🌐🏝️ COP31 | OACPS–EU Partnership: From Priorities to Delivery
At the EU Pavilion (@EU_Commission) in Antalya, Director Patrice NIYONGABO, Head of the OACPS Delegation to COP31, participated in the high-level panel on “Collaborating with SIDS and LDCs for more resilient .”
Building on more than 50 years of EU–ACP cooperation, now reinforced by the Samoa Agreement, he highlighted the strategic importance of the OACPS–EU Joint Statement towards COP31 and beyond, which embodies a shared political commitment to advancing climate action, international solidarity and sustainable development.
He emphasised the need to translate this political commitment into concrete action through stronger international partnerships, accessible climate finance and targeted support for the implementation of national adaptation priorities, particularly in SIDS and LDCs. 🏝️
@UNFCCC 🇺🇳
🌐 oacps.org
#COP31 #OACPS #EUOACPS #SamoaAgreement #ClimateDiplomacy #SIDS #LDCs #ClimateFinance #SouthSouthCooperation
At the EU Pavilion (@EU_Commission) in Antalya, Director Patrice NIYONGABO, Head of the OACPS Delegation to COP31, participated in the high-level panel on “Collaborating with SIDS and LDCs for more resilient .”
Building on more than 50 years of EU–ACP cooperation, now reinforced by the Samoa Agreement, he highlighted the strategic importance of the OACPS–EU Joint Statement towards COP31 and beyond, which embodies a shared political commitment to advancing climate action, international solidarity and sustainable development.
He emphasised the need to translate this political commitment into concrete action through stronger international partnerships, accessible climate finance and targeted support for the implementation of national adaptation priorities, particularly in SIDS and LDCs. 🏝️
@UNFCCC 🇺🇳
🌐 oacps.org
#COP31 #OACPS #EUOACPS #SamoaAgreement #ClimateDiplomacy #SIDS #LDCs #ClimateFinance #SouthSouthCooperation
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OACPS Secretariat retweeted
𝐓𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐛𝐰𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Rt. Hon. alled for increased investment in infrastructure, skills development and financing to enable African, Caribbean and Pacific countries to establish viable critical mineral processing industries.
Addressing a session of the ongoing OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels, Tayebwa observed that although global demand for critical raw materials continues to grow, mineral-producing countries need deliberate investment to move into higher-value stages of production.
He identified reliable energy, efficient transport networks, skilled workers and access to affordable financing as essential requirements for developing competitive local processing industries.
The discussion also highlighted concerns over declining investment in critical minerals. Citing International Energy Agency figures, the session noted a 9 per cent decline in global critical mineral investment in 2025, despite rising demand for these resources.
Tayebwa called for stronger OACPS-EU cooperation to mobilise investment and support the development of local industries capable of processing mineral resources within producing countries.
He emphasised that such partnerships should generate measurable economic benefits, including employment, business opportunities for local enterprises and increased national revenues.
The engagement forms part of broader parliamentary efforts to advance cooperation on critical raw materials and ensure that resource-rich countries participate more meaningfully in the global value chains.
@PressACP @OACPS_PA @Parliament_Ug
Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Rt. Hon. alled for increased investment in infrastructure, skills development and financing to enable African, Caribbean and Pacific countries to establish viable critical mineral processing industries.
Addressing a session of the ongoing OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels, Tayebwa observed that although global demand for critical raw materials continues to grow, mineral-producing countries need deliberate investment to move into higher-value stages of production.
He identified reliable energy, efficient transport networks, skilled workers and access to affordable financing as essential requirements for developing competitive local processing industries.
The discussion also highlighted concerns over declining investment in critical minerals. Citing International Energy Agency figures, the session noted a 9 per cent decline in global critical mineral investment in 2025, despite rising demand for these resources.
Tayebwa called for stronger OACPS-EU cooperation to mobilise investment and support the development of local industries capable of processing mineral resources within producing countries.
