When top Diplomats, other dignitaries graced 2024 Africa Day celebrations in New York, USA
The Africa Day 2024 was fully commemorated in New York, United States of America (USA), the seat of the United Nations.
Coordinated by the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union (AU) to the United Nations, led by Ambassador Fatima Kyari Mohammed, the event was attended by dignitaries from far and near and witnessed the Flag Raising ceremony as well as a Reception.
Among the leaders that graced the program were the President of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA), Mr. Dennis Francis, the Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams and Diplomats representing African countries, UN agencies and the AU Commission.
Africa Day, formerly called African Freedom Day and African Liberation Day, is celebrated annually in different countries in Africa and around the world in commemoration of the foundation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963. The OAU became the African Union (AU) on July 9, 2002 and the tradition of the celebration of the Africa Day has continued.
At the New York program, Ambassador Mohammed, who welcomed dignitaries, including the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa and the Under Secretary General (USG) and Special Adviser on Africa to the United Nations, Ms. Cristina Duarte, reminded the dignitaries present that the Day “is not just a celebration but a reminder of the collective journey of African nations towards unity, peace, and prosperity.”
She also pointed out that the 2024 commemoration of Africa Day also witnessed “a series of meetings at the UN as well as the HL Dialogue organized …to mark the end of the Africa Dialogue Series which took place throughout the month in collaboration with the Office of the Special Advisor on Africa.”
These activities, she stressed, ensured that the 2024 Africa Month turned out to be “an enriching experience with indepth intellectual exchange around the theme of the year, on Education.”
H.E. Mr. Zéphyrin Maniratanga, Permanent Representative of Burundi
and Chair of the African Group for the month spoke of the boundless potential of the Continent, noting that strides so far made “are paving the way for unprecedented economic integration and cooperation, driving us towards a new era of prosperity and opportunity.”
He pointed out that there are significant “hurdles that still lie ahead” of the continent, including poverty, disease, and conflict, insisting, however, that “Africa is not defined by its struggles; it is defined by the courage and tenacity of its people.”
According to the Diplomat, “From the young entrepreneurs in Lagos and Nairobi harnessing technology to transform their communities, to the farmers in Ethiopia and Ghana employing innovative practices to secure food sustainability, the spirit of innovation and resilience is palpable across the continent.”
Against this background, Maniratanga posited that “more than ever, we need to strengthen the bonds between Africa and the world. Our shared global challenges, such as climate change, health crises, and economic inequality, call for collective action and solidarity.”
He pointed out that “the African diaspora plays a pivotal role in this regard, acting as a bridge that connects continents, cultures, and communities. Their contributions in the realms of science, art, politics, and business enrich not only their host countries but also their motherland, driving development and fostering global understanding.”
He called for a reaffirmation of commitment to fostering unity, peace, and development, and for a pledge “to support the aspirations of our youth, who represent the future of this great continent,” so that together the immense natural and human resources that Africa possesses can be harnessed, and so that progress in the continent can be sustainable and inclusive.
The Envoy, who offered each of the participants “a special gift of Burundi’s famous coffee, a souvenir that symbolizes the spirit of African hospitality and excellence,” and a reminder of “Africa’s vibrant heritage and its promise for the future,” quoted former South African President, Nelson Mandela who said: “It always seems impossible until it is done,” before concluding: “Let these words inspire us to push boundaries, to dream big, and to achieve the impossible. Together, as Africans and as global citizens, we can build a future that is bright, prosperous, and just for all.”
Pictures here, by John Oko Nyaku, show some of the dignitaries that graced the memorable 2024 Africa Day Flag Raising and the Reception.
