AU Agenda 2063
Probably the most ambitious announcement of 2015 – the African Union adopted an agenda for development for 2063 – called ambitious but achievable by NEDAP, the agenda is a product of a sustained process of debates and counsultations with various groups including youth, women and diaspora groups, Agenda 2063 was formally adopted by a meeting of African Heads of States in January 2015.
Sustainable Development Goals
2015 was the conclusion of the Millenium Development Goals, and the global adoption of new and ambitious targets for ensuring development for all – in the form of the Sustainable Development Goals.
COP 21
It’s been hailed as the world’s greatest diplomatic success in the UK’s Guardian newspaper – COP 21 for short or to give its full title ‘The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference’ – achieved its objective of reaching a global climate agreement with an ambitious aim to keep global temperatures at no more than 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. (the ‘COP’ in COP 21 refers to the ‘Conference of the Parties’ – and not some sort of global climate police force.
WTO Ministerial- Nairobi
The World Trade organisation held its 10th ministerial meeting. On the agenda was the accession of Liberia and Afghanistan to the body that regulates world trade.
FOCAC- 3rd December 2015
Ministers from Africa and China converged in their 6th Conference of China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC) – the event took place in South Africa, with South African president Jacob Zuma calling the partnership between Africa and China – a ‘win-win’.
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting- CHOGM
The commonwealth got a new General Secretary, Baroness Scotland – during the gathering of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Baroness Scotland promised to raise the issue of LGBT rights with member-states – that continue to criminilase same-sex relationships, practices and association – including many African states.
Valletta summit on migration
The Valetta Summit brought together European and African Heads of State and Government in an effort to strengthen cooperation and address the current challenges but also the opportunities of migration. The EU Emergency Trust Fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa was also formally launched at the occasion of the Valletta summit.
The UK made 0.7% law
The UK passed long awaited legislation committing Britain to giving 0.7% of its income as international aid. The UK becomes the first rich country to enshrine the commitment into law.
Scientist becomes president of Mauritius
Mauritius elected the first practicing scientist as a head of state. Following her election Dr. Ameenah Gurib called for African leaders and governments to renew efforts to invest in energy. Speaking at the Planet Earth Institute’s annual conference and also wrote for The Guardian on the topic.
World leaders gathered for a meeting to figure out where the money to pay for development would come from – http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/jul/10/addis-ababa-ffd3-financing-for-development – ahead of the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals.
