Civil Society Consultations Important to Commonwealth

Commonwealth Secretary-General opens Civil Society Meeting, Marlborough House, UK.

Consultation and collaboration with civil society are important to the Commonwealth Secretariat as they provide a forum for agreeing on concrete initiatives and joint projects to assist people throughout the Commonwealth. Secretary-General Don McKinnon made this point at a Commonwealth Civil Society Consultation held at Marlborough House, London, UK, on 24 November 2004.

The Secretary-General stated: "There are many challenges ahead. Working together, we can tackle them more effectively. This includes stepping up action to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, particularly in Africa, where many countries are not on target; creating conditions for a successful and fair trade round; and ensuring that information and communications technologies really benefit people in developing countries."

The day-long meeting at the Secretariat's headquarters was organised by its Strategic Planning and Evaluation Division, to discuss ways in which civil society can interact with governments at the 2005 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta, to consider emerging issues in the Commonwealth and how Commonwealth agencies and civil society organisations (CSOs) can respond.

Representatives of civil society urged further dialogue with the Secretariat. Nelcia Robinson from the Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action said she hoped that issues raised by CSOs at the meeting will be considered at policy level and changes implemented in Commonwealth countries.

Henry Malumo from the Zambia Trade Network commented: "These consultations are important because they enhance our understanding of Commonwealth issues. I hope such dialogue will trigger action."

Director of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies in London, Professor Tim Shaw, stated that CSOs raised salient issues of governance at the meeting. "Civil society defines and highlights global issues like Millennium Development Goals and human rights, thereby making continued dialogue especially vital."

Mr McKinnon said the Secretariat would attempt to create an opportunity at CHOGM for CSOs to meet with a representative group of foreign ministers.

"The voice of civil society is so important. Civil society organisations are key partners for development in most of our Commonwealth countries. Through their knowledge and expertise, they help influence and shape many important decisions that affect the lives and livelihood of Commonwealth citizens."

CNIS - the Commonwealth News and Information Service - Issue 211 - 24 November 2004

Secretariat Links:

• Civil Society