View allAll Photos Tagged Implementation
Ms B. Vijayalakshmi, Principal Technical Officer, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, India, speaking at the Multistakeholder Dialogue on Implementation of WSIS Action Lines for Development
© ITU/R.Farrell
Malusi Gigaba, Minister of Finance of South Africa capture during the Session: Implementing Strategies for Inclusive Growth at the Annual Meeting 2018 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, January 23, 2018
Copyright by World Economic Forum / Sikarin Thanachaiary
Ukraine’s priorities include joining NATO, implementing the decisions of the Alliance's Washington Summit, and jointly intercepting Russian missiles and drones. This was the focus of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s discussion with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during their meeting in Kyiv.
This is Mark Rutte’s first foreign visit as the leader of the North Atlantic Alliance. President Zelenskyy noted that this visit immediately clearly outlines the current priorities, indicating where the defense of shared Euro-Atlantic values is taking place right now.
“Our key goal is Ukraine’s full NATO membership. Ukraine can become the thirty-third member of NATO. Ukrainians deserve this,” said the President.
During the meeting, the parties thoroughly discussed the prospects for cooperation, the Victory Plan and the feasibility of Ukraine's approach to a just end to the war, the situation on the battlefield, and the needs of our units, including weapons and brigade staffing.
“Ukraine needs to strengthen its positions on the frontline so that we can increase pressure on Russia for the sake of fair, real diplomacy. That is why we need a sufficient quantity and quality of weapons, including long-range weapons, the provision of which, in my opinion, is being delayed by our partners,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
A separate focus of the discussion was Ukraine’s air defense needs. It is crucial for Ukraine that all air defense agreements, including those reached at the NATO Summit in Washington this July, are implemented before winter begins. Additionally, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Rutte discussed additional cooperation with neighboring countries, drawing on examples from the Middle East.
“Jointly intercepting Iranian missiles is no different from jointly intercepting Russian missiles, and especially "Shaheds," which link the Russian and Iranian regimes. What we need in our region is more determination from our partners to put an end to Russian terror,” the President emphasized.
Mark Rutte noted that, as NATO Secretary General, he will do everything possible to increase support for Ukraine.
“Your security matters for ours. Your fight for freedom reflects our core principles and values,” he said.
According to the NATO Secretary General, member states of the Alliance plan to boost their own defense capabilities and strengthen Ukraine’s defense industry.
“Ukraine is closer to NATO than ever before. And we will continue on this path until you become a member of our Alliance. I very much look forward to that day,” said Mark Rutte.
Set of carved wooden implements for the Chinese tea ceremony made with a lotus theme. Bought at the small jade market near the computer mall at Pateh in Taipei. I had originally thought that the whole set cost S$20; each item cost S$20 by itself.
There is a spoon in the shape of a lotus fruit; a pick shaped like a lotus root; as well as a scoop and a funnel that look like lotus leaves. These are for the tourist trade - the Taiwanese wouldn't bother with such artsy stuff for daily use.
I think the lotus root is for cleaning the spout of the teapot; the lotus fruit for loosening tea leaves; the bowl of leaves is really a sieve for directing the tea into the teapot, and the single leaf for pouring the tea from container into the pot.
05.12.2018 Polish Pavilion. Circular economy and climate change – Poland’s contribution to the implementation of Paris agreement
These photos are free to use under Creative Commons licenses and must be credited: "© cop24.gov.pl"
UNMISS aviation assets transport SPLM/A-IO returning to Juba from Pagak via Malakal.
UNMISS will continue to support the implementation of the Peace Agreement in an impartial manner and provide logistical support with the available resource capacities of the Mission.
On my mother's desk. I like this shot, although the close-up filter makes this a little soft (unless that's just my focussing).
Shot with a Bronica SQ-Ai, Zenzanon PS 80mm, B&W close-up filter, on Kodak Portra 160.
Este año, la Casa del Deporte implementará un total de 19 escuelas gratuitas en Viña del Mar, con once disciplinas entre las que se encuentran como novedades el balonmano y la halterofilia.
