On
the occasion of a recreational sports day, African Union (AU organs based in
South Africa namely the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and African
Union Development Agency (AUDA NEPAD) joined forces to commemorate the
African Union Day (AU Day). The aim of the activity was to promote a healthy
lifestyle and harmony amongst the AU personnel in South Africa, as the Union
marks the signature of the Sirte Declaration 23 years ago.
Held
at the Old Parktonian Sports Club in Johannesburg, South Africa on 08 September
2022, the inter-organ activity comprised of various social games and team
building exercises to strengthen rapports and celebrate landmark achievements
of the Union on various issues relating to continental integration. The
platform also served as a reflection on the major challenges, the successes of
the AU since 2002, the progress made and possible solutions to these
challenges.
Finally,
Staff engaged on areas of synergies to accompany the efforts of their
respective leadership structures in achieving the Africa We Want.
As
a reminder, the African Union (AU) Day is celebrated every 9th of September
following the Sirte Declaration of 9 September 1999. This year, the AU celebrates
its 20th anniversary. The Durban Summit (2002) launched the AU and convened its
first Assembly of Heads of State and Government. Three summits were held in the
lead-up to the official launch of the AU, i.e:
- On 9 September 1999, the then Organization of African Unity, OAU, signed the Sirte Declaration, establishing the Union. The Declaration called for the creation of an organization that would accelerate integration on the continent and enable Africa to play a greater role in the global economy while addressing social, economic and political challenges with African solutions. 9th September is therefore celebrated as African Union Day.
- The Lomé Summit (2000) adopted the African Union’s Constitutive Act,
- The Lusaka Summit (2001) drew the roadmap for implementation of the AU.
Source:
Media and Communications Unit, Pan-African Parliament
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