Brussels, 6 June 2022/OACPS: Forty-seven years ago, representatives of African, Caribbean and Pacific States gathered in Guyana to sign the Georgetown Agreement, bringing into being a group of States, which shared a common history and similar cultures even though they lived continents apart. They came together to jointly pursue the political and social-economic development of their countries for the benefit of their peoples

At the 9th Summit of ACP Heads of State and Government, held in December 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya, the Leaders took a defining step; by adopting the revised Georgetown Agreement, and reshaping the ACP Group of States into an international organisation, now known as the Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).

As President-in-Office of the OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government, it is with immense pleasure and pride that I congratulate our Organisation on the commemoration of its 47th anniversary at the same time; as we, also, celebrate the observance of the 2nd anniversary of OACPS Foundation Day, under the theme: ‘OACPS: Innovation and Resilience’.

As we celebrate this auspicious day, it is fitting that the OACPS recognises the contributions of those who have played a leading role in bringing the Organisation to where it is today.

The world has changed considerably over time. Engagement among members of the OACPS and with the rest of the world has undergone considerable transformation. South-South cooperation and regional integration has been embraced, as seen in initiatives on customs unions, free trade areas and regional infrastructure projects. At the global level, multilateralism and interdependence in addressing the global challenges that confront us, has increasingly taken center stage. In addition the Covid-19 pandemic created major disruption in OACPS countries.

In this emerging environment, the OACPS must remain resilient and innovative in prioritizing and implementing its programme to ensure effective delivery for its members.

I applaud the Leadership of the Organisation for the resilience it has demonstrated to become fit-for-purpose and a centre of excellence, as it progresses on the direction charted in Nairobi.

This anniversary is a celebration of survival, resilience and a renewed confidence and boldness to face the future, together as the OACPS. I commend His Excellency, Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, the Secretary-General of OACPS and his staff, the Council of Ministers and the Committee of Ambassadors of the OACPS, for having stayed the course, being resilient, and remaining focused on the goals of the OACPS that we all want. Together, we shall succeed because in “unity in our diversity”, we remain strong.

Kenya is honoured to have been at the helm of this unique and cherished organisation at such a pivotal moment. As I complete my three-year Presidency of the Summit of OACPS Heads of State and Government, I wish to assure the OACPS of the continued commitment and solidarity of the Republic of Kenya to the Vision of OACPS.

“Congratulations” and Ahsanteni Sana!

Download a PDF of the Message

Congratulatory Messages on the occasion of the 2nd OACPS Foundation Day:
Chair of the OACPS Council of Ministers
Chair of the OACPS Committee of Ambassadors
Secretary-General of the OACPS