PRESS RELEASE: New ACP flag and anthem unveiled
Brussels, 17 June 2013/ ACP Press Release: The ACP Group unveiled a new flag and anthem today at the opening ceremony of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, to represent the solidarity and shared vision of its 79 member states. It is the first time ever for the Group to feature such symbols of common identity since its foundation in 1975.
Before their official debut this morning, the flag and the anthem were first presented to the ACP Parliamentary Assembly on Friday by the Secretary General H.E Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, following endorsement by the ACP Council of Ministers’ meeting on 5 June.
“Our flag consists of three diagonal bands of colour green, gold and blue. Green represents fertility and natural beauty and resources of our countries, gold symbolises the sun and the warmth of our people and blue symbolises the bodies of water that surround many of our nations, as well as the peace we all strive for,” the Secretary General stated.
The ACP anthem was result of an open competition completed last year, which invited musical compositions from African, Caribbean and Pacific member countries. More than 60 high quality entries underwent a shortlisting process then blind judging by a team of musical experts from the ACP. This included Burundi singer and performer Ms Khadja Nin, who is also a goodwill ambassador for the ACP Observatory on Migration; award-winning guitarist and musicologist Mr Amos Coulanges from Haiti; and Samoan opera singer and composer Mr Sani Muliaumaseali’i, also known as Sani Malo.
They chose a composition by Mr Manuel Jimenez of the Dominican Republic as the winning entry. The original version was submitted in Spanish, with English and French versions to be finalised.
“It was selected because of its upbeat rhythm, which expressed joy, positivity, as well as a cultural aspect and authenticity that set it apart from other anthems rooted in the traditional Western style and tradition. The lyrics communicated a clear ACP message… the musical score was a complete production, with detailed scores for a full band,” said a statement by the judges.
The Secretary General added that the anthem “conveyed both the spirit and vision of the ACP family of nations.”The aim to is feature the ACP flag and the anthem at all major international events involving the Group.
– ACP Press