03/10/2015
MODEL ECOWAS SUMMIT 2016
Under the Auspices of Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Regional Integration, Republic of Ghana
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: “HEADS OF STATE”
The Model ECOWAS Summit Commission (organizing committee) invites applications from young people from West Africa to apply for the position of ‘Heads of States’ for the 2nd edition of the Model ECOWAS summit scheduled to take place in Accra-Ghana on Saturday 26th May, 2016. The 2nd edition of the summit is being organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ghana. The ‘Heads of State’ will play the role of Heads of States of ECOWAS member states during the summit.
The Model ECOWAS Summit is a bi-annual event that brings together the youth, civil society actors, private sector and stakeholders from West Africa to deliberate and share ideas on issues. The focal area(s) for the 2nd edition of the summit is Peace Building and Security.
The purpose of the summit, among others is to enhance the policy of transformation ECOWAS from ‘’ECOWAS of States to ‘’ ECOWAS of People , create a good platform for exposing the youth to the operations of ECOWAS, interact, create partnerships, build relationships. That is, ensuring that, the youth actively engage development partners, civil society and government to contribute to developmental issues through dialogue.
The summit which is a high research based program follows the format of the ECOWAS heads of state and Government meeting. Participants represent ECOWAS member states and share their perspective on thematic areas of the summit. Participants also represent ECOWAS member states in different Specialized Technical Commission during breakout sessions to present practical solutions. Therefore, prior to the summit, participants shall thoroughly research their assigned nation´s policies and position concerning the thematic areas of the summit and present position papers accordingly.
The objective of each break-out session (Specialized Technical Commission session) is to enable participants to write a resolution that deals with the thematic areas and provide a framework that solves the issue(s), or at least addresses the need for action. The summit comprises of a plenary session, and a break-out (specialized technical commission) session.
Objectives of the summit
To bring together the youth from across West Africa to discuss the challenges and priorities of young people and to develop an agenda for youth inclusion in the development processes.
Educate the youth of their role in the development agenda of ECOWAS in accordance with the ECOWAS vision 2020 particularly in area of peace and security
FORMAT
The summit comprise of a plenary session which convenes representatives of ECOWAS Member States at the highest level of decision making and a break-out (specialized technical commission) session. The plenary session will be convened focusing on the main theme of the summit; “Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development”: Bridging Cultures to Achieve Peace and Development” followed by a series of break-out sessions which will address the following issues (thematic areas):
- Promoting harmony through inter-religious and cross-cultural dialogue; the role of the youth
- The role of women in fostering peace and security
- Conflict resolution and peace-building; the role of the youth
- Harnessing the positive power of social media in reconciling the demand of peace and security
The work of each Specialized Technical Commission will result in an action-oriented document (resolution) on the thematic areas. These documents will then be merged into the final Summit Outcome document (Final Communiqué) which will be submitted to the ECOWAS Commission for consideration and implementation..
The 2nd edition of the summit will also feature a Diplomatic Reception/Cocktail and Cultural Night. The Diplomatic Reception will provide an opportunity for participants to interact with and learn from ambassadors/high commissioners in a cocktail reception. The ambassadors/high commissioners will subsequently engage in a conversation to discuss the realities of international diplomacy, with particular reference to West Africa while the cultural night will enable participates to engage in celebrating cultural display that will witness a fusion of music, food, fashion, dance, drama and poetry that highlight the uniqueness of different cultures from all regions of West Africa
TECHNICAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Participation in the 2nd edition of Model ECOWAS summit is merit-based and open to young West Africans who meet the following criteria:
i. Between the ages of 18 and 35 at the time of application
ii. Hold a valid ECOWAS travel passport (For those who will be travelling from other ECOWAS member states to Ghana)
iii. Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English/French
iv. No criminal record
v. Are citizens of one of the following ECOWAS member countries:, -Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone , Togo, Liberia and Senegal.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Registration fee for (Model) “Heads of States”-Ghc70.00 ($USD18) (which will cover Snacks, Certificates and Conference materials).
Registration fee MUST only be paid after you have received an email confirming your participation/country assigned as ‘Head of State, with the payment procedures attached.
Registration fee does not include cost of transportation and accommodation.
All participants must make arrangements for their transportation and accommodation while in Ghana.
Participants who wish to attend the pre-summit events (i.e. Diplomatic reception/cocktail and Cultural Night) will have to pay additional fees of Ghc40. 00($USD10) (for the diplomatic reception and Ghc60.00($USD15) for the cultural Night
MODE OF APPLICATION
Please send your one page cover letter, current CV and any other relevant documents to [email protected]
For more details please call +233-244049193
Deadline for Application
Interested applicants must submit their application on or before Saturday 31st October, 2015
The Model ECOWAS Summit Commission reserves the right to verify all of the information provided. In the event that there is a discrepancy, or information is found to be false, the application will immediately be declared invalid and the applicant ineligible. .
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The Model ECOWAS Summit is a youth-led initiative simulating ECOWAS decision-making. Since 2014, it has equipped young leaders with diplomacy, governance, and policy skills to drive regional integration, peace, and development.
