ECOSOCC holds multi-stakeholder consultative meeting on the AU harmonised accreditation mechanism and AU CSO accreditation portal

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April 08, 2022

The African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC)’s consultations on the AU harmonised accreditation mechanism for granting observer and consultation status to Civil Society Organizations and the AU CSO Accreditation Portal officially kicked off yesterday. This is in line with the AU Executive Council decision EX.CL/924(XXVII) which urges ECOSOCC as an advisory Organ of the Union and in close consultation with the Commission, AU Organs and member states; to pursue a harmonized mechanism and clear criteria for the
granting of AU consultative and observer status to CSOs in Africa.

The meeting is expected to enhance understanding on the AU harmonised accreditation framework and solicit inputs from relevant AU Organs and Institutions on existing mechanisms that are being used to engage with CSOs.

The meeting is also expected to increase mutual understanding of the mandates and programmatic agenda of ECOSOCC and other Organs, institutions and agencies on the process of the harmonised CSO accreditation mechanism; gather inputs and alignment from other AU Organs and ECOSOCC into the development of the harmonised CSO accreditation mechanism and user requirements for the AU CSO accreditation portal.

Speaking at the opening session, Ambassador Amr Aljowaily, Strategic Advisor to the Deputy Chairperson, AUC emphasized that harmonizing the accreditation mechanism was very timely to building the “Africa we want” noting that, a successful meeting would directly contribute to the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the next 10-year plan of the AU.
Amb. Aljowaily reiterated the AUC’s commitment towards strengthening ties with an accredited civil society and diaspora, recently reflected through its active participation in the Global Diaspora Summit held earlier this week in Dublin.

ECOSOCC Presiding Officer, Denise Kodhe, highlighted the importance of the meeting as a response to the Executive Council Decision EX/CL 890, which calls on the ECOSOCC to collaborate with the AUC and AU member states to actively pursue a harmonized mechanism and set clear criteria for granting of AU consultative/observer status to CSOs in Africa; calling on all stakeholders to take ownership of the process.

ECOSOCC Head of Secretariat, William Carew noted the role of CSOs in the political and social development of Africa. Quoting articles 5(i) and 22 of the ECOSOCC Statutes, he reiterated the mandate of ECOSOCC, the creation of its relevant institutional structures, and capacity that are crucial to carrying out its functions; one of which is creating a harmonized accreditation mechanism for granting CSOs consultative status.

‘’As a technical consultation, it is vital to get this process right, as this has been a long call that started in the days of the OAU. There is also a need to create an institutional mechanism for flow of information for these documents, especially appointing focal persons in each organ/institution to take leadership for this process,’’ he said.

In attendance at the meeting are representatives from the ECOSOCC Secretariat, AUC, AU Organs and Institutions, and consultants.

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://www.auecosocc.org;

Facebook: African Union ECOSOCC; Twitter: @AU_ECOSOCC

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Raj Chintaram, Desk Officer |ECOSOCC Secretariat| E-mail: ChintaramG@africa-union.org

Carol Jilombo, Senior Communications Officer |ECOSOCC Secretariat | E-mail: Jilomboc@africa-union.org | Lusaka, Zambia.

For further information, please contact: