ECCAS at the Vienna International Forum on Energy and Climate

Chairman of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Ezekiel Nibigiratook part, from 8 to 10 April 2026 in Vienna, Austria, in the Vienna International Forum on Energy and Climate, organized at the historic Hofburg Palace at the invitation of the Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Placed under the very high patronage of the President of the Republic of Austria, His Excellency Alexander VAN DER BELLENThis high-level meeting, held under the theme "Food Prosperity, Security and Stability", brought together over 2,000 participants from over 80 countries, including Heads of State, Ministers, representatives of international organizations, the private sector, academia and civil society. The Forum aimed to accelerate the sustainable energy transition and climate action by promoting concrete solutions and strengthened partnerships.

In preparation for the work, the ECCAS delegation held a working session on 8 April 2026 with Ms. Fatou HAIDARA, Deputy Director General of UNIDO, in charge of global partnerships and external relations. Exchanges focused on the state and prospects of cooperation between the two institutions, particularly in the fields of energy and industrialization.

On 9 April 2026, the Chairman of the Commission participated in the opening ceremony and in the high-level plenary meeting on the links between climate, security and stability in a changing global context. Discussions highlighted the impact of energy insecurity and climate change on instability, particularly in the least developed and landlocked countries.

On the same day, the delegation took part in bilateral meetings, notably with Ambassador Peter Huber, Director General for International Partnerships and Humanitarian Aid at the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria. On that occasion, ECCAS expressed its appreciation to the Government of Austria for its support for the establishment of the Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Central Africa (CEREEAC).

On 10 April 2026, ECCAS actively contributed to the work of the Forum through several high-level sessions. The President of the Commission spoke as a panelist at a plenary session on the just energy transition, highlighting the strategic role of regional cooperation in transforming energy strategies into opportunities for industrial development.

In addition, Commissioner Dr. Maurice NIATY-MOUUMBA, Head of Department for Land Development and Infrastructure, participated in a round table on regional value chains and green industrial corridors. He presented the ECCAS vision of developing integrated economic corridors based on synergy between energy, transport and industrialization.

Energy Director, Désiré Armand NDEMAZAGOA BACKOTTA, took part in discussions on green industrialization in Africa, highlighting the importance of resilient infrastructure and sustainable energy systems to support the stability and prosperity of the least developed countries.

The Forum concluded with a call to strengthen international cooperation and to mobilize more investment in an inclusive and sustainable energy transition.

Through its participation in this Forum, ECCAS reaffirms its commitment to regional integration, green industrialization and the promotion of sustainable energy solutions, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063 of the African Union.

The Chairman of the Commission was accompanied by the Commissioner, Head of the Land Planning and Infrastructure Department, the Director of Energy, the Acting Director of Communication, Public Relations and Protocol and the Expert, responsible for Web administration, Social Networks, Marketing and Infography.