The general assembly of the International Association of Economic and Social Councils (AICESIS) took place in Madrid, Spain, on October 29, 2026. The event was co-chaired by Ioannis PAIDAS and Anton COSTAS, president of the Spanish Economic and Social Council. The assembly brought together economic and social councils from 27 countries worldwide. Key topics on the agenda included the presentation and adoption of activity and financial reports for 2025.
The AICESIS Secretary General, Apostolos XYRAFIS, reported on the organization's activities, including the administration council and general assembly held in Serbia. The association participated in several global meetings, such as the economic forum co-organized by the Chinese Economic and Social Council in Shanghai in November 2024. The assembly also approved the membership of economic and social councils from Zimbabwe, Vietnam, and Peru as observers.
Yacouba Katile, president of Mali's Economic, Social and Cultural Council (CESEC), emphasized the importance of the AICESIS theme: "Building bridges for a just transition and global social justice." He stated that for Mali, building bridges means connecting peace to social justice. Katile highlighted that there can be no sustainable development without security, stability, reconciliation, and equitable access to essential services like education, healthcare, and employment.
Katile advocated for international cooperation based on shared responsibility and respect for national sovereignty. He suggested that building bridges for a just transition and global social justice involves creating decent jobs, promoting local processing of raw materials, and financing social infrastructure. The assembly also decided that Romania and South Korea will host the next AICESIS general assemblies in 2027.
The AICESIS Secretary General reported that the organization's finances are in good shape, despite some delays in receiving membership dues. The assembly discussed the partnership between the International Labor Organization (ILO) and AICESIS, as well as the establishment of new working groups with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the ILO.
The Greek presidency of AICESIS focused on the theme of building bridges for a just transition and global social justice. The assembly heard presentations from various economic and social councils on their contributions to this theme. Katile's intervention highlighted the significance of this theme for Mali and proposed ways to address the country's challenges.
The AICESIS general assembly demonstrated the importance of international cooperation and shared responsibility in addressing global challenges. The event provided a platform for economic and social councils to share experiences and best practices in promoting social justice and sustainable development.
Key points
- Yacouba Katile advocates for shared responsibility at AICESIS general assembly.
