FAO and OACPS deepen talks towards reinforcing partnership

FAO and the Organisation for African Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) held a series of meetings to discuss their strategic collaboration and possible joint activities in 2021. FAO Brussels Director Rodrigo de Lapuerta and the OACPS Assistant Secretary-General for the Environment and Climate Action, Cristelle Pratt, and OACPS Assistant Secretary-General for Sustainable Economic Transformation and Trade, Escipión Oliviera, explored opportunities to align their strategies for the upcoming COP26 and UN Food System Summit and to strengthen their work together on sustainable value chains for products like cocoa.

During the meeting, de Lapuerta praised both OACPS senior officials for the political deal reached at the chief negotiators' level on the EU's new Partnership Agreement with members of the OACPS – the Post-Cotonou Agreement. De Lapuerta also affirmed FAO’s continued support to the OACPS in its new institutional framework as a 79-Member State intergovernmental organization. The new Partnership Agreement will enter into force on 1 December 2021 and transitional measures will be valid until then.

FAO and the OACPS, in partnership with the European Union, have joined efforts over the years through a number of projects designed to support sustainable development. They will continue to work closely on food system transformation, innovation, women’s empowerment, and strengthening South-South cooperation and private sector mobilization. More information about the partnership between the OACPS and FAO is available here.