What: Flag Raising Ceremony in Commemoration of ECOSOCC’s 20th Anniversary

When: Thursday, July 4, 2024

Time: 9:30 a.m. CAT

Who: Zambia’s President H.E Hakainde Hichilema; ECOSOCC Presiding Officer. Mr. Khalid Boudali: ECOSOCC Head of Secretariat, Mr. William Carew; H.E. Remigius Siyave Haindongo, High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia and Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors; top government officials and Diplomatic Corps

Where: African Union ECOSOCC Secretariat | 8658 Kudu Road, Kabulonga, Lusaka, Zambia

BACKGROUND

Since coming into effect in 2004, the African Union Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC), the AU’s advisory body, has been vital in integrating civil society into the Union's decision-making processes. As ECOSOCC commemorates its 20th anniversary in July 2024, it reflects on a journey distinguished by significant efforts to enhance civic participation, influence policy development, and implement initiatives across various thematic areas in Africa. Consequently, this landmark occasion provides an opportunity to evaluate the progress in strengthening interaction between the African Union and the continent's citizens, showcasing two decades of commitment in advancing Pan-African values and promoting socio-economic and cultural development across the continent.

EVENT OVERVIEW

On July 4, 2024, the ECOSOCC Secretariat, in association with the Government of Zambia, will officially host a Flag Raising Ceremony presided over by H.E, President Hakainde Hichilema. This event will inaugurate the #ECOSOCC20 flagship commemorations, honouring ECOSOCC’s 20-year legacy of empowering civil society and underscoring its role in promoting African unity and citizen engagement across the continent.

The Flag Raising Ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the vision that inspired the establishment of ECOSOCC as a civil society policy organ. Additionally, it underscores Zambia's commitment to upholding the African Union's vision. As hosts of the ECOSOCC Secretariat since November 2019, this event reaffirms the Zambian government's dedication to African unity and solidarity, highlighting collaborative efforts among African states to achieve common objectives.

NOTABLE ATTENDEES

• Senior Government Officials of the Republic of Zambia
• Representative of the African Union Commission
• Diplomatic corps/Missions Accredited to Zambia
• Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

The Flag Raising Ceremony marks a historic milestone for ECOSOCC and acknowledges the efforts of the Government of Zambia as the host country, along with the African Union. It represents a renewed dedication to continental ideals and a people-driven development model that leverages the potential of African citizens. Furthermore, this event seeks to reinforce the bond between African governments and their citizens, paving the way for a collaborative future based on mutual respect and common goals.

Media houses are invited to cover the opening at 9:30 a.m. CAT at the ECOSOCC Secretariat Office, 8658 Kudu Road, Kabulonga, Lusaka, Zambia or tune in to our livestreaming through this link:https://zoom.us/j/94067779296?pwd=dIp3ai9FNfXrOv4X4E384AGKgWqFnJ.1.

For further information, please contact:

Carol Jilombo Senior Communications Officer | African Union ECOSOCC | Lusaka, Zambia | Email: Jilomboc@africa-union.org