PDF (2.0 MB)

this area, the United Nations has geared itself to supporting this effort.Our commitment to regional integration is about taking common approachesto tackling common challenges and also a mechanism forshaping new values. In addition to its economic advantages, regionalintegration promotes trade, peace and security, as border conflictsare unlikely where intra-regional border controls are de-emphasisedand the ideal of free movement of people is attained. Integrationalso enables the shaping of values through inter-regional processesto guide the management of natural resources including shared waterresources. It has also given impetus to the physical integration ofthe continent and projects like the INGA dam should be promotedand executed to show commitment. Success in regional integrationcannot be measured by individual country progress but by the collectivegains of the entire continent.The shared commitment to shaping common African responses toglobal challenges is another key value that this Union has developed.While Africa has always tried to work together in global negotiatingforums it was only recently in the context of the climate changenegotiations that the decision to negotiate as one was formalizedwith the establishment of the Conference of African Heads of Stateand Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC). I am confident thatwith the success of this process, we shall continue to have similararrangements especially given the renewed desire to conclude theDoha trade talks this year as well as on-going efforts to reform theinternational financial system.The wide range and scope of instruments reflecting our shared valuesall attest to the considerable progress that has been made to put inplace continental policy frameworks and accompanying institutionalarchitecture. What remains now is to domesticate their provisions,provide required financial resources and promote beneficial partnerships.Our shared commitment to successful integration requiresthat continental arrangements are implemented in individual countriesand that we ensure the financial viability of the AU Commissionand other institutions of integration. Moreover, we must continue tobuild partnerships with the rest of the world including the emergingeconomies.116 Part Two