Regional Integration, Peace, Sustainable Development: Inspirational Speeches at the 43rd Ordinary Session of the African Union
The first part of the 43rd Ordinary Session of the African Union, which took place in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, was marked by a series of inspiring speeches by African leaders committed to promoting integration, peace and sustainable development on the continent. These high-level interventions highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, conflict resolution and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa.
Moussa Faki, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, opened the session with a speech highlighting the organization’s commitment to continental integration and conflict resolution. He highlighted the progress made in the implementation of Agenda 2063 and called for increased collaboration among African countries to achieve common goals. The African Union, he said, is determined to work closely with its Member States to strengthen regional integration and promote peace and sustainable development in Africa.
Mrs. Amina M., Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, for her part, hailed the efforts of the African Union in promoting integration and sustainable development in Africa. She stressed the importance of international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and called for increased support for African initiatives. According to her, the UN is committed to supporting the African Union in its efforts to build an integrated, prosperous and peaceful continent, and it is crucial to work together to address global challenges and promote the well-being of all Africans.
The President of Kenya, William Ruto, highlighted the importance of African integration for economic growth and poverty reduction. He hailed the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and highlighted its potential to boost intra-African trade. For him, this initiative offers a unique opportunity to boost African economies, create jobs and improve the living conditions of Africans. He also announced that Kenya will soon abolish the entry visa for visitors, thus contributing to continental integration.
Finally, the President of the Comoros, Azali, stressed the importance of peace and conflict resolution in Africa. He called for a frank and sincere dialogue between the parties in conflict and underlined the key role of education in the development of the continent. Echoing the words of Mandela, he said that education is the most powerful weapon to change the world. Investing in the education of young people and promoting inclusive policies are essential to ensuring a better future for all Africans.
This first part of the 43rd Ordinary Session of the African Union highlighted the commitment of African leaders to regional integration, peace and sustainable development in Africa. These inspirational speeches highlight the importance of cooperation and solidarity among African countries to overcome common challenges. The second part of the session, as well as the official closing, will allow these crucial questions to be explored further.
African leaders continue to work together to build an integrated, prosperous and peaceful continent, by implementing concrete initiatives and promoting regional cooperation. Integration, peace and sustainable development remain at the heart of the African agenda, and this session of the African Union demonstrates their determination to realize the vision of Agenda 2063 and promote the well-being of all Africans. The continent is thus moving towards a better future, where regional cooperation will play a key role in achieving these common goals