“We always endeavor to promote and profile Africa’s arts, culture and heritage specifically the Great Museum of Africa (GMA) and the Creative Economy of the continent. Continuously exploring how to strategically share key messages related to the protection, promotion and preservation of Africa’s rich cultural and natural heritage which is key to our development,”
These were the remarks of the Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Her Excellency, Cessouma Minata Samaté during the Spotlight On Africa Event Focusing on the Great Museum of Africa and the Creative Economy.
The gathering forms part of the African Union’s (AU) at Expo 2020 Dubai strategic events, aimed at showcasing and popularising activities of the Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development; which is entrusted to champion, amongst other key projects, the Great Museum of Africa.
Commissioner Samaté pointed out that this year was a landmark year for the GMA.
“We will be launching, in the second half of 2022, the temporary site of the GMA which will serve as a focal point institution of the GMA and implement activities of the Museum before the permanent site is built and operational,”
The Great Museum of Africa (GMA) is a flagship project of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 in the culture sector aimed at showcasing Africa and its rich culture, heritage, history and outstanding natural beauty to its people and to the world.
The GMA will be a dynamic and interactive contemporary museum for the collection, preservation, study and engagement with Africa’s history, tangible and intangible culture and heritage.
The GMA will feature a strong emphasis on African genealogy along with a Slave Trade Memorial considering the continents’ large presence in the diaspora and the socio-economic future for its teeming youthful population.
The GMA will be hosted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Algeria on behalf of the continent.
“A sign of greater things to come, we look to continue this journey to promote this important sector further and ensure it contributes to the implementation of the aspirations of the AU Agenda 2063 including its 5th Aspiration, which specifically focuses on arts, culture and our heritage” concluded H.E. Samaté.
The Host pPavilion, Algeria was represented by the Algerian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency, Khemissi Arif who highlighted that the day’s activities were another show of unity in the pursuit of exhibiting on the grandest stage, Africa’s rich history, culture and stories.
“Today is a testament to the strength of collective intelligence to the desire to make humanity walk together in the beauty of the creativity of our dear continent” remarked Ambassador Arif.
The event was also attended by Madam Nawel Dahmani, Chairperson of the Technical and Advisory Committee of the Great Museum of Africa, who submitted her presentation on the preparedness of the project as well as detailing the next steps in the timeline of the project. Mme Dahmani pointed out that the process to launch the museum has encountered many challenges including COVID 19 waves which have not allowed physical activities to be held. She called upon partners and institutions in the heritage sector to work together to fundraise for the construction of the permanent site of the museum.
“We are nearing the goal and the cooperation of the Algerian people and their government has been tremendous in the success of this continental project this far. We have hope that we can realise this within the set time frames and begin to take ownership of our history as we make more history for the future, today” remarked Mme Dahmani.
The public, media and all other interested parties can keep up-to-date with the latest out of Dubai as well as get all the necessary information surrounding the AU activities or events by visiting the official AU at Expo 2020 website: https://africaexpo2020dubai.au.int/en
For more on the Great Museum Of Africa – An AU Agenda 2063 Flagship Project, kindly visit https://au.int/en/agenda2063/overview or contact Mrs. Angela Martins, Head of Culture Division on MartinsA@Africa-Union.Org cc: ShuleV@Africa-Union.Org and MekbibA@Africa-Union.Org
For further information please contact:
Mr. Lunga Kupiso, Public Relations & Media Officer - AU at Expo 2020 | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: auexpomedia@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ms. Faith Adhiambo, Media & Communications Coordinator - AU at Expo 2020 | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: ochiengj@african-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org Web: au.int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
