Ethiopia's President Mulatu Teshome Extends Support to Preservation of Africa Hall

Eric Koch (ANEFO) - GaHetNa (Nationaal Archief NL) | Wikipedia
Africa Hall is home to Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle's most famous work, "Total Liberation of Africa," a 150m stained glass triptych depicting the founding fathers of the OAU and images symbolizing African nations uniting to tackle poverty and disease. Divided into three parts, the stained-glass artwork tells the story of "Africa Then", "Africa Then and Now", and "Africa Now and in the Future." It covers an entire wall of Africa Hall, which houses the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
1 June 2016
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United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (Addis Ababa)

Addis Ababa — The Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Mr. Carlos Lopes, met Ethiopia's President Mulatu Teshome on 31 May 2016 to discuss progress on plans to renovate the iconic Africa Hall as part of a larger project to modernize the building and also create a visitor's centre experience on the grounds of the ECA.

Mr. Lopes informed the President that the UN General Assembly had approved the scope, timeline and budget for the Africa Hall renovation project, which he underscored, aims to tackle structural integrity fixes and modernization of the building as well as "ensure heritage preservation and conservation of Africa Hall as a permanent symbol of Africa's history and unity."

The meeting underscored that Ethiopia, as the host government of the UN in the country would serve as the "champion" for the Africa Hall project and continue to assist the ECA with the mobilization of voluntary support from other member States and other entities willing to contribute. In approving the project, the General Assembly had encouraged solicitation of voluntary support for the project.

President Teshome welcomed the decision by the General Assembly and lauded the project as a "recognition of the fact that Africa Hall is a living symbol of Africa's rich history, whose preservation will serve, not just as a catalyst of African unity but also as a source of belonging for all of Africa."

He recalled Ethiopia's history as a founding member of the United Nations and the country's full commitment to Africa's causes and expressed unreserved support from himself and the host government, "not just as a partner but a "vanguard", to ensure successful execution of the project.

The President stressed that a renovated Africa Hall would not just be an enhanced symbol of happiness for Ethiopians but Africa at large. He added that preserving the history resident there would also be a good source of learning for children, "so that they can appreciate the contribution of our forefathers to the unity of Africa."

Also present at the meeting was Assistant Secretary-General Stephen Cutts from the United Nations Office for Central Services, who highlighted the central role his office would play in the effective management of UN capital projects, including Africa Hall. He echoed Mr. Lopes on the imperative of assured Host Government support, which he said the UN General Assembly has always emphasized for all such projects.

"Addis Ababa is undoubtedly the diplomatic capital of Africa and all eyes will be on the success of such a challenging project," he said.

Planning for the multi-year project is underway, with construction expected to start in 2018 and full occupancy of the building planned in 2021.

Read the original article on UNECA.

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