ECOWAS Commission President Urges Global Action on Peace and Development

The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Omar Touray, has emphasized the need for tangible action on longstanding commitments to global peace and development. Speaking at the Summit of the Future at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Touray commended UN Secretary-General António Guterres for convening the summit, noting its importance at a time when the world faces pivotal choices.

“The timing of the summit is particularly significant coming, as it does, at a time when our world stands at a crossroads,” Touray stated, highlighting the need to choose between a chaotic past and a more just, collaborative future. He questioned the novelty of the Pact for the Future, asserting that many of its commitments have been previously articulated under various UN frameworks.

“The fact that we have come back to the same old commitments suggests that we still need greater political will to deliver on the good promises,” Touray remarked . This statement underscores the importance of moving beyond words and taking concrete actions towards achieving global peace and development.

Touray stressed that for ECOWAS, the key to making the Pact meaningful lies in actual implementation . He called for decisive action on issues such as peace and security, sustainable development, climate justice, and youth empowerment. These areas are critical to the region’s progress and stability.

In his address, Touray also urged leaders to focus on fostering regional unity and integration, warning against the dangers of disunity and conflict, particularly in West Africa  This emphasis on regional cooperation is consistent with ECOWAS’s goals of promoting economic growth, peace, and stability in the region.

“If we fail to deliver once again, history will look back to this summit not as the summit of the future but a Summit of the Past. This is the choice before us,” Touray added . His words serve as a reminder of the urgency and importance of collective action in shaping a better future.

As the President of ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray’s statement reflects the organization’s commitment to promoting peace, security, and development in West Africa. His call to action at the UN Summit underscores the need for global cooperation and collective responsibility in achieving these goals.