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Engaging Citizens for Better Development Results

Created Jun 12 2017, 2:01 AM by William Tarpai
  • Interviews with Task Team Leaders

I was extremely pleased to review the April 2017 WBG Approach Paper 'Engaging Citizens for Better Development Results',   This IEG Evaluation of World Bank Group Citizen Engagement highlights the importance of the WBG to engage citizens in their own development.   It covers lots of ground about what has been done to mainstream citizen engagement.

 

12 years ago, when I was the regional head of UNHCR operations in northeastern Bosnia & Hercegovina, I was extremely supportive of its efforts to engage 'Youth Voices' in that country.  Today, I am attempting to foster collaborations (engaging human resources at grass roots levels) to bring new players to the table during Agenda 2030, in line with the objectives of its Strategic Framework to further strengthen operational engagements. 

 

The report emphasizes the important work at macro and policy levels over an extended period.  But as I commented to a high level UN staffer, certainly  ... "Everyone deserves an equal shot at economic opportunity but not everyone has access to the professional networks that can make this possible'.  Technological advances, especially cell phone and internet platforms are making it possible to '...  connect underserved communities to the networks, skills and opportunities they need to succeed'.  

 

I am posting today in hopes of engaging members of this platform in further discussions about ENGAGING CITIZENS: WHY AND HOW?  (a sub-heading in this paper, including points 12 to 15).  My objective is to discuss and gain insights into the 'types of activities and entry points' where 'supplemental assistance' might 'add-value' to current programming efforts.