Dept tells NGOs, churches to be specific in development participation

DEPARTMENT of National Planning and Monitoring secretary Koney Samuel has urged non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and churches to be specific in the kind of development they want to participate in.
“We see civil societies as critical partners to help government deliver quality services in our remote and rural areas,” he said yesterday in Port Moresby when officiating at the PNG State and Civil Partnership forum.
“Find your space in the development, what is your call,” he said.
Samuel was concerned that lack of active participation from NGOs in formulating, implementing and monitoring government policies, had been detrimental to effective implementation and sustainable developments.
He said his department was working with government line agencies in drafting a civil society partnership policy which would give a clear direction to have the churches and NGOs effectively implement government services and policies.
“The government cannot do this alone we need a blend of support, from each and every one of you,” he told the forum that was organised by the Consultative Implementation Monitoring Council.
Asian Development Bank representative Jack Stanely and Australian High Commission representative Paul Lehmann both called for effective participation by NGOs through the establishment of a technical planning committee.
Lehmann said the continuous support of the Australian government for civil society was broad and far-reaching.
“There must be a constructive cooperation between the state and civil society,” he said.
The theme of the two-day forum is “Exploring Financing and Partnership Opportunities for PNG Civil Society: working together to drive change.”
The event, which ends today, saw panelist from government agencies, development partners, churches and NGOs in attendance.