The Bureau of the Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment meet in Addis Ababa

The Bureau of the Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment met today at the African Union Commission Headquarters to review and adopt the draft ministerial report from the inaugural session that was held on October 5-9, 2015. `

The inaugural meeting of the STC on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment, was organized under the theme, “Advancing concerted action for improved livelihoods in Africa,” and reviewed the relevant strategic goals and linkages in agriculture, rural development, water and environment related initiatives and their implications on the achievement of the overarching goals set out in the Malabo Declaration on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the Africa Agenda 2063 to transform Africa.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Bureau meeting, H.E Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture assured the Bureau that the, “Commission stands ready to provide the necessary support and guidance as we all work together to achieve the desired outcomes,” which includes, reviewing the draft Ministerial report, with a view to concluding the pending discussions on the working arrangements of the STCs, as well as come up with a framework of integrating the existing Ministerial bodies within the STC on Agriculture Rural Development, Water and Environment.

Officially opening the meeting, Chair of the Bureau of the STC, and Minister of Forest Economy and Sustainable Development of Congo, Hon. Henri Djombo, commended the AUC for preparations towards the meeting. He noted that the inaugural STC held in October 2015 was a success and that the Bureau looked forward to concluding all matters and adopting the draft report.