It is with great pleasure that we announce the attendance of Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni, TOCI Advisor, at the Africa Union’s 12th High-Level Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance in Africa. This significant event, scheduled from the 6th to 7th of October 2023, will focus on “Delivering Peace Dividends Through the AfCFTA Implementation.” Ambassador Olukanni’s presence adds a wealth of experience and diplomatic insight to the discourse surrounding these crucial themes.
The 12th High-Level Dialogue: Shaping Africa’s Future
The 12th High-Level Dialogue aims to assess, identify, and explore normative and structural enablers for achieving democratic governance, peace, and security in Africa. With a specific focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the dialogue seeks to unravel the potential linkages between the AfCFTA and the delivery of peace dividends for the African continent. The event will delve into sub-thematic areas, including the nexus between democratic governance, peace, and security, as well as exploring the role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in fostering peace and accelerating the implementation of free trade agreements.
Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni: A Distinguished Diplomat
Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni boasts an illustrious career in the Nigerian Diplomatic Service, marked by significant contributions to international relations, economic diplomacy, and peace-building efforts. His tenure as the former Ambassador of Nigeria to New Zealand and Australia, coupled with his roles in the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, positions him as a seasoned diplomat with a deep understanding of global affairs.
Having served as a Director of Public Communication Division and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olukanni is adept at communicating complex diplomatic issues to diverse audiences. His experiences in negotiating groups, rapporteur roles, and coordination of spokesperson responsibilities for the G77 during the Beijing Conference demonstrate his commitment to international cooperation and peace.
Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni’s participation in the 12th High-Level Dialogue is anticipated to enrich discussions on the intersections between economic diplomacy, democratic governance, and peace-building. His wealth of experience in various diplomatic capacities, including roles at the United Nations and in bilateral economic cooperation, positions him as a valuable contributor to the dialogue’s objectives.
Youth Consultation and Gender Pre-Forum: Shaping Policy in Nigeria
In addition to the main dialogue, there is a dedicated focus on the Youth Consultation and Gender Pre-Forum. Recognizing the pivotal role of youth and women in shaping Africa’s future, these sessions aim to provide a collaborative space for meaningful participation and idea exchange. TOCI, with its commitment to driving positive change, plans to initiate programs and projects that will mainstream the outcomes of these events into the Nigerian policy space. By amplifying the voices of the youth and women, TOCI aims to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future for Nigeria.
As we look forward to the outcomes of the 12th High-Level Dialogue, Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni’s presence and the subsequent initiatives planned by TOCI underscore the importance of collaboration and dialogue in shaping the trajectory of Africa’s governance, peace, and economic prosperity.