INTRODUCTORY NOTE BY THE AU AMBASSADOR IN GENEVA

Building a united, prosperous and peaceful, people-centred Africa, constituting a dynamic force on the global arena, such is the vision Africa has set itself towards her full integration. To translate the vision into concrete Actions seven missions have been defined for the Commission of the African Union. Several events are generally organised both at AU Headquarters, in Addis Ababa, and in its regional Representational offices and Specialised Institutions, with a view to promoting this vision and these missions. 

Africa Day is commemorated every year around 25 may, since 1993, pursuant to the decision taken by African Heads of State to bring into existence, for the first time, a continent-wide space of unity and concertation by signing the Charter of the Organization of African Unity in Addis Ababa. 

The international arena, in Geneva, is currently providing a most favourable setting, conducive to the establishment of an African Forum for Dialogue, to be held on the occasion of Africa Day celebrations.