RENEWPAC Summit in Dakar: Liberals and Democrats unite for sustainable development
The Annual RENEWPAC Summit, held in Dakar, Senegal, has seen liberals and democrats from Africa, the Pacific, and the Caribbean come together to pledge a robust agenda for promoting sustainable development.
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The General Assembly of the Summit adopted a Manifesto today, representing the collective voice of political entities within the Renew Europe political family and allied parties across diverse regions.
Key topics addressed in the Manifesto include democracy and the rule of law, peace and security, fundamental rights, good governance, trade and investment, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), environmental concerns, climate action, energy policies, education, healthcare, and migration.
The Summit was inaugurated by Macky Sall, President of Senegal, in the presence of Nicola Beer, Vice-President of the European Parliament, Hakima El Haite, President of the Liberal International, and Gilbert Noël Ouédraogo, President of the African Liberal Network.
The agreed-upon text signifies a resolute commitment to reinforcing democratic institutions, enhancing political accountability, and safeguarding individual freedoms. The Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, the driving force behind organizing the RENEWPAC Summit, emphasizes the role of the partnership between Europe and Africa as a catalyst for sustainable development, with a focus on ensuring economic prosperity for all.
Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Renew Europe MEP and EU co-chair of RENEWPAC, stated, "As a liberal and democrat, I am proud of what our political family achieved at the RENEWPAC Summit in Dakar. Our shared vision, upholding fundamental values, will guide us towards a brighter, more prosperous, and equitable future for both continents. Fostering sustainable development is crucial for EU-Africa relations, and our political family is firmly committed to making this happen."
Mohamed Ouzzine, Member of the Moroccan Parliament and Africa Co-Chair of RENEWPAC, emphasized the historical impact of economic challenges and fragile democracies, stating, "Throughout history, nations facing economic challenges and fragile democracies have felt the impact of coups. These upheavals have consequences for security, exemplified by the emergence of jihadism, and socio-economic aspects, revealing the inability of leaders to meet citizens' expectations. The African continent is experiencing a domino effect, as similar patterns are repeated during the various transitions of power."
The RENEWPAC Summit manifests a unified commitment to shared values and sustainable development, symbolizing a collaborative effort for a brighter future for both Europe and its allied regions.
