Making our mark at the African Union summit
Guest blog post from sporting legend Haile Gebrselassie.
Earlier this month I had the pleasure of working with ONE at the African Union Summit here in Addis Ababa. I was both honoured and humbled to be asked to join them in delivering your petition signed by almost 35,000 African citizens to the African Union Chair His Excellency President Yayi Boni of Benin.
The petition asks for African leaders to invest in agriculture and nutrition to lift 31 million Africans out of poverty and prevent 12 million children from stunted growth. I can gladly say we succeeded in doing this, and what a momentous occasion it was.
Before we delivered the petition, I met with some amazing ONE members from Addis Ababa, who were there to represent the thousands of ONE members who had signed the petition. It was exciting to hear from them about ONE and our Thrive campaign. Their spirit certainly carried through to the petition delivery.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Haile Gebrselassie with other ONE members at the 2012 African Union summit in Addis Ababa.
President Boni had planned to join us on Friday, but unfortunately through a number of complications, his arrival in Addis Ababa was delayed. Luckily enough, His Excellency had his Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Nassirou Arifari-Bako, stepped in and received the petition on his behalf.
Haile Gebrselassie presents ONE’s petition.
The following press conference was a great success, especially when the Honorable Minister announced during his speech that 2013 must be the year of agriculture across Africa. I am particularly excited about this commitment from the AU as a citizen of this beautiful and rich continent.
Thank you to all the ONE members for supporting this campaign. We now have our work cut out for us to ensure this becomes a reality!
Haile Gebrselassie, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who has held at least 27 world records in various distances.
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About the Blog
The International ONE Blog is a daily log of the anti-poverty movement. The site is operated by ONE staff, with guest contributions from ONE volunteers, members and allies.
The content of each post and each comment represents the views of that author and does not necessarily reflect the views of ONE. ONE does not support or oppose any candidate for elected office, and any post expressing support or opposition for a candidate is not endorsed by ONE.
July 24, 2012 at 11:40
Wholeheartedly agree.
July 24, 2012 at 11:41
Very nice for helping Africa. I cherish your good gesture.
July 24, 2012 at 11:42
I am glad i was part of this great initiative. I am proud of you and team. keep the african spirit burning
July 24, 2012 at 11:47
I glad to be part of a worthy cause, and would like to thank everyone who took part in this initiative and God bless you all.
July 24, 2012 at 11:48
Although we are still on a quest to make a change in the lives of those we genuinely want to help,our work is still cut out,but however little we have accomplished,it means more to those in need. So team ONE,here’s to our next task of trying to make a difference!..Aluta continua bro’s and sis’s!..
July 24, 2012 at 11:48
I am honoured to be part of this initiative.God Bless Africa.
July 24, 2012 at 11:50
Innovative idea keep well
July 24, 2012 at 11:52
Political comitment by African leaders to foster development in Agriculture shall definately aliviate poverty to a great extent.
July 24, 2012 at 11:52
I am so glad that I am also contributing in changing Africa. I just hope that we all know that we do not need to have lot of money for our voice to be heard. I will be good to know that when this initiative start, and Africa is able to feed its people with good nutrition, I have also contributed in making it happen. thank you ONE
July 24, 2012 at 11:56
Let’s unite to make a better Africa in poverty I’m glad I’m part of this move
July 24, 2012 at 11:57
We in Africa do not wish to become a Continent of beggers – we need to be taught the skills to enable us to become self-sufficient, and then in turn we canon pass on our knowledge that will feed the starving millions in the rest of the world.
July 24, 2012 at 11:58
GOD BLESS AFRICA AND ALL THE PEOPLE THAT TAKE TIME OUT TO CARE AND DO SOMETHING TO IMPROVE A REALLY BAD SITUATION
July 24, 2012 at 11:59
Thanx very much for doing this to the poor and i hope togerther we can fight poverty
July 24, 2012 at 12:04
Glad to be part of this worthy cause. Keep up the good work, ONE.
July 24, 2012 at 12:05
My good friends it is so wonderful to be a part of this initiative and to know that there are so many of you caring people.