He emphasised that such partnerships should generate measurable economic benefits, including employment, business opportunities for local enterprises and increased national revenues.
The engagement forms part of broader parliamentary efforts to advance cooperation on critical raw materials and ensure that resource-rich countries participate more meaningfully in the global value chains.
@PressACP @OACPS_PA @Parliament_Ug
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🌐🏝️ Our challenge is no longer to agree on priorities, but to ensure that projects are prepared, financed and implemented, delivering tangible benefits for our island communities.”
Delivering opening remarks at the CARICOM Pavilion (@CARICOMorg) as Head of the OACPS Delegation ice NIYONGABO called for climate resilience priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to be translated into concrete, financeable projects.
The event was jointly organised by the OACPS, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) (@Caribank) and the EU-funded Intra-ACP Support Programme for OACPS SIDS. He highlighted the role of regional development banks in mobilising investment and called for stronger partnerships to finance nature-based solutions, protect ecosystems and strengthen island resilience. 🏝️
🌐 oacps.org
#OACPS #COP31 #SIDS #ClimateFinance #NatureBasedSolutions
Delivering opening remarks at the CARICOM Pavilion (@CARICOMorg) as Head of the OACPS Delegation ice NIYONGABO called for climate resilience priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to be translated into concrete, financeable projects.
The event was jointly organised by the OACPS, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) (@Caribank) and the EU-funded Intra-ACP Support Programme for OACPS SIDS. He highlighted the role of regional development banks in mobilising investment and called for stronger partnerships to finance nature-based solutions, protect ecosystems and strengthen island resilience. 🏝️
🌐 oacps.org
#OACPS #COP31 #SIDS #ClimateFinance #NatureBasedSolutions
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OACPS Secretariat retweeted
During the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, I challenged European partners on the EU Critical Raw Materials Act and its implications for Africa.
If Europe aims to process 40% of its strategic raw materials locally by 2030, how do we ensure Africa’s ambition for value ned by competing interests? Can Europe’s drive for recycling also create a conflict of interest with Africa’s mineral ambitions?
Africa must move beyond exporting raw materials. We need fair partnerships, affordable financing and the opportunity to process our own resources, create jobs and build industries.
The session was chaired by our own @Thomas_Tayebwa , Co-President of the Assembly. I had the honour of being part of the Ugandan delegation, and we are extremely proud of him for flying the Ugandan flag high on the international stage. 🇺🇬
If Europe aims to process 40% of its strategic raw materials locally by 2030, how do we ensure Africa’s ambition for value ned by competing interests? Can Europe’s drive for recycling also create a conflict of interest with Africa’s mineral ambitions?
Africa must move beyond exporting raw materials. We need fair partnerships, affordable financing and the opportunity to process our own resources, create jobs and build industries.
The session was chaired by our own @Thomas_Tayebwa , Co-President of the Assembly. I had the honour of being part of the Ugandan delegation, and we are extremely proud of him for flying the Ugandan flag high on the international stage. 🇺🇬
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OACPS Secretariat retweeted
He made our country proud here in the corridors of EU Parliament. Very proud of you @shyamtanna_
We were almost going to miss out on a good legislator over bogus claims that he isn’t Ugandan.
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OACPS Secretariat retweeted
Yesterday, I chaired two sessions of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels, Belgium, which discussed how to build a mutually beneficial partnership in the critical raw materials sector and strengthen global security in an increasingly fragmented world.
Critical r economic opportunity for OACPS countries, which are significant contributors to global mineral production.
OACPS mineral producing countries seek partnerships that support the establishment of local processing industries, create skilled employment opportunities and strengthen domestic businesses. These are the kinds of partnerships that can deliver tangible benefits to local communities.
During the session on global security, I noted that security and development are inseparable. Conflicts, organised crime and instability continue to disrupt livelihoods, undermine public services and divert resources away from development.
