20
August 2014
H.E
Dr SalifSall, Ambassador of AU South African Regional Office,
Members
of the Diplomatic Corps,
Heads
of tertiary education institutions,
Delegates,
We have reached the end of this Model Summit
after two days of intense deliberations. I have obtained very positive feedback
on the level of the debates and the substantial contribution made by delegates
in terms of ideas and recommendations.
Once again let us give a big applause to all the
participants and their mentors for their active participation and making this
event successful.
Let me share with you that this event is also a
new experience for my ministry too. As you know the Ministry of Tertiary
Education, Science, Research and Technology is a new ministry – only 4 years
old – and many of the events that we have organized are first time events. I am
proud that the concerted efforts of the universities and higher education
institutions, my ministry and the AU SARO have made this first Model African Union
Summit a resounding success.
Dear
delegates, this Model Summit has given all of you the opportunity to speak in a
plenary session, to undertake research on issues relating to Africa, to learn
to present your ideas and recommendations in a structured manner and work in a
team.
I have no
doubt that at the end of today’s session, you have acquired a deeper
understanding of the work and role of the African Union as the voice of Africa,
as the catalyst of the economic transformation on the continent and a forum to
promote dialogue, conflict resolution and peace and stability.
As stated
in our speeches at the Opening ceremony, Africa is said to be the next growth
pole. It is on the rise. From 2001-10, six of the world’s ten fastest-growing
economies were in sub-Saharan Africa.
It has now
to make stronger efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and
to improve conditions for African people. It has to address the challenges of
climate change, food security and combating diseases.
African Economic Outlook mentions that “with over 200 million
people between the ages of 15 and 24–a figure that will double by 2045–Africa’s
fast-growing population is the youngest in the world.” While the youth
population is increasing, it is also important for them to have access to
higher education. The pool of resources and capacity in Africa should be harnessed and directed towards the productive
sectors of the economy.
The Guardian published an article recently pointing out that
“ Africa has an unprecedented opportunity to set a course for sustained
economic growth, shared prosperity and a breakthrough in poverty reduction. But
this cannot be achieved without the full participation of young people. Young
Africans have extraordinary levels of energy and creativity, as well as hopes,
ambitions and dreams.
It is worth recalling
that the destiny of Mauritius as an African state has always been linked with
the great continent. We achieved our own
decolonization in the great wind of change which blew over Africa in the
1960s.Our founding Fathers have ensured that our solidarity with all African
states remains strong and our first Prime Minister,Sir
SeewoosagarRamgolam was the President of Organisation of African Unity in 1976.……We have to
continue to work on the same path and give the opportunity to our young people build
and realize their vision of a sustainable, prosperous and fair continent for
the benefit of all.”
Mauritius is
promoting access to higher education and research and is eager to establish
collaboration with African states to provide opportunities for higher education
and capacity building. We therefore hope that this Model Summit will help to
disseminate a positive image of Mauritius as a destination for quality higher
learning and bring more students from the African continent to our
institutions.
To conclude, I
wish to thank Dr Sall and would like to suggest to him that the best delegates
be given an opportunity to participate in similar model summits in other
countries. The best delegates should be facilitated to develop a network with
their counterparts in other countries.
I wish once again
to thank all the organisers, the Director General and staff of Mahatma Gandhi
Institute, the Vice Chancellor and Directors of all the participating
institutions and the group of volunteers who have ensured security and press.
You have all been
remarkable and made us proud.
I now declare the
Summit closed. Thank you.
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