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CLOSING CEREMONY MODEL AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLOSING CEREMONY OF AU MODEL SUMMIT

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.