ECAM Preview: African Leaders for Change

Building on the success of the annual summits in Rome, the ECAM Preview: “African Leaders for Change” conference is being held under the patronage of the Italian Presidency of the Council of Ministers. The event has been included in the official side events programme of the EU-AU Summit, and marks the continuation of the ECAM agenda that promotes constructive dialogue, new partnerships and strong cooperation between Europe and Africa at the highest level. Leveraging on the sixth European Union-African Union Summit scheduled to take place on the 17th & 18th of February 2022 in Brussels, Belgium, the ECAM Preview: “African Leaders for Change” aims to redefine the partnership between the two continents and strengthen the strategic ties between the European Union and the African Union across such shared priorities as economic prosperity, security and mobility. A special focus is devoted to healthcare and all facets of this theme will be explored, taking into consideration all viewpoints. Today, more than at any time in history, health and healthcare represent the basis of solid economic growth as well as the issue of broader socio-economic development; a fact that was highlighted at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in 2021. Efficient healthcare systems and a thriving pharmaceutical sector are necessary for resilience at national levels and have become the axis of national and international social, economic and political agendas. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has shown how interdependent the two continents of Africa and Europe are and demonstrates the urgency of the fact that both continents must take rapid action if they wish to seize shared opportunities and tackle the most difficult challenges facing them. Only a concrete approach and strategic mindset will bring international partnerships to the next level and the ECAM Preview: “African Leaders for Change” aims to be a catalyst that marks the turning point in Africa-Europe relations.