Africans, across the Continent and in the Diaspora,

25 May 1963 to 25 May 2024, what a long way we’ve come!

Africa has freed itself from the yoke of colonialism and the appalling system of Apartheid. Its intellectual, scientific and cultural resources have been immensely developed, diversified and enriched.

 Its economy has grown at rates envied by many parts of the world. It’s resilience during the global COVID 19 crisis, impressed many. Tribute to AfricaCDC, which made a major contribution to our successful Continental Response.

Clearly, Africa’s demographic explosion, its social constraints that are resistant to the demands of the new world, the continuing deterioration of our climatic conditions, the various forms of foreign interference in our internal affairs, the permeability of certain categories of its elites to foreign discourse, and the obvious shortcomings in terms of governance, have not helped to transform the above-mentioned positive assets into factors of social justice, equality and inclusive prosperity.

Fellow Africans,

Africa Day, which we are celebrating today, is certainly, as I often say, an opportune moment for reflection, certainly to assess how far we have come, but also to reflect on the road ahead.

I would like to take this opportunity to address not only governments and official institutions, but also the youth and the women of Africa.

Liberation, and progress in development and integration are now a reality. This has been the result of the vision and leadership of the founding fathers and current leaders, but also and above all, of your mobilization by the hundreds of millions across the Continent, your many sacrifices, your unshakeable endurance to ensure that the sun shines and warms planet Africa.

Peace and security, the solution to the crises that are ravaging some of our countries, terrorism, the degradation of the natural environment, youth and female unemployment, migration, the retreat of democratic values, unconstitutional changes of government, all these require a real increase in mobilization, sacrifices and coherent struggles to put a definitive end to all of these evils.

The Organization of African Unity, born of the pain of our struggles, now finds itself at a real crossroads. We must reform resolutely and courageously to become what our founding fathers wanted us to be, which is, a powerful lever for unity, liberation, integration and the defense of African dignity in relation to ourselves but also in relation to others.

With the Youth making up over 60% of Africa’s population, tens of millions of hectares of arable land, water, fisheries, mining and energy resources, our young people cannot and should not be satisfied with development on the cheap.

The legitimate aspirations of inclusive and shared prosperity in a peaceful, integrated Africa, as set out in Agenda 2063, that is the dream that I share, with all my heart, with all of you.

To all of you, I wish you a happy anniversary of the creation of the OAU.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

In line with the theme “Education Fit for the 21st Century,” join us in celebrating Africa Day by engaging in conversations and sharing insights on the future of education in Africa. Together, we can create an education system that not only meets the demands of the 21st century but also ensures that every African child has the opportunity to thrive.

Here’s how you can participate:

Share your thoughts and ideas on how education can be transformed to meet the needs of the 21st century.
Highlight educational initiatives and programs that are making a difference in your community or country.
Use the hashtag #AfricaDay #YearofEdication to amplify your message.
Discuss the importance of education in driving socio-economic development and creating opportunities for all Africans.

Background

Education is a cornerstone for Africa’s growth and development, serving as a critical driver for socio-economic transformation and innovation. By focusing on education fit for the 21st century, we are equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and thrive in an increasingly complex and digital world. This theme aligns perfectly with Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic framework for the continent’s socio-economic transformation.

Agenda 2063 envisions a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development, where education plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals. Modernizing our educational systems to include digital literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability ensures that Africa can harness its demographic dividend, foster entrepreneurship, and compete effectively on the global stage. Investing in education today is essential for building a resilient, innovative, and prosperous Africa tomorrow.

As we celebrate Africa Day with the theme “Education Fit for the 21st Century,” we call upon all stakeholders across all sectors to join us in this transformative journey. Education is not just a foundational element for individual success but a foundation for the sustainable development and prosperity of our entire continent. Your involvement is crucial to achieving the ambitious goals set out in Agenda 2063.

For Governments:

Allocate more resources to education, particularly towards infrastructure, teacher training, and digital technologies.
Implement policies that promote inclusive and equitable education, ensuring no child is left behind.

For Educational Institutions:

Integrate 21st-century skills into curricula and embrace innovative teaching methods that cater to the digital age.
Partner with other institutions and organizations to share best practices and resources.

For the Private Sector:

Fund scholarships, infrastructure projects, and technology initiatives that enhance educational quality and accessibility.
Provide opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and develop skills relevant to the job market.

For Civil Society Organizations:

Promote the importance of education and advocate for policies that support educational improvements.
Work with communities to ensure local needs and voices are included in educational planning and implementation.

For Individuals:

Volunteer your time, skills, or resources to support educational initiatives in your community.
Stay Informed: Keep abreast of educational developments and advocate for necessary changes and improvements.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

On May 22th, Yin Chengwu, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, met with Hon. Josiah Joekai, Director General of the Civil Service Agency and Hon. Galakpai Kortimai, Director General of the General Service Agency of Liberia. The two sides exchanged views on China-Liberia relations and government administration.

Ambassador Yin briefed China-Liberia relations and praised the efforts of the Civil Service Agency and the General Service Agency in improving the efficiency of government administration and safeguarding government assets. Yin also expressed his willingness to work with them to promote the development of China-Liberia relations.

Joekai and Kortimai thanked China for its long-term contribution for Liberia’s development, and hoped to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China to improve the level of government administration.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Liberia.

On May 24, 2024, the 11 round of the political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Kingdom of Morocco was held in Rabat (Morocco) under the joint chairmanship of the Special Representative of Ukraine for the Middle East and Africa Maksym Subkh and the Director General of the Directorate for European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco Redouane Adghoghi.

The parties discussed in detail the current state and prospects for the development of Ukrainian-Moroccan cooperation, as well as topical issues of the regional and international agenda.

Maksym Subkh expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom of Morocco for the consistent support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

The interlocutors positively evaluated the intensification of bilateral political contacts, the development of inter-parliamentary dialogue, the interaction within the framework of the UN and other international organizations. The special attention was paid to the development of the bilateral contractual legal framework and the strengthening of commercial and economic cooperation between Ukraine and the Kingdom of Morocco.

The Moroccan side was informed in detail about the Global Peace Summit, which is scheduled to be held on June 15-16, 2024 in Switzerland, as well as about the ways of implementing of the Peace Formula of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in particular in terms of ensuring of the food security on the African continent.

By his turn, Redouane Adghoghi confirmed the Kingdom’s principled position regarding the need for all countries, including the Russian Federation, to observe the provisions of the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of international law, in particular with respect for the sovereignty, the territorial integrity and the inviolability of the borders.

An arrangement has been reached to intensify the efforts to bring commercial, economic and sectoral cooperation to a qualitatively new level, simplifying formalities of the trade, organizing an exchange by the visits of the representatives of business and academic circles.

Maksym Subkh delivered the personal message from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Burita, and invited the Moroccan side to participate in the Global Peace Summit.

During his stay in Rabat, Maksym Soubkh also had meeting the Head of the parliamentary friendship group Morocco-Ukraine at the Chamber of Representatives Hassan El Bahi and with the members of this parliamentary group. The parties thoroughly discussed the prospects of intensifying of inter-parliamentary contacts at the level of the leadership of the Parliaments of the two countries and at the level of the Heads of parliamentary friendship groups.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.