Accra, Ghana – July 21, 2024 – The African Union Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC) marked its 20th anniversary with a series of high-profile events in Accra, Ghana, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to integrating civil society into the African Union’s decision-making processes.
The #ECOSOCC20 commemoration featured key activities that underscored its pivotal role in advancing Pan-African values and promoting socio-economic and cultural development across the continent.
MoU Signing and Press Briefing (July 17, 2024):
The anniversary celebrations commenced with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AU-ECOSOCC and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), followed by a press briefing.
Khalid Boudali, Presiding Officer of AU-ECOSOCC, and Mr. Oliver Röpke, President of EESC, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in fostering inclusive development.
While Mr. Boudali emphasized that the MoU signified their commitment to addressing global challenges such as migration, climate change, and peace and security by empowering and mobilizing non-state actors to create a more sustainable and inclusive future, Mr. Röpke on the other hand, indicated that this MoU will enable the two organizations to strengthen cooperation, share knowledge, and work together towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union Agenda 2063.
Mr. William Carew, Head of the ECOSOCC Secretariat, highlighted the significance of the MoU, stating, “This MoU is not just a document but a symbol of our shared vision for a sustainable and prosperous future.”
Citizen’s Forum on Democracy and Institutional Resilience (July 18, 2024):
The forum brought together diverse stakeholders to discuss democracy, governance, and the resilience of African institutions.
A former Prime Minister of Mali, His Excellency Moussa Mara, who officially opened the forum emphasized the importance of effective governance frameworks.
“Africa can build resilient communities that thrive on diversity and mutual respect, strengthening social cohesion, trust, democratic governance, economic stability, and sustainable development,” he stated.
The Distinguished Panelists: Included Dr. Onyekachi Macaulay O. Kalu, Chairman, Secretary General, AU6RG/ECASR; and Barrister Akere Muna, Presiding Officer of the first ECOSOCC Permanent General Assembly, among others.
APSA Media Breakfast Meeting (July 20, 2024):
The African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) Media Breakfast Meeting highlighted the role of media in promoting peace and security across Africa.
The president of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Dwumfour, called on the leadership of the African Peace and Security Association (APSA) to introduce capacity-building programs for journalists focused on security and conflict resolution.
He emphasized the need for journalists to have a comprehensive understanding of security issues and conflict dynamics, arguing that it would enable them to provide more accurate and empathetic reporting that reflects the local context, culture, and history.
Key Outcomes:
The MoU between AU-ECOSOCC and EESC set the stage for stronger partnerships aimed at addressing common socio-economic challenges.
The Citizen’s Forum provided a platform for civil society organizations (CSOs) to articulate their perspectives on strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring governance resilience.
The APSA Media Breakfast Meeting underscored the crucial role of the media in fostering peace and security, encouraging responsible journalism and effective communication strategies.
Notable Attendees:
• H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission
• Mr. Oliver Röpke, President of EESC
• H.E. Timothy Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Republic of Sierra Leone
• H.E. Moussa Mara, Former Prime Minister of Mali
• Barrister Akere Muna, Presiding Officer of the first ECOSOCC Permanent General Assembly
• Hon. Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament
• Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of AUDA-NEPAD
Looking Forward:
The #ECOSOCC20 commemoration reaffirmed the AU’s vision for “an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.” The week-long celebration highlighted the essential role of African citizens in shaping the continent’s development agenda, particularly in the context of Agenda 2063’s Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan.
Ms. Carol Jilombo, Senior Communications Officer, AU-ECOSOCC Secretariat, stated, “This milestone reflects two decades of dedication to promoting Pan-African values and driving socio-economic and cultural development. We look forward to continuing our mission of empowering African civil society and fostering an inclusive and prosperous continent.”
About AU-ECOSOCC:
Since its inception in 2004, AU-ECOSOCC has been instrumental in integrating civil society into the decision-making processes of the African Union. As an advisory organ, it plays a key role in promoting civic engagement, advancing policy development, and implementing initiatives across Africa.
Source: Clement Akoloh||africanewsradio.com
