By Our Reporter
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has convened two high-level retreats in New Jersey, United States, aimed at strengthening regional cohesion, diplomatic coordination and collective representation within the United Nations (UN) system.
The retreats, organised by the ECOWAS Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations, brought together election experts and Permanent Representatives of West African countries to deepen consultations and promote a common regional position on issues of shared interest at the multilateral organisation.
While the retreat for Election Officers was held from October 24 to 25, 2026, the meeting of Permanent Representatives took place between October 30 and 31.
Both engagements were held under the theme, “Promoting Regional Cohesion, Consensus and Collective Action towards Strengthening West African Representation in United Nations Organs and Bodies.”
According to a statement published on the official X handle of ECOWAS, the meetings provided an opportunity to reinforce regional solidarity, improve coordination mechanisms and advance common priorities within the multilateral system.
The Experts’ Retreat brought together Election Officers from ECOWAS member states and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to strengthen regional cooperation, consultations and consensus-building on candidates seeking election into various United Nations organs and bodies.
Discussions at the meeting centred on reviewing West Africa’s performance in the 2026 United Nations elections, preparing for the 2027 electoral cycle and developing recommendations for consideration by the region’s Permanent Representatives.
The initiative is part of efforts to strengthen West Africa’s collective diplomatic voice, ensure better coordination among member countries and enhance the region’s influence in decision-making processes within the United Nations system.
Through the engagements, ECOWAS seeks to promote a more coordinated approach to international diplomacy, particularly in securing strategic positions for West African countries in key UN institutions and bodies.
