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On the occasion of a recreational sports day, African Union organs based in South Africa namely the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), and African Union Development Agency (AUDA NEPAD) joined forces to commemorate the African Union Day (AU Day).
The aim of the activity was to promote a healthy lifestyle and harmony amongst the AU personnel in South Africa, as the Union marks the signature of the Sirte Declaration 23 years ago.
Held at the Old Parktonian Sports Club in Johannesburg, South Africa on 08 September 2022, the inter-organ activity comprised of various social games and team-building exercises to strengthen rapport and celebrate landmark achievements of the Union on various issues relating to continental integration. The platform also served as a reflection on the major challenges, the successes of the AU since 2002, the progress made, and possible solutions to these challenges.
Finally, Staff engaged in areas of synergies to accompany the efforts of their respective leadership structures in achieving the Africa We Want.
As a reminder, the African Union (AU) Day is celebrated every 9th of September following the Sirte Declaration of 9 September 1999.
This year, the AU celebrates its 20th anniversary. The Durban Summit (2002) launched the AU and convened its first Assembly of Heads of State and Government. Three summits were held in the lead-up to the official launch of the AU, i.e:
* On 9 September 1999, the then Organisation of African Unity, OAU, signed the Sirte Declaration, establishing the Union. The Declaration called for the creation of an organisation that would accelerate integration on the continent and enables Africa to play a greater role in the global economy while addressing social, economic, and political challenges with African solutions. 9th September is therefore celebrated as African Union Day.
* The Lomé Summit (2000) adopted the African Union’s Constitutive Act,
* The Lusaka Summit (2001) drew the roadmap for the implementation of the AU.
SOURCE: PAN AFRICAN PARLIAMENT