The African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC) celebrated a significant milestone with a Flag Raising Ceremony on July 4th, 2024, at the Secretariat in Lusaka, Zambia. This event marked the commencement of the #ECOSOCC20 commemorations, highlighting 20 years of dedicated work towards African unity and enhancing citizen participation in the continent's affairs.
The ECOSOCC Journey
Since its inception in 2004, ECOSOCC has played a pivotal role in promoting civil society engagement within the African Union's decision-making framework. Over the past two decades, the organ has spearheaded numerous initiatives to foster good governance, human rights, and socio-economic development across Africa. This ceremony was a tribute to the visionaries who established ECOSOCC and a reflection of its on-going mission.
A Ceremony of Significance
The Flag Raising Ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the council's founding principles and Zambia's commitment to these ideals. Zambia's Vice President Mutale Nalumango, officially opened the event on behalf of the country's President Hakainde Hichilema. Vice-President Nalumango highlighted the importance of ensuring that the voices of African citizens are heard in policymaking and emphasized the vital role of civil society in shaping Africa's democratic future. She noted, "This flag-raising ceremony is a testament to our unwavering commitment to unity, solidarity, and cooperation." Nalumango further reflected on the legacy of African post-colonial founding fathers that fought for independence and self-determination, underscoring the symbolic weight of the flag in representing these ideals.
Zambia's Dedication to African Unity
As hosts of the ECOSOCC Secretariat since November 2019, the Zambian government reaffirmed its dedication to the African Union's vision of unity and solidarity. The ceremony not only recognized Zambia's role as the host nation but also celebrated its commitment to African unity. Nalumango shared, "This flag raising ceremony symbolizes Zambia's on-going commitment to the African Union vision and its direct engagement with the continent's citizenry."
Recognizing Achievements and Future Goals
The ceremony also provided an opportunity to reflect on ECOSOCC's achievements and to set future goals. Mr. Khalid Boudali, ECOSOCC Presiding Officer, praised the organ's significant contributions to Africa's development. He emphasized ECOSOCC's crucial role in bridging the gap between African citizens and their governments, ensuring that the voices of civil society are represented in policymaking processes.
A Special Announcement
William Carew, Head of the ECOSOCC Secretariat, marked the event as a historic milestone. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Zambia for their support and announced that an upcoming ECOSOCC Resource-Centre would be named after the late Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, in honouring Zambia's contributions and support to the organ's Secretariat.
A Gathering of Leaders and Citizens
The ceremony was attended by over 200 participants, including senior government officials from Zambia, representatives of the African Union Commission, members of the diplomatic corps and civil society organizations. The gathering symbolized the unity, resilience, and progress of ECOSOCC over the past two decades and reinforced its commitment to advancing inclusive development and good governance across Africa.
The Flag Raising Ceremony was a moving celebration of ECOSOCC's journey and a hopeful look towards the future, emphasizing African unity and development. As the organ continues to champion the voices of the African citizenry, the event served as a reminder of the importance of solidarity and cooperation in achieving a prosperous and unified Africa.
