Commonwealth People’s Forum (CPF)
CHOGM 2009
 “Partnering for a More Equitable and Sustainable Future”

Malta’s Consultation

Monday 8th June 2009 at the Royal Hall, The Palace Sliema

   
The Consultation in Malta was organized by the National Council of Women Malta with the support of the Commonwealth Foundation. It was chaired by NCW President Ms Grace Attard. Over sixty representatives of Government, Employers Associations, Unions, Academia and Various Interest Groups (NGOs) attended. During a full day of presentations and deliberations, the discussion centered round National and International issues among them Human Rights, Education, Gender, Environment & Climate Change and above all the Financial Crisis.

The Foreign Office representative conveyed a message from Mrs Cecilia Attard-Pirotta  B.A.(Hons.),M.A.(Diplomacy) Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs                                                                                                                                   where she stated that the CPF has now become an integral part of every CHOGM. 12 years since its inception, it continues to be relevant in voicing the concerns, opinion and aspirations of Civil Society. She continued by saying that The Commonwealth People’s Forum’s contribution remains invaluable and that the involvement of the various civil society organisations is of paramount importance. The extraordinary work carried out by the Commonwealth People’s Forum is indeed instrumental in assisting the Commonwealth to keep its ear to the ground in pursuit of its objectives. Its input will most certainly continue to be fundamental in the run up to this year’s CHOGM in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Consultation was opened by HE President Emeritus Prof Guido de Marco, former Chair of the Commonwealth Foundation, who gave a brief historical overview of the Commonwealth and stressed the importance of the Commonwealth of today which is open to participatory discussions rather than monologues. “We are proud to have a Commonwealth with space where people can voice their beliefs in the future, where they can share the problems of yesterday and tomorrow, exploring common grounds, strengthening values, inform and influence the citizens and their leaders,” he said.

Commonwealth Foundation Deputy Director Vijay Krishnarayan outlined the scope of the CPF, explaining that the main thrust of the CPF and its processes this year will feed into and influence CHOGM rather than attempt to set up a parallel discourse. This year the Commonwealth People’s Forum will have the same theme as CHOGM: “Partnering for a More Equitable and Sustainable Future.” There is a mandate to encourage dialogue between government and civil society and influence the outcomes of the Heads of State meeting at source. The focus on the same theme and the convergence of the political process will facilitate the engagement between Governments and Civil Society organizations. Through this, different models of partnerships might emerge but we are conscious that a policy for partnership is needed as well as institutional development and capacity building not only for Civil Society organizations but also in Government.

Doris Bingley gave an overview of the proceedings taking place in Trinidad & Tobago next November and explained to those present how they can get involved, how to make their voices heard by governments, how to network with other organizations and how to share their ideas and experiences by participating in the eight assemblies being held in Port of Spain. “On this day of consultation we can combine our proposals and comments to influence the COW (Committee of the Whole) which takes place ahead of CHOGM.” She continued. She also urged the participants to consult the CPF Kampala Statement to CHOGM 2007 “Realising People’s Potential,” described by the Foundation as a living document, as they needed to decide what to highlight for continuation in CPF 2009. There is continuity from one CPF/CHOGM to another.

A brain storming session took place on issues of concern with a view to identifying the most pressing matters for joint consideration and action at the CPF 2009.

During the discussion on Human Rights led by Dr Ruth Farrugia, Faculty of Laws University of Malta, it was stated that “All human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated”. Over the last past decades ,the definition of Human Rights is being challenged to incorporate not only the traditional view of civil and political rights but social, economic and cultural rights as well as rights that address responsibilities to address global developments. Sustainable human development aims to eliminate poverty, promote human dignity and rights, and provide equitable opportunities for all through good governance, thereby promoting the realization of all human rights - economic, social, cultural, civil and political

In our region the protection of social rights will be further tested during the current economic crisis. Like other human rights they are enshrined in treaties agreed by governments, such as European Social Charter and The Lisbon Treaty which it is hoped will be ratified by the end of 2009. The challenge is to ensure that these agreements are enforced in reality. This requires that people are informed about them and have structured institutions to voice their views and seek redress, when their rights are violated. In this way, active civil society groups can provide a valuable contribution.

