As part of the official launch of the theme of the year at the AU Summit, H.E. Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner of the Human, Resources, Science, and Technology Department, worked closely with UNFPA Liaison Office to the AU and ECA in the development of various promotional materials. In this regard, UNFPA supported the publication of the AU Demographic Dividend Roadmap by working closely with AUC in designing the roadmap, collating quotations from African Heads of State and Government on the demographic dividend among others. UNFPA through Liaison Office to the AU and ECA supported the production of over 3500 copies of the roadmap in all four languages of the African Union (English, French, Portuguese and Arabic).

Support was also provided for a continent-wide logo competition through which young people from across Africa were invited to make submissions for a logo that would guide the commemoration of the theme of the year. A blind selection process was undertaken by a jury of 9 young people in Addis Ababa and the winning logo, submitted by a 22 year-old from Zimbabwe, was selected. The winner received a cash prize of USD 1000.00 as well as a trip to the AU Summit in Addis Ababa to participate in the launch of the theme.

UNFPA further supported the development of promotional materials including banners, flags, pins, folders, caps, t-shirts and USB drives which were distributed during the Summit to Heads of State and Government and other delegates.

Additionally, UNFPA supported the production of an 8-minute video on the demographic dividend by young people from across Africa. In this regard, 13 young people were sponsored to come to Addis Ababa and help in the development of the video as well as to participate in the Gender Pre-Summit which was held this year on the theme of demographic dividend. Following their engagement, these young people committed to serve as DD ambassadors within their countries to help mobilize support and engage youth and other stakeholders towards implementing the DD roadmap.

Furthermore, to ensure a stronger linkage between the developments at the continental level within the African Union and positions of the African Group in New York, UNFPA supported two representatives of the African Group in New York to participate in the Summit. They also participated in key side events such as the pre-CSW meeting and the high level roundtable on family planning.