The African Union (AU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Cairo Center for Training on Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping in Africa (CCCPA) and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, will convene in Cairo, Egypt, from 26 to 28 August 2010, a High-Level Retreat on the promotion of peace, security and stability in Africa.

The Retreat, which is part of the programme of activities of the Year of Peace and Security (YoPS) in Africa, will bring together Senior officials and Special Envoys/Representatives of the African Union, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the United Nations, the League of Arab States, La Francophonie and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, as well as other partners, involved in the quest forpeace in Africa. The Chairperson of the Commission, Mr. Jean Ping, and the Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, as well as members of the YoPS Advisory Council and AU Peace Ambassadors will be in attendance.

The Retreat will focus on ways and means to make peace happen in Africa in 2010 and beyond. It will provide a unique opportunity to exchange views on current efforts towards the promotion of peace, with specific attention paid to situations of concern, as well as to cross-cutting issues relevant to conflict prevention and resolution and peace building, such as unconstitutional changes of Government, peace, justice and reconciliation, disarmament and security sector reform, management of natural resources and wealth sharing.

In addition, the meeting will explore ways to ensure a successful Peace Day in Africa, on 21st September 2010. It is to be recalled that, within the framework of the YoPS, on Peace Day, the African Union has planned for the following:

1. cessation of hostilities in all conflict areas which are still experiencing varying degrees of violence;
2. distribution of humanitarian supplies, materials and services to communities in conflict areas, as well as in non-conflict areas in critical need of these;
3. one minute of silence for peace across Africa, at 10.00 am GMT;
4. relevant developmental work and community support in all AU Member States to be carried out by members of the armed and security forces;
5. One Day One Goal football games; and
6. Make Peace Happen Lesson Plan to be taught in all schools on Peace Day or during other relevant occasions.

Journalists and representatives of the media are invited to attend and to cover the opening ceremony of the High-level Retreat, which will take place on 26 August, at 14h00, at Fairmont Hotel.

At 19h15, Dr Jean Ping, Chairperson of the AUC, and Mr Salif Keita, international artist and AU Peace Ambassador, will launch the “Academic Competition: Peace and Africa”.

As part of facilities offered, a Peace Studio will be at the disposal of all media for interviews during the period of the meeting.