'Inclusive governance is a shared agenda'
Discussants at a forum yesterday said establishing inclusive governance in Bangladesh is a shared agenda of the government, civil society organisations and citizens.
They were speaking at a programme titled “Inclusive Governance and Social Accountability (IGSA) Forum” organised by Platforms for Dialogue, an European Union funded project, in partnership with Cabinet Division of Bangladesh, and implemented through British Council Bangladesh, said a press release.
Both civil society representatives and civil servants have to play inclusive roles, which will benefit the citizens, said Mohammad Shafiul Alam, cabinet secretary and chief guest of the event. He insisted on the importance of accountability across institutions.
“New knowledge and input are required with sincerity and efforts to fulfil government's vision of developing Bangladesh. As the title suggests, government should be participating in dialogue,” emphasised Rensje Teerink, European Union head of delegation and ambassador to Bangladesh.
A major aim of Platforms for Dialogue (P4D) is to promote widespread application of social accountability tools. “Part of P4D's mission is to support government institutions to deliver on ambitions set out in the 7th Five-Year-Plan and policies centred on the National Integrity Strategy, the Right to Information Act, Citizens' Charters and the Grievance Redress System,” said Barbara Wickham, country director of British Council Bangladesh.
The one-day IGSA Forum was a mixed methodology of plenary sessions, seminars, workshops and presentations while P4D emphasises mutual responsibilities to foster a more collaborative relationship between the government and civil society.
As part of P4D's intervention in 21 districts, CSOs and representatives of local government are receiving training that will inspire effective engagement and dialogue on local policy issues.
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