Morocco Takes over Chairmanship of Union of African Economic and Social Councils
Morocco took over the rotating chairmanship of the Union of Economic & Social Councils & Similar Institutions of Africa during the Union’s General Assembly convened Wednesday in Rabat.
Ahmed Reda Chami, President of the Moroccan Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) won the majority of votes and will thus chair the African body for the next two years in replacement of Malian Boulkassoum Haidara.
The role of the Union of Economic & Social Councils of Africa consists in promoting the well-being of African citizens and the sustainable development of the continent, and pushes for an effective involvement of the Councils in the process of African integration. It holds periodical meetings for experience sharing, encourages the setting up of new economic and social councils in Africa and seeks to enhance cooperation with similar institutions worldwide.
Reda Chami who welcomed the trust of the representatives of the Union members in the CESE, outlined the roadmap of the Moroccan mandate, which will focus, he said, on the strengthening of the institutional and organizational mechanisms of the Union and the promotion of a system of reference and objectives for a social charter.
Besides strengthening cooperation between the Union members and improving its positioning, Chami said he will endeavor to give center stage to the impact of climate change and the responses to be brought to the benefit of African populations, through co-elaborating a citizen-centered participatory approach.
“Our ambition is to raise the Union’s contribution to the dynamics of improving the well-being of African citizens and the sustainable development of the continent,” he stressed.
Created in 2001, the Union of Economic & Social Councils & Similar Institutions of Africa brings together Africa’s economic and social councils and represents the continent on the board of directors of the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions.
The Moroccan CESE provides advice on economic, social and environmental issues by carrying out studies and research at the request of the Government, the House of Representatives or the House of Councilors, or on its own initiative.
