Addis Ababa, February 17, 2024 (FBC) – The 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Union Heads of State and Government commenced at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa in the presence of the leaders and representatives of African countries, non-African nation, and international organizations.
In his opening remarks, the chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has underlined the importance of political dialogue to address differences and conflicts in the continent. According to him, unconstitutional government changes only worsen the livelihood of African citizens and exacerbate instability and conflict.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed (PhD), in his opening remarks reminded that Africa is endowed with myriads of resources and a large youth population that embody the great potential of the continent. In that regard, Africans should not be seeking for aid but exploit their own natural resources to ensure self-sufficiency.
In order to ensure sustainable development, education is key, PM Abiy underscored while highlighting the extensive strides taken by his country in the sector to achieve development goals. “Advancements in the education sector will enable African youth unleash their entrepreneurial spirit, problem solving skills, determination to overcome challenges on Africa’s development path.”
He also underlined the importance of Africans becoming key players of the evolving global power structure.
Prime Minister Abiy further underlined the need to secure peace and stability that are foundations for economic and social development. He noted that his country firmly believes that regional and continental integration is essential to diversify the economy and ensure peaceful coexistence amongst neighbors and work together for mutual growth.
Africa needs strong regional and continental platforms where national development challenges from geographical, logistics and security perspective are taken into considerations. According to him, Africans also need to embrace the complexity of the current global state of affairs.
Prime Minister Abiy also forwarded a critical debate to bring about creative but pragmatic solutions that will spearhead Africa towards transformative progress and continental prosperity.
Note that leaders and representatives of African countries have arrived in Addis Ababa to attend the Summit.
Besides to African heads of state and government, leaders from other parts of the world and heads of the UN and other international organizations entered Addis Ababa in the past few days to attend the 37th AU summit.
The FDRE Government Communication Service in a press briefing on Friday indicated that 49 countries have confirmed attendance to the summit, 30 represented by their presidents and five with vice presidents.
The summit is being convened under the theme of “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.”
The summit is expected to discuss the status of peace and security on the continent, regional integration, and development.