Special session of the “Fridays of the Commission”

By African Union Commission (AUC)

What: Special Session of the “Fridays of the Commission”

When: Monday 21st March 2016 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Where: Small Conference Room 1, Second Floor, New Conference Building African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Who: The session is being hosted by the Department of Economic Affairs

of the AUC in collaboration with the Government of Canada and

the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie.

Participants:The event will bring together AUC Staff members from various

Departments, Representatives from Regional Economic

Communities (RECs), Members from the Diplomatic Corps in

Addis Ababa, Researchers and academics in Addis Ababa,

University and college students of Ethiopia, NGOs, Civil

Society organisations and private sector, Media outlets as well

as all interested parties

Objective: This conference aims to present the main objectives of both the Economic Strategy for La Francophonie and of Agenda 2063, and then at identifying their commonalities.

Create synergies between economic strategy for La Francophonie and the First ten years plan of Agenda 2063 and thus lead to economic development

Background: The Economic Strategy for La Francophonie (OIF) adopted in 2014 by the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, is based on a vision where personal fulfilment is central to sustainable economic development process. It contributes to the implementation of the global Post-2015 Agenda, through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Economic Strategy for La Francophonie aims at reconciling economic growth, the fight against poverty and inequalities, the preservation of the environment, and the safeguarding of cultural heritage. The efficient implementation of the Strategy is a key component of Canada's engagement with La Francophonie and as a result the Government of Canada, in collaboration with OIF and the African Union Commission (AUC), on the occasion of the festivities for the International Francophonie Day, are organising this conference in order to present the Economic Strategy for La Francophonie and the African Union's Agenda 2063 first, and then discuss best practices and opportunities related to economic development, particularly through successful community development projects.

Journalists are invited to cover the Special Session of the Fridays of the Commission on Monday 21st, March 2016, starting from 2:00pm which will be held at the Small Conference Room 1 of the New Conference Building at the African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

ALL STAFF OF THE AU COMMISSION ARE KINDLY INVITED TO ATTEND