13 July 2011: The African Union (AU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Action Aid International to formalize a partnership between the two organizations in support of the AU’s goal of “Integration, Development and Cooperation.” The MOU aims to contribute towards achieving sustainable agricultural growth to increase food security on the continent.

The MOU, which was signed on 12 July 2011, at AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aims to capitalize on opportunities, synergies and complimentarities between the two organizations to leverage resources and strengthen delivery processes in support of meaningful development in Africa.

Rhoda Peace Tumusiime, AU Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, called for Action Aid International to mobilize non-State actors in support of the African Common Position at the upcoming 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 17) to the UNFCCC, to be held in Durban, South Africa, at the end of 2011. Action Aid committed to facilitating discussions on links between climate and agriculture, including those on climate financing for the African Group of Negotiators. Both parties also agreed to harness collaborative efforts for the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). [AU Press Release]