AU, EU focus on investing in youth.

Focusing on investing in the youth for a sustainable future the Fifth African Union - European Union (AU-EU) Summit begins in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire tomorrow (Nov 29).Also to be discussed during the summit include: Peace and Security, Governance including democracy, human rights, migration and mobility, Investment and Trade, Skills Development and job creation.

Since the adoption of the joint Africa-EU Strategy in Lisbon ten years ago, the AU-EU Summit comes at an opportune moment to strengthen the political and economic ties between the two regions, according to information availed by AU.

"The Summit will provide a platform for both parties to take stock of the achievements and challenges arising from the implementation of the priority areas stipulated in the Joint Strategic Partnership."

On Sunday, there was a pre-summit Senior Officials meeting attended by Ambassadors of the African Union Member States, high officials from the AU Commission and representatives from the European Union Member States. It was held under the theme "Investment in Youth for Accelerated Inclusive growth and sustainable development."

The Chairperson of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), Sidibe Fatouma KABA, who is also the Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea in Ethiopia and the AU, recalled the historical ties between Africa and Europe which explains why both continents interested to improve the living conditions of its population within the context of the AU-EU Strategic Partnership.

She noted that, in line with the African Union Theme for 2017, "Harnessing the Demographic Dividend Through Investments in Youth," and given that 60% of the African population is under the age of 25, the 5th AU-EU summit will focus on matters related to enhancing the opportunities for youth and bring concrete answers to the various initiatives and programmes that are aimed at fostering youth development in both continents.