Establishment of National Chapters

Executive Council Decision EX/CL/Dec. 869 (XXVI) of 23-27 January 2015 and Dec. EX/CL 924 (XXVI) of June 2015 considers ECOSOCC National Chapters as a framework for accountability of elected members, as well as a conduit for disseminating information and mobilizing support for AU programs and activities

National ECOSOCC Chapters, also known as National Chapters, are an emanation of the ECOSOCC family and shall operate in accordance to the Statutes and driving philosophy of ECOSOCC. In the absence of an established framework for National Chapters; the guidelines for the setting up of the same National chapters were adopted in May 2015 (Khartoum, Sudan).

The proposed framework was pilot tested during the period 2016 & 2017 and was later presented for adoption at the General Assembly held in Cairo, March 2017.

The National Chapter Framework has been adopted. This adoption marks a significant step forward in strengthening the role of civil society within the AU's structures and enhancing the transparency and effectiveness of its engagements across the continent.

Composition of Interim National Chapters

The Interim National Chapters shall be composed of different social and professional groups of the Member States of the African Union. These CSOs include but are not limited to the following:

  • Social groups such as those representing women, children, the youth, the elderly and people with disability and special needs;

  • Professional groups such as associations of artists, engineers, health practitioners, social workers, media, teachers, sport associations, legal professionals, social scientists, academia, business organizations, national chambers of commerce, workers, employers, industry and agriculture as well as other private sector interest groups;

  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs) and voluntary organizations;