The African Union (AU) has marked on Monday, May 25, the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), bringing together African leaders, diplomats and international partners to celebrate the continent’s achievements and reaffirm commitments to unity, integration and sustainable development.
Held under the theme “Sixty-Three Years of Unity, Integration, and Development: Let’s Celebrate Together,” the commemoration provided an opportunity to reflect on Africa’s progress while outlining priorities for the future.
Speaking at the event, Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hadera Abera described Africa Day as a symbol of the vision and determination of leaders who championed a free, united and prosperous Africa.
He said the OAU played a key role in supporting liberation movements, ending colonialism and laying the foundation for continental integration. Mr Abera welcomed the recent recognition by the United Nations General Assembly of slavery and colonialism as grave crimes against humanity and commended Ghana for its leadership in advancing the initiative. He also called for greater investment in healthcare, gender equality, agriculture, industrialization and job creation to address the needs of Africa’s growing youth population.
Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, highlighted Africa’s increasing influence in global affairs, pointing to the continent’s membership in the G20 and ongoing calls for permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council.
“Our continent is rising, slowly and steadily, but with conviction and determination,” he said, expressing confidence in Africa’s future and the potential of its youthful population. He noted that Africa’s population is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, with significant economic growth expected in the coming decades. Also addressing the gathering, Jiang Feng, China’s Permanent Representative to the AU, reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to its partnership with Africa and conveyed congratulations from Xi Jinping on the occasion of Africa Day.