Meetings reinforce participatory processes and civil society engagement.
PASCAL’s Focal Point in Benguela, Gabriel Romeu, stepped up local activities with a series of strategic meetings with municipal authorities, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and PASCAL’s CSO Assistant, as part of the resumption of the European Union-funded project’s actions.
Following the relaunch of PASCAL activities in the municipality of Catumbela, Gabriel Romeu met with the Municipal Administrator to define the next steps. During the meeting, the appointment of a new Administration Focal Point was discussed, as well as the appointment of a Civil Society Action Coordinator and the resumption of training for the Consultation and Concertation Councils (CACs), which are fundamental to ensuring community participation in local decision-making processes.
Another highlight was the first meeting between the Focal Point and the CSO Assistant in Benguela. The main objective was to share the actions already carried out with civil society in the pilot municipalities and draw up a plan for public presentation to government institutions and local partners, strengthening communication and coordination between the different parties involved.
The agenda concluded with a coordination meeting with Catumbela’s Municipal Budget Management Technical Committee (CTGOM), focused on the continuity of PASCAL’s actions, as previously discussed with the Municipal Administrator. The meeting was attended by six members, including one woman, and highlighted the urgency of setting up a Monitoring Committee, as well as the training on Participatory Budgeting scheduled for Huambo soon.
These meetings reinforce PASCAL’s commitment to promoting citizen participation and good governance in Benguela’s municipalities, boosting transparency and the active involvement of civil society in local decisions.