The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) commemorated its 50th anniversary on 25 July 2025 with a high-level event at the United Nations headquarters in New York, spotlighting five decades of regional cooperation and aspirations for a more unified and prosperous West Africa.
Held in the ECOSOC Chamber, the ceremony was organised by the ECOWAS Permanent Observer Mission to the UN in partnership with the ECOWAS Ambassadors Group, and attended by UN officials, regional leaders, diplomats, academics, and development partners.
Themed “United for a Better Future: Promoting Regionalism and Multilateralism for Shared Prosperity,” the event highlighted ECOWAS’ commitment to peace, integration, and sustainable development.
In her opening address, Ambassador Kinza Jawara-Njai reaffirmed ECOWAS’ role as a pillar for regional peace and stability. She praised its sustained efforts in promoting integration, political dialogue, and economic cooperation across West Africa.
Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, commended the bloc’s transformation over the decades, reiterating the importance of Vision 2050—a strategic roadmap for inclusive development and regional resilience.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, outlined current regional security threats. He emphasised progress in operationalising the Regional Rapid Reaction Force to combat terrorism and proposed the development of a Citizens’ Pact to galvanise public support for the region’s integration journey.
A significant moment during the ceremony was a video message from General Yakubu Gowon, the last surviving founding father of ECOWAS. He recounted the visionary leadership that led to the organisation’s formation in 1975 and made a passionate appeal for unity, solidarity, and shared ideals to strengthen the regional bloc.
The event reflected not just on ECOWAS’ achievements but also on the urgent need for stronger multilateral cooperation, innovative solutions to regional challenges, and renewed commitment to peace, prosperity, and sustainable development across West Africa.