AU-ECOSOCC and EESC Forge Alliance to Boost Africa-EU Relations

The Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (AU-ECOSOCC) has entered into a strategic partnership with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) to enhance cooperation and foster economic and social development, as well as civil society engagement, across both continents.

On Wednesday, July 17, 2024 representatives of the AU-ECOSOCC and the EESC met in Accra where a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two entities, allowing for the involvement of economic and social stakeholders from both the EU and the AU in various AU-EU partnership processes and projects. The MoU aims to enhance mutual cooperation in areas relevant to both parties, with a view to achieving the objectives of the Africa-EU Partnership, building a framework for sustainable and inclusive development towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union Agenda 2063.

In his remarks, Khalid Boudali, Presiding Officer of AU-ECOSOCC, highlighted the myriad of challenges facing the African Union and the European Union, including sustainable development, climate change, migration, digital transformation, and the pursuit of a more democratic and fair society.

“Our cooperation is vital in building mutual understanding and solidarity between the people of Europe and Africa. Both EESC and AU-ECOSOCC are deeply committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” Boudali stated.

He emphasized that the signing of the MoU is a testament to their dedication to global objectives and their determination to contribute to its achievement, noting further that civil society engagement under the EU-AU partnership is of paramount importance.

“Through this MoU, we underline our commitment to enhancing civil society participation in the Africa-EU partnership, fostering the establishment of a permanent, inclusive, and representative mechanism for such engagement. It is a demonstration of our shared commitment to promoting the values of democracy, inclusive dialogue, and sustainable development,” stated Oliver Röpke, President of EESC.

The signing ceremony forms part of activities commemorating the 20th anniversary of ECOSOCC, the civil society empowerment arm of the African Union. Since its inception in 2004, AU-ECOSOCC has played a pivotal role in integrating civil society into the decision-making processes of the Union.

As ECOSOCC celebrates its 20th anniversary in July 2024, it reflects on a journey marked by significant contributions to fostering civic engagement, advancing policy development, and implementing initiatives across Africa. This milestone serves as an opportunity to assess progress in enhancing interaction between the African Union and its citizens, demonstrating two decades of dedication to promoting Pan-African values and driving socio-economic and cultural development across the continent.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from civil society organizations, AU member states, the AU Commission, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), international organizations, development partners, and the wider African community.

By Jeorge Wilson Kingson || ghananewsonline.com.gh