New York, United States—“Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth” was the theme of a gala celebration of Africa Day.
Organized by the African Union (AU) in partnership with UPF and the United Nations African Ambassadors Spouses Group (UNAASG), the event was held on May 25, 2017, at the Manhattan Center.
H.E. Ambassador Tete Antonio, the permanent observer of the Mission of the African Union, opened the program by expressing warm gratitude for all who worked to create this “joyful party.” He referred to Taj Hamad, the vice president of UPF International, as the “icon of Africa Day” for his years of support for the anniversary of the Africa Union.
On behalf of African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki, who could not attend the event, Ambassador Antonio also conveyed a message of “unity, embracing our youth and ending marginalization of Africa.”
H.E. Mamadi Touré, the permanent representative of Guinea to the UN, declared that Africa has all the resources needed and, with a united commitment to “our common values and destiny,” Africa’s emergence is entirely possible.
The other distinguished speakers included Madame Elise Andrianarivelo, the president of UNAASG and the wife of the permanent representative of Madagascar to the UN; and H.E. Marcel Amon Tanoh, the minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation of Cote D’Ivoire.
The program moved to lively entertainment and a lavish buffet of dishes from every country of Africa. And, true to Ambassador Antonio’s words, this “joyful party” could not end without warm conversations, wonderful music and enthusiastic dancing.