Entre las postales que dejaron los X Juegos Suramericanos ODESUR Santiago 2014, además de la histórica cosecha de medallas que completaron un total de 129 preseas para nuestro país, se cuentan recintos repletos de público vitoreando a deportistas como si se tratasen de eliminatorias mundialistas de futbol, evidenciando el gran interés y pasión que sienten los chilenos por deportes muy distintos al balompié.
Consciente de esta atención por variadas disciplinas, es que la Ilustre Municipalidad de Viña del Mar, a través de la Casa del Deporte, hace ya casi una década, ha implementado de forma gratuita en toda la ciudad, un programa compuesto por Escuelas Deportivas, y que este año junto a las ya clásicas Tenis, taekwondo, Karate, Natación, Basquetbol, Hockey Patín, Gimnasia Rítmica, Voleibol y Rugby, trae importantes novedades, como la inclusión de dos nuevas especialidades deportivas.
El programa de Escuelas Deportivas, este 2014, da la bienvenida a su oferta al cada día más popular Balonmano o Handball, y que después de la brillante participación de las selecciones chilenas masculinas y femeninas de la disciplina, premiadas con bronce en ODESUR 2014, y que justamente jugaron en Viña del Mar, es que niños, jóvenes y adultos, pusieron sus ojos sobre esta entretenida rama deportiva.
Junto con el balonmano, la Halterofilia o Levantamiento Olímpico de Pesas, también se suma al programa Escuelas Deportivas, y consiste en el levantamiento de la mayor cantidad de peso posible en una barra en cuyos extremos se fijan varios discos, los cuales determinan el peso final que se levanta, y que reciben el nombre de “haltera”.
Orientadas a niños entre 7 y 14 años, las Escuelas Deportivas 2014, suman un total de diecinueve, y para la inscripción en cualquiera de las once disciplinas de este año, sólo hay que asistir al lugar, el día y la hora fijada para la clase, y llenar una matrícula gratuita con los datos personales del alumno, y la firma de un apoderado mayor de edad autorizando la participación del menor en el taller. Te esperamos!
Rainy day shots of implements for a macro challenge. Ratchet screwdriver. Focus stacked using zerene
The North Charleston Police Department implemented Project S.T.A.N.D (Stop and Take A New Direction) aimed at not just arresting low level narcotics dealers with little or no prior criminal history but to go a step further and help those involved in the activity change their lives for the better. This is program aimed at reducing recidivism through working on all aspects of the criminals’ lives.
This project was the focus of a Dateline NBC special entitled “Intersection” which aired on March 14, 2013.
Photo by Ryan Johnson
21 September 2017 - UNGA - Implementation of SDGs should be country-led and country-owned.
This high level side event organized at the helm of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly continues to advocate the nature of the 2030 Agenda—‘country-led and country-owned,’ as reflected during the UNDG high level event during the HLPF 2017 earlier this year.
UN Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Amina J. Mohammed in her key note remarks stated, “We have hit the SDGs walking – not yet running – and we need to pick up the pace. Progress will only be achieved through genuine and meaningful partnerships.”
Host of the event, Mr. Achim Steiner, the UNDG Chair and the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said, "In the SDGs we have found a common language in identifying the challenges and opportunities in development. We need new partnerships- we need investment bankers to work with rural farmers, policy makers with activists."
The side event also marked the launch of the 2016 UNDG results report: Lift Off: Agenda 2030—Shared Results of the UNDG in 2016. The new report captures the collective results and impact achieved by the UN Development System through 131 UN Country Teams supporting 165 countries and territories, as well as by the UNDG at the regional and global levels. The report is now available at undg.org
For more information: www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/presscenter/pressreleas...
© UNDP / Freya Morales
dustpan and brush - tick
husband - tick
spade and wheelbarrow?
for 69/116 - cleaning implement
(the extension is beginning to move into the main house. JOY!)
05.12.2018 Pre-2020 Stocktake on implementation and ambition, Part I
These photos are free to use under Creative Commons licenses and must be credited: "© cop24.gov.pl"
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (Dec. 19, 2014) -- The U.S. Army is seeking to implement a new mortar manufacturing process to provide improved weapons at a lower cost, officials said.
