Dr. Natalia Kanem, the Acting Executive Director had the opportunity to address the OAFLA General Assembly and in so doing, ensured that stakeholders were assured that initiatives spearheaded by the late Executive Director would continue under her leadership.

 

OAFLA used this opportunity to launch its annual flagship publication. In line with the AU theme of the year, “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend trough Investments in Youth”, the publication particularly features content that is in line with OAFLA 2017 theme which is “Building on 15 years of engagement to harness the demographic dividend of Africa through promoting the needs of adolescents and their access to youth-friendlyhealth services”.

 

The publication was jointly launched by Dr. Natalia Kanem and the First Lady of the Republic of Chad, H.E Mrs. Indira Deby. UNFPA was proud to participate in this event and Dr. Kanem highlighted that “UNFPA will remain committed to working together with OAFLA to mobilize greater investments in youth, prioritizing the needs of all adolescents as a way to ensure that the demographic dividend becomes a reality for Africa.”

 

The ceremony was attended by many First ladies and a minute of silence was observed on the loss of Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin. Prior to this, she had an opportunity to meet with H. E. Roman Tesfaye, First lady of Ethiopia and elected Chair of OAFLA and other First Ladies present.