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Civil Society Wants More Interaction With Governments

2 December 2004

Working in Partnership
Working in Partnership

Civil society convening in London, UK, on 24 November 2004 called for the Commonwealth Secretariat to support their efforts to interact with foreign ministers in the run-up to the 2005 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) from 15 Commonwealth countries attended the Commonwealth Civil Society Consultation, organised by the Secretariat's Strategic Planning and Evaluation Division (SPED) and the Commonwealth Foundation. One of the main objectives of the meeting was to discuss ways in which civil society could interact with governments at the CHOGM in Malta. 

CSOs told Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon and other officials that they looked forward to engaging constructively with them and with foreign ministers on vital Commonwealth issues.

Nelcia Robinson, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Foundation Civil Society Advisory Committee, noted: "Civil society has proved over the years that it is committed to Commonwealth values and mandates. We work hard to promote and implement them.

"It is important to know that our input and work are valued by our governments."

CSOs decided that they would prioritise five areas in the lead-up to the 2005 CHOGM, including looking into the negative impacts of trade liberalisation and the need to encourage private sector investment in developing countries; promoting policies for information and communications technologies (ICTs) that would make ICTs such as the Internet and mobile phones available to all people; and working more closely with local government to deepen democracy in their countries.

They agreed to focus on monitoring progress towards the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), especially in areas where more effort was needed -- such as ensuring adequate resources for MDGs in national and donor budgets. CSOs also resolved to continue to advocate for the support and resources needed for their work.

 

CNIS - the Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 212 1 December 2004

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