May god almighty look favourably upon all of you and guide you in your endeavours.
July 24, 2012 at 12:08
Alone I can run fast, but together we can run far. The poor do not live in a vaccum but amongst us and therefore it is the duty for all world citizens to play their part in addressing issues on the table. Poverty has to GO!!!
July 24, 2012 at 12:10
I feel honoured to have been part of this successful initiative.
July 24, 2012 at 12:12
It is honorable to fight for this noble cause, but it will be more rewarding and productive to also engage in the twin battle of ensuring that the little budgeted for agriculture is spent on agriculture and not stolen.
July 24, 2012 at 12:16
It’s a pleasure to be part of this initiative. The smiles of millions of people are priceless. Together we will accomplish our GOAL…’ONE slice at a time’
July 24, 2012 at 12:24
Thank you ONE and Haile GS. Let’s keep on pushing our leaders and continue the great work you guys are doing. I’m proud for being part of this great effort.
Cheers
July 24, 2012 at 12:26
I feel like I’m a hero already. To form part of such noble cause is nothing but a great joy for me. I’m an African who is and will always be willing to join the fight against poverty and endemics in Africa. For so long our continent has been labelled as the domain for poverty and many infectious diseases. Hope we can have many Africans forming part of this endeavor.
July 24, 2012 at 12:28
Just hope that with this commitment or venture, things will change to the better for those in desperate need. Let those who will be taking up this cause to helping out the needy – do this efficiently, and economically with no cent drawn down the drain. With the help from Almighty, be blessed and remember that all those poor and helpless people are in need of God chosen people like yourselves to help them.
July 24, 2012 at 12:30
Dear Guebbra,
C’est très bon. En tant que signataire de la petition, je trouve qu’ on vient de faire entendre la voix de l’enfnt africain. Que One ne s’arrête pas là. Continuons le chemin est encore long.
La bataille de Seattle aura lieu en Afrique.
Gaspard
July 24, 2012 at 12:31
Bravo à tous ceux qui pensent aux douleurs des autres et qui cherchent par tous les moyens que le monde ou nous vivons soit un monde meilleur et digne de respect à tous les humains.
abderrahman du Maroc
July 24, 2012 at 12:35
It makes me feel so goood inside knowing that I also took part on helping our people out there. Keep up the good work ONEs
July 24, 2012 at 12:42
Bravo, bravo, for the giant step taken and I hope and pray that our African Leaders will take it serious.
I’m glad to hear that Mr.Haile Gebrselassie is still running a race.This time a race for change, I wish you success in all your effort. As a ONE member I wish to be your best friend and I wish to see you one day in my country(LIBERIA), I wish to see you because you are a historical African son.
Wide Hug
Hansen S.Hne
+231-0886-661-120
July 24, 2012 at 12:51
I’m just so glad to be part of such an initiative, led by Haile Gebrselassie. So fitting for the initiative. we, as Africans have got many a marathon to run to overcome hardship and poverty that burdened our continent.
Des Rhode
(Cape Town, South Afica)
July 24, 2012 at 12:53
I am indeed honoured to be part of this noble initiative, however Africa as a continent is faced with a number of challenges. We as ordinary citizens can only do this much. We can be proud of ourselves. My tears are rolling as i am seated in my office writing this comment. I pray to GOD that he will restore the soul of this planet. We have caused this planet to be what it is today. This is certainly not what we inherited, GREED, SELF ENRICHMENT and the HUNGER for POWER has devastated our Continent and as a result the ordinary people bear the brunt… LORD HAVE MERCY ON AFRICA. The once we have entrusted with leadership are the same people causing our suffering…
July 24, 2012 at 12:57
I am proud of Haile Gebresillassie and other ONE members for this commitment and trial made to make the plan of ONE and its members true!!! I was planning to be with him and other members during the submission of the petition here in Addis Ababa, unfortunately I didn’t attend the meeting.
Great move of Haile and ONE with all of the members!!!