The Army introduced a nickel super-alloy called Inconcel to produce mortars in 2008, but its properties make it challenging to manufacture. Researchers have been working on an alternative method to overcome the difficulties, said Chris Humiston, a mechanical engineer with the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center at Watervliet Arsenal, New York.
Read more:
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
I am embarrassed to say that these tools have stood piled up against this stump for nearly 18 years and have done all the work necessary establishing a rainforest on our property (and continue to do so).
They are in a central position and handy to get at when I need them.
Unfortunately they make life difficult for this Cymbidium suave which is growing in the middle of all the stacked up gardening implements. One day I will build a small shed to house them - one day - maybe.
To reach the most marginalized children, Plan Asia is implementing a community sponsorship project that focuses on indigenous and isolated children (IIC). Working in over 215 geographically and socially isolated villages in Pakistan, Thailand, Laos, and the Philippines, projects related to education, health, water and sanitation, child protection and participation, and livelihoods are being implemented.
In March 2012, a group of sponsors from Sweden, Finland, and the US visited the project sites in the Philippines where they were able to see first-hand how their financial contributions have started to improve the lives of the Mangyans in Occidental Mindoro province.
The Mangyan people are from indigenous groups found in the Philippine island of Mindoro, each group with its own tribal name, language and customs. The Mangyan children are among the poorest and most marginalised people in the country. Their lives are often difficult, with few opportunities for education.
Photos by Plan/Spencer Chumbley
Como parte de la cooperación internacional entre Ecuador y Estados Unidos. La Embajada de los Estados Unidos en Quito hizo una entrega de computadoras portátiles, impresoras e implementos para mejorar la gestión de la Policía Nacional de Ecuador. 08.05.2020
Scenes from the launch of "Preventing Conflict, Transforming Justice, Securing the Peace: A Global Study on the Implementation of Security Council resolution 1325", a major new report commissioned by the UN Secretary-General in preparation for the 15th anniversary review. The report brings together research which unquestionably demonstrates that women’s empowerment and gender equality contribute to the conclusion of peace talks and sustainable peace, accelerating economic recovery, strengthening protection efforts of peace operations and humanitarian assistance, and countering violent extremism.
The new Global study was led by independent lead author Radhika Coomaraswamy, former Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict and Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women, supported by a high-level advisory group of eminent experts, and managed by a Secretariat hosted by UN Women.
The launch was held at United Nations Headquarters on 14 October 2015.
The Global Study is available here: wps.unwomen.org/~/media/files/un%20women/wps/highlights/u...
Read more about the anniversary of resolution 1325 and UN Women's work in Women, Peace and Security: wps.unwomen.org/en
Photo: UN Women/Ryan Brown
Implementing a protocol is hard, this photo is from the time i was learning DBus protocol, padding, alignment,... and how to treat unsigned bytes in Java ;-))
During a working trip to Mykolaiv region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in the presentation of the projects implemented under the patronage of the Kingdom of Denmark over the region.
The Head of State took part in the presentation of the office of the Embassy of Denmark in Mykolaiv and the representative office of the Danish company Bright Bird, which deals with risk management and organization of contacts for Danish companies in Ukraine.
The Head of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration familiarized the Head of State with the work of the Regional Office for International Cooperation at the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration established pursuant to the instruction of the President of Ukraine. The office coordinates and oversees projects implemented at the expense of Denmark, the main partner in the restoration of Mykolaiv region, as well as its partners, including municipalities, government organizations and companies from Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea and other countries.
The Regional Office for International Cooperation is working on proposals for priority areas of economic reconstruction and development, as well as for eliminating the consequences of Russian aggression in Mykolaiv region.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, the Danish Parliament and society for supporting important projects in Ukraine.
"We need such stories of success with very specific results," the President said.
The Head of State emphasized the importance of implementing programs of patronage over Mykolaiv region.
