The African Union Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) is holding its 2nd Ordinary Session of the 4th Permanent General Assembly from 11-13th December 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. The Session brings together CSOs constituting the 4th Permanent General Assembly, observers from partner organisations and other stakeholders committed to advancing the African Union's development agenda.

The ECOSOCC General Assembly serves as the highest decision-making body of the Organ, offering a platform for dialogue and strategy formulation in support of the African Union's mission to build a united and prosperous continent.

Dr. Abraham Korir SingOei, CBS, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Kenya opened the Session on behalf of The Honourable Musalia Mudavadi, E.G.H., Prime Cabinet Secretary of The Republic of Kenya and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.

Dr. SingOei emphasized the central role of civil society in furthering good governance and sustainable development across Africa, saying, “The value of civil society in the development of the African continent and in meeting the aspirations of Agenda 2063 need not be overemphasized. Civil society, it has been said, is the channel through which the demands of the public can be made known."

Highlighting ECOSOCC's responsibilities and achievements as "The Voice of the African Citizenry," Dr. SingOei said, "ECOSOCC is indeed the instrument and the mechanism by which the African Union centers citizens of these continents and the African diaspora in continental commitments, imperatives, and priorities. It therefore follows that a strong and vibrant ECOSOCC translates into a stronger African Union. Conversely, it also suggests that a feeble ECOSOCC enfeebles the African Union."

Outgoing ECOSOCC Presiding Officer, Mr. Khalid Boudali expressed gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Kenya for hosting the 2nd Ordinary Session of the 4th PGA. Mr. Boudali highlighted ECOSOCC's achievements as an Organ including having it gone through a rebirth as the most active AU organ.

"This moment not only underscored the institution's critical role but also reaffirmed our shared commitment to civil society as the heartbeat of African development. From Lusaka to Accra to New York at the UN Summit for the Future and now to Nairobi for the Second Ordinary Session of the Fourth ECOSOCC Permanent General Assembly, we have brought together leaders, stakeholders, and communities to chart a future that is inclusive, equitable, and rooted in the aspirations of Africa's people," he said

Ms. Josiane Willems, speaking on behalf of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), President, Oliver Röpke, reaffirmed the solidarity between ECOSOCC and EESC.

"The MoU signed between ECOSOCC and EESC symbolizes our shared commitment to address common challenges between Africa and Europe. Through mutual respect and collaboration, we aim strengthen citizens from both continents and create policies that drive meaningful change."

The partnership represents a step forward in building a united and resilient global community.

Mr. William Carew, Head of ECOSOCC Secretariat reiterated the same sentiments as the other speakers.

"Today, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. We can either allow the challenges to overwhelm us, or we can seize this moment to reassert our commitment to justice, equity, and human dignity,” he said.

Mr. Carew continued, “The role of civil society has never been more vital. Governments, the private sector, and international institutions must engage with us as true partners in building the future we want. ECOSOCC endeavors to be that platform to bring all the stakeholders together under one umbrella."

Expected Outcomes:

• Election of a diverse and representative ECOSOCC leadership for the 2024-2026 term.
• Validation of the revised ECOSOCC legal instruments, operational reports, and work programs.
• Increased understanding among participants of AU governance systems and civil society engagement mechanisms.
• Launch of the Call for Application National ECOSOCC Chapters to foster greater civil society involvement in AU processes.

The Session will conclude on 13th December 2024 with a renewed commitment to ECOSOCC's vision of a united, prosperous, and people-driven Africa.

As ECOSOCC continues its mission, the outcomes of this Session reaffirm the indispensable role of civil society in shaping Africa's future.

Learn more: https://ecosocc.au.int/en/ga/4/2nd-ordinary

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For more information:

Ms. Carol Jilombo | Senior Communications Officer | AU ECOSOCC Secretariat, Lusaka, Zambia. 

E-Mail: Jilomboc@africa-union.org                                                                                       

About ECOSOCC

The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) was established in July 2004 as an Advisory Organ composed of different social and professional groups of AU Member States. The mandate of ECOSOCC is to contribute, through advice, to the effective translation of the objectives, principles and policies of the African Union into concrete programmes, as well as the evaluation of these programmes.

Learn more at:  https://ecosocc.au.int

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