July 24, 2012 at 12:58
Great news and well done, all though something needs to be done about farmers been killed on their farms in South Africa . Similar situation occurred in Zimbabwe where farmers where chased/killed from their lands and annexed by people with no real intention of farming and making a difference as now many of these farms lay barren(some of the best farm lands in the world). Farming is hard work and not for just for anyone it involves a lot of planning, coordination and knowledge of the land and produce. Governments need to focus on agricultural schools and developing land and protecting existing farming ground and their farmers.
July 24, 2012 at 13:08
Thanks a lot for the good initiative and commitment to humanity
July 24, 2012 at 13:08
I am honoured to be part of this initiative.God Bless Africa.
July 24, 2012 at 13:09
Africans have been farming very well and sustainably before the colonial disruption which chased them off their farms for labour on mines and the industries. I believe that with the right amount of especially political will and general assistance for farming in Africa, that spirit can be revived. It is also necessary that ways be found in involving the younger genration and build up interest in farming. This was a great initiative and I am a proud One member
July 24, 2012 at 13:12
Well done for that! Lets see if Governments follow through. Empower women and farmers by giving them title deeds to the land on which they exist at the whim of the local chief. Give them dignity of ownership and create a huge amount of capital for them to access bank loans and create thousands of jobs and also bring down the cost of food!!
July 24, 2012 at 13:13
Well done in getting our petition to the powers that be. it is gratifying to note that 2013 has been declared a year in which something should happen in attempting to feed ourselves. CAUTION!!! Our leaders or shall I say rulers are fond of making pronouncements which are never backed by action. Maybe this will be a FIRST.
July 24, 2012 at 13:17
Proudly South African and proudly One member.
Honoured to be part of this initiative.
July 24, 2012 at 13:23
I am grateful to be part of this initiative.
July 24, 2012 at 13:29
It is really an innovative idea.Keep this thing up.I will be with you in any of activities!
July 24, 2012 at 13:45
There is nothing utmost importance in this world other than seeing poverty eradicated and people are well fed. I am extremely happy to be a member of ONE, which is striving for this cause. Will continue to be part of the the campaign.
July 24, 2012 at 13:45
Thanks Haile being with us at that day and to make our mark at the AU summit to end poverty in Africa as well!
July 24, 2012 at 13:47
Let this initiative be an exemplary of practical doing as people (poor people) judges us not from what we are talking,but judges us from what are doing. Then can we do that ?
July 24, 2012 at 13:52
Nice to hear this, Poverty should be made History in Africa. A Rich nation with all the fertile land, good rainfall and temperature.
July 24, 2012 at 14:18
I’m so proud to have been a minor cog in this wheel turning to eliminate poverty and hunger from Africa…lets do more of this in all the phases of the implementation and do our best to monitor and evaluate each and every program.
July 24, 2012 at 14:30
Haile,
I am soo glad that I had courage to join One, m so proud of yr work, keep on the good work and May God bless the initiatives you do.
Is there anything we can contribute in our different countries?
July 24, 2012 at 14:31
Making a difference for a needy person is very much satisfying. Campaigns like this one bring hope to those people that are dissadvantaged…..I’m excited to be a part of this organisation….all the way from South Africa, a proud ONE member.
July 24, 2012 at 14:57
Wow!!, am glad to be part of race, a race for change! ‘YES WE CAN’, together as ‘ONE’. Am into this initiative 100%+ however much ma body is far from Africa but the heart is in my land, the land of beauties in the world, the pearl of the world, Africa.
Let this campaign also be a turning point to STOP all the sufferings, blood shading, tribalism, and corruption,corruption,corruption in Africa.
Am abit happy that our petition was considered, it explains that we’ve jumped astep forward. I pray to our leaders this time to act accordingly with ONE heart to save our beautiful continent from poverty to prosperity. For God and Continent. Big up to Uganda.
July 24, 2012 at 15:01
For God and my Continent.
July 24, 2012 at 15:38
Dear Haile Gebresillassie,
Thank you for your appreciation!
Since 1985, the year I emigrated from Belgium, I met the “Africa Soul” and accepted my new country and continent gratefully.
From what I see and read, we still have a long way to go to become self-sufficient.
