Brussels, 20 May 2025 – The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) will officially launch its 50th anniversary celebrations during the 119th Session of its Council of Ministers on Saturday, 24 May 2025 at 14:30, at the Maison des Associations Internationales, Rue Washington 40, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.

Established on 6 June 1975 in Georgetown, Guyana, the OACPS has expanded from 46 to 79 Member States across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. It is founded on the principles of unity in diversity, solidarity, and enhanced economic and trade cooperation among developing countries.

The opening ceremony will feature addresses by the Secretary-General of the OACPS, H.E. Mr. Moussa S. Batraki, and the President-in-Office of the Council of Ministers, Hon. Senator Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The keynote address will be delivered by H.E. President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of the Republic of Angola, current Chair of the OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government.

The event will unveil the official anniversary theme and mark the beginning of a year-long programme of activities running through June 2026, culminating in the 11th OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government.

Planned anniversary activities include a flagship celebration on OACPS 50th Anniversary Day (6 June 2025), along with youth engagement forums, cultural showcases, climate action initiatives, and stakeholder dialogues across Member States.

Media Contact:

Sousa Jamba

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