MALABO-The 17th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) kicked off yesterday  in Malabo, Republic of Equatorial Guinea with participants  discussing ways of empowering the youth for sustainable development.

Held under the theme: "Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development”, the  Ordinary Session of the Summit of the African Union will officially begin on Thursday June 23 2011, with the 22nd Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC).

A statement from the headquarters in Malabo indicates that the Ambassadors of the AU Member States meeting at their 22nd Ordinary Session, will for two days (23-24 June 2011) share views on a number of issues including: Consideration of the report of the PRC sub-committees. They will also highlight budgetary and financial matters on the draft budget for 2012 and on the status of implementation of the new AU staff regulations and rules, amongst others.

The PRC will further exchange views on specific reports including the sub-committee on structures; activities on multilateral cooperation; refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons in Africa, economic and trade matters; and the report on the NEPAD Agency.

On the other hand, the 19th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council will be held from 26 to 28 June 2011, in Malabo where Ministers of External Affairs or authorities designated by member states will exchange views on various reports of the ministerial meetings organised by the AU Commission during the last six months.

The Executive Council will proceed to the election of one member of the African Union Commission on International Law (AUCIL) and five Members of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).

 During the discussions, Ministers are expected to consider the reports of other AU organs such as: the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC); the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).

 They will also consider the report of the AU Advisory Board on Corruption; the AU Commission on International Law (AUCIL); and the report of the president of the General Assembly of ECOSOCC.

Heads of States, who will convene from 30 June – 1 July 2011 are expected to adopt the decisions and recommendations of the 19th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council as well as the declarations of the summit.

Presidents will also agree on the date and venue of the 18th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union.

Ends