I welcome you to today's event which marks the end of the Citizens' Free University and the actions implemented in Cyprus in the framework of the European Year of Youth and which focuses on the presentation of the National Strategy for Active Citizenship and Participatory Governance.
In order to implement the terms of reference given by the President of the Republic, my Office has drawn up an action plan based on three pillars:
The first concerns the strengthening of the political framework for citizen participation.
The second concerns the legislative/institutional framework and the structures for consultation with civil society.
And the third concerns the cultivation of a culture of active participation and the empowerment of civil society.
In relation to the first pillar, it is important to mention the development of the National Strategy for Active Citizenship and Participatory Governance, which we are presenting today.
The Strategy focuses on active citizenship and participatory governance, setting the policy framework, vision, objectives and priorities in relation to the effective participation of citizens in decision-making.
Taking action to deepen Participatory Governance in Cyprus is essential because it can bring significant benefits:
1.
1. Better policies are developed and thus we can have better policy outcomes.
2. [1]; [2]; [3]; [4]. Citizens are more likely to trust a decision inoculated by ordinary citizens than a decision made solely by the government or behind closed doors.
3. Respect for citizens and their empowerment is highlighted. Involving citizens in an active dialogue enhances their sense of political contribution (on the ground).
4. Governance becomes more inclusive/inclusive, opening the door to different groups of people
5. Consultation and inclusiveness contribute to countering polarisation and misinformation and enhance integrity and prevent corruption.
In relation to the first pillar, the organisation for the first time in Cyprus of the Democracy Forum, which was supported by the House of Representatives, is also important.
The Democracy Forum was a democratic exercise, which aimed to give civil society the space it deserves in public debate and decision-making.
It is widely accepted, I believe, that in order to respond adequately to the challenges facing modern democracy, it is necessary to ensure the effective participation and influence of citizens in decision-making, as well as the strengthening of democratic citizenship capacities. As the Council of Europe points out, "Citizen participation is at the core of the very concept of democracy."
I should note that the Democracy Forum was preceded by the Ideas Workshops, where we focused on new forms of participation, but also on ways to improve the framework for public consultation. As well as the Digital Democracy Hackathon, which aimed at developing innovative solutions that will strengthen digital democracy in our country.
In relation to the second pillar that I mentioned before, namely the legislative/legislative framework and structures for consultation with civil society, it is important to mention the discussion in the Legal Committee of the bill submitted by the Government on the "Citizens' Initiative Law".
The Bill provides for the institutionalisation of the possibility for citizens to submit requests to the Government to take action in specific areas of its competence, provided that they are supported by a certain number of citizens.
I would like to thank the representatives of the parliamentary parties and organisations for their constructive contributions during the debate.
I hope, Madam Speaker of the House, that with the reopening of the House, the debate will be completed in order to bring the Bill to the Plenary.
I would also like to refer to the Volunteer Firefighters Act, another Bill tabled by the Government and passed into law by the House, which sets out the protective framework for citizens who contribute to the efforts of government services, which is very important.
Since I am also referring to the consultation structures, I cannot but add the creation by the Government, by the General Directorate of Development, of the e-consultation platform, where citizens and organizations can submit their views on the bills prepared by the Government before they are submitted to the Council of Ministers and then to the House of Representatives.
With regard to the third pillar, the cultivation of a culture of active participation and the empowerment of civil society, we have implemented a series of actions.
The purpose of the Free University of Citizens is to widen citizens' access to information, but also to create a favourable environment for discussion and exchange of views on the major issues facing society.
It is a creative journey that took place around Cyprus to discuss the major issues that concern our society, with the participation of representatives of the Government, MPs, scientists, organizations. And I believe that it has achieved its purpose.
The "Active Minds" Programme is also underway, which aims to develop active participation skills and is being implemented in cooperation with the National Betting Authority.
Another important project that was completed in 2022 is the National Coordination for the European Year of Youth, which was undertaken by my Office, following a decision of the Council of Ministers.
During 2022, a series of actions were implemented which served the 11 European objectives for youth, and took place in cooperation with Ministries, Deputy Ministries, organisations, universities, the Cyprus Youth Council and civil society organisations.
I cannot fail to mention the coordination, under the instructions of President Anastasiades, of the humanitarian aid mission to Ukraine. We are joined today by representatives of the municipalities, the communities, the organisations that we worked closely with to achieve all this. Three shipments of humanitarian aid have been sent to Ukraine: 220 tonnes of material, worth around three million, and this is important for our country.
We have repeatedly talked about strengthening the confidence and credibility of democratic institutions, but as the Council of Europe underlines, "widening opportunities for citizens to participate in decision-making processes is the practical way to achieve this".
It is therefore our duty to strengthen participatory democracy in Cyprus. To deepen the intervention of citizens in the cycle of policy making and implementation.
With this, I welcome you again to today's event and thank you for your presence here.
(PM/MG)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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