Fourth Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union: Address By K.Y. Amoako, executive secretary, economic commission for Africa

Abstract

This Address delivered by K.Y. Amoako, Executive Secretary, Economic Commission for Africa at the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union. Mr. Amoako, on his remarks highlighted that, In Africa, more so than many other regions, peace and security is truly a collective responsibility. Looking to the future, the new Peace and Security Council presents an important mechanism through which the AU can effectively uphold its principles in this critical area. These actions do not only manifest a promise fulfilled to Africa's peoples that the AU would work to end the conflicts that have so often wrecked their lives. As ECA's in-depth assessment of regional integration in Africa, which is to be published in July this year, stresses, clear guidelines, benchmarks, and timelines for progress on the integration agenda must be established and adhered too. The year 2005, which marks ten years since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action, also provides an opportunity for us to make a candid assessment of where we are regarding the promotion of gender equality in Africa.