"This is indeed a success story. The patronage program for this region, and especially for those regions that are under attack on a daily basis, is very important. This is an example that shows other countries what we can do. And they can help rebuild Ukraine now, without waiting for global post-war recovery plans. So help Ukraine, because our country is living in a struggle right now," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President emphasized that Ukraine will do everything possible to preserve infrastructure, institutions and security for business even in the face of full-scale Russian aggression.
The presentation was also attended by: Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Ukraine Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania Valdemaras Sarapinas, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan Seymur Mardaliyev, Bright Bird CEO Thomas Trust Have, and Head of Bright Bird's representative office in Ukraine Rasmus Ulfeldt
05.12.2018 Pre-2020 Stocktake on implementation and ambition, Part I
These photos are free to use under Creative Commons licenses and must be credited: "© cop24.gov.pl"
Concluding Session of WSIS+10 High-Level Policy Statements and Endorsement of the WSIS+10 Outcome Documents by Acclamation
© ITU/C. Montesano Casillas
Supermarkets implement anti hoarding and anti-panic buying rules, and observe strict physical distancing as grocery shopping has changed amid COVID-19, Muntinlupa City, Philippines. © ILO/Minette Rimando.
COVID-19 and the world of work: www.ilo.org/covid19
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
Kavalcare Solar System for Jhpiego Mid-Wife Clinic Dec8, 2014
Every year, 12,000 women in Pakistan die of birth complications. The Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Services Component, implemented by MCHIP/Jhpiego, aims at preventing maternal, newborn, and child deaths by ensuring skilled birth attendance (SBA) through a total market approach, empowered community, timely referral of obstetric and neonatal complications to an emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) facility, and improved access to child care.
Lack of electricity in remote areas is a major issue that often leads to obstetric complications and newborn deaths. Refrigerated storage is vital for the effectiveness of life saving drugs and vaccines. Ice boxes are used in remot areas of this purpose but it is an ineffective method especially when easy availability of ice is a problem. To overcome these issues, Lodhie Foundation in association with Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program/JHPIEGO, extended its Kavalcare program and provided a Solar Powered System to a remote clinic located at village Haji Usman Jhakro near Makli, District Thatta. System provides sufficient power to operate a small refrigerator, a fan and 3 lamps 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. It was designed, manufactured and installed by Shaan Technologies private Limited Karachi. After installation of Solar System in August 2014, this small remote clinic is serving a community of 10,000 plus persons who lives in village Haji Usman and surrounding areas. On an average 10 patients visits this clinic each day. Clinic also provides up to 15 birth attendance and new born care in a month.
Name of Village HAJI USMAN JAKHRO, MAKKLI, District Thatta
Name of Midwife. Zoriyat.
Surrounding population 10,000. (Ten Thousand)
Delivery in Solar Light 10 to 13 per month.
OPD patient / day 10.
System Installation Date Aug/12/2014
Harry in Philadelphia in May 2004 at dinner after the opening of an exhibition of his papers at Penn.
05.12.2018 Pre-2020 Stocktake on implementation and ambition, Part I
These photos are free to use under Creative Commons licenses and must be credited: "© cop24.gov.pl"
Participants capture during the Session: Implementing Strategies for Inclusive Growth at the Annual Meeting 2018 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, January 23, 2018
Copyright by World Economic Forum / Sikarin Thanachaiary
Participants capture during the Session: Implementing Strategies for Inclusive Growth at the Annual Meeting 2018 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, January 23, 2018
Copyright by World Economic Forum / Sikarin Thanachaiary
Participants capture during the Session: Implementing Strategies for Inclusive Growth at the Annual Meeting 2018 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, January 23, 2018
Copyright by World Economic Forum / Sikarin Thanachaiary
Participants capture during the Session: Implementing Strategies for Inclusive Growth at the Annual Meeting 2018 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, January 23, 2018
Copyright by World Economic Forum / Sikarin Thanachaiary
Water Pumps Quench Village Thirst
10 Red Hand Pumps gifted and installed in various villages of Sehwan Sharif, Dadu District, Sindh Province, Pakistan.
Project installation started from early 2011 and completed 2013.
