The Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States

ACCRA, GHANA
2 and 3 October 2008

MESSAGE FROM H.E. OMER HASSAN EL BASHIR, PRESIDENT OF SUDAN, AND PRESIDENT OF THE 5th SUMMIT OF ACP HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT
 

It has been two years since the 5th Summit of ACP Heads of State and Government took place in Khartoum, Sudan.  Many issues have since become mainstream concerns which rightfully have found their way into the agenda of the 6th ACP Summit.  Our leaders have to skillfully work out how to address the theme of this meeting, “promoting human security and development.” 

In the recent past and the present there have been volatile situations in ACP and non-ACP States as a result of the escalating prices of basic food and oil, and the present global financial crisis.  The recent floods, hurricanes and the ever-progressing desertification in sub-Saharan Africa all serve to remind us how fragile our countries are, and that climate change and the movement of people are two of the greatest challenges of the 21st century.

Stronger international cooperation and action are needed to address current development challenges. There is need for coordination and cooperation between the developed and developing world in order to ensure transparency and rule of law in the international financial and economic system. As developing countries, we are concerned about the possible impact of the EPA and WTO trade regimes on the future of the ACP Group, livelihoods, human security and sustainable development in ACP States. We would like to see these processes contribute to positive integration of ACP States in the global economy, and not their further marginalisation and dependency on donor assistance. We are fortunate that these issues are part of our agenda for this meeting. 

 The ACP Group will remain strong, united and a force to be reckoned with. Let us use our cohesion, strength in diversity and indeed our numeric strength to improve the lives of our people. 

It has been a honour to serve as President-in-Office of the ACP Summit, and I wish my successor, President John Kufour of Ghana, every success.  I look forward to participate in the Accra Summit, and I am convinced that the summit will be successful.