The Government has expressed its intention to strengthen civic participation in the processes of formulating and implementing public policies. The commitment was made by Max Tonela, representative of the Minister of Planning and Development, at the opening of the Civil Society Organizations Congress, taking place in Maputo from May 15 to 16.
The event, which brings together social activists, government officials, diplomatic representatives, and non-governmental organizations, serves as a platform for reflection and debate on the role of civil society in the country’s economic transformation.
In his speech, Ernesto Max Tonela highlighted three key commitments: strengthening mechanisms for ongoing dialogue between the State and civil society, facilitating access to information and funding for organizations, and promoting more active and inclusive citizen participation.
He also emphasized that freedom of expression, transparency, and respect for the autonomy of civil society organizations will be essential pillars for the consolidation of democracy in Mozambique.
The Congress also aims to address key topics such as the promotion of human rights, the strengthening of the rule of law, and the role of local communities in driving economic development.
Ernesto Max Tonela called for cooperation between the Government, the private sector, and civil society, considering them strategic partners in tackling the current economic and social challenges.
Fidélia Chemane Panguane, representing the organizing consortium, highlighted in her remarks the importance of strengthening community capacities in the area of natural resource management. She noted that, although fully consolidated structures do not yet exist, the consortium is engaged in a reflective process to improve resource mobilization and the efficiency of its actions.
“We need to be more creative, improve our systems and our capacity to mobilize resources. More importantly, we must ensure greater effectiveness in our actions,” she stated.
Panguane also stressed that the diversity of civil society organizations, with their different identities and areas of work, is a strength that must be preserved and reinforced by expanding spaces for collaboration, learning, and advocacy, with the goal of influencing decisions and policies that support Mozambique’s development.
