Brussels, 13/06/2016 (Agence Europe) - The future direction of the ACP Group of nations after 2020 when the Cotonou Agreement expires is taking shape in the minds of the 79 ACP countries linked to the EU by this development partnership agreement. ACP heads of state and/or government want to capitalise on the unity and cohesion of their group to make it more influential in world governance and to strengthen the unique partnership with the EU, while at the same time diversifying and relying first and foremost on the strengths of the ACP countries themselves.
That was the decision of the 8th summit of ACP heads of state and/or government (Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, from 30 May to 1 June), chaired by Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill (see EUROPE 11570). The final declaration, called the Waigani Communique on the Future Perspectives of the ACP Group of States, makes clear the determination of the ACP Group to defend the interests of its member countries internationally, taking account of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), migration issues, climate change and tackling terrorism.
ACP heads of state and/or government want to make the group “the leading transcontinental organisation working towards improving the living standards of our peoples through good governance, preservation of peace and security, social justice, entrepreneurship, building capacity in the private sector, promotion of trade, investments and access to technology, sustainable development”, and also South-South, North-South and Triangular Cooperation to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development. To implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development in full will require closer cooperation among ACP member states and with their international partners, the Communique states.
The ACP countries acknowledge the positive contribution that ACP-EU relations have had “as a unique North-South development cooperation model” but stress the need to count primarily on their own efforts and strengths and on the need for diversified partnerships “if the ACP Group is to achieve a level of social and economic development in keeping with the expectations of our populations”. In the EU, the results of the public consultation on what is to happen post-Cotonou are currently being assessed (see EUROPE 11477). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)