Brussels, 08/07/2011 (Agence Europe) - Civil society must play a leading role in the sustainable and inclusive development of ACP (African/Caribbean/Pacific) countries linked to the EU under the Cotonou Agreement, say participants from civil society of the EU and from most ACP countries. This was also underlined by Staffan Nilsson, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) President, who opened the general assembly of ACP and EU economic and social interest groups, hosted for three days on EESC premises (5-7 July).
The main stakeholders say that meeting this requirement means: - a greater role should be given to civil society and to non-state players in the definition, implementation and monitoring of the Cotonou Agreement; - the promotion of agriculture and support for agricultural organisations should be placed at the heart of food security strategies in ACP countries; - more account should be taken of the social dimension in the renewed EU development policy focusing on poverty eradication, investment in agriculture-related sectors, decent jobs, social dialogue and support to non-state actors consultation; - balanced economic, social and environmental provisions should be included in economic partnership agreements (EPAs) being negotiated; - and civil society organisations should be involved in the democratic governance of ACP countries. These demands were set out in the final declaration adopted after the conference held every three years. (A.N./transl.jl)