Agenda 2063 A Living Programme

> Thandisizwe Mgudlwa

Agenda 2063 is not just another document that will gather dust in offices of the African Union and it's member states.

That much is clear as the recent seminar aimed at enhancing understanding of the African Union and strengthening the skills relevant to its statutory operations was successfully delivered. 

The seminar which was held in  Midrand, South Africa was organised by the African Union Leadership Academy as part of a wider executive training programme for members of the diplomatic corps. 

34 members of the AU’s Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) who participated in the seminar have strongly cemented their commitment of developing the continent.

Facilitated by renowned African scholars and experts from the African Union Commission, the aim has been repeatedly articulated that the way forward would be the strengthening the African Union’s capacity for driving and achieving the goals of Agenda 2063 by providing members of the PRC with a unique opportunity to reflect on their experience and interaction with the AU. 

In particular the seminar resolved to create more awareness and importance of various instruments that are relevant to Agenda 2063; re-examining the role and responsibilities of AU and member states in supporting the AU drive towards achieving Agenda 2063 goals; sharing of, and learning from, challenges and success stories.

Other issues under discussion included,  impact of the organisation’s history on its functioning; Africa Peace and Security Architecture, preventive diplomacy and conflict prevention; enhancing the effectiveness of the African Union; reflections on the continental Agenda 2063 and the African Union as a norm entrepreneur and African Union democracy instruments.

At the opening event session held on Tuesday 27^th September Ambassador Jean Mfasoni, Adviser to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, remarked that “In order for the AU, its Member States and its organs to contribute effectively to this vision (Agenda 2063) and to fulfill the set mandates, there is a need to have a common understanding on how to get there and the respective responsibilities of each party. This experience sharing seminar will help us towards this direction.”

This gathering was important as the PRC is a crucial decision making and oversight body of the African Union, which acts on behalf of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government and the Executive Council. 

The PRC also has responsibilities inter alia, of facilitating communication between the AU Commission and member states, considering the AU’s budget and monitoring the implementation of the AU’s budget. 

In this regard, it is critical to the implementation of the programmes and projects under the continental Agenda 2063 development framework. 

These aim to achieve the AU vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa by 2063.