At the closing of the first ordinary session of 2026 of the Economic, Social, Environmental and Cultural Council (CESEC), its president, Eugène Aka Aouélé, argued that the work of the institution should serve as catalysts for economic progress and national cohesion.

"I hope that the resolutions and recommendations adopted will provide an additional lever for the harmonious development of our country and the strengthening of social peace," he stated, recalling the importance of dialogue and the general interest in meeting the expectations of Ivorians.

Two major strategic opinions adopted

This session concluded with the adoption of two key opinions put forward by the standing committees:

1. Agribusiness: Identified as a key driver of wealth creation, economic diversification, and food sovereignty. Emphasis is placed on the professional integration of women and young people.
2. Plastic waste management: A crucial issue affecting public health and the environment. The CESEC advocates for the development of the circular economy and recycling to transform this challenge into an economic opportunity.

Reflections, immersion and national outlook

The institution has launched numerous initiatives to inform its thinking and support public policies:

1. Ministerial conferences: High-level discussions addressed civil service modernization, good governance, access to clean water, and industrialization.
2. PND 2026-2030: The CESEC has taken to heart the guidelines of the new National Development Plan to align its future opinions with the ambitions of the State.
3. Field visits: The advisors visited the User-Client Relations Centre (CRUC) of the Ministry of Public Service and the site of the company Plastica Côte d'Ivoire to observe concrete progress in waste management.

Focus on international innovation and republican cohesion

At the international level, CESEC participated in a mission to the United States alongside the Côte d'Ivoire–Silicon Valley Task Force . Conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education, this initiative aims to modernize Ivorian universities by drawing inspiration from the best models of innovation and entrepreneurship.

As a sign of strong inter-institutional cohesion, the closing ceremony saw the participation of several major figures of the State, including the President of the National Assembly, Patrick Achi.