NPC launches Call for Innovative Proposals

THE National Planning Commission, together with the European Commission (EC), yesterday launched the Call for Innovative Proposals from Non-State Actors (NSAs).

According to the EC, the philosophy behind this call for innovative proposals gives NSAs – including civic organisations, trusts, not-for-gain companies and welfare organisations – the opportunity to apply for funding for projects or research that can provide new perspectives and added value in the pursuit of defined national development objectives. The call for innovative proposals is funded under the EC-supported capacity building for development planning programme, for which a fund worth N$1,3 million for the financial year 2004/2005 has been dedicated to the project and other capacity development initiatives of NSAs in the pipeline.The call for proposals caters for two categories of NSAs of which in both cases proposals must complement the role of the Government and should prioritise national development objectives of poverty reduction, employment creation and HIV-AIDS.NSAs have been invited to make submissions to the NPC, whose deadline is August 13 after which a selection process will commence.Speaking at the launch, NPC Permanent Secretary, Samuel /Goagoseb said the capacity building for development planning programme attempts to involve NSAs reflect the principles of the draft entitled “Government of the Republic of Namibia – Civic Organisation Partnership Policy”.”This aims to nurture a working partnership with civil society that works for the whole country.Its main tenets include increased civic participation in public life, and the creation of partnerships that jointly respond to development challenges and opportunities,” said /Goagoseb.EC desk officer for Namibia, Siegfried Gruner said the Cotonou Agreement of 2000 recognises the important role that can be played by NSAs, alongside governments, in fighting poverty, promoting growth, delivering social services and fostering democracy and good governance.The call for innovative proposals is funded under the EC-supported capacity building for development planning programme, for which a fund worth N$1,3 million for the financial year 2004/2005 has been dedicated to the project and other capacity development initiatives of NSAs in the pipeline.The call for proposals caters for two categories of NSAs of which in both cases proposals must complement the role of the Government and should prioritise national development objectives of poverty reduction, employment creation and HIV-AIDS.NSAs have been invited to make submissions to the NPC, whose deadline is August 13 after which a selection process will commence.Speaking at the launch, NPC Permanent Secretary, Samuel /Goagoseb said the capacity building for development planning programme attempts to involve NSAs reflect the principles of the draft entitled “Government of the Republic of Namibia – Civic Organisation Partnership Policy”.”This aims to nurture a working partnership with civil society that works for the whole country.Its main tenets include increased civic participation in public life, and the creation of partnerships that jointly respond to development challenges and opportunities,” said /Goagoseb.EC desk officer for Namibia, Siegfried Gruner said the Cotonou Agreement of 2000 recognises the important role that can be played by NSAs, alongside governments, in fighting poverty, promoting growth, delivering social services and fostering democracy and good governance.