Signed in 2000 for a period of 20 years, the Cotonou Partnership Agreement is one of the most comprehensive frameworks of cooperation between the EU and 79 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific [ACP]. The EU-ACP partnership ruled by this legal framework focuses on the poverty eradication and inclusive sustainable development for both, ACP and EU countries. With the current negotiations of the new agreement, we enter a new era in the EU-ACP relations, unfolding new dynamics and cooperation going beyond traditional development approach and focusing on challenges faced in each region, such as growth and job creation, sustainable development and peace, migration and security issues.
African Diaspora, by its unique position and knowledge of cultures and social contexts of their countries of origin and stay, coupled with their extensive expertise in various fields, is an undeniable actor of the process, whose untapped potential and engagement can considerably fuel the EU-ACP dialogue and consultations.
Organized in partnership with CONCORD, this webinar will focus on the work undertaken by civil society in Europe and Africa to influence the current negotiations between the EU and the ACP group for the adoption of their post-2020 agreement that will replace the current Cotonou Partnership Agreement.
Karine Sohet, the chair of the CONCORD working group on EU-ACP & Africa relations, will present the work of the group and how it relates with other civil society initiatives on EU-Africa relations. She will provide a general introduction to the process of negotiations and the challenges and opportunities it represents for civil society, development and migration in the context of EU-Africa relations and will be happy to exchange with participants on the ways in which African diaspora could engage in the process.
When: Thursday, 5 September 2019, 16h30 CET
Where: Online [Register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DS5DWCC]
