ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, along with African Union (AU) officials, on Monday inaugurated the renovated Africa Hall, the birthplace of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the predecessor of the AU, in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, with a call for embracing common aspirations and advancing the cause of Africa's transformation.
The Africa Hall, which was originally unveiled in 1961 by the late Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, served as a place where African leaders had been deliberating on pressing issues including independence, freedom, development, and a brighter future for their continent.
Speaking at the event, Guterres said the renovated building symbolizes renewed hope and unity for Africa, which will serve as a bridge between Africa's past and future, honoring shared struggles and achievements while embracing common aspirations.
"This hall is where Africa came together to give life to the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union," Guterres said, acknowledging the transformation of the continent from its early days of independence to the present. "I also see it as an invitation for everyone to cooperate in pursuit of a better future for Africa and for the world," he said.
He said the Africa Hall has been a symbol of collective aspirations of the continent, a testament to its resilience, and a beacon of hope for entire generations, noting that the renovated facility preserves the grandeur and history of the continent.
United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa Claver Gatete said the renovated Africa Hall is an important investment that positions Ethiopia for greater tourism growth while celebrating Africa's collective history and future.
Noting that some of the world's iconic landmarks such as China's Great Wall provide practical examples of how history and culture can draw millions of visitors annually, and also contribute to shared prosperity, Gatete said Africa is waiting to share its rich history with the world through its over 130 world heritage sites.
He said the refurbished Africa Hall is meticulously preserved with the materials from the original 1961 construction, blending the past with the present to create a rejuvenated space that reflects Africa's proud heritage. "The hall now stands as a modernized facility, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including a visitors' center, and permanent exhibition space and conference hall to host high-level meetings, while maintaining its architectural and historical significance," Gatete said.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who inaugurated the renovated Africa Hall along with Guterres and Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the AU Commission, said the renovated building preserves artistic heritages that honor Pan-African history and celebrate Africa's collective history and commitment to transforming the continent.
"We must place homegrown ideas and initiatives at the forefront for the well-being of our people. It is vital that African solution continues to make precedence in addressing African challenges guided by the wisdom of our forefathers," Abiy said. ■
