The African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) and Kalulu Kreativez Centre for the Arts and Culture co-organized a morning of arts, culture, fashion and food to commemorate Africa Day.
The aim of the event was to celebrate Africa by exhibiting the wealth and potential of Africa and its citizens (especially the young), to grow the continent and make their contributions towards the attainment of the AU’s theme of the year: “Strengthening Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent: Strengthening Agro-Food Systems, Health and Social Protection Systems for the Acceleration of Human, Social and Economic Capital Development.”
In attendance were policy makers including Members of Parliament, African civil society organizations working in the field of nutrition and farming, the African Group of Ambassadors, arts and culture performers and the youth. The participants had broad-based and inclusive dialogues to reach and map out practical solutions and pathways for accelerating the achievement of nutritional goals.
Speaking during the event, H.E. Stanley Richard Tsandib, Deputy High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to Zambia, representing the Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors, urged stakeholders to take immediate action to strengthen resilience in nutrition and food security in order to preserve the gains made in reducing malnutrition.
“This year’s theme calls for AU member states to increase efforts through building resilience; taking a multi-sector and interdisciplinary approach; strengthening the link between agriculture and food; systematic change in improving nutrition; investing in nutrition; and translating commitments into action,” he said.
Mr. William Carew, Head of the ECOSOCC Secretariat highlighted the significance of Africa Day and in particular the theme of the year urging attendees to celebrate the gains made by the AU and key stakeholders not only in nutrition; but to also celebrate progress towards meeting other goals mapped out in the AU’s Agenda 2063.
“When we talk about freedom, this is a reflection and demonstration of the freedom that our forefathers fought for some six decades ago. It’s a clear indication that we now have control, as Africa, over our destiny,” he said.
Among the dignitaries present included Ambassador Susan Sikaneta, former Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union and UNECA, Ruben Mwenya, Chilenje Councilor, representing Hon Andrew Tayengwa, MP Kabwata and Mr. Gankhanani Moyo, Director Kalulu Kreativez
Event highlights included poetry performances, a youth orchestra performance, a fashion show and a traditional Zulu dance.
The event also showcased culinary delights from various countries across the continent, reminding those in attendance of the importance of the 2022 AU Theme: The Year of Nutrition. Africa Day 2022 highlighted Africa’s strong linkages with nutritional and organic foods.
Earlier, William Carew participated at the Zambian wreath laying ceremony during the Country’s Africa Day commemoration in Lusaka.
