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Civil Society Should be Forward Looking in the Pubic Interest

6 October 2005

"Civil society organisations across the Commonwealth are increasingly showing their leadership in shaping Commonwealth agendas and policies ..."

Civil society should be bold and forward-looking in its outlook as it works for the public's interest, said Dr Mark Collins, Director of the Commonwealth Foundation. He was speaking at the opening of a civil society consultation at Marlborough House, headquarters of the Foundation and the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, UK, on 30 September 2005. The consultation was held to prepare a message from civil society to senior officials of Commonwealth member states at the Committee of the Whole meeting on 4 October 2005, also at Marlborough House. The issues are focused on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Africa, the digital divide and small island developing states in the Commonwealth.

The Foundation has made efforts to enable voices from around the Commonwealth to be heard, and the response through national and e-consultations has been enthusiastic.

"Civil society organisations across the Commonwealth are increasingly showing their leadership in shaping Commonwealth agendas and policies, and working in partnership with governments to achieve change. We are helping to identify the issues of tomorrow and practical ways to tackle them," stated Dr Collins.

He encouraged the 50 delegates to play a role in setting the agenda for the future by identifying special Commonwealth needs and preparing practical ways forward. This will contribute to achieving real change and improvements in the lives of Commonwealth citizens.

"Hundreds of millions of Commonwealth citizens remain in poverty, without the basic goods and services needed for a dignified existence. Most of these people are essentially without a voice in world affairs. If you cannot feed your children or read a pamphlet, vote or listen to a free radio broadcast, you are in no position to enter the debate on aid, trade, debt relief and climate change," said Dr Collins.

 

CNIS - Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 255, 5 October 2005