AU Marks 63rd Anniversary with Renewed Calls for Unity, Development and Global Cooperation

Addis Ababa, May 25, 2026 — The African Union (AU) has commemorated the 63rd anniversary of the founding of its predecessor, the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

The celebration is taking place under the theme “Sixty-Three Years of Unity, Integration, and Development: Let’s Celebrate Together.”

It brought together African heads of state, diplomats, and international partners to reflect on the continent’s milestones.

The gathering also served as a platform to renew collective commitments toward continental unity, sustainable development, and stronger global cooperation.

Speaking at the event, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hadera Abera, described Africa Day as a historic milestone that symbolizes the vision and determination of African leaders who fought for a free, united, and prosperous continent.

He said the founding of the OAU played a decisive role in supporting liberation movements and ending colonialism across Africa.

According to the state minister, the institution also laid the foundation for continental integration and strengthened Africa’s collective voice in global affairs.

“Africa remains the cradle of humankind and a source of rich cultural heritage,” Hadera said, stressing that despite the painful legacy of colonialism and slavery, African identity, traditions and values continue to inspire future generations.

The state minister welcomed the recent decision by the United Nations General Assembly recognizing slavery and colonialism as grave crimes against humanity, describing the move as historic and meaningful.

He also commended the leadership of Ghana for advancing the initiative.

Highlighting Africa’s future priorities, Hadera called for intensified efforts to improve healthcare, promote gender equality, modernize agriculture, expand industrialization, and create jobs for the continent’s growing youth population.

“We cannot accept a future where young Africans risk their lives crossing deserts and oceans in search of opportunities,” he said.

He further emphasized that Africa’s abundant natural resources, youthful population and growing progress in renewable energy and climate action provide immense opportunities for sustainable development and economic transformation.

While addressing the gathering, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, highlighted Africa’s growing influence on the global stage and expressed optimism about the continent’s future.

“Our continent is rising, slowly and steadily, but with conviction and determination,” he said.

The Chairperson noted that Africa’s role in global governance continues to expand, citing the continent’s membership in the G20 and increasing calls for permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council.

By 2050, Africa’s population will be projected to reach 2.5 billion, while its economy is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades.

“The youth of this continent are a powerhouse that the rest of the world looks upon with admiration,” he stated, urging Africans to renew their confidence in unity and the continent’s vast human and natural potential.

Meanwhile, China’s Permanent Representative to the AU, Jiang Feng, reaffirmed China’s longstanding partnership with Africa and conveyed congratulations from Chinese President Xi Jinping on the occasion of Africa Day.

He further noted that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries, describing the relationship as one built on solidarity, mutual respect, and shared development aspirations.

Jiang recalled major milestones in China-Africa cooperation, including support for liberation movements, the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, medical assistance programs, and joint responses to health emergencies such as Ebola and the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the envoy, China remains committed to strengthening practical cooperation with Africa through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

China has expanded zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing, he added.

The envoy also underscored China’s support for Africa’s digital transformation, industrialization, and agricultural modernization, while calling for stronger collaboration in multilateral institutions, including the United Nations and the G20.

China supports African-led solutions to regional challenges and backs the AU’s efforts to promote peace, stability, and the implementation of the “Silencing the Guns” initiative, he stated.