MEDIA ADVISORY

CHINA AFRICA DIALOGUE

INVITATION TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES

WHAT: Opening Ceremony of the International Conference on Africa and China: Jointly Promoting Sustainable Development

WHEN: 6th December 2019

WHERE: Nelson Mandela Hall, African Union Headquarters Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

WHO: The African Union Commission, Department of Economic Affairs and the China Africa Institute (CAI)
TIME: 9.30 am – 12.00 pm

BACKGROUND

During the Beijing Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2018 (hereinafter referred to as FOCAC), Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China decided to establish the China-Africa Institute to enhance exchanges with Africa on civilization. China-Africa Institute (hereinafter referred to as CAI) aims to deepen exchanges between two civilizations and promote closer collaboration and communication on experiences in key governance and development between China and African countries, and to provide intellectual support for the Belt and Road Initiative. The CAI is sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).

Agenda 2063 which is the 50 year development blueprint of the African Union, outlines Africa’s Aspirations for the future but also identifies key flagship programmes, such as the establishment of the African Union Financial Institutions ( AUFIs) and subsequent creation of an African currency, the African Economic Platform, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), among others. These programmes are intended to contribute to boosting Africa’s economic growth and development, and lead to the rapid transformation of the continent. Agenda 2063 of the AU and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the UN, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for all across the African continent. Central to the UN SDGs is an urgent call for action by all countries, developed and developing to work closely together towards a global partnership. More specifically, there is a recognition that efforts geared towards ending absolute poverty in developing countries, should go hand in hand with devising policies and strategies to improve health, education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth, while also protecting the environment and mitigating against climate change.

The 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, which is a programmatic document guiding international cooperation on development in both developed and developing countries, is in line with the new Africa-China development cooperation and AU Agenda 2063.

For ease of reference the Concept note and draft Agenda are attached.

Journalists are invited to cover the Opening Ceremony of the Joint Conference.