ECOSOCC

About

ECOSOCC is the civil society policy organ of the African Union. It is an advisory organ of the Union designed to serve as a policy development interface that will harness civil society expertise to the work of various Departments of the Commission and through it, to its union at large. The core function of ECOSOCC as contained in Article 7 of its Statutes is to “contribute, through advice, to the effective translation of the objectives, principle and policies of the Union into concrete programmes.” Their main vehicles for doing this are Sectoral Cluster Committees approximating the different Departments of the AU Commission with which it should work continuously to initiate and produce advisory opinions on policies and programs. CIDO serves as ECOSOCC’s Secretariat to facilitate its linkages across the AU Commission, provide Secretarial and policy support for its activities and help with the organization of meetings and implementation of outcomes and support ECOSOCC Assembly, committee and intra-organ elections.

Thus, as an advisory organ of the AU, the purpose of ECOSOCC is to:

Contribute, through advice, to the effective translation of the objectives, principles and policies of the Union into concrete programmes, as well as the evaluation of these programmes
Undertake studies that are recommended or deemed necessary by any other organ of the Union and submit recommendations accordingly
Carry out studies as it deems necessary and submit recommendations as appropriate
Contribute to the promotion of popularization, popular participation, sharing of best practices and expertise, and to the realization of the vision and objectives of the Union
Contribute to the promotion of human rights, the rule of law, good governance, democratic principles, gender equality and child rights
Promote and support efforts of institutions engaged in review of the future of Africa and forge Pan-African values in order to enhance an African social model and way of life
Foster and consolidate partnership between the Union and CSOs through effective public enlightment, mobilization and feedback on the activities of the Union
Assume other functions as may be referred to it by any other organ of the Union.

The ECOSOCC General Assembly recommends amendments to the established Sectoral Cluster Committees as it may deem necessary.

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ECOSOCC

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Event

ECOSOCC Civil Society Pre-Summit on the 2026 African Union Theme of the Year

9 February 2026

INVITATION TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

Press releases

ECOSOCC and Cambridge partner to enhance education and digital learning in Africa

ECOSOCC and Cambridge partner to enhance education & digital learning in Africa

29 September 2025

On 20th September 2025, the African Union’s Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) and Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge) signed an agreement to work together

Press releases

ECOSOCC launches CSO strategic engagements at UNGA80 to shape global outcomes

23 September 2025

As the world marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations under the theme “Building Our Future Together,” African civil society and leaders are pushing for a fairer, more inclusive global order

Press releases

Africa charts a new social contract: ECOSOCC’s 4th Citizens’ Forum concludes

15 July 2025

The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) successfully concluded its flagship annual Citizens’ Forum (4th edition), under the theme, “Reimagining Democracy and Advancing Reparative Justic

Press releases

Africa–China People-to-People Dialogue calls for strengthened and deeper citizen-led partnerships

Africa–China People-to-People Dialogue calls for deeper citizen-led partnerships

12 May 2025

The Africa–China People-to-People Dialogue, a two-day convening of civil society organizations (CSOs), private sector leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from across Africa and China, conclude

Press releases

ECOSOCC hosts training to equip CSOs with advocacy tools

30 April 2025

The African Union’s Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) has concluded a three-day training session in Accra, Ghana, aimed at equipping Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with advocacy

Latest videos

Interview with Mr. Joseph Chilengi, AU ECOSOCC

2018-05-05

Press Briefing: Dr. Joseph Chilengi, Presiding Officer of ECOSOCC

2016-07-16 - 2016-07-16

Point de presse : Joseph Chilengi, Président de l'ECOSOCC

2016-07-16 - 2016-07-16

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ECOSOCC

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