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T. António: Remarks at the Africa Day 2014 Celebration in New York
Written by H.E. Mr. Téte António, Permanent Representative of the African Union to the United Nations
Friday, May 23, 2014
Remarks at the Africa Day Celebration
New York, USA, May 23, 2014
Today, we have come together, as we do every year, to commemorate the founding of our continental organization on May 25, a day set aside for reflection and stock taking on the state of the continent but also to celebrate its rich cultural heritage.
On behalf of the African Union, the African Group and, on my own behalf, I wish to express deep appreciation to all of you for honoring us with your presence to share in our historic celebration. In recent years, the celebration of Africa Day has coincided with continental milestone events. As we officially conclude the year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the OAU, we usher in Africa Day 2014 coinciding with another milestone celebration - the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the “Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Program" (CAADP) which informed the theme of the forthcoming 22 African Union Summit: Transforming Africa’s Agriculture for Shared Prosperity and Improved Livelihoods, through Harnessing Opportunities for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development.
In the same vein, at the international level, we are witnessing the celebration of the International Year of Family Farming.
This background serves to illustrate how much importance we attach to moving beyond the symbolism of the celebration to engaging in self-assessment and stock-taking leading to a greater focus on building momentum around African-owned and led instruments as tools for the transformative agenda of the continent.
The panel discussions held this morning as the precursor to the celebration took stock of Africa’s agricultural performance following a decade of CAADP experience as well as future prospects.
In this spirit and while welcoming all of you to Africa Day 2014, we count on your support and partnership as we strive to build a united and prosperous Africa, Africa at peace with itself and with the rest of the world.
For details about the Africa Day 2014 celebration in New York, click here.