09 September 2014
African Union ECOSOCC Mission to Seychelles
Headed by Ambassador Lazarous Kampambwe
LUNGOS in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invites all civil society organisations to a special and important meeting which will provide valuable information on how civil society can participate in the work of the African Union:
Date: Friday 19th September 2014
Time: 09:00am – 12:30pm (tea break included)
Venue: CARE House, Victoria
Participation: At least 2 members per CSO/NGO are invited.
Kindly confirm your participation by calling Ms Henry on 2325550/52.
Please provide us with the names of participants, so that LUNGOS can issue letter of release.
* For more information on African Union ECOSOCC please find document attached.
* Please check email sent by LUNGOS to all accredited members on 20 August 2014 titled: Ecosocc Elections Process as reference. Kindly inbox us on [email protected] to request a copy of this email.
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Information about ECOSOCC:
The Economic Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (ECOSOCC) is an official organ of the African Union. The distinctive character of the African Union’s ECOSOCC is that it is an opportunity for African civil society to play an active role in charting the future of the Continent, organizing itself in partnership with African governments to contribute to the principles, policies and programmes of the African Union.
How does ECOSOCC elections process work?
Eligible Organisations:
a. Social groups such as those representing women, children, the youth, the elderly and people with disability and special needs;
b. 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;
c. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs) and voluntary organizations;
d. Cultural organizations;
The objectives of ECOSOCC are:
· Promote dialogue between all segments of African people on issues concerning the Continent and its future;
· Forge strong partnerships between governments and all segments of civil society, in particular, women, the youth, children the Diaspora, organized labour, the private sector, and professional group;
· Promote the participation of African Civil Society in the implementation of the policies and programmes of the Union;
· Support policies and programmes that promote peace, security and stability and foster Continental development and integration;
· Promote and defend a culture of good governance, democratic principles and institutions, popular participation, human rights and social justice;
· Promote, advocate and defend a culture of gender equality;
· Promote and strengthen the institutional, human and operational capacities of the African civil society;
The 10 Sectoral Cluster Committees of ECOSOCC of which when you become a member are:
How does ECOSOCC elections process work?
CSOs selected per country –> formation of 2nd General assembly –> Members are appointed according to thematic sectors –> Participate in the work of African Union as Advisory body.
Eligible Organisations:
1. Peace and Security Committee
2. Political Affairs Committee
3. Infrastructure and Energy Committee
4. Social Affairs and Health Committee
5. Human Resources, Sciences and Technology Committee
6. Trade and Industry Committee
7. Rural Economy and Agriculture Committee
8. Economic Affairs Committee
9. Women and Gender Committee
10. Cross-Cutting Programs Committee
