Forum welcomes ongoing engagement with regional civil society
PRESS STATEMENT 78/08
7th August 2008 FORUM WELCOMES ONGOING ENGAGEMENT WITH REGIONAL CIVIL SOCIETY The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat is committed to continued engagement with civil society, as mandated by Forum Leaders. "Civil society plays a critical role in advocating for change, policy development and service delivery," says Feleti Teo, Acting Secretary General of the Forum Secretariat. "Their contribution to development has long been recognised and mechanisms have been put in place at different levels to consolidate their input in the policy making process." The Policy for Consultative Status and Accreditation between Pacific Islands Forum Members and the Pacific Regional Non-State Actors allows consultative status for three years for any one application approved by Forum Members. Mr Teo explains: "During this time, the Regional Non-State Actors with consultative status may apply to participate as accredited observers to any Forum-organised meeting as determined by Forum Members. Applications are forwarded to Pacific Islands Forum Members for their consideration and approval throughout the year." “Forum Leaders are concerned about good governance and ownership of development in the region, by the people of the region. In this respect they recognise the role civil society plays in assisting grassroots development and the importance of conveying some of these views to national policy-makers. “Leaders recognise that civil society have expertise in some fields and can provide alternate perspectives which add value to the policy making process. This commitment is clearly stated in the 2004 Auckland Declaration to strengthen Forum engagement with civil society.” Mr Teo says the Forum wants this relationship to work, but working out the mechanisms will take time noting that this is a Forum Member driven process. “The Policy on Consultative Status and Accreditation is the first step. With goodwill and effort from both Forum members and NGOs, we can make it work.” (Ends) |
2008