Historic Africa Hall has been re-inaugurated, reflecting on Africa’s past, and present and focusing on a sustainable future.
United Nations (UN) Secretary -General António Guterres and other African Union (AU) officials inaugurated the renovated hall on Monday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia with a call for advancing the cause of Africa’s transformation.
Speaking at the event, United Nations (UN) Secretary -General António Guterres said the renovated building symbolises renewed hope and unity for Africa, serving as a bridge between Africa’s past and future, honoring shared struggles and achievements while embracing common aspirations.
“This hall is where Africa came together to give life to the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union,” Guterres said, acknowledging the transformation of the continent from its early days of independence to the present. “I also see it as an invitation for everyone to cooperate in pursuit of a better future, for Africa and for the world,” he said.
He said the Africa Hall has been a symbol of collective aspirations of the continent, a testament to its resilience, and a beacon of hope for entire generations, noting that the renovated facility preserves the grandeur and history of the continent.
Claver Gatete, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), said the renovated Africa Hall is an important investment that positions Ethiopia’s for greater tourism growth, while celebrating Africa’s collective history and future.
Noting that some of the world’s iconic landmarks such as China’s Great Wall provide practical examples of how history and culture can draw millions of visitors annually, and also contribute to shared prosperity, Gatete said Africa is waiting to share its rich history with the world through its over 130 world heritage sites.
He said the refurbished Africa Hall is meticulously preserved with the materials from the original 1961 construction, blending the past with the present to create a rejuvenated space that reflects Africa’s proud heritage.
“The hall now stands as a modernized facility, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, a visitors’ center, and permanent exhibition space and conference hall to host high-level meetings, while maintaining its architectural and historical significance,” Gatete said.
MG/as/APA