African Union (AU)
Anticipated Topics:
- Coping with Energy and Food Shortages in a Globalized Market
- Protecting Africa's Biodiversity
- Mitigating the Effects of the Refugee Crisis in the DRC
Since 2002, the African Union has pushed a vision of “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.” This body has tackled some of the most pressing and long-standing issues facing the continent, including: liberation movements, apartheid, continuing effects of colonialism, and many pressing public health crises. Today, the body faces many more pressing issues and collective and immediate action is required. Climate change is rewriting the status quo for communities and livelihoods worldwide and the African continent is disproportionately affected by the effects of climate change. Conflict areas in the DRC, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Cameroon, and Burkina Faso have created waves of immigrants and internally-displaced persons (IDPs). The most pressing of these areas is the DRC Congo where food insecurity affects about a third of the countries’ population. As part of this body, you are tasked with creating progress and dialogue on these issues. It will not be easy to bring differing voices together and there are often no clear solutions to these issues. However, the current situation is too severe for inaction, and with the right approach, the African Union can yet again show it’s mettle and make the continent a better place.
Background Guide
More about the African Union