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Civil Society Organizations and the Millennium Development Goals (Partnership Case Study in the Philippines) Millennium Declaration The Development Context •The Philippines has a land area of about 300,000 sq. km., spread over 7,000 islands •Population is 82 million (2003) with a population growth rate of 2.36%, one of the highest in the world; close to half of the population live in urban centers •GNP per capita in 2000 is $300.52 •Poverty incidence of families – 28.4%; 4.3 million •Poverty incidence of population – 34%; 26.5 million •There are about 140 indigenous ethno-linguistic groups, representing 15-20% of the total population •There are estimated 1.056 million overseas workers •Conflict exists in the South (Mindanao) and other parts of the country •Recently held national and local elections; President and VP still to be proclaimed MDG Campaign MDG Campaign in the Philippines • Reporting and Monitoring Progress •Philippine Progress Report on the MDGs, January 2003 •Incorporated MDGs in the coordination and monitoring functions of Multi-sectoral Committee on International Human Development Commitments • MDG indicators included in the website of the National Statistical Coordination Board; NSCB to hold consultative meeting on the MDG indicators •Mainstreaming in National Policies and Programmes •National multi-sectoral planning workshop for MDG mainstreaming and advocacy, April 2003 •Senate and House of Representatives briefed on the MDGs •NEDA to use MDGs as framework in next medium-term development plan •Presidential Management Staff briefed on MDGs •Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is studying possibility of including MDGs as criteria for budget review MDG Campaign MDG Campaign in the Philippines Localizing the MDGs • Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) working on localizing the MDGs • Leagues of Local Government Units working on MDG advocacy at the local level Developing Partnerships with the International Development Community •UN statement to 2003 Consultative Group meeting based on progress being made in the Philippines on MDGs • MDGs as theme in UN celebrations with the donor community MDG Campaign Popularizing the MDGs •UN Resident Coordinator chairs high-level MDG Advisory Group •Business Community preparing MDG Business Report and Investment Portfolio – Corporate Social Responsibility Week July 2004 will include a CSO Forum at which the business sector’s plan to support the achievement of the MDGs will be presented. • National and Regional CSO consultations on the MDGs conducted • Outstanding Youth Organizations awarded MDG Award 2004 • Media advocacy for the MDGs Challenges Challenges Adequate resources to fund the achievement of the MDGs Reverse the trends in social budgeting Sustain economic growth and reduce income inequality High population growth rate is diluting the gains of economic growth Data acquisition, monitoring and reporting system Civil Society Organizations Opportunities to CSOs • MDGs can serve as springboard for the different CSO advocacies • MDGs can be used as benchmark for monitoring the delivery of social services • MDGs can strengthen pressure on government for specific advocacies • Performances on MDGs can be utilized to inform and communicate with specific constituencies and with the general public • CSOs can go beyond the MDG goals; targets beyond those already stipulated can be formulated (MDGs +) Role of CSOs Role of Civil Society Organizations Advocacy Education Monitoring Service delivery at national and local levels MDG Campaign Role of Civil Society Organizations: MDG Advocates • Holding of National and Regional Consultations on the MDGs •5 March 2004 Conference Declaration was signed: Work to address the issue of national peace as a key factor that would lead and support MDGs throughout the country Put forward creative alternatives and share best practices on how human development within the framework of human rights and democracy can be achieved Make MDG an election issue Pressure local and national government to make MDGs the centerpiece of government policy on social and economic development (CSOs representedin local governing bodies) MDG Campaign Role of Civil Society Organizations: MDG Advocates •5 March 2004 Conference Declaration was signed: Monitor government compliance Use MDGs as benchmark for monitoring government performance Provide assessment and monitoring reports Develop local MDG targets Conduct policy research on specific goals Uphold principles of gender fairness and human sexuality in all MDG initiaties Support initiatives that would lead to global peace Advocates Role of Civil Society Organizations: MDG Advocates • MDGs as an election issue: Poverty All candidates talk about poverty. One said that the issue is “breakfast, lunch and dinner.” No targets specific on poverty; but all candidates link poverty and employment. Education All candidates focus on high school, college and computer and technical education; but have not noticed the quality of primary education Gender Equality and Reproductive Health One candidate comes out clearly on reproductive rights and support family planning and use of contraceptives. Administration candidate is for natural family planning. Two candidates are for consultations with the public on what they want. Educators Role of Civil Society Organizations: MDG Educators • Conduct of research and advocacy for specific concerns and goals • Participation and conduct of international and national conferences/workshops on specific goals, ex. CSO Regional Food Security Conference • Conference conducted on Financing the MDGs Monitors Role of Civil Society Organizations: MDG Monitors • CSOs participated in drafting of first MDG Progress Report and role in second report drafting will be further enhanced with the creation of a Multi-stakeholder Steering Committee •CSOs actively participated in drafting of CCA •Made MDGs benchmark of government performance at national and local levels •Assist in localizing the MDGs Service Delivery Role of Civil Society Organizations: Delivery of Services • Deliver actual services to communities in support of MDGs CSOs and MDGs Aragorn says: “I know not what strength lies in my blood, and this is a promise, but I swear to you I will not let the white city fall nor our people fail.”