Last week Monday, 23rd May, 2022 marked the commencement of the 2022 edition of the African Week in UNESCO, which was held for three days. The theme for this year was “Self-sufficiency, Resilience and Economic Development in Africa”. The week was held under the High Patronage of His Excellency Mr. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.
It should be recalled that the African Week is an annual event organized by African Member States in UNESCO with an aim of increasing the visibility of Africa by highlighting the diversity of its cultural and artistic heritage as well as to commemorate the creation of the Organization of African Unity on 25th May 1963, now known as the African Union. It features activities like Exhibitions, Conferences, Artistic Performances and Gastronomy.
The Opening Ceremony was attended by the Minister of National Education and Literacy of Côte d’Ivoire, H.E Ramatou Koné; the Minister of Culture of Chad, Madame Riradjim Ndougonna Mbakasse; the Deputy Director-General of UNESCO, who represented the Director-General Ms. Audrey Azoulay; H.E Souleymane Diop, Ambassador of Senegal to UNESCO and President of the African Group; and H.E Dr. Hajo Sani, Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO.
After a brief introduction by a Senegalese Historian, highlighting the essential values of Africa such as pride, cultural diversity, unity etc., Her Excellency, the Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to UNESCO and Chair of the Organizing Committee, H.E Mrs Ramata LY-BAKAYOKO gave the opening remarks. Subsequently, His Excellency Mr. Souleymane DIOP, Ambassador of Senegal to UNESCO, in his remarks mentioned the importance of cooperation at the regional level, but more importantly of building effective relationships with non-African countries in order to further improve multilateralism. In addition, H.E. Mrs. Ramatou KONE, Minister of Education and Literacy of Côte d’Ivoire called for more investments in the Education Sector. She added that “education has to be reaffirmed as a fundamental right and the best approach to further improved development.”, and called for a “dignified, strong, and prosperous Africa.”
The opening ceremony was followed by a conference on “Self-sufficiency, Resilience, and Economic Development in Africa.” The Conference was hosted by Dr. Akinwumu Ayodeji Adesina, President of the African Development Bank and Mr. Wilfrid Lauriano Do Rego, Coordinator for the Presidential Council of the Africa-Elysée.
H.E Dr. Hajo Sani, OON, the Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO, participated in the African Authors Fair and also spoke at the conference on “African cultural and civilizational input on the new world.” At both events, she highlighted the importance of protecting and promoting the African Culture. She also spoke on her career growth, her personal journey and, moreso, on her works centering mostly on the advocacy for the Girl Child Education and Women Empowerment. She then seized the opportunity to talk on the four books she has written so far which are:
-Aisha Buhari: Being Different (most recent)
-Women and Leadership
-Women and National Development: The Way Forward
– First Ladyship and Empowerment Programmes in Nigeria
The 2022 African Week was brought to a close with a Gala on 25th May, 2022. The event which commenced with opening remarks from the Director-General of UNESCO, Ms. Audrey Azoulay and the Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, H.E Patrick Achi, who represented the President of Cote d’Ivoire, H.E President Alassane Ouattara, was made colorful by several cultural presentations through Afro-music, fashion, dance and poetry. The entire event allowed all participants to enjoy a multidimensional approach to African economic development through discussions on the different themes which touched on issues pertinent to the African continent.
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