Assembly/AU/Dec.579(XXV) Page 3 16. COMMENDS the NEPAD Steering Committee and the NPCA for the preparatory consultation held with Africa‟s international partners towards the launch of the Africa Global Partnership Platform (AGPP) hosted by the Government of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa in May 2015. WARMLY WELCOMES the offer by the HSGOC Chairperson to inaugurate the first Plenary Session of the new Platform in Dakar, Senegal in October 2015 and STRESSES the importance of the full functioning of the AGPP as an effective African-owned and led partnership mechanism; 17. EXPRESSES DEEP APPRECIATION AND PAYS TRIBUTE to Dr. Donald Kaberuka, outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group in acknowledgement of his immense contributions and consistent support for the AU development objectives and initiatives, especially in the implementation of NEPAD, and WELCOMES the special award of recognition as Most Valued Partner of NEPAD presented to Dr. Donald Kaberuka on behalf of the Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC) by H.E. Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal and HSGOC Chairperson.