UNITED Nations (UN) secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has told civil society organisations (CSOs) that have converged on Addis Ababa that their role is vital in keeping governments accountable and ensuring that the voices of billions around the world are heard.
As member states press on with efforts to reach consensus on a plan to secure the necessary financing for sustainable development, Mr Ban said: “Now, more than ever, the world needs your advocacy, expertise, and ingenuity.”
Mr Ban was speaking when he addressed CSOs during the Global Civil Society Forum at the Third International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD3) here on Monday.
“You are the voice of the people. You can count on the UN to make it heard, loud and clear,” Mr Ban said.
The FFD3 is expected to launch a renewed and strengthened global partnership for financing people-centred development this week.
The conference, commonly referred to as FFD3, brings together high-level political representatives, including heads of state and government as well as ministers of finance, foreign affairs and development cooperation, along with international financial institutions, non-governmental organisations and the business sector to secure resources for the well-being of the world’s people and the planet.
“I am inspired by your passion, commitment and energy,” Mr Ban told representatives of civil society.
He added that their engagement marks the culmination of “untiring efforts” to ensure a successful and meaningful outcome at the conference.
Managing director of the Society for International Development Stefano Prato said CSOs are engaged on many different levels and have a fundamental watchdog responsibility.
“Independently of what policy commitments are being taken, it’s fundamental to track what is happening and be able to review and follow up into a process that is not exclusively based on numbers and data – despite their importance – but in the direct participation of those most affected by development challenges,” Mr Prato said. PUBLISHED IN THE ZAMBIA DAILY MAIL ON JULY 16, 2015
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