African Union and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance

Addis Ababa, 17 February 2011: The African Union Commission (AUC) and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the existing cooperation between the Commission and FES in areas of mutual interest which include issues relating to social and economic rights, fair trade, fighting poverty, promoting peace and security, and supporting each other’s projects in the areas of good governance, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in Africa.

The signing ceremony took place between the AUC’s Chairperson, Dr. Jean Ping and FES Resident Representative, Mr. Arne Schildberg, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Speaking on the occasion of the signing of the MoU, Dr. Jean Ping said that he is pleased with the cooperation between the African Union and the German people. Dr. Ping applauded FES for its contribution to the Commission and stressed on the various activities undertaken by FES, such as, the Make Peace Happen campaign and the commemoration of the International Peace Day on 21st September 2010, where the foundation worked with the Peace and Security Department to spread the message of peace across the continent and around the world. The Chairperson pointed out that Germany has always been a dedicated partner in helping Africa and recognized Germany’s commitment in the construction of African Union Peace and Security Building where the laying ceremony of the foundation stone was launched three days ago. “Working together to resolve conflict in Africa and to alleviate poverty is necessary as the lack of peace and development affects everyone,” he said.

Speaking at the same function, Mr. Arne Schildberg, noted that as an organization with a social democratic background, FES strongly believes in cooperating with the African Union in the areas of development, peace and security. He assured the Chairperson that FES believes in equal partnership and that with the signing of the MoU, the African Union was not only entering into a partnership with FES Addis Ababa, but also with all the 100 offices of the Foundation worldwide. “The cooperation between FES and AUC is an important milestone in the effort to create equal dialogue between Africa, Germany and Europe,” Mr. Schildberg stated.

The FES Foundation was founded in 1925 as a political legacy of Germany’s first democratically elected president, Friedrich Ebert, dedicated to promoting social democracy by including social justice, democratization of society, social security, sustainable development and international solidarity. It strives to secure equal opportunities in life and the right to have a say in the affairs of the community for all citizens, both men and women.

- February 18,2011 by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung

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Source: received via email from Ms Brenda Chikwe Mofya- AU Liason Officer FES

see also:

ethiopia.fes-international.de/pdf/AU %20FES%20Press%20Release.pdf