OACPS-EU Assembly Opens in Brussels with Strong Calls for Equality and Multilateralism

Delegates from Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific have convened in Brussels, Belgium, for the opening session of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States – European Union (OACPS-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly. The assembly opened with an urgent appeal to reinforce multilateralism to counter current global strains.

Addressing the delegation at the European Parliament, Uganda’s Deputy Speaker and OACPS-EU Co-President Thomas Tayebwa stressed that future international relations must transcend mere rhetoric. He argued that global cooperation must be grounded in genuine equality, mutual respect, and shared solidarity.

Tayebwa outlined several core economic and environmental priorities for member nations. He emphasized the pressing need for a restructured economic partnership that yields concrete local advantages, moving away from extractive models toward sustainable development.

“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,” Tayebwa stated during the opening session.

The high-level opening ceremony featured addresses from several prominent international figures. Notable speakers included Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Timor-Leste President H.E. Jose Ramos-Horta, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, and European Parliament Vice-President Younous Omarjee. All leaders underscored the vital importance of parliamentary dialogue in addressing complex geopolitical challenges.

The ongoing parliamentary deliberations are being co-chaired by Tayebwa and his European Union counterpart, Francisco Assis. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the assembly’s negotiations translate into practical, life-improving outcomes for the nearly two billion citizens represented within the OACPS-EU partnership.

For more details on this meeting, read the full report on the Parliament of Uganda.