The Permanent Observer Mission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the United Nations convened two successive retreats in New Jersey, United States of America, bringing together experts and permanent Representatives of West African countries to strengthen regional cohesion, enhance diplomatic consultations and promote collective engagement on matters of shared interest within the United Nations. The Election Officers met on the 24^th to 25^th of October 2026, the Permanent Representatives met on the 30^th to 31^st October 2026.

Held under the theme, “Promoting Regional Cohesion, Consensus and Collective Action towards Strengthening West African Representation in United Nations Organs and Bodies” the retreats provided an opportunity to reinforce regional solidarity, improve coordination mechanisms and advance common priorities within the multilateral system.

The Experts’ Retreat brought together Election Officers from ECOWAS Member States and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to strengthen regional cooperation, consultations and consensus-building on candidatures to United Nations organs and bodies. Discussions focused on reviewing the region’s performance in the 2026 United Nations elections, preparing for the 2027 electoral cycle and formulating recommendations for consideration by the Permanent Representatives.

Building on these deliberations, the Permanent Representatives’ Retreat, chaired by H.E. Ambassador Coly Seck, Permanent Representative of Senegal and Chair of the ECOWAS Group in New York, and facilitated by H.E. Ambassador Kinza Jawara-Njai, ECOWAS Permanent Observer to the United Nations, addressed broader priorities, including strengthening consultation and information-sharing, improving collective working methods and developing strategies for engagement with other regional groups. The Permanent Representatives also reviewed the Election Officers’ recommendations and provided guidance on forthcoming elections and regional candidatures.

The Retreat included a dedicated joint session bringing together the Permanent Representatives of ECOWAS Member States and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to deepen consultations on shared regional priorities, identify areas of common interest and explore avenues for closer collaboration in advancing West Africa’s collective interests within the African Group and the wider United Nations system.

The retreats reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to inclusive regional cooperation, consensus-building and collective action in advancing West Africa’s interests within the United Nations.