OAU-Civil Society Conference: Opening statement by K. Y. Amoako, executive secretary of ECA

Abstract

Opening Statement by K. Y. Amoako, Executive Secretary of ECA at the OAU-Civil Society Conference. Mr. Amoako, on his remarks highlighted that, ECA’s work with African civil society in the 1980s, so ably spearheaded by Adebayo Adedeji, led to our holding a conference in Arusha that resulted in the African Charter for Popular Participation. This charter was picked up by the OAU, was endorsed by our heads of state and was further endorsed by the UN General Assembly. The Centre’s role is to strengthen civil society organizations (CSOs), to promote their linkages with governments, and to continue to promote their access to and engagement in major development policy forums. The OAU has worked with civil society actors, including very effective women-led CSOs, in some its most successful peace building operations. This forum is a chance to explore further opportunities for multi-track diplomacy in which civil society has a prominent role. In its vital work to promote governance and democracy, the OAU and CSOs have common cause. The OAU is vital to seeing that there is understanding and fostering of a much-enhanced relationship between civil society and the state.