Eleventh Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union : statement by Mr. Abdoulie Janneh, UN under-secretary-general and executive secretary of ECA

Statement by Mr. Abdoulie Janneh, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA at the Eleventh Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union. Mr. Janneh, on his remarks highlighted that, The outcome of the Grand Debate will not only have ramifications for the institutional landscape of the continent but also implications for its future development. The debate is also most timely as it comes in a period of great international engagement about Africa and its development prospects. Instead of being marginalized, Africa is now firmly on the international agenda through its own initiatives like the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) as well as other international initiatives like the Outcome of the 2005 World Summit in which global leaders pledged to support Africa in meeting its special needs. The Debate on an African Union Government is very important and opportune and will enable Africa's leaders to share their vision for the future development of Africa. Africa needs to act as one in the area of trade, especially in negotiations at the WTO and the Economic Partnership Agreements with European Union.