President Taye calls for stronger partnerships to advance shared strategic interests at OACPS Summit

Addis Ababa, March 28, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie, speaking at the 11th Summit of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) in Malabo, urged stronger, more genuine partnerships to advance shared strategic interests and address common challenges.

The three-day summit, which began on Friday, has brought together leaders from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, alongside representatives from the United Nations, African Union, and European Union, highlighting the bloc’s growing geopolitical significance.

Addressing the gathering, President Taye emphasized that the organization must leverage its diversity and turn it into a strategic advantage.

“Its strength lies in promoting our shared strategic interests through genuine partnership and by wisely addressing problems that may seem larger than our collective commitment and capacity,” he said.

He stressed that in a rapidly shifting global economic and political landscape, a strong and cohesive institution is essential to safeguard the collective interests of its members.

The President outlined key proposals aimed at strengthening strategic multilateralism, noting that the organization’s vast potential must be translated into tangible gains.

He underscored the importance of deepening South-South cooperation and called for a shift in engagement with middle- and high-income partners, moving beyond a traditional donor-recipient framework toward mutually beneficial relationships.

He further urged member states to cultivate a shared sense of ownership over the organization’s mission.

Highlighting priority areas for joint action, he pointed to sustainable development, climate-resilient economies, and peace and security as central pillars.

On digital transformation, President Taye stressed that OACPS nations must evolve from being consumers of technology to becoming producers and innovators.

He identified artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital sovereignty as critical sectors requiring focused investment and collaboration.

The President also noted that Ethiopia will host the upcoming COP32 Climate Change Conference, describing it as an opportunity for member states to showcase progress in green development and climate resilience, as reported by ENA.

Speaking at the summit, António Guterres highlighted that countries in these regions are disproportionately affected by climate change despite contributing the least to its causes, calling for unified global action to ensure climate justice.

The summit also featured remarks from Évariste Ndayishimiye, who, as Chairperson of the African Union, conveyed a message of solidarity.

Discussions at the summit are expected to focus on securing sustainable financing, strengthening institutional frameworks, and forging a unified position on global climate action.