Brussels, 10 October 2016/ ACP: The ACP-EU TradeComII Programme is accepting concept papers from a wide range of actors who wish to carry out trade-related programmes, training, research and networking activities for the benefit of African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.

Trade research or training institutions, academic institutions with specific trade programmes, export promotion or agencies, private sector advocacy organisations; and certain international organisations are invited to make submissions.

Brussels, 10 October 2016/ ACP: The ACP Secretariat and the World Customs Organisation (WCO) have teamed up to assist the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) of the ACP Group to realise the benefits of the package of measures agreed to by the 10^th World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference that was held in Nairobi, Kenya in December 2015.

Brussels, 5 October 2016/ ACP:  In the lead up to the Marrakech Climate Change Conference (COP 22) this November 2016, representatives of African, Caribbean and Pacific countries gathered in Brussels this week to discuss key climate concerns for the ACP Group of States.

Brussels, 4 October 2016/ European Parliament Press Release: The Cotonou Agreement between the African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the EU needs to be reformed in order to improve its effectiveness, MEPs said in a resolution adopted Tuesday. They call for a new legally binding framework that focuses on global development goals, human rights and enhances regional cooperation.

New York, 23 September 2016/ ACP: The ACP Secretary General H.E. Dr. Patrick I. Gomes paid a courtesy call to the President of the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly H.E. Peter Thomson, Ambassador of Fiji, while in New York for the meetings of the UNGA.

The Secretary General welcomed Fiji's election to the seat, this being the first time for a Pacific Island country to hold the presidency.

Brussels, 21 September 2016/ ACP: The ACP Committee of Ambassadors, one of the most active decision-making organs of the ACP Group, will be chaired by the Ambassador of the Eastern Caribbean States (including St. Kitts and Nevis), H.E. Dr. Len Ishmael for the period 1 August 2016 – 31 January 2017.

Ambassador Ishmael made her inaugural address last Thursday 15 September as Chairperson of the body, which comprises of plenipotentiaries from 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.

New York, 21 September/ ACP: The ACP Secretary-General H.E. Dr Patrick Gomes delivered a statement at the United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants in New York on Monday, calling for international solidarity to address the drivers of migration, whether political, economic, social or environmental.