The 26th African Union (AU) Summit has concluded in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme “2016: African Year of Human Rights with a particular focus on the rights of women.”
Also discussed at the summit was Agenda 2063, a 50-year blueprint for Africa’s development adopted to mark the African Union’s 50th anniversary in 2013. UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé participated in the summit and met several African leaders, including the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn.
Mr Sidibé also held bilateral meetings with the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, the first Lady of Sudan, Wedad Babiker, and the President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina.
The meeting closed with a ceremony to thank stakeholders who contributed to the African Union’s response to last year’s Ebola outbreak in western Africa.
“We should go back to the values of unity, dedication and sacrifice—an understanding that the suffering of others is our suffering. Tomorrow is for our children; let’s nurture them, let’s educate them; let us build the Africa we want.”
Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe and outgoing chairperson of the African Union
“By adopting Agenda 2063, we have boldly taken the path to reclaim our past, and claim our future. If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough. We choose peace, unity and prosperity.”
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson, African Union Commission
“Africa already has policies on human rights. Implementation, institution building and investment can be the basis for the African Union’s legacy on human rights. My dream is that Africa provides a shining example of tolerance, acceptance and respect for human rights.”
Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General
“The African Union provides a platform through which we can work to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as a major contribution to the broader social and economic development that is envisioned by Africa’s leaders.”
Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director
