The AU Theme of the Year for 2024 is proposed to be Education, following a global Summit on Transforming Education convened by the UN Secretary-General in September 2022.
The urgency stems from the global education crisis and the off-track progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 4.
Africa faces significant challenges in achieving SDG4, leading to the organization of an AU High-level side event in New York.
The event resulted in a draft declaration, reviewed and adopted by the Specialized Technical Committee on Education, Science, and Technology.
The High-level side event included participation from African leaders, UN representatives, and partners who emphasized the need for collective commitment to address education challenges.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AUC, proposed that Education be the AU Theme of the Year 2024, a proposal widely supported.
The final declaration, unanimously adopted, reaffirms commitments to continental education strategies and SDG4.
The proposal is set for consideration and adoption in the 36th ordinary session of the Assembly summit in February 2023.
A snapshot of the education sector in Africa indicates efforts and progress in ensuring access, completion, and quality of education, with a focus on reducing out-of-school children and improving literacy rates.
