- To ensure that RECs’ child rights focused activities are aligned with Agenda 2040 for an integrated action in the continent. This report envelopes the various presentations and discussions in the workshop on the popularization of agenda 2040 and cross border issues affecting children in ECOWAS, which took place on 30-31 October 2018. It highlights, among other things, the particular cross-border issues affecting children in the Members States of ECOWAS. Item 1: Opening remarks Honorable Marie Christine Bocoum, Vice Chairperson of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child Hon Bocoum commenced by expressing her deepest gratitude to the ECOWAS and its Member States for collaborating with the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in making this workshop a reality. She gave a brief background on Agenda2040 and stated that the document is an elaboration of the vision of Agenda 2063 in respect of children, with the main objective of fostering an Africa fit for children. It sets out ten aspirations to be achieved by the year 2040 and provides brief backgrounds with a deep insight on specific issues. Hon Bocoum highlighted that the Committee acknowledges the progress recorded by State Parties of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC/the Charter) with regard to children’s rights at the domestic level. However, she stated that despite the foregoing milestones, serious child rights violations still remain an urgent concern in many African countries. She stated that RECs, such as the ECOWAS, play a great role in addressing cross border issues due to their proximity to the challenges and better understanding of the socio-economic and legal backgrounds informing them. The Committee is committed to work closely with RECs to address cross border issues and other issues affecting children. Hon Bocoum concluded her remarks by extending appreciation for GiZ, Save the Children International and Plan International for the financial and technical support they provided in the organization of the workshop. Remarks by Dr. Siga Fatima Jagne, Commissioner for Social Affairs and Gender of ECOWAS Commission Dr. Siga Fatima Jagne, Commissioner for Social Affairs and Gender of ECOWAS Commission, commenced her remarks by reiterating the