» Bheki Langa: The year 2013 marks the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the existence of the OAU.  It will also be just over a decade since the formation of the AU, which seeks to promote "an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena."  Consequently, the heads of state declared the year 2013 the Year of Pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance.

Given the historic nature of this event, it is an opportunity to reflect on the road that Africa has traveled, and to chart the course of the next five decades. The Anniversary should therefore facilitate and celebrate African narratives of past, present and future that will galvanize and energize the African population and use their constructive energy to accelerate a forward-looking agenda of Pan-Africanism and Renaissance in the 21st Century.

Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance therefore incorporate the call for unity in action and the destiny of the African people, both on the continent and in the African diaspora. It seeks to achieve the liberation of African people and the continent from slavery, racial  discrimination, colonialism and new-colonialism through political, social and economic integration and unity in action of the continent. At its core, Pan-Africanism is premised on the conviction that Africa's people, together with the African diaspora, share not only a common history, but a common destiny.

» Hassane Rabehi: The themes are in line with the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU. Pan-Africanism is an ideology and movement that encourages the solidarity of Africans worldwide. It is based on the belief that unity is vital to economic, social and political progress. Pan-Africanism is "a belief that African peoples share not only a common history, but a common destiny." Pan-Africanism promotes values that are the product of African civilization and the struggles against slavery, racism, colonialism and neo-colonialism.

The African Renaissance is the concept that African people and nations can overcome the challenges currently confronting the continent and achieve cultural, scientific and economic renewal. The African Renaissance is based on social cohesion, democracy, economic rebuilding and growth and the promotion of Africa as a significant player in the international arena.

» Martin Mpana: They represent our past and our present. In other words, Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance reflect the historical and contemporary roots of the continent.

Pan-Africanism refers to the vision of the founding fathers of the OAU/AU, aimed at fighting against colonialism, apartheid and all kinds of oppression and discrimination.

African Renaissance refers to the strong political will and the consensus reached at the Sirte Summit on the need for Africa to embark on transformations toward stronger unity by reinforcing the role of Regional Economic Communities. This coincides with the birth of the AU in a changing global order.

» Julio Morais: Our continent, now more than ever, is facing paramount challenges, but also has opportunities.

To face and tackle these challenges, we need to solidly stand on our foundations, but pragmatically face the future, transforming the values of unity and Pan-Africanism, so useful for eradicating colonialism and apartheid, into driving forces to spearhead Africa's development, renaissance and economic integration. We are aware of our generation's huge responsibility, but optimistic that we can successfully fulfill it and feature Africa as the 21st century development success-case.