Africa-Press – Eswatini. In a powerful address to mark the 50th anniversary of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and President of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the OACPS, has called on member states to embrace a new era of solidarity, transformation, and progress.
The OACPS, which brings together 79 nations across three continents, was founded on the principles of unity and cooperation among developing countries. President Lourenço reflected on this historic journey, noting that “fifty years ago, our countries united around a common dream – to strengthen solidarity, speak with one voice, and promote sustainable, inclusive development.” This vision, he affirmed, remains as relevant and vital today as it was five decades ago.
Under the theme “A Transformed and Renewed OACPS in a Changing World,” the golden jubilee marks a turning point, as the organization faces unprecedented global challenges. President Lourenço identified key issues confronting member states, including climate shocks, rising debt, and limited development financing. He underscored the importance of confronting these shared challenges together, emphasizing that “this scenario gives our organization ever greater relevance.”
Celebrating the achievements of the past, the President also looked to the future. He called for a revitalization of the OACPS’s structures and a renewed commitment to financial sustainability and collective decision-making power. A highlight of this forward-looking agenda is the recently adopted Samoa Agreement, which he described as a “firm step” towards deepening cooperation with the European Union and strengthening the OACPS’s position in global affairs.
President Lourenço’s message was both a celebration and a rallying cry for the next 50 years. He urged member states to reaffirm the foundational values of the OACPS: “solidarity, justice, and mutual respect,” while working to ensure that the organization remains a beacon of unity in diversity.
As the OACPS marks this historic milestone, the President’s words echo a powerful sentiment: that through unity and shared vision, the member states can navigate the complexities of a changing world and build a future of prosperity and dignity for their 1.5 billion citizens.
“Happy 50th Anniversary of the OACPS,” President Lourenço concluded, with a resounding message of hope and determination.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
