Abdoulaye Bio Tchané, president of Benin's Economic and Social Council (CES), arrived in Madrid on October 28, 2026, to participate in the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (AICESIS) meetings. The two-day event, scheduled for October 29-30, focuses on global social justice, economic transition, and cooperation among consultative institutions. Bio Tchané's presence represents Benin's CES in discussions with international counterparts.
The AICESIS meetings bring together representatives from consultative institutions worldwide to address development and social issues. Key topics include the fair transition, global social justice, and mitigating the social impacts of economic changes. Participants aim to explore ways to address population concerns amid economic transformations. The notion of a "just transition" is central to these discussions, emphasizing the need to balance economic changes with social protection.
The concept of a just transition raises questions about distributing development benefits and safeguarding vulnerable populations. Discussions will examine reports from AICESIS and explore partnerships with the International Labor Organization (ILO). Participants will also share approaches to achieving a just transition. A joint session with the Ibero-American Network of Economic and Social Councils (RICESIS) and other networks is planned for October 30.
This participation offers Benin's CES a platform to exchange ideas with institutions from other regions. It allows for sharing experiences on social dialogue, concertation among economic and social actors, and the role of consultative institutions in shaping public policies. The impact of this participation on Benin will depend on the follow-up to the discussions and potential collaborative initiatives.
AICESIS was established in July 1999 in Port-Louis, Mauritius, with its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. The organization comprises economic and social councils and similar institutions from over 70 countries across four continents. Its mission is to promote dialogue, share experiences, and foster cooperation among its members.
For Benin, AICESIS provides a framework for cooperation, allowing the country to compare its experiences with those of other nations, strengthen institutional capacities, and contribute to international reflections on economic development and citizen participation. Benin's CES membership in AICESIS enables its participation in the organization's Administrative Council.
The outcome of this international engagement may lead to new collaborations and initiatives, enhancing Benin's CES role in promoting social justice and economic development. The discussions in Madrid will likely influence the future activities of AICESIS and its member institutions.
Key points
- Benin's Economic and Social Council president attends AICESIS meetings in Madrid to discuss global social justice and economic transition.
- The International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (AICESIS) aims to promote dialogue and cooperation among its members.
- The meetings in Madrid focus on achieving a just transition, global social justice, and strengthening partnerships among consultative institutions.
