| The African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States marks its 40th anniversary this year with a focus on regional integration, cultural diversity and forging strategic partnerships for the future.A stimulating two-day event, to be held at the seat of the ACP Group in Brussels on 4-5 June under the theme “From Georgetown to Sipopo and beyond”, will feature seminar debates, a photo exhibition and cultural festivities showcasing culinary specialties and musical spectacles from across the ACP regions.Headlining the main cultural event will be award-winning Ivorian singer Dobet Gnahoré, accompanied by Pan African dance group Badenya,Cheap Jordan Shoes Free Shipping, as well as performances from the Caribbean and Pacific Islands.“Four decades of existence is a milestone for the ACP as an international alliance of developing countries. With the organisation currently repositioning itself for more strategic engagements with regard to its future, this is an opportunity not only to review the past, but also to project to the decades ahead, especially in terms of how to be more effective and better respond to the development needs of our member countries in the 21st century,Air Max G��nstig Online Kaufen Schweiz,” stated Secretary General of the ACP Group Dr. Patrick I. Gomes.Since signing of its founding document, the Georgetown Agreement, on 6 June,Air Max Outlet Online Italia, 1975 in the Guyanese capital, the ACP Group has grown to now include 79 member countries, including 48 from Sub-Saharan Africa, 16 from the Caribbean and 15 from the Pacific.The intergovernmental body has established a unique sense of cohesion and solidarity, making it a powerful platform for developing countries to make joint stances on key global development issues.A key focus of the 40th anniversary is how to enhance regional and intra-ACP relations in order to better position the ACP Group to deliver on development goals in the post-2015 era.“One of the main areas the ACP countries are working on, is to diversify our partnerships beyond and in addition to the EU, to include other potential development partners as well as the emerging economies. In this regard,Cheap Jerseys, the ACP has a strong commitment to its role in South-South and Triangular cooperation,Ed Reed Jersey,” added Dr. Gomes.The longstanding partnership between the ACP Group and the European Union covers trade relations, development cooperation,Cheap NFL Gear, and political dialogue. Within this framework, also known as the Cotonou Agreement,Cheap Jerseys China, the EU contributes EUR 31.5 billion to African, Caribbean and Pacific countries channeled through bilateral, regional and intra-ACP envelopes.The 40th anniversary celebrations will be preceded by the ACP Council of Ministers meeting and the annual ACP-EU Joint Council from 25-29 May 2015. (newbusinessethiopia.com) |