Logistics, cost of installations, program implementation and oversight by Dr Syed Raza Mehdi Shah Subzwari of Sehwan Sharif.
Red Hand Pumps gifted by Lodhie Foundation under Pervaiz Lodhie Global Citizenship initiative for human development and poverty alleviation in under privileged rural areas of Pakistan
Before implementing the Baker Creek project, coho salmon had not been seen in Baker Creek for the previous 8 years and adult coho salmon counts across the entire 300 square mile watershed had been hovering around 10-30 individuals. Since implementation of the Baker Creek project BLM has seen coho occupying the project each each year, with the juveniles utilizing newly created high quality habitat.
Photo by Sam Flanagan II, BLM.
All paper towel dispensers should be hands free! I hate washing my hands and then having to pull down that dirty nob to get a paper towel!
05.12.2018 Pre-2020 Stocktake on implementation and ambition, Part I
These photos are free to use under Creative Commons licenses and must be credited: "© cop24.gov.pl"
La Secretaría de Turismo del Gobierno de la República informa que la Corporación de Servicios al Turista Ángeles Verdes activó diversas acciones para potencializar los servicios integrales de información, orientación, asesoría, asistencia, de emergencia mecánica, auxilio y apoyo a los turistas nacionales e internacionalistas, durante el puente vacacional de las Fiestas Patrias. (12/09/2014)
Nick Nash, Group President, Sea Group, Singapore capture during the Session: Implementing Strategies for Inclusive Growth at the Annual Meeting 2018 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, January 23, 2018
Copyright by World Economic Forum / Sikarin Thanachaiary
Participants capture during the Session: Implementing Strategies for Inclusive Growth at the Annual Meeting 2018 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, January 23, 2018
Copyright by World Economic Forum / Sikarin Thanachaiary
Mekelle– Ethiopia, 24th January 2016: Members of African Union (AU) Executive Council converged in the Tigray region of Mekelle, on 24 January 2016, within the framework of their third Ministerial Retreat, holding under the theme: “Implementation of Agenda 2063”. The Ministerial Retreat was chaired by Hon. Simbarashe S. Mumbengegwi, Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of the Executive Council, in the presence of H.E. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commissioners, H.E Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the AUC. Hon. Dr Tedros Adhenon Ghebreyesus, Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E Abay Weldu, President of the Regional Authority of Tigray, representatives from AU Organs, the UNECA, NEPAD, RECs AfDB, AU Commissioners , the AUC Secretary General, and the Legal Counsel of the AUC, and invited guests.
President Weldu welcomed the participants in the city of Mekelle and presented the historical background of the region which he qualified as courageous and privileged population who inherited the most archeological objects and sites of humanity. He said the agenda of this retreat has a significant meaning to the Tigray tribe/people of Ethiopia. He appreciated the vision of the Union aimed at creatiing an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa”.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, AUC Chairperson, recalled the first retreat in the city of Ethiopia Bahir Dar in 2014, where she introduced the Dream of the African People in “the e-mail from the future”, among others. “Two years ago, as we concluded the 50th anniversary of the OAU/AU, we met as in retreat in the city of Bahir Dar, to discuss the core responsibilities of this important organ, the Executive Council. It was then when I spoke about our dream of the Africa we want, in the e-mail from the future.
Two years later, as we gather here in Mekelle, Tigray region we can report that we have made some headway. As discussed at this retreat, we now have Agenda 2063 as our clarion call for action, supported by all sections of the African society”, stated the AUC Chairperson. She explained that, “we are now clear on the priorities of Agenda 2063, investing in our people, especially youth and women; in agricultural modernization and agro-businesses; in manufacturing and industrialization; the development of our infrastructure; democracy and developmental governance, as well as the need of silencing the guns by 2020.”
“Our Agenda 2063 flagship projects - such as the free movement of people, the Commodities strategy, the Pan African Integrated High speed Rail network - is taking off, and should help towards our vision of an integrated, peaceful and prosperous Africa, driven by its own people and taking its rightful place in the world”, underscored Dr. Dlamini Zuma.
