The African Union reviews Gamal Abdel Nasser's vision for the future of the continent
From political independence to comprehensive power
Written by: Mohammed Omran
Review African Union The vision of the late President Gamal Abdel Nasser, then President of the United Arab Republic of Egypt, during his speech at the founding ceremony of the Organization of African Unity in May 1963, in which he addressed the features of the continent’s future after the wave of political independences.
The African Union reviews Gamal Abdel Nasser's vision for the future of the continent during the founding of the Organization of African Unity.
The presentation stated that Africa had achieved an exceptional accomplishment at that time, represented by many countries gaining their political freedom, and that the leaders present at that time were among the makers of those victories or close witnesses to them.
From political independence to comprehensive power
The presentation indicated that Nasser looked beyond political independence, considering that political freedom represented the beginning of a longer path, and that the true liberation of Africa required economic independence and technological progress, along with building industries, developing education, and working together as one continent, considering this a prerequisite for the completion of the meaning of freedom.
He added that there is a deeper dimension to this vision, which is that Africa, which succeeds in achieving these elements, will be able to stand confidently among the nations of the world, according to its own conditions and through the efforts of its own people.
The participation of African citizens and communities is crucial in building this future.
The presentation emphasized that the idea of actively participating African citizens and communities in building this future, rather than merely being recipients, is at the heart of the work of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (ECOSOCC), which works to facilitate the participation of civil society in the processes of the African Union.
He concluded by saying that the Africa that Gamal Abdel Nasser described is built from the bottom up, by enabling people to contribute directly to shaping the future of the continent and creating its renaissance.
