African Union
The African Union was established in 1999 on September 9th at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia after declared so by the Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity. It was primarily created to solve a multitude of issues in Africa whether that was the lingering affects of the apartheid, the lack of unity amongst African countries, or their involvement in the United Nations. It also served the purpose of an extra committee that could focus specifically on social and economic development, rather than the OAU handling all matters. Their main vision is described from a quote off their official website as: “[Working towards] an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena”. Once it was in affect member states were able to collaborate and work together on the issues that they felt were most important to the well being and development of the continent. The committee was able to focus on their main goal, the “quest for unity”, through many different treaties, documents, and resolutions that each propose unique and impactful solutions. The main idea behind their quest is to, under the Organization of African Unity, find ways to support and push for socio-economic development throughout the continent.
There are many bodies under the African Union that make it what it is today. The Assembly includes the Heads of States of Government who created the committee. The Executive Council includes the Ministers or Authorities assigned by the Governments of Members States and must report to the Assembly. The Commission includes multiple members such as the chairperson and their deputy. Portfolios are assigned to each commissioner, which can include peace and security, trade and industry, and much more. The Permanent Representatives’ Committee prepares work for the Executive Council. Followed by the Peace and Security Council, which was created after the Lausaka Summit in 2001. Next, the Pan-African Parliament that is in charge of ensuring each African country is involved with the matters of this council (signed by all member states). The Court of Justice is not yet established but will be a major organ in the legal matters of the council. Finally, ECOSOCC , multiple technical committees (ex. Rural Economy and Agricultural Matters, Health Labour and Social Affairs, etc.), and the Financial Institutions (ex. African Central Bank) all have key roles in addressing the various matters in the Union.
The topics for this council will be:
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Reproductive Health Services
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The Situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo
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Sustainable Economic Development in Developing Nations
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World Trade Organization - Background Guide:
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