The Opening Ceremony was the high-profile launch for the EDD 2022. It laid the foundations for the powerful and inspiring debates to come, and set the tone for the event.
Heads of State and Government as well as Heads of International Organisations delivered keynote speeches outlining how they see the Global Gateway in the international and domestic contexts.
It was opened by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with Florence Ranson as Master of Ceremonies.
Synopsis
The opening ceremony of EDD 2022 highlighted the strength and importance of the partnership between EU and African nations. The Global Gateway was warmly welcomed by European and African leaders and applauded for enabling the co-designing of solutions to the climate crisis which would contribute to a fairer and more equitable world. With EU support, African nations can become climate resilient and compete on the global economic stage by becoming leaders in renewable energy production. Vaccine inequality was also discussed, in addition to the war in Ukraine and current efforts to work towards food security.