The scale and impact of the current crisis is still largely unknown, but it is expected that women and girls in both developed and developing countries will be particularly affected by job cuts, loss of livelihoods, poverty, increased responsibilities in all spheres of their life, and an increased risk of societal and domestic violence. Historically, economic recessions have placed a disproportionate burden on women. Women are more likely than men to be in vulnerable jobs, to be under-employed or without a job, to lack social protection, and to have limited access to and control over economic and financial resources.

We must also remember that in Malta in 2005 the Commonwealth Heads of Governments “affirmed the importance of promoting tolerance, respect, enlightened moderation and friendship among people of different races, faiths and cultures… and of building a common platform of unity against extremism and intolerance”.  This declaration must be given the highest priority and implemented in all Commonwealth Countries.

Education provides a fundamental tool for self-improvement and national development.  We advocate life long learning programmes especially now that we face the effect of the global economic downturn on social sectors. We urge Governments to give importance to education for children and adults, to allocate adequate resources, and together with the international community work to improve this very important sector. It is essential to improve education systems with a view to facilitating the mutual recognition of professional qualifications and standards.

There is also great concern at the impacts of the global crisis on young people: specifically youth unemployment, disaffection and migration. Extreme poverty and the ensuing social exclusion cannot be understood in economic terms on the basis of figures alone, but must also be understood in terms of human rights and citizenship; to eradicate poverty we have to educate and develop skills to meet the future needs of the economy.

It was highlighted that in Europe it was necessary to promote University-Business Cooperation. Bridges should be built between university and their curricula and the world of enterprise, and that businesses should have the possibility to complement study programmes, to offer internships, organise open days for students etc. This will be a constructive element in approaching jobs with creativity and innovation. This would benefit future generations.

Gender
The new demographic challenges that are surfacing in Europe could be tackled by addressing the situation of women who live in poverty, who have unequal and inadequate access to nutrition, housing, education and pay, and who face difficulties in reconciling work, family and private life.

Even here there is the need for more effective lifelong learning and training actions aiming better to equip citizens, especially the less qualified, to (re-)enter the job market smoothly and without discrimination and to contribute to social innovation. Entrepreneurship of women and young people is recommended using ICT and communication competences together with financial literacy and language skills.

It was stressed that in Europe there is the vital need to support mothers, by means of family allowances during infancy and the creation of a suitable framework for their return to the labour market, paying particular attention to single mothers in view of their vulnerability. The implementation of the Commonwealth Plan of Action for Gender Equality 2005–2015 should be a priority. The Commonwealth must continue to work together to ensure closer collaboration between governments and gender-focused civil society organisations and institutions to ensure concerted support to the elimination of gender inequalities and poverty eradication.

Together they should address the gaps and persistent obstacles and challenges faced in the implementation of the Plan of Action and support initiatives that increase financing for gender equality work, through gender-responsive budgeting.

We must increase the participation of women in political decision making by achieving 30% target set out in the Beijing Platform for Action and the Commonwealth Plan of Action for Gender Equality 2005-2015.

We must also address gender-based violence and prevent the trafficking and abuse of women and children, by promoting victim protection and awareness-raising through the media, as well as education and training. 

We must mainstream gender equality in all policies, strategies and actions, and financial measures which directly support women’s empowerment

Environment and Climate Change was another topic discussed, led by Vince Attard,  CEO Nature Trust Malta. We mentioned the over exploitation of resources, the over fishing, the ozone, the pollution as well as the marine and other aquatic ecosystems.
Addressing the threat of climate change is a current global priority. There is broad consensus that climate change is best addressed in the context of sustainable development. Unless it is effectively dealt with, climate change will have a dramatic impact on the environment and on economic and social development. Climate change is also likely to exacerbate both natural disasters and potentially conflicts over natural resources.

More women need to get involved in environmental issues. Women’s responsibilities in households and communities as stewards of natural resources has positioned them well for livelihood strategies adapted to changing environmental realities. Women tend, however, to be underrepresented in decision-making on sustainable development, including on climate change, and this impedes their ability to contribute their unique and valuable perspectives and expertise on climate change.
 
