New York, November 25, 2025. The ECOWAS Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations hosted the closing ceremony of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee Commemoration with an exhibition at UN Headquarters, marking fifty years of regional integration, cooperation, and collective resilience across West Africa. Held under the theme “ECOWAS at 50: Stronger together for a brighter future — celebrating strength, resilience and progress,” the event brought together ambassadors, UN officials, partners, and members of the West African community for an evening of reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to the region’s future.

Ambassador Kinza Jawara-Njai: Recalling the vision of the founders

In her opening remarks, H.E. Amb. Kinza Jawara-Njai, ECOWAS Permanent Observer to the UN, reminded guests that ECOWAS was founded by visionary leaders who sought to unite a multilingual region of Portuguese-, French-, and English-speaking countries. She noted that “the goal of these leaders was simple: to promote cooperation, integration, and to unite a diverse citizenry.” Their collective ambition, she said, was to build a community rooted in self-sufficiency and economic prosperity.

Ambassador Jawara-Njai described the exhibition as a visual collage of ECOWAS’ interventions over 50 years, highlighting what has been achieved, the challenges faced, and the organization’s ongoing efforts to uphold peace, security, good governance, and sustainable development. She personally guided the audience through the exhibition, walking them through the institution’s history and impact across the region.

Ambassador Michal Imran Kanu: A call for renewed determination

H.E. Amb. Michal Imran Kanu, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone and Chair of the ECOWAS Group at the UN, emphasized ECOWAS’ role as a cornerstone of multilateralism in Africa. He underscored the organization’s work in removing barriers to free movement, promoting trade and infrastructure, strengthening democratic governance, and leading early peacekeeping and mediation efforts in conflicts across Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria, and beyond. He reminded attendees that the region continues to confront significant challenges, including unconstitutional changes of government, violent extremism, climate fragility, organized crime, and a fast-growing youth population seeking opportunities. Yet, he added, the ECOWAS story remains one of resilience, consultation, and determination, carried by institutions and communities that refuse to give up.

Calling the exhibition a powerful reminder of the region’s progress, he urged the international community to deepen cooperation with ECOWAS in pursuit of the UN 2030 Agenda, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and ECOWAS Vision 2050. “This 50th anniversary is not just a moment to look back,” he said, “but a call to look forward with renewed determination.”

ASG Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee: A journey of strength, lessons, and hope

Delivering remarks on behalf of the United Nations, Ms. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa (DPPA-DPO), praised the partnership between the UN and ECOWAS and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting the region’s security, governance, and development priorities. She described the exhibition’s theme as one that captures the essence of West Africa’s journey, a story marked by unity, cultural diversity, and the determination to overcome challenges. She emphasized that, like any long journey, ECOWAS’ path has included highs and lows, yet continues to offer powerful lessons on resilience and transformation.

ASG Pobee noted that the exhibition is both a tribute to the founding fathers of ECOWAS and an inspiration for future action. She highlighted the strong collaboration between ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations  particularly through the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS)  and encouraged continued joint efforts to address security threats, development challenges, and governance concerns.

“A united, integrated, prosperous, and peaceful West Africa remains possible,” she said, urging all partners to keep the vision alive.

A Celebration Shared by Leaders and the Public Alike

Throughout the evening, diplomats, guests, and members of the West African diaspora expressed deep pride and hope. Many reflected on how ECOWAS’ journey mirrors their own aspirations for unity and progress across the continent.

Among them was H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Edress, Permanent Representative of the African Union to the UN, who warmly congratulated ECOWAS and Ambassador Jawara-Njai on the Golden Jubilee. He noted that the “fifty years has been full of developments and events that have shaped our continent,” describing ECOWAS as “a positive example of the Africa we aspire to.”

He emphasized that as the OAU transformed into the African Union, the shared vision has remained the same: “a more integrated, more prosperous, more peaceful Africa.” The exhibition, he added, offers “inspiring landmarks of the ECOWAS project,” and he expressed hope that the progress showcased will “set the path for other regions of our beloved continent.”When asked for a message to Africans and friends of Africa, he responded:“Africa is on the rise. Africa is the future. And Africa is empowered by its youth and women.”

Guests echoed this sentiment throughout the night, hopeful that the next 50 years will bring deeper unity, stronger institutions, and greater opportunities for all West Africans. The evening concluded with a vibrant West African cocktail reception featuring live African music, symbolizing the creativity, spirit, and cultural richness of the region. As guests mingled, reflected, and celebrated, the atmosphere captured the essence of the exhibition: a community honoring its past while stepping confidently into its future.

As ECOWAS enters its next half-century, the exhibition stands as a powerful testament to what regional cooperation has made possible and what remains within reach. A peaceful, integrated, prosperous West Africa is not only possible, it is within our grasp.