The Model African Union (MAU) is a simulation of the African Union, an organization comprising of 54 African states, with a vision of “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena”. The African Union was established on 26th May 2001 “to accelerate the integration of the continent to enable it play its rightful role i
n the global economy, while addressing multifaceted social, economic and political problems”, replacing the defunct Organization of African Unity (OAU) founded on 25th May 1963. The International Relations Council of African Leadership Academy (ALA) has conceptualized the vision of a Model African Union conference as a means of educating the next generation of African and global leaders on the intricacies of diplomacy and Pan-African cooperation. Between 9th April – 13th April 2014, 118 young leaders will simulate five organs of the African Union and one regional economic organization, attempting to resolve in five days of intense brainstorming and negotiations, some of the longest-running and most complicated issues on the continent. The conference experience will however, not be limited to committee sessions; through diplomatic consultations to 54 embassies and high commissions in South Africa, keynote presentations by African Union officials and international relations experts, a diplomatic roundtable featuring ambassadors from several countries, educational tours to historic sites and a celebration of cultural diversity through the Cultural Night, delegates will experience a highly intellectual, educative and exciting conference. Finally, there will be a parallel conference for faculty advisors accompanying students to the conference, as they will be exposed to presentations by several thought-leaders in Africa, and engaged in peer learning.
