The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) recently completed its 119th Council of Ministers Session in Brussels, marking a significant milestone as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Under the theme “A Transformed and Renewed OACPS in a Changing World,” the session concluded with a resolute call for reform, renewal, and strategic action to address pressing global challenges.
Chaired by Senator Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Eswatini, the three-day session featured the first attendance of Secretary-General Moussa Saleh Batraki since his appointment in March 2025. During this meeting, ministers tackled urgent issues related to financial sustainability and governance, backing Batraki’s reform agenda. This agenda includes the formation of a ministerial advisory group focused on reforms and the implementation of financial oversight measures. The ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to the Samoa Agreement, further indicating a dynamic approach to the organization’s future.
In addition to reforms, the session highlighted the appointment of King Mswati III as the OACPS Champion for Resource Mobilisation, a move seen as a proactive step in securing the necessary resources to facilitate development.
The next gathering of OACPS leaders, including the Summit of Heads of State and Government, is set to occur in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea during the last quarter of 2025. This upcoming summit is anticipated to continue addressing pressing global issues while fostering collaboration between OACPS member states.
The emphasis on reform and strategic action reflects the OACPS’s recognition of the evolving global landscape and its commitment to adapting for future challenges. With the collaborative efforts of its members, there is considerable hope for a renewed sense of purpose and direction, paving the way for more integrated and sustainable development in the Caribbean, Africa, and the Pacific regions.
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