ECOSOCC Citizens’ Forum 2025

Reimagining Democracy and Advancing Reparative Justice: A New Social Contract

8–9 July 2025 | Bisila Palace Hotel, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

About the Citizens’ Forum

The 2025 Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) Citizens' Forum represents the African Union's principal mechanism for civil society engagement, focusing on establishing a transformative social contract predicated upon justice, inclusion, and reparative frameworks. Building upon institutional precedents set through previous participatory forums in Lusaka, Nairobi, and Accra, and maintaining strategic alignment with Agenda 2063.

This edition will feature high-level policy dialogues, specialized workshops, and evidence-based recommendations to advance Africa's governance and development objectives. As a manifestation of the AU's commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development, the forum serves to foster continental unity, institutional resilience, and enhanced accountability mechanisms across member states.

2025 Thematic Areas

Reparative Justice & Integration

Pathways to redress historical injustices and empower Afro-descendants and diaspora.

Global Governance Reform

Repositioning Africa in the UN system and multilateral institutions.

Climate Resilience

Driving just transitions with inclusive, indigenous, and sustainable strategies.

Health Sovereignty

Strengthening African-led health infrastructure post-COVID-19.

Fiscal Justice

Combating illicit financial flows and shaping global tax equity.

AI & Civic Innovation

Harnessing digital tools to protect civic space and promote participation.

Why This Forum Matters

Africa stands at a crossroads. Citizens are calling for new models of justice, governance, and cooperation.

“This is more than a forum — it’s a movement for a democratic, just, and unified Africa.”

Event Details

Title:

2025 ECOSOCC Citizens’ Forum

Theme:

Reimagining Democracy and Advancing Reparative Justice: A New Social Contract

Dates:

8 – 9 July 2025

Venue:

Bisila Palace Hotel, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

Format:

Two-day forum featuring plenary sessions, thematic panels, breakout discussions, expert facilitation, Q&A segments, and a closing ceremony.

Participants:

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), African Diaspora Union, Think Tanks, AU Member States, Academicians, Technical Experts, AU Commission and affiliated organs.

Be part of Africa’s governance future.

International Participants Local Participants (Malabo)

Partners & Supporters