West African Nation hosts Conference for a Second Time
The Republic of Equatorial Guinea will welcome leaders from the African continent and around the world at the 23rd African Union Summit (AUS) to be held in the capital city of Malabo on June 20-27, 2014.
Under the theme “Agriculture and Food Security,” the conference will serve as a frame for members seeking commitments to increase and improve agricultural production on the continent.
Agriculture and food security have been part of the conversation in past high-level meetings aimed at sharing the vision, goals and commitments needed to define African agricultural growth and build a transformation agenda for the upcoming decade.
These issues were discussed at the meeting in Durban, South Africa, held in March 2014, and the Special Conference of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries, which took place between April 28 and May 2, 2014, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In previous meetings, AU member countries have discussed the Agriculture Development Program (CAADP); the increase of agricultural productivity on the continent; strategies to combat poverty and reduce food problems through agricultural transformation; the creation and strengthening of agricultural associations and other entities; the promotion of trade in agricultural products; creating employment opportunities for young people in rural areas, among others.
Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon will attend the AUS. The Assembly of Heads of State of the AU will take place on June 26 and 27 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
Equatorial Guinea has built a modern infrastructure to support important international meetings. It hosted the 17th African Union Summit in January 2011.