Accra, Ghana – July 17, 2024 In a significant move to empower civil society across Africa and Europe, the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (AU-ECOSOCC) and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the role of non-state actors in the Africa-EU Partnership. The MoU was signed during a ceremony held in Accra on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
This strategic partnership marks a critical step toward deepening civil society engagement in key decision-making processes across both continents. By involving economic and social stakeholders from the EU and AU in various partnership processes and projects, the MoU aims to create a more inclusive and participatory framework for addressing global challenges such as sustainable development, climate change, and social justice.
Empowering Civil Society
Khalid Boudali, Presiding Officer of AU-ECOSOCC, emphasized the importance of this partnership in strengthening the voice of civil society in shaping policies that impact millions of lives across Africa and Europe. “Civil society engagement is crucial in building a more democratic, fair, and sustainable society. This MoU is not just a formal agreement; it is a commitment to ensuring that the perspectives and contributions of civil society are integral to the Africa-EU partnership,” Boudali stated.
Oliver Röpke, President of EESC, highlighted the transformative potential of this collaboration. “Through this partnership, we are fostering a permanent and inclusive mechanism for civil society participation, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard at the highest levels of decision-making. This is a vital step toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and promoting the values of democracy and social inclusion,” Röpke said.
A Milestone in AU-ECOSOCC’s Legacy
The signing of the MoU coincides with the 20th anniversary of AU-ECOSOCC, a body that has been instrumental in integrating civil society into the African Union’s decision-making processes since its establishment in 2004. As AU-ECOSOCC celebrates two decades of empowering civic engagement, this partnership with EESC represents a new chapter in its ongoing mission to amplify the voices of African citizens and foster greater collaboration between Africa and Europe.
The MoU also aligns with the broader objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of inclusive development, climate action, and social equity.
Celebrating Civil Society’s Contributions
The signing ceremony in Accra was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from civil society organizations, AU member states, the AU Commission, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and international development partners. The event underscored the growing recognition of civil society’s pivotal role in driving socio-economic and cultural development across Africa and Europe.
As the Africa-EU Partnership evolves, this new alliance between AU-ECOSOCC and EESC is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring that civil society remains at the heart of efforts to build a more equitable and sustainable future for both continents.
Source: Clement Akoloh||africanewsradio.com