I called for stronger multilateral cooperation, respect for national sovereignty and international law, and the protection of civilians. As parliamentarians within the OACPS, we must play a central role in promoting dialogue and strengthening cooperation towards lasting peace.
I also highlighted Uganda's experience in hosting more than two million refugees, mainly from neighbouring countries, while receiving only 12.5% of the resources required to support them. Despite these challenges, Uganda will not close its borders to people fleeing conflict. We understand the importance of offering refuge because, as a country, we have experienced displacement ourselves.
Critical r economic opportunity for OACPS countries, which are significant contributors to global mineral production.
OACPS mineral producing countries seek partnerships that support the establishment of local processing industries, create skilled employment opportunities and strengthen domestic businesses. These are the kinds of partnerships that can deliver tangible benefits to local communities.
During the session on global security, I noted that security and development are inseparable. Conflicts, organised crime and instability continue to disrupt livelihoods, undermine public services and divert resources away from development.
I called for stronger multilateral cooperation, respect for national sovereignty and international law, and the protection of civilians. As parliamentarians within the OACPS, we must play a central role in promoting dialogue and strengthening cooperation towards lasting peace.
I also highlighted Uganda's experience in hosting more than two million refugees, mainly from neighbouring countries, while receiving only 12.5% of the resources required to support them. Despite these challenges, Uganda will not close its borders to people fleeing conflict. We understand the importance of offering refuge because, as a country, we have experienced displacement ourselves.
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OACPS Secretariat retweeted
Increasing women's participation in agrifood systems is essential, but not enough. "We must move from participation to transformation by addressing social norms & tackling unequal power relations and institutional barriers". - @FAO's @LM_Phillips at the OACPS-EU JPA Women’s Forum
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INTERVENANT | 🇪🇺 Costas Kadis (@CostasKadis), commissaire européen à la pêche et aux océans, a prononcé un discours à l’Assemblée parlementaire paritaire OEACP–UE.
🌐 oacps.org
#OEACP #CooperationParlementaire #Oceans
🌐 oacps.org
#OEACP #CooperationParlementaire #Oceans
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INTERVENANT | 🎙️ Antonio Pedro, ancien secrétaire exécutif adjoint de la Commission économique des Nations Unies 🇺🇳 pour l’Afrique (@ECA_OFFICIAL), a prononcé un discours à l’Assemblée parlementaire paritaire OEACP–UE.
🌐 oacps.org
#OEACP #CooperationParlementaire
🌐 oacps.org
#OEACP #CooperationParlementaire
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INTERVENANTE | 🇧🇪 Annelies Verlinden, ministre belge de la Justice, chargée de la mer du Nord, a prononcé un discours à l’Assemblée parlementaire paritaire OEACP–UE.
🌐 oacps.org
🌐 oacps.org
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🌐🇨🇩 En marge des travaux de l’Assemblée parlementaire paritaire OEACP-UE, le Secrétaire général de l’OEACP, S.E. Moussa Saleh Batraki (@MBatraki), a reçu une délégation parlementaire de la République démocratique du Congo (RDC), conduite par l’Honorable Professeur Isaac Musawu (@jc_tshilumbayi), Premier Vice-Président de l’Assemblée nationale (@AssembleeNatRDC).
Les échanges ont porté sur le renforcement de la coopération parlementaire, l’importance de la ratification et de la mise en œuvre de l’Accord de Samoa, ainsi que le rôle essentiel des parlementaires dans la promotion des intérêts des États membres de l’OEACP.
Le Secrétaire général a salué l’engagement de la RDC et souligné l’importance de son rôle dans le renforcement de l’Organisation et la consolidation du partenariat OEACP-UE. 🌍🇨🇩
@RDC_Minafet @PrimatureRDC @Presidence_RDC @Com_mediasRDC
@radiookapi @TopCongo @actualitecd @7sur7_cd @mediacongo
🌐 oacps.org
#OEACP #RDC #CoopérationParlementaire #AccordDeSamoa #OEACPUE
Les échanges ont porté sur le renforcement de la coopération parlementaire, l’importance de la ratification et de la mise en œuvre de l’Accord de Samoa, ainsi que le rôle essentiel des parlementaires dans la promotion des intérêts des États membres de l’OEACP.