One of my eye openers was the direction Mr. DZIMBA MINYA gave me in his work:
THE UNTOLD TRUTH ABOUT AFRICA’S POVERTY.
http://www.globusz.com/ebooks/Africa/00000010.htm
I came from a rather well organized socialistic country where the population is protected from birth to coffin in a dignified manner.
This political system is expensive and asks goodwill from the population as well as integrity from the government who administers the taxes. Knowing now the African people and the continent’s resources, I am convinced that democratic-socialism is perfectly achievable in Africa.
When I got aware in South Africa about the greed of a capitalistic regime as well as of a communistic one, I became disappointed in the way the ordinary citizens had to survive.
What could I do, as little foreigner, how could I help to improve the lives of the people I admired in the way they dealt with their lack of income in a healthy and philosophical way?
I found the solution in the above mentioned book.
Become self-sufficient. Use the many African resources and sell them as finished products in stead of exporting cheaply while begging with open hands for an urgently needed loan under the threat of a gun.
I know words are easier said than brought into action. Every time I have the opportunity I talk and write and help to spread Mr. DZIMBA MINYA ‘s idea as I believe it is the only way
to improve all our lives in Africa.
An entrepreneurial middle class in a hard working population led by integer, responsible and accountable leaders and supported by an independent judiciary.
Wishful dreaming? No I believe it can be done. Africa can be reshaped into Paradise.
July 24, 2012 at 15:50
I am proud of Hile Gebreselase and other ONE members for making a contribution to meet the plan on submitting the petition. And i am happy that i was there too.
July 24, 2012 at 15:51
Oh it is really amazing news. I hope if every leader gives an attention for this campaign and react accordingly, for sure hunger will be eradicated from Africa. It should be the time to shift our attention to feed Africa first.
July 24, 2012 at 15:52
I am honoured and proud to be part of this big initiative and commitment.
God bless Africa.
July 24, 2012 at 15:52
what an amazing did! this is the is the beginning. i hope we all stand for each other
July 24, 2012 at 16:46
Nice Initiative! YES WE CAN, but for greedy African leaders!!!!!!!!! What could be done?
July 24, 2012 at 17:05
I am proudly African, I am very much inspired to be the agent of change and making Africa the better place for the coming generation through this amazing and fruitful campaign..
Thank you very much for a great job well done.
God bless Africa . A luta continua (struggle continue).
July 24, 2012 at 17:06
It is really important to care for those who do not have the means to earn a living. It is also important to speak to those leaders who are in charge of the affairs of the people to make them see the need to take action in alleviating poverty in our continent. I am greatful to ONE for spearheading this initiative. Proud member.
July 24, 2012 at 17:12
God bless Africa and its citizens. To all those whose participation in this initiative be blessed my fellow brothers and sisters for the sake of millions of people who are in poverty.
I am honoured to be part of this drive.
July 24, 2012 at 17:27
Africa is the motherland of all nations..its an honour and previladge to be African.lets all unite and build a wonderful continent that can inspire the hole world.
July 24, 2012 at 17:30
GREAT STUFF!
Its time everyONE joins ONE. I love this organisation its so easy to have a voice AND make a difference. Im proud to be a member and always sign our petitions..but we need more people to join ONE voice!
well done! lets keep it up!
Peace!
July 24, 2012 at 17:47
Good effort, I will share it with my friends. Good jobs keep it up.
July 24, 2012 at 17:56
Thanks very much for doing this to the poor and i hope together we can fight poverty
July 24, 2012 at 18:09
Good job members.
July 24, 2012 at 18:46
I happy with our progress. Let us not tire of doing good for this our good continent.
July 24, 2012 at 20:26
It is important to do good without expecting rewards, so Africans let’s stand together to win as a Continent
July 24, 2012 at 20:35
Brilliant! Well Done!
Jamie Shepherd is an expert Permaculturist and Hydrologist taught by the late Bill Mollison that could assist with Funded Food Security Projects in African or Southern African Countries.
Visit http://www.permaculturegarden.co.za for more info.
July 24, 2012 at 21:00
i fully support the idea to help africa. i’ll do whatever i can. keep up the good work!