We looked at how the present financial crisis can have an effect on the environment.
On the positive side, some scientists think that the crisis will move people to use less energy and help limit carbon emissions. The global slowdown means people will have less money to buy. This translates into fewer products and goods being manufactured which means fewer natural resources used.
Pessimists argue that with the financial crisis, there will be less economic activity around the globe within the next few years. This could mean people putting the economy ahead of the environment, although until very recently, the environment got centre stage in world attention. With less money to spend on research for dealing with environmental concerns, important programs may be suspended indefinitely as donations are reduced or driven away from environmentally oriented institutions

Education as always is very important, organising school programmes such as ECO schools projects and activities to train our youth, raise awareness and prepare for an environmentally conscious society.
                                        
Beyond the financial crisis
We analysed the present financial crisis through an expert Edwin Calleja,                                                                             European Economic and Social Committee Member and Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, who gave an overview of how it was brought about and proposals on how countries can plan beyond to use this recession period as an opportunity to move forward. He mentioned the causes of the crisis which pointed to an evident failure of supervisory and regulatory rules governing the banking and financial sector.

The discussion focused on the effects of the crisis. How The OECD reports that as a result of the bursting of the speculative bubble in the financial sector, there were serious and immediate contractions in the real economy (production of goods and services). The social consequences are dramatic.  Un-employment in the OECD area in the year to March, 2009 rose by some 11 million people. Globally the number of unemployed could rise by more than 50 million people at the end of 2009. The Major Banks, Insurance and financial institutions had to be assisted by US and EU governments. National Protectionism Rears its Head

Highlighting what needs to be done to avoid such a crisis in the future, the discussion evolved round the mismatch that has developed in the system between finance that went global and governance that remained national. This must be resolved either by governance becoming more globalised or finance less globalised. We need better bank supervision & regulation of the financial sector.
                                                              
The emphasis on increased participation in consultation and decision-taking by organized civil society, especially the social partners, was discussed at length. Although, there will be decisions to take that will be hard to accept by society, organized civil society should be involved to share the responsibilities with government on the measures that need to be taken by society as a result of decreased government expenditure. This requires adequate and accurate information, to explain to as large a proportion of society, the changes everyone has to accept in work attitudes and ethics, in life-style for a realistic sustainable development policy
                           
We have been talking about the environment and climate change in the same context of the economy and our social agenda. When we get out of this crisis the emphasis on joint responsibility will surely focus on green investment and green jobs. Climate change will have crucial implications for our future living conditions and will also leave a decisive mark on the world of work.  The core idea of “green jobs” must be that environmental protection, employment growth and economic development go hand in hand.

Prof Peter Xuereb, Jean Monet Chair in EU Law & European Integration; Chair European Documentation & Research Centre, University of Malta, made a presentation and led the discussion on Empowering civil society to engage in the democratic process. He took a macro (global) approach to the theme as it is at this level that the most important decisions are taken. It is at this level that we need global democracy, because the major threats of pandemic disease, major conflict, life-threatening and migration, climate change and other issues, can be realistically and effectively addressed at global level. And … We need civil society there. We need structured institutions that enable all stakeholders including civil society to mediate well for the wide variety of peoples around the globe.

European Union democracy, imperfect as it is - is founded on twin pillars ---- representation of STATES....and representation of PEOPLES. And so also does the Preamble of the United Nations Charter refer to "We, the peoples of the United Nations”. Yet, peoples are not yet represented in the UN bodies.

Prof Xuereb recommends a Peoples’ Assembly, as a forum for the Intercultural Dialogue that is so badly needed to uncover and resolve our misunderstandings, injustices, conflicts, artificial differences, mutual simplistic misrepresentations. We need a global peoples’ assembly as part of the United Nations Institutional Architecture, which would be KEY to resolving today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. We need a Peoples’ Assembly of civil society representatives, above the state level, at the global level with as many women as men elected to it. We need global scrutiny and response to safeguard the future of our world.

