Apia, Samoa, 4 September 2014/ ACP: Leaders from the Pacific and Caribbean were briefed on the progress made by the Drafting Committee of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on the future perspectives of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States today.

The presentation was held in conjunction with the Pacific ACP Leaders Breakfast briefing on margins of SIDS Summit, hosted by the Samoan Prime Minister, Hon. Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi.

Addressing the Summit on behalf of the EPG Drafting Committee, Fijian Ambassador, Hon. Kaliopate Tavola and former Financial Secretary, Samoa, Mr. Kolone Vaai, presented the initial findings of the 18-month consultation process into the past performance and future potential of the ACP Group.

Highlighting ‘the things that matter’ to key stakeholders in the Pacific and Caribbean, the presentation identified common positions on core activities of the ACP Group’s work across areas including political dialogue and advocacy, trade and investment and development cooperation – particularly drawing on lessons learned from the organisation’s 39-year partnership with the European Union (EU).

With the current ACP-EU partnership coming to a conclusion with the close of the Cotonou Agreement in 2020, the 12-member EPG panel has been tasked with reviewing the ACP’s performance to date and providing recommendations for the Group’s future orientation in light of new global realities.

In presenting the initial findings of the consultative process with stakeholders in the Pacific and Caribbean Ambassador Tavola and Mr Vaai also discussed the future vision, guiding principles and opportunities for the ACP Group.

“Ultimately, our vision is to see improved living standards and equitable, sustainable economic and social advancement for ACP nations,” said Ambassador Tavola.

Earlier this week, the Drafting Committee of EPG concluded the final round of regional consultations with senior government officials, high-level representatives of COMESA, the South African Development Community (SADC), the SADC Parliamentary Forum and members of the private sector and civil society in Luanda, Angola.

The findings of the Southern African region consultative process will be tabled at the next meeting of the EPG Drafting Committee in Geneva next week as the Group prepares the final details of its report ahead of validation meetings with key stakeholders.

The final EPG Report, which is due to be presented at the Summit of ACP Heads of State and Government later this year, will outline the findings of the regional consultations along key recommendations and an implementation strategy for the future orientation of the ACP Group.

For media enquiries and interviews contactMs. Josephine Latu-Sanft, Press Attache, ACP Group Secretariat,Email: latu@acp.int, Tel: +32 2 743 0617.