Assembly/AU/Dec.412(XVIII) DECISION ON THE CELEBRATION OF THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN UNITY The Assembly, 1. PAYS SPECIAL TRIBUTE to the generations of Pan-Africanists and the Founding Fathers of our continental organization who strived to promote unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States; 2. RECALLS its Decision Assembly/AU/Dec.361(XVI) to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 25 May 2013; 3. EXPRESSES ITS DEEPEST APPRECIATION to the OAU for its historic role in the liberation of the peoples of Africa from the yoke of colonialism and Apartheid as well as for its invaluable contribution towards the objective of achieving unity in our continent; 4. DECLARES 2013 as the Year of Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance; 5. DECIDES that the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the OAU shall be celebrated by highlighting the ideals of Pan-Africanism and Africa's aspirations for peace, democracy, development and unity; 6. REITERATES its request to the Commission to make the necessary arrangements for this celebration, in close collaboration with the host country, Ethiopia, and all other Member States; 7. REQUESTS the Commission to coordinate activities for an inclusive and participatory process of reflection on the last fifty (50) years of efforts towards African unity, with the intention of defining Pan-Africanism for the coming generation; 8. ENCOURAGES Member States and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in coordination with the Commission to organize various activities including media events, debates and competitions in schools and universities, public opinion surveys, sessions in local and national legislatures, and other activities to celebrate the year of Pan-Africanism and enhance the awareness of the new generation of Africans about the ideals of Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance.