Media Statement
Hanns Seidel Foundation Workshop: NEPAD and Civil Society
Johannesburg, 01-03 November 2003
Crowne Plaza Hotel Sandton
Presented by the Hanns Seidel Foundation
Project Partner: Institute for Security Studies
Preface: Implementation of NEPAD in Governments and Civil Societies
At the beginning of 2002 NEPAD was yet a relatively unknown development
concept of a few African statesmen. But already in February that year
the Hanns Seidel Foundation invited representatives from sub-saharan
African countries with Hanns Seidel offices for a workshop in order
to discuss the NEPAD concept from the point of view of those respective
countries.
The workshop participants criticised among other aspects that civil
society was not sufficiently involved in concept and implementation
of NEPAD. The Hanns Seidel Foundation concluded that it had to offer
a forum to inform civil society about the concept of NEPAD and also
to foster the dialogue of governments and its citizens. The projects
of the Foundation have included this demand in their various programmes
.
In the meantime the concept of NEPAD has taken more concrete shapes
and institutions have been formed especially in African countries.
A number of summits of African leaders have taken place, there were
meetings with the G8-countries, the African Union has adopted NEPAD
as its development concept, a steering committee was established in
South Africa, the idea of „peer review“ was vividly discussed
and a special committee for this aspect was established.
At this year’s workshop the Hanns Seidel Foundation would like
to take stock of progress:
- What is the perception of NEPAD in governments and civil societies?
- What have they contributed to its implementation?
- Is there co-operation of government and civil society concerning NEPAD?
- Can the exchange of experience assist co-operation of government and civil society?
The workshop programme, list of participants and workshop papers can be viewed on the ISS web site.
For further information, please contact Gerhard P Linska, Representative,
Hanns Seidel Foundation South Africa
Tel: + 27 (0)11 465 8116
Cell: + 27 (0)82 9010 234
E-mail: hsf@pixie.co.za
Issued by the Institute for Security Studies on behalf of the Hanns Seidel Foundation South Africa
28 October 2003