July 24, 2012 at 21:54
I am greatly honoured and humbled to have been part of this great initiative. I pledge with my being to always assist any little way how I could whenever I could. Thank you for the care you have for fellow human beings!
July 24, 2012 at 22:09
im proud to be part of this great initiative. God bless Africa.
July 24, 2012 at 22:18
Bravo! Nous devons lutter pour notre beau continent. C’est là que passera l’autonomisation de la femme rurale pour éradiquer la faim et la pauvreté. J’organise en Novembre 2012 la journée de la femme rurale dans le village Baméka.
Je suis à la recherche des petits matériels pour leur offrir tout en les encourageant et en les motivant d’aller de l’avant dans leur noble tâche.
L’agriculture, aussi petite soit elle, nourrit toujours plusieurs personnes.
Nous devons mobiliser nos efforts pour encourager cette initiative.
Merci et du courage.
July 25, 2012 at 00:50
I’m proudly nigerian and ONE member, united we stand. GOD bless Africa.
July 25, 2012 at 01:21
This is just the start of a great thing members,we must not relent in our aim of making sure our leaders listen to us to save a future generations of ours as posterity would not forgive us if we do,I am glad i am part of this campaign,it is a great initiative and if we keep the strength and spirit up like this,we would be surprised at greater achievements our united voice would produce..Viva One GOAL Viva!!!
July 25, 2012 at 03:27
Thanks for the feed back, on the the progres, now how can we be fisically involved in making this project move forward by next year!
July 25, 2012 at 08:04
Haile and the rest of you guys at One,
Thanks a lot for this life saving initiative. Being one of those 35,000, I feel very much honoured to have taken part in this event, an event that definitely has touched and impacted the minds of our leaders.
Let year 2013 indeed be the year of agriculture across Africa with the commitment participation of all citizens of AU.
July 25, 2012 at 08:14
Well I’m really proud of this great job !
Impossible is nothing we can build our dream land AFRICA just following the path together like that
well done everybody
Thank you for giving me this chance to be one of whom care about our Land AFRICA
July 25, 2012 at 08:24
Thanks for the feed back. Its good to know that our efforts are not going to waste
July 25, 2012 at 08:42
That is great! We should continue our effort until we bring the change. I would like to thank all the organizers and supporters who have been contributing for the success of this initiative – ONE!
July 25, 2012 at 08:46
Thank for taking yo to me. i wish we can join hands together so that we can improve our continent . Africa unite
July 25, 2012 at 09:09
Wonderful to be part of this initiative. Love what is happening on Big Brother as well. Like the T-shirts but how can we get hold of T-Shirts?
July 25, 2012 at 10:07
I’m pleased and honoured to be among friends campaining to keep Africa free from famine and income poverty.
Let me know the outcome of our initiatives and always let me take part in simila campaigns.
July 25, 2012 at 11:29
I’m extremely passionated about my Africa and the initiatives aimed at bringing relief to its millions of citizens. This continent, with its vast natural resources, deserves so much better. Our leaders have a lot of work on their hands to help make the African Rennaisance dream a reality.
I’m proud to be making a small difference through my membership of this great ONE initiative.
God Bless u all my brothas n sistas!!!
July 25, 2012 at 11:33
I mean “passionate”
July 25, 2012 at 13:01
It is only up to the the people of Africa to make a change to millions of our brothers & sisters. “Selfnessness” is the word. Let us learn from Madiba & Mbeki. Power is the curse black man.
July 25, 2012 at 20:58
Glad to be part of the campaign and thanks for the feedback, Afria unite nothing is impossible if u belief ..Glory be to God..cheers for success..
July 26, 2012 at 03:50
I am happy for being a member of One, secondly because the message is delivered especially by Haile Gebresselase. One important thing is yet to be done, i. e It is not enough to voice the voice of the voiceless. The action I am proposing is < Making All Humans specially the African Poor Investor through TIBEB / SEEDS Formula. This is made possible! If One or any one is interested Please contact me through tibeb.seeds@yahoo.com. Keep it up One!
