The UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA) cordially invites you to the RSCA Open House and Side Events, taking place from 15 to 16 February 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Coinciding with the 37th African Union Summit, the Open House provides a unique opportunity for decision-makers and leaders to engage on peace, security, regional integration and development. The Open House is designed to showcase UNDP’s impact through collaborations with communities, governments and partners across 46 countries and 4 regional hubs. 

Through the RSCA, UNDP in Africa develops high-quality knowledge and policy, strengthening partnership and collaboration with regional and continental bodies, while positioning UNDP as Africa’s premier enabler, integrator and partner for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and Agenda 2063. The AU theme for 2024, “Educate an African fit for the 21st century: building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, qualitative, lifelong and relevant learning for Africa”, is a call for policymakers to prioritize innovative, inclusive and adaptable education towards the full attainment of the African Agenda 2063.

SIDE EVENTS

Please note registration is required for each side event as seating is limited.

A Continent in Conversation: Advancing Africa’s Development amid the Geopolitical Divide

in partnership with the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) and Chatham House

At this first edition of the new RSCA policy dialogue series, 'A Continent in Conversation', join high-level speakers as they outline their priorities for African engagement across geopolitical divides in a multipolar world; and how countries can balance their multilateral and bi-lateral relations. The dialogue will be followed by a cocktail reception to launch the RSCA Open House and a preview of the new documentary by the UNDP Africa Borderlands Centre.

15 February 2024 | 15:00-17:00

Read the press release

Speakers:

• H.E. Ambassador Williams Awinador-Kanyirige, Special Advisor to the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission

• H.E. Hanna Tetteh, UN Under Secretary-General & Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa

• H.E. Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Special Representative of UN Secretary-General to the African Union and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) 
• Dr. Alex Vines OBE, Research Director/Director, Africa Programme Chatham House

• Dr. Paul Simon Handy, Regional Director East Africa, Institute for Security Studies (ISS)

• Salome Nthenya Nzuki, Founder Member, Common Futures Conversations, Chatham House Advisor

• Dr. Jide Okeke, Regional Programme Coordinator, UNDP RSCA 

Launch of the Sahel Human Development Report

in partnership with Chatham House

The launch of the Sahel Human Development Report will spotlight opportunities and highlight synergies between a balanced sustainable energy transition and the development priorities of the Sahel. This event will present the report’s findings and recommendations and engage stakeholders on how the report can inform policies, programmes, and regional initiatives toward a green transition in the Sahel.

16 February 2024 | 10:30-12:30

Read the report

Speakers:

• Ahunna Eziakonwa, Regional Director, Regional Bureau for Africa, UNDP
• Honorable Seedy Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, The Gambia
• Engr. A. D. Abubakar, Director, Renewable & Rural Power Access Department, 
• Mr. Raymond Gilpin, Chief Economist, Head of Strategic Analysis and Research
  Team, RBA, UNDP
• Prof. Landry Signé, Executive Director and Professor at the Thunderbird
  School of Global Management, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution
• Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, Executive Secretary Lake Chad Basin Commission
• Dr. Alex Vines OBE, Director, Africa Programme, Chatham House

• Mrs. Kadiatou Sy Diallo, Head of the Environment and Climate Resilience
  Department, Liptako-Gourma Authority

   

Screening of the 'Borderlands' documentary

in partnership with the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS)

16 February 2024 | 14:00-15:00

"Borderlands" shines a light on the extraordinary fortitude, resilience, and creativity of individuals residing in the borderland regions of Africa. By delving into their lives, this film reveals the profound impact of leadership, community involvement, and sustainable practices in transforming and uplifting these vibrant yet frequently marginalized areas. It explores how the people of these regions navigate daily challenges, celebrate their cultures, and harness innovative solutions to improve their lives and communities. Through a series of compelling narratives, "Borderlands" showcases the diverse ways in which these communities come together to foster change, highlighting the significant contributions they make towards building a more sustainable and inclusive future. This documentary is a tribute to their indomitable spirit and a call to recognize and support their efforts in creating positive change against the backdrop of adversity.

For any inquiries, please contact rp.africa@undp.org.