Le Secrétaire général a salué l’engagement de la RDC et souligné l’importance de son rôle dans le renforcement de l’Organisation et la consolidation du partenariat OEACP-UE. 🌍🇨🇩
@RDC_Minafet @PrimatureRDC @Presidence_RDC @Com_mediasRDC
@radiookapi @TopCongo @actualitecd @7sur7_cd @mediacongo
🌐 oacps.org
#OEACP #RDC #CoopérationParlementaire #AccordDeSamoa #OEACPUE
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🌍🤝 The OACPS Secretary-General H.E. Moussa Saleh Batraki (@MBatraki) held constructive discussions with Mr Kazuki Kitaoka, Director of the FAO Office of Youth and Women, and Mr Raschad Al-Khafaji, Director of the FAO Liaison Office with the European Union and Belgium in , on advancing the implementation of the OACPS Youth Compact on Jobs, Resilience and Action.
The exchange focused on establishing a multi-donor trust fund to support youth-led agrifood initiatives, mobilise strategic partners, and expand access to FAO eLearning opportunities across OACPS Member States.
The partnership aims to translate the Youth Compact into practical investments, skills and opportunities for young people, while expanding access to FAO’s eLearning resources and strengthening institutional capacity across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. 🌱🌍
@FAO @World_FoodForum @UNYouthAffairs
🌐 oacps.org
#OACPS #FAO #YouthCompact #YouthEmpowerment #AgrifoodSystems
The exchange focused on establishing a multi-donor trust fund to support youth-led agrifood initiatives, mobilise strategic partners, and expand access to FAO eLearning opportunities across OACPS Member States.
The partnership aims to translate the Youth Compact into practical investments, skills and opportunities for young people, while expanding access to FAO’s eLearning resources and strengthening institutional capacity across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. 🌱🌍
@FAO @World_FoodForum @UNYouthAffairs
🌐 oacps.org
#OACPS #FAO #YouthCompact #YouthEmpowerment #AgrifoodSystems
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🌊🇪🇺 #OACPSEU JPA: Join online for today's plenary.
09:00-13:00 🔗 oacps.org
17:00-19:00 🔗 oacps.org
#parliamentarydiplomacy @EuroParlPress @Europarl_EN
09:00-13:00 🔗 oacps.org
17:00-19:00 🔗 oacps.org
#parliamentarydiplomacy @EuroParlPress @Europarl_EN
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OACPS Secretariat retweeted
🌊🇪🇺 #OACPSEU JPA: Join online for today's plenary.
09:00-13:00 🔗 link.europa.eu/hnbXFN
17:00-19:00 🔗 link.europa.eu/BQGFj4
#parliamentarydiplomacy @PressACP
09:00-13:00 🔗 link.europa.eu/hnbXFN
17:00-19:00 🔗 link.europa.eu/BQGFj4
#parliamentarydiplomacy @PressACP
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OACPS Secretariat retweeted
Parliamentarians from Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific regions gathered in Brussels, Belgium have highlighted the critical need to strengthen multilateralism in an era of global strain.
This call was made at the opening session of the Organization of African, tates – European Union (OACPS-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly.
The Deputy Speaker and also Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, @Thomas_Tayebwa emphasised that future international cooperation must move beyond rhetoric and be rooted in true equality, mutual respect, and shared solidarity.
This call was made at the opening session of the Organization of African, tates – European Union (OACPS-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly.
The Deputy Speaker and also Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, @Thomas_Tayebwa emphasised that future international cooperation must move beyond rhetoric and be rooted in true equality, mutual respect, and shared solidarity.
