Agree to Differ

[

] 160

African Union Agenda 2063

In May 2013 the Organization of African Unity (OAU)/African

Union commemorated its fiftieth anniversary (40 years of the

OAU and 10 of the AU). The anniversary was celebrated under

the theme ‘Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance’, and it

provided the continental organization with opportunities to take

stock of the key milestones of the past 50 years and to project

to the future. As the African Union looked ahead into the next

50 years, there was a need to reflect on where the organization

wanted Africa to be in 2063, what would be our exact contribu-

tion, and what would be the role of all stakeholders in achieving

that vision. Hence a strategic framework was developed, the

African Union Agenda 2063, to make sure that Pan-Africanism

and African wisdom and the legacy left by our founding leaders

lives on and is duly transferred to the coming generations.

Agenda 2063 in its popular version sets out seven African

aspirations for 2063 which reflect the African Union’s desire

for shared prosperity and well-being, as follows:

• a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and

sustainable development

• an integrated continent, politically united and based on the

ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of African Renaissance

• an Africa of good governance, respect for human rights,

justice and the rule of law

• a peaceful and secure Africa

• an Africa with a strong identity, common heritage,

values and ethics

• an Africa where development is people-driven, unleashing

the potential of women and youth

• Africa as a strong, united and influential global player

and partner.

In the second aspiration, Pan-Africanism ideals and spirit

need to be promoted and taught in all school curricula.

Aspiration number five entails the entrenchment of cultural

values, identity, heritage, ethics, common history, destiny,

respect for religious diversity and consciousness of African

peoples and their diasporas. The African creative arts and

industries will be celebrated throughout the continent

and the diaspora. African languages will be the basis for

administration and integration. African values of family,

community, hard work, merit, mutual respect and social

cohesion will be firmly entrenched.

The development of 10-year implementation plans for

African Union Agenda 2063 is currently underway and these

plans will contribute the achievement of these aspirations and

the building of an integrated and peaceful continent.

Culture is fundamental, although not the only factor for

defining and understanding the human condition. Culture

affects how people think and act. It can be considered as

the way humans and societies assign meaning to the world

around them and define their place in that world. It is

manifested in many ways including languages and words;

ideas and ideologies; customs and traditions; beliefs and

religions; rituals and ceremonies; art and music; architec-

ture and furniture; dress and fashion; games; images – in

short, anything that is symbolic or representative of the

values, norms, perceptions and interest of a culture.

Cultural diversity contributes to the expression of national

and regional identities and more widely to the building of

Pan-Africanism. The promotion of cultural values and

practices is known for its capability and potential for peace-

making and conflict resolution.

A Nigerian cultural troupe: culture includes intangible and tangible heritage which is varied, complex and in constant evolution

Images: African Union

gree

iffer