Public Affairs Committee’s (PAC) executive director, Robert Phiri has been elected as deputy presiding officer (Southern Africa Region) for African Union’s (AU) Economic, Social and Cultural Council (Ecosocc).

Phiri has described his election as an honour and a challenge at the same time.

He says during his tenure, he will ensure, through policy influence, that there is greater participation of CSOs from the Southern part of Africa.

Other deputy presiding officers elected include Brenda Brewer-Moore (West Africa), Chongosi Ayeah Joseph (Central Africa) and Mahendranath Busgopaul (East Africa) while Khalid Boudali was elected presiding officer.

Established in 2004, the purpose of Ecosocc is to provide an opportunity for African Civil Society Organisations to play an active role in contributing to the AU’s principles, policies and programmes.