The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) recently concluded a high-level meeting in New York, combining the Troika Summit with a gathering of Heads of State and Government from the OACPS Bureau of the Council of Ministers.
The meeting, held on 23 September, yielded significant outcomes, including a renewed commitment to the organisation’s mission and a collective resolve to address its financial challenges.
During the summit, OACPS Secretary-General Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti outlined the Secretariat’s fiscal challenges and proposed strategies for long-term sustainability.
He emphasised the importance of timely contributions from all member states and suggested engaging with new prospective partners, including international organisations, private sector entities, and philanthropic institutions.
Secretary-General Chikoti expressed optimism about the OACPS’s future, calling for united action to enhance the organisation’s capacity to serve member states and advance shared objectives.
In a unanimous decision, the summit appointed Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of Botswana, as the Champion for Resource Mobilisation.
This appointment comes as the OACPS approaches its 50th anniversary next year, with leaders emphasising the need to strengthen the organization’s position in addressing global challenges affecting developing nations.
President Masisi expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and committed to fulfilling this important role.
The Heads of State and Government present pledged their full support to President Masisi in his new capacity.
Meanwhile, during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, OACPS Secretary-General Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti consulted with Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The Secretary-General expressed profound appreciation for Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to the OACPS, exemplified by the establishment of the Diaspora Centre of Excellence in Abuja, and highlighted Nigeria’s crucial role in advancing the organisation’s agenda.
Vice President Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to the OACPS and its strategic partnership, under the Samoa Agreement.
Emphasising the need to enhance intra-OACPS interactions, he highlighted the potential of tourism sector in promoting South-South economic exchange and development. Additionally, he commended the OACPS for its role in helping find a solution to the crisis in Haiti, illustrating the organisation’s impact on global issues.
