RE-INAUGURATION OF THE RENOVATED AFRICA HALL
Statement
By
Mr. Claver Gatete
United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 21 October 2024
Your Excellency Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,
Your Excellency Mr. António Guterres, Secretary- General of the United Nations,
Your Excellency Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission,
Your Excellency Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauritania, representing the Chair of the African Union for 2024,
Ms Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission,
Ambassador Major General (Rtd) Charles Karamba, Chair of the Africa Hall Advisory Board and Ambassador of Rwanda to Ethiopia,
Honorable Ministers and members of the Diplomatic Community,
Family of Founding Members,
Distinguished Guests:
It is with great pride that I welcome you to the celebration of the re-inauguration of Africa Hall, an iconic symbol of Africa’s shared history, unity and aspirations.
I wish to start by expressing a special gratitude to the Government of Ethiopia for the gift of Africa Hall in 1961, which became the starting point of an African renaissance.
I also wish to convey gratitude to the United Nations General Assembly for sponsoring this project, and to the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, Controller, and all staff, past and present, for their unwavering support in preserving Africa’s history.
Similarly, I want to express our appreciation to the Chair of the African Union Commission who has worked closely with us to realize the restoration of this historic monument.
For us at the ECA, Africa Hall is emblematic of Africa’s past struggles and triumphs when the OAU Charter was signed right here in 1963 – a signal for a new beginning.
And a new beginning is precisely what Africa needs.
Today, our continent faces a myriad of challenges ranging from limited access to financing, high debt levels, and unmanageable climate crises.
Now, more than ever, it makes sound economic sense to invest in sectors like tourism that harness our history, culture and heritage, to mobilize resources for national and continental development.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:
Some of the world’s iconic landmarks such as China’s Great Wall, America’s Statue of Liberty, France’s Eiffel Tower and India’s Taj Mahal, provide practical examples of how history and culture can draw millions of visitors annually, and also contribute to shared prosperity.
And Africa, too, with over 130 World Heritage Sites, has her rich history waiting to be shared with the world.
Given Ethiopia’s pan-African legacy and rich history, a renovated Africa Hall is an important investment that positions the country for greater tourism growth, while celebrating Africa’s collective history and future.
Furthermore, through initiatives like the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and visa relaxation policies, we can honour our founding fathers’ vision of an integrated Africa by enhancing intra-African travel and creating a vibrant tourism market.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:
Permit me to share some details of the refurbished Africa Hall.
Despite a three-year delay due to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other external factors, we are proud to have completed this project within budget.
We have been able to meticulously preserve the materials from the original 1961 construction, blending the past with the present to create a rejuvenated space that reflects Africa’s proud heritage.
The hall now stands as a modernized facility, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, a visitors’ center, permanent exhibition space and conference hall to host high-level meetings, while maintaining its architectural and historical significance.
One of the standout features is the open design of its chamber – an intentional homage to Emperor Haile Selassie, who believed that critical discussions should not be held behind closed doors.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:
Today, as we reflect on Africa Hall’s past, we also look to the future.
As such our physical renovations must go hand-in-hand with intentional commitment to build a better world for the next generation.
Following our adoption of the Pact for the Future, there is no reason why Africa’s youth cannot be at the forefront of shaping the continent’s future, building on the foundations laid by the path makers in 1963.
It is time for more Africans and visitors from around the world to discover Africa’s stories here at Africa Hall.
Sixty years ago, visionary leaders gathered in this very hall to lay the foundation for African unity by signing the Charter of the Organization of African Unity.
When the next generation gathers here in the decades to come, it is only right that they should be inspired by the efforts we make today to advance the cause of Africa’s transformation.
Our young people from the Model UN who sit with us today, and their peers, will hold us to account on this.
In closing, I extend my deepest appreciation to the past and present advisory board members of Africa Hall for their continued guidance, and to the African Union, and every single staff member of the UN, contractors, engineers, artists and governments that have contributed in one way or another to bring this iconic hall into the 21st century, ensuring that it remains a place of learning and inspiration for generations to come.
Thank you for your kind attention.