The President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, HE Julius Maada Wonie Bio, joined by his official delegation, has applauded the architectural layout and design of the African Union Pavilion at the Dubai Expo2020 in Dubai
During his visit, President Bio said: “The African Union Pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai is a true reflection and representation of the continent that we want and are aspiring to be.” He applauded the creativity that has gone in to putting together the exhibition, which traces the story of the AU from its inception in 1963 as the OAU to the present day.
President Bio was on an official visit to the pavilion of his own country Sierra Leone, which is found within the opportunity district. It celebrates the possibility of ‘new beginnings and tells the story of possible business ventures and learning about the stories behind the nation’s diamonds. It also has an educational kids area. People planning to visit the AU Pavilion can expect to traverse on a borderless journey that begins from the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The experience highlights the untold stories of the founding mothers and fathers of the OAU, dispelling myths and celebrating those who dreamt of the possibilities of a continent free from colonisation and united by the shared vision of collaboration.
That unity later translated into the strategic developmental framework known as Agenda 2063, which is explored in detail in section II of the pavilion, while the third and final section will see visitors go on a sensory trip as they experience the sights and sounds of Africa.
AU Expo commissioner general Dr Levi Uche Madueke said, “When we say Africa is ready and open for business, we mean that collectively. As a united continent, we are ready to celebrate our beautiful history with the world, as well as see the evolution of our member states and their people as they partake in the great economic shift that is taking place globally.”
