Goal
The overall goal of the dialogue is to provide information on civic
inclusion in development decision-making, that will feed ongoing
policy debates in preparation for the World Conference Against Racism.
The dialogue would focus on issues of racial discrimination, social,
and economic exclusion and include civil society organizations representing
different racial and ethnic groups. Beyond identifying the root
causes and manifestations of social exclusion, it is expected that
the cross-cultural dialogue would draw upon experiences, policies
and good practices that enable the inclusion of citizens of such
groups into decision making pertaining to their own development,
and that of their countries and communities.
Objective
The objective is to organize two regional conferences to bring together
civil society organizations, policy makers/specialists, and decision
makers with the aim of: i) exploring policies and practices to include
racial, ethnic, and other socially excluded groups in economically
viable projects that ensure their livelihoods; ii) identifying actions
and policies oriented to increase the participation of excluded
groups in formal and informal education programs; iii) exploring
mechanisms and avenues for excluded groups to fully participate
in local, national, and international policy debates that affect
their lives and the exercise of full citizenship. It is proposed
that the Conferences be held May 11- 14, in Barbados for the Latin
America and the Caribbean region; and May 24-27, in Kenya or Nigeria
for the Africa Region.
Output
Two reports will be prepared based on discussions and conclusions
arrived at in both meetings. These Discussion Papers will be prepared
for distribution at the World Conference Against Racism. In addition,
the two Discussion Papers will be circulated widely among key stakeholders
through the main NGO listserv mechanisms established to share information
globally. The Discussion papers will include concepts for possible
actions, activities and outcomes, which could be implemented by
national governments and/or international agencies. In addition
to the above, which will be provided in final form to the World
Bank by July 31st, there will be the preparation of Three Issue
Briefs (no more than three pages in length) reflecting the outcomes
of each regional meeting that will be distributed to NGOs and pertinent
regional government blocks (the Africa Group and the Group of Latin
America and Caribbean States - GRULAC) attending the Final PrepCom
in Geneva in order to assist their advocacy process in meetings
with the governments. In addition, a NGO Briefing will be held in
Geneva to disseminate the findings of the Dialogue.
Final Report
The Final report to be presented to the World Bank will include:
a) Two Discussion Papers; b) Issue Briefs; c) Financial Information;
d) Proceedings of Meetings; e) Work Plan & Final Agenda; f) List
of Participants and Contact Information.
