Effective Public Policy Formulation Must Involve Youth
6 October 2005
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| "It is about the creation of an enabling environment for sustainable development, the rule of law, good governance, elimination of poverty, freedom of expression, protection of human rights, non-discrimination and respect for diversity and human dignity." |
He said this while presenting a discussion paper on 'Leadership and Advocacy in the Policy Implementation Process', at a workshop organised by the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture and held in St Kitts and Nevis from 3 to 5 October 2005. The workshop was organised in collaboration with the Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural Co-Operation, and bore the theme 'Leadership Development and Policy Integration for Youth in Agriculture'. It is part of the activities to mark the fifth Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) being held on the twin-island state from 3 to 8 October.
Mr Charles stated that the active participation of citizens, mainly young people, in the formulation and implementation of public policy will contribute to the development of more relevant, effective and efficient initiatives, policies and programmes that will garner greater public support and ownership. These attributes will help to shape the present and future communities and societies.
"It is about the creation of an enabling environment for sustainable development, the rule of law, good governance, elimination of poverty, freedom of expression, protection of human rights, non-discrimination and respect for diversity and human dignity," he explained.
Mr Charles urged young people to form themselves into effective youth organisations. Every effort, he said, should be made to foster a climate of tolerance and democracy within the organisation to facilitate a broad exchange of views.
"There is a critical need for youth organisations to adopt relevant aspects of strategic management. These include visioning, programme budgeting, strategic planning, results-oriented approaches to project implementation and effective evaluation methods," he stated.
Stressing that an integral component of an organisation's work programme is to enhance the skills and knowledge base of its membership, Mr Charles said the integrity of the organisation is enhanced when its affairs are conducted in a transparent manner with a leadership that is accountable.
The week-long Caribbean agriculture symposium is being held in collaboration with a number of regional and international organisations, including the Caribbean Community, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. More than 150 delegates from at least eight Caribbean countries, including ministers of agriculture, are attending the fifth CWA.
CNIS - Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 255, 5 October 2005
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