4 June 2014: The African Union Commission (AUC) Chair Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma officially launched the Common African Position (CAP) on the Post-2015 Development Agenda. The launch took place on 3 June, at AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and sought to engage African stakeholders, enhance ownership of the CAP and strengthen partnerships with non-African stakeholders.

Zuma said the CAP “will be pursued regardless of the results of the negotiation outcomes” and called for making the CAP people centered and sustainable, with the aim of contributing to a prosperous, integrated and united Africa. Carlos Lopes, UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Executive Secretary, delivered a presentation on the role of multilateral organizations in implementing the CAP, underscoring UNECA’s continued commitment to the CAP. Lopes stressed “it is important that the African Development Goals are adapted to measure progress on African priorities.”

Anthony Maruping, AUC Commissioner of Economic Affairs, presented the CAP, emphasizing its goals of eradicating poverty and ensuring human development. He explained the CAP includes six pillars: environmental sustainability, natural resources management and risk management of natural disasters; finance and partnership; human-centered development; peace and security; science, technology and innovation; and structural economic transformation and inclusive growth.

In a video message, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President, Liberia, stressed the CAP reflects the aspirations of the African people. She highlighted key messages in the CAP, including: Africa’s commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly on education and health; a sustainable agenda of development; and the importance of peace and security.

The AU High Level Committee of Heads of States and Governments on the Post-2015 Development Agenda previously launched the CAP on 28 February 2014 in Ndjamena, Chad. [AU Press Release] [UNECA Press Release] [IISD RS Story on February CAP Launch]