Africa-Press – Eswatini. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Dlamini Shakantu, has called for renewed vision, unwavering unity, and inclusive progress as the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) celebrated its 50th anniversary on Friday, May 23, 2025.
Speaking as President of the OACPS Council of Ministers, Shakantu paid tribute to the visionary founders of the OACPS who, half a century ago, imagined a world united by common purpose, respect, and mutual progress. “Our forebears envisioned a bold and unifying framework that would allow our countries, diverse in geography, culture, and experience, to come together in common purpose,” she said, reflecting on the journey from the 1975 Georgetown Agreement to the recently signed Samoa Agreement.
Amidst today’s complex challenges, Shakantu struck a note of hope and determination, emphasizing that within every crisis lies the seed of transformation. She called on OACPS Member States to summon the courage and vision to rise to the occasion, forging a future that is vibrant, bold, and inclusive.
Her vision for the OACPS is one of renewal and progress—where partnerships go beyond aid to embrace trade, science, climate action, and digital innovation. She underscored the need to empower youth, women, and entrepreneurs as agents of sustainable change, while mobilizing political will and financial resources to ensure the OACPS remains a powerful global force for equity and justice.
“Let this 50th anniversary be more than a commemoration. Let it be a clarion call—a call to reclaim our purpose, to assert our relevance, and to lead with the confidence that unity, solidarity, and shared ambition remain our greatest strengths,” she declared passionately.
Shakantu’s speech concluded with a pledge to work tirelessly with all Member States and partners to set the OACPS on a new path of dynamism, sustainability, and transformative action. “Together, let us write the next chapter of the OACPS story—one of renewal, resilience, and relevance,” she said, inspiring delegates and stakeholders to embrace the power of unity and shared ambition.
Senator Pholile Shakantu’s uplifting address resonated deeply with the audience, setting a powerful tone for the golden jubilee celebrations and reinforcing the message that, together, OACPS can continue to build a better, more inclusive world.
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