The 6th African Union Mid-Year Coordination meeting commenced on Thursday, 18th July, 2024 in Accra under theme “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for increased Access for Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality and Relevant learning in Africa”.
The meeting was preceded by the 45th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council which was attended by Ministers of Foreign Affairs, delegates from various African countries and officials from the African Union Commission.
In her opening remarks, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey emphasised that the theme for the meeting highlights the need for resilient educational systems in addressing the challenges of the 21st Century.
Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey further stated the need for a renewed commitment to building a future where every African has access to an education that prepares them to meet the demands of their time.
She further indicated that the meeting by the stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to prioritising educational goals which are central to the development and prosperity of Africans.
Speaking to participants, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat underscored the need for member states to promote sporting activities in the continent which brings nations and people together. H.E. Mahamat commended Ghana for successfully hosting the 13th African Games and urged member States to increase financial investment in sporting activities which will translate to the development of the youth.
He announced that the theme for the African Union for the year 2025 is “Justice for Africans and Persons of African descent through Reparation”.
The United Nations Under- Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Mr. Claver Gatete in his remarks, asserted that to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063, education, science and innovation must be at the forefront.
He further proposed for education to be integrated into Africa’s industrial policy.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
