We, the undersigned, welcome the holding in February 2022 of an African Union –European Union summit during the French European Union Council Presidency. The summit is a crucial opportunity to develop a closer partnership between the neighbours, and build a common sustainable future.
We are committed to promoting global governance to address inequality, socio-economic development, climate change, peace and security. . Effective global governance can ensure all people have peaceful, dignified and prosperous lives.
We therefore recognise the urgent need for a multilateral approach between Africa and the EU. The two continents face common challenges including COVID-19 and climate change, and share a common vision of a shared space of peace, democracy, human rights, security, mutual respect and solidarity. Accordingly, we demand common solutions.
Climate and biodiversity
We invite leaders to commit to a carbon net-zero planet by 2050. By 2030, net emissions should be halved, and at least 30% of land and oceans should be conserved. The EU should increase its climate finance for the AU countries with a view to achieving these goals. We encourage the use of IMF special drawing rights to channel the finance.
We affirm our commitment to limiting global warming to 1.5℃ at its highest. We support a green revolution that creates jobs, cuts emissions and uses natural resources in a sustainable and legal way. The achievement of these goals requires increased financing for digitalisation and transition into green energy. It requires that climate change is mainstreamed in fiscal decision-making.
We demand the summit to recognise climate change as a shared existential threat to the African and European continents, and take the necessary steps to ensure the whole Euro-African region is prepared to combat the threat.
Africa should not be a dumping ground. We demand the summit to take measures against soil degradation and illegal exploitation of natural resources.
Democracy, rule of law, human rights, justice
We welcome all joint initiatives aimed at promoting democracy, human rights, rule of law, good governance and access to justice. We demand the summit to articulate a joint strategic approach for more effective, accountable and transparent institutions, complemented by supranational and federal institutions.
We invite the summit to develop concrete actions on media freedom, and a safe environment for journalists and human rights defenders. Civil society participation in policy development and decision-making should be facilitated, with particular regard for women and girls, young people, indigenous peoples, minorities, marginalised groups and persons with disabilities.
A joint AU-EU Forum on Democracy should be tasked with fostering democratic progress.
Health and well-being
On both continents, COVID-19 has caused loss of life, disrupted economies and societies, and impacted negatively on fundamental rights. Africa and Europe must cooperate to recover from the crisis jointly, bearing in mind Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good health and well-being).
Citizens deserve universal access to quality essential health services, without discrimination. The summit should mobilise public and private funds to this effect.
The summit should take immediate action to speed up the timely distribution of effective COVID-19 vaccines. Fair distribution of vaccines is a prerequisite for ending the pandemic.
Further, we invite leaders to work towards quick conclusion of the negotiations for a new Pandemic Treaty within the World Health Organization.
Peace, security and stability
Africa and Europe share a common security environment. Deeper security and defence cooperation between individual countries, and between the two continents, is a logical response to a world where security threats transcend national borders.
Building on existing EU naval missions to combat piracy and smuggling, the summit should take steps towards a common Euro-African maritime security organisation. Controlled by a common parliamentary assembly, the organisation would be a first step towards a common security policy.
Education , mobility and youth
Close, sustained and regular people-to-people contacts, exchanges and cooperation create common histories. They are the underlying fundamental of the continent-to-continent partnership.
Research, science and innovation, culture, tourism, training and education are key sectors for mobilising and unifying people around common ideals, for common sustainable development and for employment creation, especially for youth. We invite the summit to create a Euro-African working group ona common cultural space, elaborating joint initiatives such as joint education, student/academic exchange and skill schemes, history manuals and youth fora.
Sustainable Growth
We stand united in our commitment to clean and green economic growth that will create new, decent and quality jobs; drive innovation; lead to investments in quality infrastructure; strengthen education and upskilling; address inequalities; protect the planet; and ensure that the prosperity trade can bring is felt in all parts of our countries.
We agree on the need for a reformed multilateral trading system that is fair, resilient and responsive to the needs of our people. Such a system is a necessary condition for open markets, inclusion of women and youth, upholding human rights and international labour standards. By upholding these principles, Europe and Africa will contribute to a fair and green globalisation, and to sustainable supply chains in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
The summit should produce commitments on decent working conditions, a fair taxation regime, digitalisation, green transition, and strengthened social protection systems.
We invite the summit to consider economic recovery strategies to address global crises and shocks such as pandemics, market imbalances and distortions.
Signatories:
- Assemblée des Citoyens du Monde, NGO
- Association of World Citizens, NGO
- Brando Benifei, Member of the European Parliament
- Democracia Global, NGO
- Domenec Ruiz Devesa, Member of the European Parliament
- Institute for Global Peace and Sustainable Governance, NGO
- Jo Leinen, Former Member of the European Parliament
- Justice Access Point (Uganda), NGO
- Lemma Senbet, Former CEO of the African Economic Research Consortium
- Lucio Levi, Honorary Professor at University of Turin
- Niyazi Kizilyürek, Member of the European Parliament
- Sandro Gozi, Member of the European Parliament
- Solari Skills And Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SSEDC), NGO
- Tadashi Inuzuka, Former Senator of Japan
- The World Federalist Movement/Institute for Global Policy
- Union of European Federalists – France, NGO
- Union of European Federalists – Greece, NGO
- World Citizens Association of Australia, NGO
- Young European Federalists
- Youth for Community Academic and Development Services, NGO
- Young World Federalists