and continue advocating for agile, resilient and transformational education system. Turning our focus to the continent’s development aspiration, the African Union closer participation with the G20 is indeed essential, he stressed.
Participation of the African Union in the G20 would provide us with a unique platform to contribute to global economic governance and decision. We must therefore ensure that the voice of Africa is heard, that our participation is meaningful, Taye underscored.
In the same vein, working with the BRICS is instrumental in advancing South -South cooperation. Ethiopia will certainly leverage its BRICS membership with other sisterly African countries to further advance the shared interests of our continent and strengthen global governance and multilateralism.
“Africa undoubtedly has immense potential for economic prosperity. Agenda 2063 is our collective aspiration. It is successful implementation hinges upon a strong political will and determination, effective coordination, and robust partnership among member states as well as regional economic communities,” he noted.
We must remain resolute in our efforts to fully implement the agreement on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Expanding inter -regional and inter -Africa trade, Ethiopia has submitted its tariff of first for trading goods to the African continental free trade area secretariat.
“The Africa Union peace and security architecture is central to the success of African solution to African challenges. The architecture must continue serving at the foundation of promoting sustainable peace and security in Africa.”
The Pretoria peace agreement that ended the conflict in Northern Ethiopia shows Ethiopia’s commitment to African solution and the African Union’s ability to deliver peace. The government of Ethiopia continues to work with the African Union and the Monitoring Verification and Compliance Mechanism to consolidate peace, Taye reaffirmed.
We are also determined that the inclusive national dialogue process will contribute to further consolidate stability. Ethiopia is determined to work closely with countries of our sub-region to enhance stability, infrastructural connectivity, and economic integration, he added.
By Wondesen Aregahegn