Referring to the song on Agenda 2063 composed by a group of artists from Zimbabwe, played during the opening ceremony of the retreat, the AUC Chairperson called on other artists within the continent to emulate the good example. “ I would like to thank the Zimbabwean artists who came up with that song on Agenda 2063, and I challenge all of us to encourage our artists to compose as many songs as possible. Of course as the Chair of the Union, Zimbabwe led from the front”. She thanks the Mekelle authorities for hosting the AU Ministerial retreat and wished the Ministers fruitful deliberation. (See complete speech of the AUC Chairperson on the website: www.au.int ).
The Chairperson of the Executive Council on his part, recalled the high moments and priorities on Agenda 2063 saying “our Agenda is centred in the review of implementation of decisions taken during the 2nd Ministerial retreat and update on the implementation of the 1st ten year plan of Agenda 2063, the free movement of goods and persons, the issue of Immigration and tourism and wild life preservation”. Minister Mumbengegwi stressed that “as we continue streamlining and improving the working methods of our Union, we also need to consider how best we can align our bi-annual Summits in order to improve the effectiveness of our organisation and to give ourselves ample time to implement our decisions”. He expressed satisfaction to the fact that notable success has already been achieved in this vein, hence the need to proffering new and innovative ideas that will take the organisation to greater heights. (See complete speech of the Executive Chairperson on the AU Website: www.au.int) .
Speaking earlier, Hon. Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, stressed on the importance of holding the ministerial retreat which he said will enhance friendly and convivial relationship between the ministers. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia said such gathering will enable the participants to express themselves freely while socialising with one another. He called on his pars saying, “We have a number of important issues to deliver including exchanging views and best practices on how to domesticate and enhance the implementation of agenda 2063 and its flagship projects.
Organized by the African Union Commission (AUC), the third Ministerial Retreat aims at brainstorming and exchanging ideas on critical issues related to the implementation of the Africa Agenda 2063 so as to give clear direction and guidelines on devising best ways and means for its domestication to help improve the living conditions of the African citizens.
The Ministers will among other things consider AU Commission Restructuring Project, the free movement of people, African tourism, wild life conservation, and state of the African tourism sector and its opportunities and challenges.
At the end of its deliberations, the Ministerial Retreat will adopt the Mekelle Ministerial Retreat draft Outcomes document to be tabled during the Executive Council meeting scheduled to hold on 27 and 27 January 2016 for adoption. The AU Ministerial Retreat ends on Tuesday 26th January 2016.
AMT/ EAT
Media inquiries should be directed to:
Mrs Esther Azaa Tankou| Ag. Director of Information and Communication | African Union Commission | Tel: +251 (0) 911361185 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org|
For further information:
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Website: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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About the African Union
The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision: to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission. Learn more at: www.au.int
AU Ministerial Retreat of the Executive Council Brainstorms on the Implementation of Agenda 2063
Mekelle– Ethiopia, 24th January 2016: Members of African Union (AU) Executive Council converged in the Tigray region of Mekelle, on 24 January 2016, within the framework of their third Ministerial Retreat, holding under the theme: “Implementation of Agenda 2063”. The Ministerial Retreat was chaired by Hon. Simbarashe S. Mumbengegwi, Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of the Executive Council, in the presence of H.E. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commissioners, H.E Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the AUC. Hon. Dr Tedros Adhenon Ghebreyesus, Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E Abay Weldu, President of the Regional Authority of Tigray, representatives from AU Organs, the UNECA, NEPAD, RECs AfDB, AU Commissioners , the AUC Secretary General, and the Legal Counsel of the AUC, and invited guests.
President Weldu welcomed the participants in the city of Mekelle and presented the historical background of the region which he qualified as courageous and privileged population who inherited the most archeological objects and sites of humanity. He said the agenda of this retreat has a significant meaning to the Tigray tribe/people of Ethiopia. He appreciated the vision of the Union aimed at creatiing an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa”.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, AUC Chairperson, recalled the first retreat in the city of Ethiopia Bahir Dar in 2014, where she introduced the Dream of the African People in “the e-mail from the future”, among others. “Two years ago, as we concluded the 50th anniversary of the OAU/AU, we met as in retreat in the city of Bahir Dar, to discuss the core responsibilities of this important organ, the Executive Council. It was then when I spoke about our dream of the Africa we want, in the e-mail from the future.
