20100630
africanews

The AU and Kenya Airways announced a partnership to promote peace and security in Africa. Kenya Airways is the first airline in Africa to respond to the call by the AU Commission to the African airline sector to partner with it on the implementation of the Year of Peace and Security programme.

The Commission of the African Union (AU) and Kenya Airways today announced a partnership under the umbrella of the 2010 Year of Peace and Security in Africa. Under this agreement, Kenya Airways will provide communication and financial support to the “make peace happen campaign,” thereby contributing towards the achievement of the objectives of the campaign.

On behalf of the AU Commission, Peace and Security Commissioner, Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, expressed gratitude to Kenya Airways, and expressed optimism that other private companies in Africa would join in with the AU Commission in delivering this noble programme to the continent.
He further noted that,

“One of the guiding principles of the Year of Peace and Security is inclusivity, and through this programme, the AU is looking for ways to open up spaces for all stakeholders and deepen partnerships with the private sector. The Commission acknowledges that businesses can contribute to the promotion of peace in Africa, and aims to enlist their support, bearing in mind that without peace there can be no sustainable economic development.”

On its part, Kenya Airways affirmed its commitment to the socio-economic development of the continent, acknowledging the importance of peace and security as a prerequisite to sustained economic growth.

Kenya Airways CEO, Dr. Titus Naikuni, added that, “As one of the leading African airlines, Kenya Airways will continue to seek ways to support worthwhile initiatives that contribute to the positive transformation of the continent. The Year of Peace and Security is one such initiative.”

He added that Kenya Airways is a partner in the strategic and sustainable development of Africa and noted that peace and stability is a natural prerequisite for business and the development of the people of Africa.

The AU Commission is reaching out to the private sector, to support the Year of Peace and Security through various means, including the signing of the Make Peace Happen Industry Charter, as demonstration of businesses’ commitment to contributing to the promotion of peace on the continent.