By Cynthia Masibo and Aoma Keziah,
The Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) has convened a historic gathering aimed at reshaping the trajectory of development in the Global South. Representatives from civil society, academia, scientists, and an array of stakeholders, collectively known as Associate Members, have converged for a two-day event under the theme “Defining the Third Way of Development.” This monumental occasion was inaugurated today by the esteemed OSC Secretary-General, H.E. Sheikh Manssour Bin Mussallam, signaling the commencement of a transformative journey towards inclusive and sustainable progress.
In his opening address, Secretary-General Mussallam underscored the profound significance of this Pan-African consultation, emphasizing its potential to transcend continental borders and catalyze a global paradigm shift. “This Pan-African consultation transcends mere academia; it embodies a legislative and political endeavor. It represents a pivotal moment in our shared quest for societal metamorphosis,” remarked the Secretary-General, his words resonating with hope and determination.
Joining the esteemed gathering are luminaries such as Mr. Varney Alieu Jarsey, President of the All-Africa Students Union (AASU), and Professor Nobert Hounkonnou, President of the Network of African Sciences Academies (NASAC). Professor Hounkonnou eloquently articulated NASAC’s unwavering commitment to leveraging the ConGreS platform to propel science-informed and socially-conscious sustainable development across Africa and beyond, echoing the sentiments of collective aspiration and unity.
The consultations, slated for May 15 and 16, have set ambitious objectives aimed at devising innovative strategies for a more inclusive and equitable model of development for developing countries – a Third Way of Development. Participants are poised to engage in immersive brainstorming sessions, focusing on four overarching themes that closely align with the OSC’s mandates and objectives:
CongReS 2024 as a Catalyst for Change: Placing emphasis on human dignity, equity, solidarity, sustainability, and shared prosperity as fundamental pillars of progress.
Addressing Global Challenges: Crafting comprehensive action plans to tackle the pressing issues of climate change, poverty, inequality, and knowledge democratization, thereby fostering resilience and sustainability.
Promoting Multilateralism: Championing strengthened global cooperation and amplifying the voice of the Global South in international decision-making fora, thereby ensuring equitable representation and participation.
Setting a New Action Agenda: Collaboratively charting a common roadmap and collective plan of action to forge a Third Way of Development that authentically reflects the aspirations and needs of the Global South, with an unwavering commitment to advancing the common good of humanity.
Far more than a mere symposium, the ConGreS serves as a dynamic platform for collective action, visionary ideation, and tangible execution. By harnessing the collective wisdom and expertise of diverse stakeholders from across regions and sectors, ConGreS endeavors to chart a course towards shared prosperity and human dignity. At the culmination of the consultations, participants will articulate a cohesive plan of action that will serve as a guiding beacon for subsequent engagements with policymakers and political leaders.
With its bold agenda and steadfast dedication to fostering South-South cooperation, the OSC’s ConGreS stands as a beacon of hope for a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for the Global South and beyond. As deliberations unfold amidst the vibrant energy of Nairobi, the world watches with bated breath, recognizing the potential for transformative change on a global scale.
