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Committee Profile
The African Union (AU) is a continental body of 55 member states that compose the African continent. It is a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU), established in 1963 as the first post-independence continental institution and founded upon the principles of a united liberation struggle against the remnants of colonialism. The AU was officially launched in 2002 to shift its focus to the continent’s growth and economic development through increased state cooperation. It is shepherded by a collective vision of “an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.”
Collaborating with development partners, the private sector, and civil society, the union has implemented key frameworks to ensure continental integration. One is Agenda 2063, a strategic blueprint for African development through a ten-year implementation plan and flagship projects. One such project, which has also served as a key AU framework, is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that aims to expedite the growth of intra-African trade and enhance the continent’s trading leverage in the global economy.
By 2023, Africa was the eighth-largest economy. While these strategic development plans have greatly contributed to the continent’s economic ascent, investments from and trade with foreign nations have played a major role, as well. However, this has raised economic concerns among African nations regarding trade deficits, the undermining of domestic industries, and debt accumulation. Additionally, environmental concerns such as deforestation and pollution from foreign-backed mining operations and infrastructure projects have also emerged.
At the upcoming summit, delegates from each member state must consider how the African Union can benefit from foreign investments and trade while protecting its long-term economic sovereignty in Topic A, should they pick it. Alternatively, if Topic B is chosen, they must grapple with how the union can ensure sustainable development by enforcing appropriate environmental protections in the face of continued foreign investments and operations. This committee will prioritize solutions that are both actionable and tailored to the specific issues at hand. Delegates are encouraged to think critically and engage with real mechanisms of AU policy and diplomacy.
Chair Letter
Dear Delegates,
My name is Miu Kikuchi and I am so excited to serve as your Chair for the African Union Specialized Committee at BruinMUN 2025! I am a third-year Political Science major and Data Science minor from Mountain View, CA, hoping to pursue a career in defense and security. On campus, I am involved in journalism organizations called the Daily Bruin and Bruin Political Review, and off campus, you can find me playing tennis/sunbathing with my friends, trying new cafes, and rereading arguably the best book of all time, The Handmaid’s Tale (I can talk about it all day).
I joined MUN last year, and it has been one of the best decisions I have made for my professional and personal growth. Since joining, I have served as a dais staffer for BruinMUN XXXII and LAMUN XX, and I have also personally competed in both crisis and specialized committees. MUN is a great way to have substantive debates on pertinent issues while making fun memories, and I definitely plan on staying involved for as long as I can.
The African Union is a continental union of 55 African member states. It was officially founded in 2002, succeeding the Organization of African Unity which primarily focused on ridding the continent of apartheid. The AU has since shifted its focus to promoting greater economic development amongst the member states through cooperation and integration. Relevant to this committee is China’s rising presence and influence in the region, and delegates will be tasked with addressing the nation’s economic activities and their long-term implications. I can’t wait to see your ideas come to life through exciting debates, and please don’t hesitate to contact me if any questions arise.
Sincerely,
Miu Kikuchi