STORY: Renovated Africa Hall inaugurated amid call for advancing Africa's transformation
SHOOTING TIME: Oct. 21, 2024
DATELINE: Oct. 23, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:02
LOCATION: Addis Ababa
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the inauguration ceremony
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): CLAVER GATETE, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): ABIY AHMED, Ethiopian Prime Minister

STORYLINE:

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, along with African Union (AU) officials, on Monday inaugurated the renovated Africa Hall, the birthplace of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the predecessor of the AU, in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, with a call for embracing common aspirations and advancing the cause of Africa's transformation.

The Africa Hall, which was originally unveiled in 1961 by the late Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, served as a place where African leaders had been deliberating on pressing issues including independence, freedom, development, and a brighter future for their continent.
   
Speaking at the event, Guterres said the renovated building symbolizes renewed hope and unity for Africa, which will serve as a bridge between Africa's past and future, honoring shared struggles and achievements while embracing common aspirations.
   
SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General
"This hall is where Africa came together to give life to the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union. I also see it as an invitation for everyone to cooperate in pursuit of a better future for Africa and for the world."

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): CLAVER GATETE, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa
"The hall now stands as a modernized facility, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including a visitors' center, permanent exhibition space and conference hall to host high-level meetings, while maintaining its architectural and historical significance."

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): ABIY AHMED, Ethiopian Prime Minister
"We must place bold homegrown ideas and initiatives at the forefront for the well-being of our people. It is vital that African solutions continue to make precedence in addressing African challenges guided by the wisdom of our forefathers."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Addis Ababa.
(XHTV)