Alert: Photo, Mishcon's Anthony Julius, © Copyright, Mishcon de Reya The debate was chaired by Anthony Julius, Vice Chairman and Head of Public Advocacy at Mishcon.
The solution...Advocacy - speaking out on behalf of people or ideas to improve society for all. Many different advocacy tools were discussed from citizen activism, to the lobbying of key decision-makers; and from public awareness campaigns to legal challenges to the status quo. However, as Chandrashekhar Krishnan said 'advocacy is not an end in itself, it must lead to action.'
Key Messages
Governance, peace, economic growth and stability are all essential to reduce poverty and implement change. The time is right to rethink how the international communities can help Africa implement an improved development plan.
The new government White Paper on development aims to promote a shared interest in international development. However, at the heart of any development initiative must be sustainable and localised solutions. The African governments must take ownership of their country's own development to ensure sustainability is embedded.
The role of Western countries should be in creating and helping the government support systems to allow them to take the lead. The panellists agreed the key to a successful initiative it so involve all stakeholders from the very beginning. Advocates must also ensure that each project is based on the four pillars of strategy planning, networks, sophisticated campaigning and solid evidence.
Empowerment is the ability for Africa to determine its own future and make choices. "In supporting advocacy, we should support what the people want" said Professor Myles Wickstead.
Corruption can operate to disempower citizens. The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is one of the unique tools used by Transparency International (TI) to tackle corruption. The aim of the index is not to name and shame, its value lies in its ability to influence the actions of governments. Chandrashekhar Krishnan pointed out that the CPI was only one of the advocacy strategies adopted by TI. He emphasised that engaging at all levels of society was crucial and that the private sector had an important role to play in the fight against corruption.
Media offers an invaluable means of communicating advocacy messages to a wide audience. However, it must always be used cautiously. In Africa the media can be vulnerable to corruption and in the West, the way Africa is portrayed is often very damaging.
Africa's Future
The unanimous message from the panel was one of optimism. The panellists shared several success stories and Professor Wickstead called on Western media not to ignore good news stories from the continent. Given the support and resources, Africa has shown that its citizens are more than capable of advocating for change - there are examples of effective advocacy at grassroots and also at State level. The West must now commit to investing in strengthening civil society. Empowering citizens to effect change and to hold their governments accountable is essential if Africa is ever to end its reliance on Western aid.
Further Information
If you would like further information on Mishcon de Reya, the debate and the panellists and their wonderful work please see the contact details below. |
