20 July 2024, Addis Ababa — The African Union Fee (AUC), in collaboration with the United Nations Improvement Programme (UNDP) and key stakeholders, is thrilled to announce the Africa Blue Economic system Week (ABEW-24) and the Commemoration of the Africa Day of Seas and Oceans. Happening from 23 to 25 July in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the occasion is ready to spice up inclusive and sustainable blue progress throughout Africa.
Africa’s huge shoreline and considerable marine sources supply distinctive alternatives for transformative financial and social improvement. Nonetheless, this potential has been hindered by environmental degradation, overexploitation and infrastructure deficits. ABEW-24 seeks to sort out these challenges to unlock Africa’s blue potential.
Empowering Africa’s Blue Renaissance
This 12 months’s theme, “Empowering Africa’s Blue Renaissance”, highlights the necessity for collective effort and innovation to construct a dynamic blue sector. ABEW-24 unites leaders from varied sectors to foster dialogue, have fun achievements and discover the blue financial system’s position in advancing improvement objectives similar to poverty alleviation and local weather resilience.
H.E. Ambassador Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Improvement, Blue Economic system and Sustainable Surroundings (ARBE), highlights the occasion’s distinctive alternative to replicate on the huge potential of Africa’s blue financial system and to reaffirm the commitments to the sustainable use and conservation of our seas and oceans in keeping with Aspiration 1 (A affluent Africa based mostly on inclusive progress and sustainable improvement) and Goal 6 (Blue/Ocean financial system for accelerated financial progress) of Agenda 2063. “This occasion will foster inclusive and sustainable blue progress and handle the crucial position of the blue financial system in reaching our broader improvement objectives. The occasion reminds us of the interconnectedness of our world and the shared duty we should shield our oceans,” she stated.
The targets of ABEW-24 are multifaceted. They deal with elevating consciousness concerning the blue financial system by highlighting its significance, advantages, and challenges. The occasion goals to foster dialogue amongst authorities officers, trade leaders, improvement companions, researchers, civil society, and youth teams, selling alternatives for collaboration. It’ll additionally present a platform for policymakers to debate and develop new frameworks and techniques for a sustainable blue financial system in Africa.
Moreover, ABEW addresses commerce and funding priorities throughout the blue financial system, leveraging the alternatives offered by the African Continental Free Commerce Space (AfCFTA). A vital facet of the occasion is empowering youth by amplifying their voices, supporting youth-led initiatives, and inspiring blue entrepreneurship and innovation.
Because the UNDP Regional Director for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, emphasizes, this occasion signifies a serious alternative for Africa: “The Africa Blue Economic system Week 2024 is a pivotal second for our continent to faucet into the immense potential of our freshwater and marine sources. By unlocking even a fraction of the worldwide blue financial system’s $1.5 trillion worth, we will considerably enhance GDP, create thousands and thousands of jobs and improve meals safety.”
Excessive-Degree Plenary Periods and Companion-Led Workshops
ABEW-24 contains thematic tracks and periods targeted on essential areas of the blue financial system, together with balancing financial progress with ocean well being, positioning Africa as a serious participant in international maritime enterprise, selling accountable coastal tourism, andexamining connections between blue finance, commerce and coverage. A devoted session will deal with empowering youth and ladies, highlighting their roles in shaping the way forward for the blue financial system.
The occasion contains high-level plenary periods with keynote speeches from authorities officers and specialists. Companions will lead workshops and discussions on subjects similar to sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, renewable power, maritime safety, commerce and transport.
Celebrating the African Day of Seas and Oceans
The African Day of Seas and Oceans, celebrated yearly on 25 July, is a characteristic of ABEW-24. At the present time underscores the large worth of Africa’s aquatic sources and the necessity for sustainable administration to help financial progress, meals safety and environmental well being. The celebration aligns with the Decade of African Seas and Oceans (2015–2025), highlighting efforts to guard and make the most of these sources.
Be a part of us in Addis Ababa to form the way forward for Africa’s blue financial system and contribute to a sustainable and affluent continent!
For extra info on the Africa Blue Economic system Week 2024, contact:
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
- Molalet Tsedeke, Data and Communication Directorate, African Union Fee, MolaletT@africa-union.org
- Maryanne Muriuki, Communication Analyst, African Union Fee, muriukim@africa-union.org
- Laetitia Pougdiba Ouoba, Regional Communications Specialist, UNDP Regional Programme/ RSCA, laetitia.ouoba@undp.org
- Ayda Labassi, Digital Communications Specialist, UNDP Regional Programme/ RSCA, aida.labassi@undp.org
In regards to the African Union Fee’s Blue Economic system Division
The AU Fee (AUC) institutionalized the Blue Economic system Division in its governance association following the 2019 institutional reform. Since then, African Leaders have determined to embed it as a key part of the mandate of the AUC. To this finish, the institutional reform strategy of the AUC endowed its senior management with the blue financial system portfolio. It established a Blue Economic system Division in Could 2021 with the first aim of implementing the Africa Blue Economic system Technique and contributing to the agenda of 2063. Study extra at https://au.int/en/directorates/sustainable-environment
In regards to the United Nations Improvement Programme (UNDP)
The UNDP operates in almost 170 international locations and territories, working to eradicate poverty and cut back inequalities and exclusion. UNDP assists international locations in creating insurance policies, management abilities, partnering talents, institutional capabilities, and constructing resilience to maintain improvement outcomes. Study extra at www.undp.org/africa
