National Civil Society Observatory, parliament committed to achieve national sustainable development goals
By: Hana Saada
Algiers– The newly-appointed Chairman of the National Civil Society Observatory, Noureddine Benbraham, received, Tuesday, the heads of parliamentary groups of People’s National Assembly.
The meeting, held at the headquarters of the Observatory, constituted an opportunity to discuss civil society-related issues as well as the means and mechanisms to enhance cooperation and create a dynamic for coordination between the two parties with the aim of promoting civil associations’ performance.
On this occasion, the Chairman Benbraham gave a presentation on the composition and powers of this advisory body, its short-term priorities and its main axes, including the Associations Law in Algeria, financing association projects, training and building the capabilities of associations, the status of civil society in local development, and regional and international role for Algerian civil society.
In this vein, Mr. Benbraham stressed on the need to rely on modern technologies, including electronic platforms, to enhance dialogue and exchange of ideas and opinions to find common solutions to development problems in the society. To this end, the Chairman referred to the official launch of the national civil society forum for dialogue, citizenship and local development in favor of associations and various civil society activities in Algeria. “This initiative will provide an opportunity for leaders and affiliates of civil society activities to participate in the development and promotion of associations’ performance in Algeria, and the embodiment of participatory democracy with innovative approaches,” he said.
The heads of parliamentary groups, on their part, explained that Parliament in its two chambers is open to civil society, while reiterating their determination to introduce mechanisms aimed to achieve national sustainable development goals.
The Observatory is an advisory body, placed under the President of the Republic. This organ comes to reinforce the role of civil society in Algeria, being a framework for dialogue, consultation, proposal, analysis and foresight on all questions relating to civil society and the promotion of its action. The Observatory, whose headquarters is located in Algiers, has legal status and financial autonomy.
According to the article 4 of the presidential decree 21-139, “The Observatory contributes to the promotion of national values and democratic and civic practice and participates along with other institutions in the achievement of national development objectives. It issues opinions, recommendations and proposals on the situation and concerns of civil society and the mechanisms for strengthening its role in public life.
