|
|
|
Africa in search of deeper dialogue beyond Addis and Bamako - February 2004
|
|
| |
5. Why?
The issue had been discussed in the mid-December 2003 Maputo meeting where it was resolved that Profs.Edward Oyugi and Yash Tandon, Sara Longwe and Taoufik Ben Abdallah initiate the discourse in Africa. While some felt that it was too early to take firm positions on the matter, others retorted that the continent must have some direction on how to tackle the subject in case it is raised in Mumbai.
As an initial step to review Africa's capacity, the Secretariat advised that it was working tirelessly to strengthen the continent's representation in the IC. All present agreed with this approach and recommended that many organisations as possible should familiarise themselves with the principles guiding the IC and participate in its meetings so that Africa's voice is strengthened.
It was noted that while a number of people in the ASF steering committee were expected to serve in the IC, many had not attended the organ's planning meetings consistently.
Recognising this weakness, the Secretariat decided to develop south-south linkages whose labour bore fruits when Candido Grzybowski decided to jostle Africa into the hosting bid.
The same concern was addressed in Maputo with specific reference to Africa's social movements representation in the European Social Forum for example.
It was anticipated that further dialogue on this issue was going to be held in Mumbai and iron out some of the problems the Secretariat had identified.
|
|
Related documents