May 25 marks Africa Day, the annual commemoration of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (now recognized as the Africa Union) in 1963. The annual celebration honors ongoing efforts to address inequality, poverty, and conflict in the region. The theme of Africa Day 2012 is "Towards the Realisation of a United and Integrated Africa and Its Diaspora," calling for unity among all Africans in working for greater political and economic development. The next AU Summit will be held in Malawi in July, at which time the AU Chairperson will be elected. This year's election is particularly significant due to the presence of a strong female contender, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Minister of Home Affairs in South Africa.
Read UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's message for Africa Day 2012 .