July 26, 2012 at 04:04
Am greatful for being part of this great blessed inititiative in making a vast
Difference in Africa.
Stevenk.
July 26, 2012 at 04:32
I strongly have faiths in our efforts and struggles. My Africa, Our Africa is bless with lands and human resource plus good climate. Our leaders should support our calls and make Africa the food baskets of our people and others.
July 26, 2012 at 08:58
Congratulations! Aluta continua sisters and brothers.
I would like to see us raising our voices further to ensure that the agricultural development is further done organically and not supporting GM seed (genetically modified) and fertiliser which would again merely perpetuate the colonisation of Africa b the so-called developed world (West or East). Let’s do it sustainably for all of our longterm future.
July 26, 2012 at 10:05
I am glad to hear this…please keep on the lobby since it is implementation that challenge for us.
July 26, 2012 at 10:36
better days for African kids..one love!
July 26, 2012 at 11:28
2013 the year of agriculture! I am positive, everything will go well. We pray for the perfect climate and vegetation and hopefully enough will be invested in agricultural operations. An unclear area to me is the agricultural produce distribution to the millions of hungry people. Personally, I don’t see handing-out of food to the people working to better the situation, if that was the case. We need measures to stimulate quicker flow of food merchandise in and out of the current existing food outlets and dealers. The establishment of local shops and restaurants at grass root level can induce food demand from outlets, increase the rate of employment opportunities and also help people to gain business knowledge. Direct feeding of people’s stomachs will not help in a long run and ideally we need to measure success by generating back the amount that will be invested for the 2013 projects.
July 26, 2012 at 11:56
Covering the poverty gap needs more than “direct feeding”. I think we should start with the basic definition of ‘FOOD’ and what the diverse people in Africa accept as food.
With these, achievement can only be set at regional levels and not continental to guaranty sustainability. If 2013 is really the year of Agriculture, then 2012 should have achieved putting all machineries and mechanisms in place.
Let ONE in ACTION begin!
July 26, 2012 at 20:14
I so glad for the acceptances of our voice I wish Africans free from poverty with God’s help
July 26, 2012 at 20:17
I’m so glad by their acceptances of our voices. I wish Africans free from poverty with God’s help!!!!
July 27, 2012 at 09:16
Just wanted to say that I’m really proud of all the people that r a member of this magnificent org. I am happy that I could do sth 2 help people in Africa. We still have to do much more but this is the beginning. As the proverb goes, United we stand, divided we fall! Haile, u’r doing an incredible job! Big fan! Ruth, from Ethiopia!
July 27, 2012 at 14:51
Good to be there !!
July 27, 2012 at 15:43
We are all citizens of the universe we owe our patriotism to mother earth.
July 29, 2012 at 09:34
Just wanted to say how proud I am of one members. Together, we can accomplish anything. As the proverb goes, United we stand, Divided we fall! Haile’s big fan from Ethiopia!
July 29, 2012 at 11:22
as first president of the republic of the United states of Africa in exile , i beleive the time has come for unification of Africa.united states of africa government.org
July 31, 2012 at 18:59
I believe in a united Africa, and am dedicated to the task of ameliorating poverty and hunger in our continent. The leaders of the now should not hesitate to make footprints in the sand of the African continent, by contributing their own quota to the total eradication of poverty and hunger in the African continent. If the world would crucify me for standing for a course that is right, I will do it; for the souls of the African continent must soar higher. Long live Africa!!!!
July 31, 2012 at 19:56
I love this organization because of its goal of eradicating extreme poverty and especially HUNGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks a million for your efforts may the good Lord continue to bless you and give you the strength to keep fighting to the end.I am very confident that one day hunger especially will be eradicated thanks to ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! whenever you are in Cameroon do give me a call.I am more than willing to Volunteer!it is my passion to get involved in activities like that of ONE INTERNATIONAL.stay blessed
August 2, 2012 at 14:09
Welldone ONE,I will always support your initatives.Just let me know what I need to do.
August 2, 2012 at 14:12
Welldone ONE,I will always support your initaitives.Poverty and Hunger need to be a history in Africa.Together we can eradicate these.