The 47th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) of the African Union, held under the theme: "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa”, is set to open today at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting serves as preparations for the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU and 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council on 14-18 February 2024.
A delegation of the Pan-African Parliament, led by the Acting President, Hon. Dr. Ashebir W. Gayo, has joined other AU officials for this meeting with African Ambassadors to solidify how African Parliamentarians will contribute to ensuring that this year’s theme forms part of the continental legislative agenda.
Additionally, the Pan-African Parliament seeks to renew calls for a more resourced and empowered Parliament as it gears up for statutory meetings this year. Acting President Hon. Dr. Ashebir W. Gayo and his team are expected to hold consultations with several stakeholders on the margins of the PRC session to ensure that challenges impeding the Pan-African Parliament’s ability to effectively discharge its mandate are featured on the agenda of the Assembly and Executive Council meetings next month.
"As we navigate this session, we will reaffirm our commitment to advocating for a more resourced and empowered Parliament, ensuring the Pan-African Parliament fulfills its crucial mandate. Any outstanding matters related to the overall functioning of the continental Parliament will also be addressed. We anticipate productive engagements with African Ambassadors and other stakeholders as we endeavor to shape the future of our continent in the realm of education this year," says Hon. Dr. Ashebir W. Gayo, Acting President.
The key objectives of the 47th Ordinary Session of the PRC include discussions on various draft reports and the preparation of the agenda for the 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, comprising Foreign Ministers who, in turn, will prepare the agenda for the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly. Participants at the PRC meeting include Ambassadors from African Union Member States and AU officials.
