DILI, 21 March 2026 (TATOLI) – The g7+ Secretariat will undertake a high-level official mission to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), from 23 to 25 March 2026, aimed at reinforcing cooperation, advancing peacebuilding efforts, and strengthening the role of fragile and conflict-affected countries on the global stage.
The mission will be led by the Secretary-General of g7+, Helder da Costa, accompanied by the Chief Operating Officer, Felix Piedade, and the Media and Communications Manager, Helche Silvester.
Established on 10 April 2010 in Timor-Leste, the g7+ is an intergovernmental organization of 20 countries affected by fragility and conflict. The organization works to promote peace, stability, and development through advocacy for more effective development cooperation, fostering dialogue and reconciliation, and facilitating knowledge-sharing among member states in key areas such as natural resource management, justice, elections, and climate change.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the founding members of the g7+, continues to play a significant leadership role within the organization. Currently serving as Vice-Chair for the 2026–2027 period, alongside Liberia, DRC remains a key partner in advancing the collective priorities of the group.
During the mission, the delegation is expected to hold high-level meetings with government officials, national institutions, development partners, academia, and civil society representatives. Discussions will focus on strategic priorities of the g7+ for 2026, including strengthening peace and statebuilding efforts, enhancing global partnerships, and promoting effective governance in fragile contexts.
The visit also aims to present the g7+ annual work plan for 2026 and support the Democratic Republic of Congo in its leadership role as Vice-Chair. The delegation will engage in dialogue on reinforcing political support for the organization, including advocacy for the ratification of the g7+ Charter.
Furthermore, discussions will explore opportunities to align the DRC’s role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council with the broader objectives of the g7+, particularly in advancing peace and stability among member states.
The mission will also introduce new initiatives such as the Rapid Response Centre, designed to support member countries in accessing justice and addressing challenges related to natural resource exploitation.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, located in Central Africa, is one of the largest countries on the continent and is endowed with vast natural resources, including cobalt, copper, gold, and diamonds. Despite this wealth, the country continues to face significant development and security challenges, particularly in its eastern regions.
Through this mission, the g7+ Secretariat reaffirms its commitment to strengthening solidarity among member states and advancing collective efforts toward sustainable peace and development.
Journalist: Digna Serrão
Editor: Filomeno Martins
