The Economic Commission for Africa and Ethiopia signed on Friday an agreement marking the start of the renovation of Africa Hall, the cradle of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the Union. African.
ECA Executive Secretary Vera Songwe and the Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hirut Zemene Kasa signed the agreement that would start the estimated $ 57 million renovation, which will modernize the site’s facilities according to the standards. international.
Ms. Songwe thanked the Government of Ethiopia and United Nations staff for their tireless work on the renovation project, which she said would turn Africa Hall into a rejuvenated state-of-the-art site, but would also contribute to preserving and restoring values. historical and cultural values anchored in its architecture and will ensure that it serves more African citizens than before.
“Now that 60 years have passed and we are still deciding to build Africa Hall and its magnificent works of art. A lot has happened in 60 years in our countries and on our continent, “she says.
“It’s not just about signing any document, it’s a continuation of the history of the United Nations family with the Ethiopian Government, which the African continent has with Ethiopia,” he said. she.
She congratulates the African ambassadors to Ethiopia who sit on Africa Hall’s renovation committee, adding that their interest shows the importance of this site in terms of the continent’s history.
For her part, Ms. Zemene Kasa said that Ethiopia will work with ECA to bring the project to a timely conclusion. The two leaders say they are both committed to ensuring that there is no slippage so that Africa Hall transformed is delivered on time, in 2021.
“Today, we celebrate more than 60 years of service that Africa Hall has given to the African continent; the project will encourage young Africans to learn more about their history, especially the decision by Pan-African leaders to work together and speak with one voice for the creation of the OAU, “she said.
Mrs. Kasa pays a special tribute to Emperor Haile Selassie I “for having realized the importance of coming together as a continent”. She pledges Ethiopia’s support throughout the renovation project.
Jimmy Ocitti, Director of the Division of Public Information and Knowledge Management, ECA, briefly describes the history of Africa Hall before the signing ceremony, saying the site is “maybe the building the most important in the history of African independence.
Africa Hall was built between 1959 and 1961 and inaugurated by Emperor Haile Selassie I on February 26, 1961.
Ocitti informs that the renovations are intended to rectify a multitude of interior deficiencies and deteriorations to ensure its security, functionality and compliance with the highest international standards for conference rooms while preserving its originality.
Above all, he adds, there will be a visitor center, enriched with permanent exhibitions and exhibits from Africa’s rich history for appreciation through guided public tours, schools and other institutions wishing to explore history lived from this site.
