Common African Position (CAP) on the post 2015 Development Agenda launched

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Common African Position (CAP) on the Post 2015 Development agenda was launched today, Tuesday 3rd June 2014 at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in the presence of Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission as well as the Sherpas of the High Level Committee on the Post 2015 Development Agenda among other partners and invited guests.

The lunch of the CAP is intended to engage African Stakeholders to deepen their understanding and the evolution of the negotiation and advocacy efforts to enhance ownership of the CAP while strengthening and leveraging partnerships with Non-African stakeholders.

The President of the Republic of Liberia and Chair High Level Committee (HLC) Mrs. Ellen Johnson in her opening remark and key message on the post 2015 via a video recording stated that CAP reflects the aspirations of the African people and contains seven main strategic key messages, which are; the commitment of Africa to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) specially focusing on the areas of health and education, a sustainable agenda of development, the acknowledgment of the need for peace and security among others.

H. E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Chairperson of the African Union Commission in her remarks emphasized on the importance of making the CAP people centered, sustainable and resulting in prosperous, integrated and united Africa. 'The Common African Position will be pursued regardless of the results of the negotiation out comes and advocacy of individuals in one's own country and elsewhere is important' the Chairperson stated, before officially launching the CAP.

The Common African Position was then presented by Dr. Anthony Maruping, Commissioner of Economic Affairs of the AUC who stated that the overarching goals of the CAP are to eradicate poverty and ensure human development, which are anchored in six pillars that are; Structural, Economic transformation and inclusive growth, Science, Technology and Innovation, People-centered development, Environmental sustainability, Natural resources management and disaster management, Peace and Security and Finance and partnerships.

The Commissioner, in conclusion, invited all the stakeholders to champion and support the CAP priority areas, advocate and act in unity to ensure that Africa's voice is heard.

A presentation on the role of multilateral organizations and other stakeholders in the implementation of the CAP was delivered by the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Mr. Carlos Lopez who shared his reflections while reiterating the UNECA's commitment to continue to support the CAP.

The official launch of the CAP at the AU headquarters was attended by African and Non-African Permanent representatives, African Union Commission, United Nations Agencies and families, European Union, Civil Society Organizations and others.