Need for ‘three-pronged’ approach in wake of global crises
23 Nov 2009
Civil society has become stitched firmly into the Commonwealth’s fabric, says Sharma
As countries throughout the world work to recover from the food, fuel and financial crises which have gripped them over the last few years, there has never been a greater need for a three-pronged approach involving the public sector, private sector and civil society.
“We have all had a bad few years - of crisis upon crisis,” Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma said at the opening of the Commonwealth People’s Forum in Trinidad and Tobago’s capital, Port of Spain. “And the message, which we thought we had heard before, has become ever clearer ... Join hands – the public, the private and the third [civil society] sector.”
He told the gathering of civil society representatives from across the Commonwealth that in the 53-country association this partnership is often referred to as “the three-legged stool”.
“[These] three legs need each other, for the stool to stand up, and be of use and value,” he said. “And I would contend that they are supposed to be in creative tension with each other – each, after all, have their constituencies and their own reason for being.”
Mr Sharma praised the work and impact of civil society, adding that it has become firmly stitched in the Commonwealth’s fabric.
“You protest, you cajole, you criticise, you hold accountable. Equally, you advise, you offer support, applaud, you co-operate, you partner.
“When all is said and done, our goals converge – to improve lives, communities, the world.”
Also speaking at the launch of the People’s Forum was Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Patrick Manning, who stressed the fundamental role of civil society in the Commonwealth.
He told those present that “civil society dialogue is key to the success of democracy” and that it is imperative “that the sacred relationships between governments and people are preserved.”
This 2009 People’s Forum is the seventh such event, since its inception in 1997. It is one of the collective gatherings that constitute the wider Commonwealth summit, which culminates with the Heads of Government Meeting, taking place from 27 to 29 November.
Source:Commonwelath Secretariate