States themselves should welcome this participation, not only for reasons of principle, but for the invaluable and expert contribution that civil society can make. The discussion highlighted the role of the Commonwealth Foundation to drive this concept forward with credibility using its influence globally. The Commonwealth Foundation can be a lead player when it comes to democracy and civil society and can be a lead player in this.

Recommendations

      1)  Partnerships
These are essential for the way forward. The different models of partnerships such as Civil Society and Governments; Global Institutions and Organised Civil Society; Academia and Business; North and South; East and West; all require a good governance policy, fair terms and sustainable transformation, as well as proper engagement and dialogue. To this end capacity building for civil society organisations and for institutions and Government Departments is necessary. The Commonwealth is well placed to foster partnerships and cooperation to achieve a shared vision

2)  Beyond the Financial Crisis
The stabilisation of the financial and banking sector that helps industry to develop;  The need for means of assuring our citizens that their hard-earned savings will not vanish in the hands of those that are entrusted with their money. Priority to support our productive and service industry – Governments need to create the necessary structures to involve the social partners and organized civil society at large in the process of consultation and decision- making at all levels to set our countries on the new road to economic recovery where ethics, social responsibility and sustainability have to play an intrinsic part of our plan.

3)  Peoples’ Assembly
A People’s Assembly was recommended as a forum for the Intercultural Dialogue that is so badly needed to uncover and resolve our misunderstandings, injustices, conflicts, artificial differences, mutual simplistic misrepresentations. This leads to strong structures for Civil Society acting at Global Level. Modern technology is able to bring global civil society together. The Commonwealth can drive this idea forward with credibility and influence. The Commonwealth Foundation can be a lead player when it comes to democracy and civil society and can be a lead player at global level.

4)  Intergenerational Solidarity
The promotion and applicability of Intergenerational Solidarity at National, Regional and International Level is a priority. The above theme may be put into practice if and when the wealth generated through economic activity is fairly distributed between all citizens. Demographic Change – this is resulting in fewer births in Europe which will have an effect on pensions and development aid. One also notes the migration of global workforce, brain drain and loss of cultural identities. We urge Governments to give importance to education for children and adults, to allocate adequate resources, and together with the international community work to stabilize our communities.

5) Education for the benefit of future generations
It was recommended that the Commonwealth Foundation promotes University-Business Cooperation to carry forward the wider socio-economic transformation agenda. Education is important for employment, climate change and the environment and is a constructive element in approaching jobs with creativity and innovation. We recommend the use of modern technology (ICT) to extend education opportunities, improve and develop skills and create entrepreneurship. An integrated approach including academia and research and development for innovation should be essential tools to face the future

 
   6)  Health
Policies on public health including health and safety at the workplace and the elimination of child labour to promote improvements in the quality of life for all citizens were recommended. Strengthening and implementation of health systems with increase emphasis on hygiene and nutrition.

7)   Gender
We recommend the implementation of the “Commonwealth Plan of Action for Gender Equality 2005–2015.” The Commonwealth must continue to work together to ensure closer collaboration between governments, gender-focused civil society organisations and institutions to ensure concerted support to the elimination of gender inequalities in all areas,  and poverty eradication.

Encourage all Commonwealth Countries to increase the participation of women in decision making by achieving 30% target set out in the Beijing Platform for Action and the Commonwealth Plan of Action for Gender Equality 2005-2015.

8) Human Rights
It was considered that more could be done to influence the international agenda concerning the decent work agenda and actively promotes compliance with ILO conventions, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and that this could contribute to achieving world peace and also to the protection of the Commonwealth interests and values.
We urge the use and application of human rights in dialogue and debate, the incorporation of human rights treaties and the establishment of independent national human rights institutions.

9)  Climate Change
Countries need to examine the challenges of climate change and to identify strategies,  develop creative financing and investment arrangements for decentralised renewable technology and implement measures to promote energy efficiency,  apply ecological, sustainability, ensure that every energy project, small or large, incorporates gender mainstreaming with a budget designed to build in gender equality;

Doris Bingley
Hon General Secretary, NCW Malta
CSAC Member

.