Ethiopian Informer
ADDIS ABABA (EI): The iconic Africa Hall was officially inaugurated after years of renovations, with a resounding call to commit to Africa’s sustainable future—one that allows culture and heritage to thrive as important resources that can benefit communities.
Following extensive work, Africa Hall now stands as a modernized yet historically preserved site, reflecting its continued significance in pan-African and global diplomacy due to its historical role as the birthplace of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), whose charter was signed by African leaders in 1963. In 1999, the OAU decided to create a new continental organization—the African Union—to build on its work.
During the ceremony, Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, stated that Africa Hall is a symbol of unity, hope, and resilience where the seed of a continental vision was planted, inspiring the continent’s ongoing quest for independence and self-reliance.
“The decisions made in this hall have echoed far beyond its walls, influencing African policies and positions on the global stage,” the Ethiopian PM said.
He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s continued support for the Africa Hall project as a hub for exploration, learning, and revitalization, emphasizing that Africans have solutions for addressing their challenges for the continent’s well-being.
Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, acknowledged the continent’s progress since 1961 when only 26 African nations had gained independence.
“This Hall is a bridge between Africa’s past and future—honoring shared struggles and achievements while embracing common aspirations,” he said.
Emphasizing the need for cooperation and addressing challenges like climate change, conflict, and poverty, Guterres called for reforms in global institutions, particularly the Security Council and international financial systems, to better serve Africa’s needs.
He highlighted recent agreements such as the pact for the future, the global digital compact, and the declaration on future generations, which aim to modernize governance.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, described the inauguration as a celebration of the past and a recommitment to a collective future with a focus on transforming Africa into a political, monetary, and financial power, driving administrations and people toward a common goal.
Faki stressed the need to concretely realize the vision of the founding fathers with an emphasis on creating the best incarnation of their efforts. To enhance cooperation for the betterment of Africa, he underscored the importance of partnerships, particularly between the AU and the UN.
For his part, Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the UNECA, expressed special gratitude to the Government of Ethiopia for gifting Africa Hall in 1961, which became the starting point of an African renaissance; and to member states and partners “for bringing this historic project to life.”
Africa Hall is a symbol of our shared history and aspirations. As we confront today’s challenges, this iconic space embodies the strength of our past and the promise of a future rooted in resilience, heritage, and collaboration, he said, emphasizing the need for economic investment in sectors like tourism to harness Africa’s history, culture, and heritage.
(Photo credit UNECA)
