The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Plan International Inc., a non-profit organization based in New York, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on November 21, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation to protect children and young people, especially girls and young women, by promoting their rights across various development sectors and humanitarian contexts.
Representing ECOWAS was H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Commission, while Alassan Senghore, Regional Director for West and Central Africa, represented Plan International Inc. The partnership seeks to formalize collaboration on issues related to the protection and promotion of children's rights. It also establishes a platform for dialogue on implementing women's and children's rights in West Africa.
Attendees at the signing ceremony included Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs; Mr. Abdou Kolley, Director of Cabinet of the President of the Commission; and Mr. Jérôme Boa, Director of External Relations at the ECOWAS Commission.
The MOU outlines areas such as early childhood development, inclusive quality education, youth employment opportunities, protection from violence, sexual health rights, and humanitarian response. Both parties committed to developing joint frameworks and policies to support national child protection systems within ECOWAS member states.
On the same day in Abuja, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray met with Dr. Maliki Osman from Singapore's Ministry of Education and Foreign Affairs. They discussed potential cooperation in education, capacity training, combating insecurity and extremism, e-commerce advancements, and renewable energy promotion.
Later that day, H.E. Touray also received the ECOWAS Audit Committee led by Mrs. Diane Holo-Sacramento. This six-member committee oversees financial control within ECOWAS institutions to ensure transparent management of community resources since its mandate began in November 2022.
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