Launch of AU-IDEA Joint Action Plan
11.09.2008 //
On Friday September 12 the Commission of the African Union and International IDEA launch a Joint Action Plan to foster and enhance capacity within the Commission of the African Union to deepen democracy, human rights and good governance across the African continent. Secretary General of IDEA Vidar Helgesen (picture) expresses his satisfaction in the cooperation agreed with AU.
International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) is based in Stockholm and has members states on all continents. The organisation is active in promoting democracy and assisting in electoral processes as well human rigths and Constitutional affairs. IDEAs Cape Town office has developed the joint action plan (JAP) with the AU Commission to be launched tommorow in Addis Ababa. A memorandum of understanding signed between the two organisations during the AU Summitt in Accra, Ghana last year is now to be followed up by concrete action. The JAP has a 5 year perspective and is expected to strengthen AUs capacity.
IDEAs Secretary General, former Norwegian deputy minister of Foreign Affairs, Vidar Helgesen expresses great expectations in the cooperation with AU in an era of democratisation across the African continent, but also see serious challenges.