The Economic, Social and Cultural  Council (ECOSOCC), is an advisory organ composed of different social and  professional groups of the Member States of the Union. Its members are elected  for a period of four years mandate.
 

The First Permanent General Assembly  of the ECOSOCC elected on 8 September 2008, in Dar es Salaam, United Republic  of Tanzania, its new Presiding Officer by name M. Akere Muna, member of the  African Union high level audit panel and Chairman of the Pan African Union of  Lawyers. He took over from Professor Wangari Maathai, who was the Interim  presiding Officer since 2005. The launching of the Permanent General  Assembly of the ECOSOCC in Tanzania was done in commemoration of the African  Union Day celebrated every 9 September.

Functions of the ECOSOCC:

a) Promote continuous dialogue between all segments of the African  people on issues concerning Africa and its future;
b) Forge strong partnerships between governments and all  segments of the civil society, in particular women, the youth, children, the  Diaspora, organized labour, the private sector and professional groups;
c) Promote the participation of African civil society in  the implementation of the policies and programmes of the Union.
d) Support policies and programmes that will promote peace,  security and stability in Africa, and foster development and integration of the  continent;
e) Promote and defend a culture of good governance, democratic  principles and institutions, popular participation, human rights and freedoms  as well as social justice;
f) Promote, advocate and defend a culture of gender  equality;
g) Promote and strengthen the  institutional, human and operational capacities of the African civil society.