Mekonnen stressed the fact that the existing global governance architecture is outdated and unfair, unable to address these complex challenges, and called for new dynamics that require new ways of thinking about multilateralism.

He insisted on the need “to forge genuine cooperation in keeping with the 21st century to promote peace, security and prosperity of our peoples”, and stressed that Ethiopia has always been a strong advocate of multilateralism, which demonstrates global solidarity with a strong commitment to hosting refugees.

“It is in the same spirit of multilateralism that we join the EOC and that it is time to unite and address the common challenges we face with a renewed spirit of global cooperation and partnership,” he emphasized.

Representatives from Togo, Mozambique, Comoros, The Gambia, Ivory Coast, Nicaragua, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Yemen, Botswana, Cambodia, Burundi and Tunisia are participating in the meeting under the slogan “Building a revitalized multilateral system based on equality, equity and Solidarity”.

The work agenda included discussing institutional and administrative decisions, as well as the adaption of the name of the organization before the summit scheduled for June 29th and 30th.

jrr/llp/oda/nmr