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The African Third Sector,
Collaborations, Partnerships and
Overseas Cooperation.
Introduction
NEXUS International successfully organized the first conference
by International NGOs (INGO) for Africa Third Sector organizations
in Africa and their UK partners. This was held in London from
the 7th - 10th July, 2004. It was publicized as INGO Conference
2004.
The theme of the Conference was Third Sector, Overseas Mission
in the UK, Innovation and African Development. The deliberations
and issues arising from the Conference gave rise to the need to
explore and examine strategic collaborations between other European
countries (such as Ireland) and Africa.
Relative to world development, millions of Africans live below
the poverty line. The INGO Conference is providing a platform
for an active process of engagement to explore ways by which a
reasonable framework and level of co-operation and collaborative
networks can be established.
INGO seeks to create collaboration between African Third Sector
organizations and pro-development Embassies/High Commissions based
in Ireland.
Why Ireland
At the 2000 United Nations Millennium Conference, all donor and
aid-recipient governments agreed to tailor their future development
policies and expenditure priorities to meet a set of development
targets. These targets, called the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGS), provide political and practical direction to international
development institutions, governments and citizens in their collective
fight to eradicate poverty.
Ireland has remained committed to meet the UN target of 0.7%
of its GNP (gross national product) for Overseas Development Assistance.
The fiscal implication of this target means committing very substantial
Irish Public funds to all aspects of development in the developing
and under developed countries.
The complexities involved in accessing these funds for the development
of Africa and particularly the Third Sector Organizations in Africa
will be examined and addressed in detail at the INGO Ireland Conference.
INGO’s efforts will link to the thrust of Ireland’s
global effort to tackle poverty and exclusion.
Role of African Ambassadors
There is a need for African Embassies and High Commissions in
the West to embrace a wider civic role. INGO therefore advocates
that apart from economic diplomacy, there is a need for a development
diplomacy that will focus on the mobilization of donors and foreign
direct assistance to impact local communities in Africa.
The Embassies and High Commissions are well placed to support
the work of African NGOs, promote dialogue co-operation and understanding
in North and South NGO relations and open avenues and access opportunities
for community driven sustainable programmes, in partnership with
the Third Sector organisations. There is therefore an emerging
need for the placement of NGO attachés in all African Diplomatic
Missions.
Role of Irish Based Organizations
Ireland through the Ireland Aid Programme is committed to strengthening
and deepening partnerships with civil society organizations in
Africa. Irish based agencies and organizations have for a number
of years contributed generously towards development work in Africa
and it is important their senior representatives/executives are
encouraged to participate in this consultation. The Ireland consultation
will offer an invaluable opportunity for the conferees from African
NGOs to observe and interact with Irish NGOs and development agencies/institutions.
Critical Areas in African Development
NEXUS and its development partners have identified certain areas
critical to African development.
The areas include:
a) Alleviating extreme poverty and hunger
b) The role of Irish agencies in the economic and social development
of Africa
c) Collaborations and partnerships for change - African and Irish
NGOs
d) The role of African Embassies/High Commissions in the poverty
reduction strategies of their respective countries
e) The role of the Third Sector organizations in -
1 Universal Primary Education
2 Gender Equality and Women Empowerment
3 Combat HIV/Aids, Diseases etc
4 Sustainable Environment
5 Networking, Partnerships, and Capacity Building
f) The role of faith based organizations in African development
- Diapraxis
g) Capacity building - major factors with regards to African Third
Sector development
h) Access to funding - the practicalities
The Business
The INGO Ireland 2004 Conference will (among other targets) work
to
a) challenge for practical commitments and monitoring of commitments
b) develop working relations among participating African Third
Sector Organizations, Irish Based Organizations, NGOs, and African
Diplomatic Missions.
One highlight of this Conference will be the launch of the African
Third Sector Roundtable. |
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