Meriam Jelliti
Doha
A grand celebration of African culture and unity recently took place, as numerous embassies from the African continent came together to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Africa Day.
The event marked the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which laid the groundwork for African solidarity and cooperation. The festivities showcased vibrant dances, mouth-watering cuisine, soulful singing, and much more. The African Group of Ambassadors in Doha, led by Ambassador Amr Al Sherbini of Egypt, spearheaded the event, which highlighted the continent’s achievements and its commitment to sustainable development.
A historic milestonecColor:> Ambassador Amr Al Sherbini opened the event by acknowledging the historical significance of Africa Day, which commemorates the establishment of the OAU 60 years ago. He praised the founding fathers for their vision and efforts in sowing the seeds of unity and cooperation among African nations. Their vision set the stage for economic integration, continental consolidation, and progress. Today, Africa continues to move forward on the path toward sustainable development, with Agenda 2063 guiding its ambitious development plan.
Africa’s progress and prosperity: The African continent has witnessed the culmination of the efforts made by successive generations in achieving its goals. As a result, the continent is making remarkable strides in peace, development, and prosperity. Ambassador Al Sherbini emphasised the increasing effectiveness of joint efforts among African nations to fulfil the dreams of their peoples. The implementation of Agenda 2063 has been instrumental in propelling Africa toward sustainable growth and empowering its people.
Qatar’s support for African development: The celebration of Africa Day in Doha highlighted the growing interest and support that the Qatar provides to the African continent. Qatar has become a reliable and effective partner in African economic development, with a keen focus on strengthening cooperation in all fields. Qatar’s commitment to utilising its resources and opportunities for the benefit of Africa and its own interests demonstrates its dedication to fostering mutually beneficial relationships with African countries.
Acknowledging Qatar’s achievementscColor:> Ambassador Al Sherbini took the opportunity to congratulate Qatar for successfully organising exceptional events such as the FIFA World Cup 2023, which received global acclaim. The ambassador also commended Qatar for hosting the Fifth United Nations Conference of the Least Developed Countries and the second edition of the Qatar Economic Forum. Furthermore, he expressed anticipation for the International Horticultural Expo Doha 2023, expecting it to be another resounding success.
The African Continental Free Trade Area AgreementcColor:> Ambassador Al Sherbini highlighted the theme for the Year 2023 adopted by the Summit of the African Union Heads of State and Government. The theme, “Year of African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA): Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area Implementation,” emphasizes the importance of this pioneering initiative in Agenda 2063. The AfCFTA aims to enhance African trade and economic integration, mitigating challenges related to overlapping trade agreements on the continent. Its successful implementation is expected to boost economic growth, increase job opportunities, attract foreign direct investment, and lift millions of people out of extreme poverty.
Empowering African youth and womencColor:> Recognising the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future of Africa, Ambassador Al Sherbini emphasised the continent’s commitment to developing its human resources. Investing in the continent’s youth will enable them to lead Africa’s transformation and keep pace with global developments. Additionally, the ambassador emphasised the importance of empowering African women, highlighting their crucial role in driving economic transformation and stability within their societies. Strengthening cultural and civilisational ties among African peoples is also pivotal in preserving African identity and upholding the principles of African solidarity.
Cooperation for Africa’s FuturecColor:> Ambassador Al Sherbini emphasised Africa’s openness to cooperation with international partners, including governments, international organisations, private sector companies, and global financing institutions. By fostering sustainable partnerships and cooperative frameworks, Africa aims to build a prosperous future. Such collaborations will contribute to global stability, enriching the human experience and ensuring the mutual achievement of equitable interests.
The African Day celebrations in Doha marked a significant milestone in Africa’s journey toward unity, progress, and sustainable development. While recognising the importance of empowering its youth and women. The support and cooperation extended by Qatar and other international partners underscore the collective efforts to build a brighter future for Africa. As Africa continues to strengthen its ties with the world, it remains steadfast in its pursuit of solidarity, comprehensiveness, and fruitful cooperation to achieve progress and prosperity for all its people.
