Key AU summit in Addis Ababa to focus on most pressing issues facing Africa

Over 34 African leaders are to converge in Addis Ababa for the 37th African Union (AU) Summit by this week’s end to discuss pressing issues, including education, peace, trade, and governance.

African leaders will meet in Ethiopia’s capital this February 17-18, for a pivotal gathering that could shape the course of the African continent for years to come. With the theme ‘Educate an African fit for the 21st Century,’ the event aims to build resilient education systems and address the challenges of development, conflict, and inequality. The more than three dozen of African leaders expected to attend the event include 24 presidents, two prime ministers, five vice presidents… Beyond the African continent, high-ranking officials from various international organizations will be present, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The summit could mark a turning point in Africa’s journey towards a brighter, more prosperous future. One of the key themes to be discussed is building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa. Access to quality education remains a significant challenge in many parts of Africa, with millions of children still out of school.

Besides education, the summit will also cover a range of other critical issues, including peace and security, trade and integration, agriculture and climate change, governance and human rights, and gender and youth empowerment.