What a pleasure to annually welcome the celebration of Africa day, on the 4^th of June 2024 at Diplomat Club Wassenaar – Kasteel De Wittenburg – The Netherlands.

African countries, united in their diversity illuminated the castle as usual with their radiance, vitality, good spirit, and stunning national dress in a myriad of styles.

The large array of distinguished guests, amongst whom were the Mayor of The Hague, Mr Jan van Zanen, Ambassador, H.E. Fernando Arias Director-General of the OPCW, Many Ambassadors, and members of the business, African, and Dutch communities, were warmly greeted by the African Ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Africa Day is observed to celebrate the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The day is the annual commemoration of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), established on 25 May 1963, which precedes today’s African Union (AU). 

Each year, the AU adopts a theme to highlight a particular challenge the continent faces and to work together towards a solution. The theme for the year 2024 is “Education Fit for the 21st Century”. The education theme underscores the importance of education for the continent:

 “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.”

Africa asserts its position in the international world order, and by rethinking and redesigning the education system—making it more innovative, inclusive, relevant, and sensitive to the needs and ambitions of African youth—Africa is on the way to becoming a twenty-first-century global power.

After the speeches of H.E. Mrs. Maria Isabel Encoge, Ambassador of Angola, Dean of the African Ambassadors and H.E. Mr. Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Brahim Khlil, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in Brussels, attendees enjoyed a vibrant celebration featuring vigorous music and dance from Morocco and Angola, along with colourful and flavourful African cuisine, offering a delightful journey into African culture.