Past Event

The African Union’s Agenda 2063:
Assessing the Development Vision for Africa

The African Group of Diplomats to Canada, the African Women Diplomatic Forum, and the Institute of African Studies, Carleton University are very pleased to invite you to a one day conference: The African Union’s Agenda 2063: Assessing the Development Vision for Africa

When: Thursday March 12, 2015, 9am – 5pm

Where: Conference Rooms (#2220-2228) River Building, Carleton University*

In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity/African Union, in 2013 the Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) pledged their commitment to make progress in eight areas as part of the continent’s development agenda. These include promoting African Identity and Renaissance, implementing a Continental Free Trade Area, establishing agendas for Social and Economic Development as well as Peace and Security, and promoting Democratic Governance. These ideals and goals are to be implemented in national and regional plans and to be integral to a vision for Africa for the next fifty years. Titled Agenda 2063, the African Union Commission engaged in a people-driven process to develop this vision of the AU for “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.”

This conference will critically examine different aspects of this new continental agenda as a way to better understand it, exploring its strengths and areas in need of improvement, and possible points of intersection with Canadian governmental, non-governmental, academic and community groups. It brings together scholars, diplomats, governmental and non-governmental officials, and members of African diaspora organizations and the wider community in a scholarly discussion of this important African framework for achieving a more prosperous and equitable future for the continent.

Full Agenda, with program and biographical sketches

Faculty of Public Affairs story on the conference

Video
Photos

Program (and some of the presentations)

9:00am                  Official Welcome
Dr. Roseann Runte, President of Carleton University
H.E. Dr. Mathabo Tsepa, High Commissioner of Lesotho to Canada

9:15-9:45                              Opening Session
Opening Address “Improving Lives – A Global Imperative”  by
Hon. Lois Brown, MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development

Keynote Address: “AU Agenda 2063 – A vision for Transformation”  by H.E. Dr. Sulley Gariba, High Commissioner of Ghana to Canada

10:15-11:45           Panel 1 – Sustainable Development, Governance and Leadership
Convener and Moderator:
Dr. Moses Kiggundu, Sprott School of Business & African Studies, Carleton
Speakers:
Dr. Teddy Samy, NPSIA & African Studies, Carleton
Ms. Louise Ouimet, Chair, Africa Study Group
Ms. Patricia Malikail, Director General Pan-Africa Bureau, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada

12:45-2:15pm        Panel 2 –Women and Africa’s Transformation Agenda
Convener and Moderator:
Dr. Nduka Otiono, African Studies, Carleton
Speakers:
Ms. Malejone Thakanyane, Lesotho Federation of Women Entrepreneurs
Hon. Susan Nakawuki, MP, East Africa Legislative Assembly
Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro, Study of International Development, McGill University (her TEDx talk on reimaging Africa here)

2:45-4:15pm          Panel 3 – Empowering Youth, Cultural Heritage, Values and Ethics
Convener and Moderator:
Dr. Nduka Otiono, African Studies, Carleton
Speakers:
Ms. Irene Tamajong, AIMS-Next Einstein Initiative (UK)
Dr. Pius Adesanmi, English & African Studies, Carleton

4:15-4:20pm          Wrap-Up/Closing remarks

S.E Madame Spéciose Nzeyimana Ambassadeur de la République du Burundi
H.E. Solomon Azoh-Mbi, High Commissioner of Cameroon to Canada and Vice Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, Ottawa

(Video can also be found on the IAS YouTube channel)

Photos (taken by Jerusa Ali)

This was part of the Faculty of Public Affairs (FPA) Research Month.