Two years later, as we gather here in Mekelle, Tigray region we can report that we have made some headway. As discussed at this retreat, we now have Agenda 2063 as our clarion call for action, supported by all sections of the African society”, stated the AUC Chairperson. She explained that, “we are now clear on the priorities of Agenda 2063, investing in our people, especially youth and women; in agricultural modernization and agro-businesses; in manufacturing and industrialization; the development of our infrastructure; democracy and developmental governance, as well as the need of silencing the guns by 2020.”
“Our Agenda 2063 flagship projects - such as the free movement of people, the Commodities strategy, the Pan African Integrated High speed Rail network - is taking off, and should help towards our vision of an integrated, peaceful and prosperous Africa, driven by its own people and taking its rightful place in the world”, underscored Dr. Dlamini Zuma.
Referring to the song on Agenda 2063 composed by a group of artists from Zimbabwe, played during the opening ceremony of the retreat, the AUC Chairperson called on other artists within the continent to emulate the good example. “ I would like to thank the Zimbabwean artists who came up with that song on Agenda 2063, and I challenge all of us to encourage our artists to compose as many songs as possible. Of course as the Chair of the Union, Zimbabwe led from the front”. She thanks the Mekelle authorities for hosting the AU Ministerial retreat and wished the Ministers fruitful deliberation. (See complete speech of the AUC Chairperson on the website: www.au.int ).
The Chairperson of the Executive Council on his part, recalled the high moments and priorities on Agenda 2063 saying “our Agenda is centred in the review of implementation of decisions taken during the 2nd Ministerial retreat and update on the implementation of the 1st ten year plan of Agenda 2063, the free movement of goods and persons, the issue of Immigration and tourism and wild life preservation”. Minister Mumbengegwi stressed that “as we continue streamlining and improving the working methods of our Union, we also need to consider how best we can align our bi-annual Summits in order to improve the effectiveness of our organisation and to give ourselves ample time to implement our decisions”. He expressed satisfaction to the fact that notable success has already been achieved in this vein, hence the need to proffering new and innovative ideas that will take the organisation to greater heights. (See complete speech of the Executive Chairperson on the AU Website: www.au.int) .
Speaking earlier, Hon. Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, stressed on the importance of holding the ministerial retreat which he said will enhance friendly and convivial relationship between the ministers. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia said such gathering will enable the participants to express themselves freely while socialising with one another. He called on his pars saying, “We have a number of important issues to deliver including exchanging views and best practices on how to domesticate and enhance the implementation of agenda 2063 and its flagship projects.
Organized by the African Union Commission (AUC), the third Ministerial Retreat aims at brainstorming and exchanging ideas on critical issues related to the implementation of the Africa Agenda 2063 so as to give clear direction and guidelines on devising best ways and means for its domestication to help improve the living conditions of the African citizens.
The Ministers will among other things consider AU Commission Restructuring Project, the free movement of people, African tourism, wild life conservation, and state of the African tourism sector and its opportunities and challenges.
At the end of its deliberations, the Ministerial Retreat will adopt the Mekelle Ministerial Retreat draft Outcomes document to be tabled during the Executive Council meeting scheduled to hold on 27 and 27 January 2016 for adoption. The AU Ministerial Retreat ends on Tuesday 26th January 2016.
AMT/ EAT
Media inquiries should be directed to:
Mrs Esther Azaa Tankou| Ag. Director of Information and Communication | African Union Commission | Tel: +251 (0) 911361185 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org|
For further information:
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Website: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
Follow us
Face book: www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission
Twitter: twitter.com/_AfricanUnion
YouTube: www.youtube.com/AUCommission
Learn more at: www.au.int
About the African Union
The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision: to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission. Learn more at: www.au.int