Georgetown, Guyana, 24 March 2017/ IOM/ ACP – A three-day inter-regional event brought together 70 delegates and experts from the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States and from the European Union (EU) to look at the most effective means to counter the trafficking in human beings and smuggling of migrants at the local, regional and global levels.

Excellencies, Distinguished invited guests, Ladies and gentlemen

It is indeed an honour for me this afternooon, to be granted this opportunity to provide a few opening remarks  on  our theme  for this afternoon, SHE INSPIRES, as we pay homage to  International Women’s Day (8th March, 2017), and the inspirational role of the women in our ACP countries and  in the diaspora.

Instead of speaking on behalf of ACP women, the ACP Secretariat consulted the   ACP Civil Society Forum Network, (first conceptualised in 1997; first meeting 5th July,  2001), in order  to receive their inputs on   how best to strengthen and   foster a more visible generation of inspirational women throughout our ACP regions.

In preparation for the high-level United Nations Oceans Conference, an oceans forum co-organized by UNCTAD, FAO, the ACP Secretariat, COMSEC and International Ocean Institute (IOI) is  to be held from 21 - 22 March 2017,  Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.  The Forum shall be preceded by a briefing session on the Fisheries Regulatory Framework at the Multilateral Level scheduled for the 20 March 2017.

More information

Briefing session:  http://unctad.org/en/pages/MeetingDetails.aspx?meetingid=1297

Oceans Forum: http://unctad.org/en/pages/MeetingDetails.aspx?meetingid=1299

The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Walter Mzembi, who is also the African Union- endorsed candidate for the post of Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), met with the Secretary General of the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of countries. Dr Patrick I Gomes, at the ACP’s Brussels Headquarters on 20 February, 2017.

Mr. Mike Eman, Chairman of OCTA and Premier of Aruba, 
Excellency, Mr. Neven Mimica, Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development,
Excellencies, Members of the European Parliament,
Chairman of the Conference of the President of the Outermost Regions,
Distinguished participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is with great pleasure and honour that, upon your kind and appreciated invitation, I am here today on behalf of the 79 member states of the ACP Group, to share with you some thoughts at this important 15^th OCT-EU Forum gathered here in this beautiful island of Aruba.

The ACP Group of States has learnt with deep shock and sadness of the suicide attack that occurred on 18^th January 2017 at an army Camp in Gao, Northern part of Mali.

The ACP Group of States expresses heartfelt condolences to the Government and People of Mali particularly to the families of the victims of the suicide bomb explosion.

The ACP Group of States condemns this heinous act of terror that has led to 60 deaths and 115 injured, with the strongest possible terms. The ACP Group of States stands with the People of Mali in solidarity and confirms its strong will to support Mali in its efforts to sustain peace and counter terrorism.

After a year full of varied accomplishments and achievements, on behalf of the Department of Political Affairs and Human Development, I would like to wish everyone an excellent 2017.