The Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States

ACCRA, GHANA
2 and 3 October 2008

MESSAGE FROM SIR JOHN R. KAPUTIN
SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE ACP GROUP

It will be a great honour and privilege for me to participate in the 6th Summit of ACP Heads of State and Government, which will take place in Accra, Ghana during the period 2 – 3 October 2008.

The ACP Group of States, covering the African continent, Pacific and Caribbean Islands and with an estimated population of over 730 million people, has been in existence for 33 years.  Throughout that period, our unity and solidarity have been strengthened, our diversity has become our strength and we have championed the cause of the poor.  The road that lies ahead is long, difficult and with many challenges.  The 6th ACP Summit will provide the opportunity for our Heads to provide clear direction, guidance and above all, political leadership that would allow the ACP Group to become one of the most prominent advocates for the developing world.

We live in a rapidly changing world, a world that has to address various global challenges, and it is within this context that the ACP Group will have to position itself in order to remain united, viable, strong and indeed the preferred vehicle for its member states and regions to promote sustainable development, and the alleviation of extreme poverty. It is only a global, sustained, committed and inclusive approach to these challenges that will result in a better life for our people - our people have the right to a better life. There is an urgent need to translate rhetoric to reality.  Occasions such as the 6th Summit of ACP Heads of State and Government offer the opportunity to concretize objectives that enhance the development of people.

I am convinced that the 6th Summit will be successful and that deliberations will reflect the commitment of our leaders to promote human security and development.  Our Ghanaian hosts have prepared well, and their efforts in hosting this event are well appreciated.