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OACPS Secretariat retweeted
Last evening, we held the opening session of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly at the European Parliament in Brussels, bringing together parliamentarians from Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific to strengthen our longstanding cooperation.
As President of the embly and Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, I noted in my remarks that our deliberations should result in a partnership anchored in equality, mutual respect and solidarity.
I updated delegates on the discussions of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly, which we held on Sunday. The OACPS would like to see an economic partnership that delivers tangible benefits, including investment, local value addition, skills development and decent employment in our countries.
The OACPS would also like to see tangible results in climate action and financing. Our vulnerable countries and communities are increasingly confronted by droughts, floods, rising sea levels and other climate-related challenges. We need accessible and affordable climate financing that enables countries to respond effectively without accumulating unsustainable debt.
I also called on parliamentarians from both sides to give renewed attention to the ratification of the Samoa Agreement, which provides an important foundation for our cooperation.
The speeches of the evening were reassuring. Speakers at the opening ceremony, including Nobel Peace Prize Laureate H.E. José Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste; @RobertaMetsola, President of the European Parliament; @AndrewHolnessJM, Prime Minister of Jamaica; @younousomarjee, Vice-President of the European Parliament and others, spoke about the importance of the deliberations we are having at a time when multilateralism is under strain.
In the sessions I will co-chair with H.E. Francisco Assis, we will deliberate with the understanding that our shared commitment to cooperation, dialogue and multilateralism must deliver tangible results for the almost two billion people represented by the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly member states.
As President of the embly and Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, I noted in my remarks that our deliberations should result in a partnership anchored in equality, mutual respect and solidarity.
I updated delegates on the discussions of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly, which we held on Sunday. The OACPS would like to see an economic partnership that delivers tangible benefits, including investment, local value addition, skills development and decent employment in our countries.
The OACPS would also like to see tangible results in climate action and financing. Our vulnerable countries and communities are increasingly confronted by droughts, floods, rising sea levels and other climate-related challenges. We need accessible and affordable climate financing that enables countries to respond effectively without accumulating unsustainable debt.
I also called on parliamentarians from both sides to give renewed attention to the ratification of the Samoa Agreement, which provides an important foundation for our cooperation.
The speeches of the evening were reassuring. Speakers at the opening ceremony, including Nobel Peace Prize Laureate H.E. José Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste; @RobertaMetsola, President of the European Parliament; @AndrewHolnessJM, Prime Minister of Jamaica; @younousomarjee, Vice-President of the European Parliament and others, spoke about the importance of the deliberations we are having at a time when multilateralism is under strain.
In the sessions I will co-chair with H.E. Francisco Assis, we will deliberate with the understanding that our shared commitment to cooperation, dialogue and multilateralism must deliver tangible results for the almost two billion people represented by the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly member states.
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OACPS Secretariat retweeted
Happening now in Brussels, Belgium!
Im glad to participating in the OACPS–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly alongside Uganda’s delegation, led by Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa. @Thomas_Tayebwa
The assembly brings together legislators from Africa, the Caribbean, the Pacific and Europe ing international cooperation, trade, investment and sustainable development.
Through parliamentary diplomacy, we continue to build partnerships and advance our shared interests.
Im glad to participating in the OACPS–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly alongside Uganda’s delegation, led by Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa. @Thomas_Tayebwa
The assembly brings together legislators from Africa, the Caribbean, the Pacific and Europe ing international cooperation, trade, investment and sustainable development.
Through parliamentary diplomacy, we continue to build partnerships and advance our shared interests.
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OACPS Secretariat retweeted
Ahead of our engagements with the EU,In the 65th OACPS Parliamentary Assembly Chaired by the OACPS president @Thomas_Tayebwa in Brussels yesterday, we called for Global Climate Financing Reforms making a strong call to all international partners to prioritize climate justice.
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