WAPES 2025 General Assembly: A Day of Renewal and Prospects in Abidjan
On 6 May 2025, the World Association of Public Employment Services (WAPES) held its General Assembly at the ONOMO Abidjan Airport Hotel in Côte d’Ivoire. Bringing together members from the four corners of the world, this day rich in exchanges, elections and strategic decisions marks a key stage in the evolution of the organisation for the years to come.
A day structured around dialogue and renewal
From 8.30am, participants were welcomed for registration and the handing over of electoral accessories, a preliminary stage to the crucial votes that would mark the day. After a word of welcome from the outgoing President, the Honorary President, the Administrator of the AEJ in Côte d’Ivoire (the country hosting the Congress) and the Executive Secretary, the proceedings officially got underway.
Review 2022-2025: transparency and assessment of the mandate
Between 9.45am and 10.45am, a detailed review of the past mandate (2022-2024) was presented: management report, financial audit, and Treasurer’s report on the 2024 budget. The budget and programme of activities for 2025 were also submitted to the meeting, which concluded with the official discharge of the outgoing directors.
Changes to the Articles of Association and member management
The morning continued with decisions concerning the WAPES Articles of Association, in particular the replacement of the ILO as scrutineer for elections. At the same time, the members debated the status of certain members (accessions, suspensions, exclusions).
Elections: new leadership for WAPES
The afternoon was marked by the election process. After a presentation of the candidates and their motivations, the members elected the new President, the members of the Board of Directors, the Vice-Presidents and two internal auditors. These elections mark a high point in the organisation’s democratic cycle. Slovenia was elected President of WAPES. The results for the regional vice-presidencies are as follows:
– Europe: Turkey
– Africa: Mali
– MOPA: Mauritania
– Asia Pacific: Korea
– The Americas: Uruguay.
The directorships will be held by : Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Estonia, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Chad, Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe, Japan.
Auditor: Benin
Closure and conviviality
The day ended with closing remarks from the new President, followed by the first Board meeting of the new team to elect the Treasurer. The Netherlands were elected. Finally, a cocktail reception gave participants the opportunity to continue their discussions in a convivial atmosphere, strengthening the bonds of cooperation between members.