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The European Union Delegation for the Pacific discusses its new Roadmap for engagement with civil society in the Pacific (2021-2027) with Civil Society representatives

In an effort to deepen democracy and promote more inclusive and effective societies, the European Union Delegation for the Pacific adopted, at the end of last year, a new Roadmap for engagement with civil society in the region. The Roadmap was presented and discussed with civil society representatives at a meeting held on the 20th of May 2022.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Erja Askola, Deputy Head of Delegation, highlighted the fact that “an empowered civil society is an essential pillar of any democratic system. Civil society organizations (CSOs) give voice to the otherwise voiceless segments of society, advocate for social change and empower local communities to act, thus facilitating a greater inclusion of the needs of citizens in policy and decision-making”. They also stimulate enhanced transparency, accountability and effectiveness from public institutions by monitoring their policies and holding them accountable for their commitments.

Moreover, CSOs in the Pacific are also a crucial partner when it comes to fighting violence against women and girls. At the European Union (EU) level, with the adoption of the new Action Plan on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in External Relations 2020–2025 (GAP III) in November 2020, the EU places gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls firmly at the top of the EU’s external policy agenda.

The Roadmap is therefore an important tool in strengthening strategic cooperation and structured dialogue of the EU and its Member States with CSOs in the Pacific region. During 2021, the EU Delegation for the Pacific launched the revision of the previous Roadmap (2018-2020) and, to this purpose, conducted consultations with regional organisations (SPC, PIFS, PIANGO), International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs)  with a regional focus (Oxfam), national umbrella organisations in various Pacific countries (SUNGO, TANGO), as well as with thematic CSOs (women’s rights CSOs, faith-based organisations etc.) and the EU Member States.

The revised Roadmap, covering the period 2021-2027, provides an overarching framework for the financial and capacity-building support already provided to CSOs in the region. It focuses the EU interventions on three key areas impacting civil society: promoting an enabling environment, providing capacity-building to CSOs and strengthening dialogue between CSOs and public authorities, especially in the focal sectors of EU cooperation (such as climate change, gender equality, agriculture or energy). It also takes stock of the key developments impacting the civic space, highlights the main challenges for CSOs’ activity and pinpoints opportunities for a strengthened role of civil society in the region.

In a nutshell, the new Roadmap marks the EU’s continued commitment to civil society and human rights in the Pacific.