The Presidency has announced new guidelines for the quarterly Stakeholder and Citizens’ Engagement Meetings, reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency and citizen participation in governance.
In a statement issued by the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU), it was emphasized that these meetings are aimed at fostering inclusivity and improving public understanding of government policies. “This deliverable is to bridge the gap between the government and citizens, foster a good relationship between both parties, promote inclusivity, and ensure active citizen participation,” the statement read.
Under the new regulations, each ministry is required to host at least one engagement session every quarter, led by the respective minister and key ministry officials. The CDCU stressed that these meetings must facilitate direct feedback from citizens, which will inform future policy decisions.
The meetings are expected to involve a broad spectrum of participants, including civil society organizations, professional groups, media, and ordinary citizens. The media’s role will be pivotal, with the Ministry of Information and National Orientation ensuring that both print and electronic outlets are involved to maximize public awareness.
The Presidency further clarified that not all public appearances by ministers count as stakeholder engagements. “Ministers granting scheduled interviews or attending events without stakeholder involvement do not qualify,” the statement noted.
To maintain transparency, ministries must submit evidence of compliance, including invitation letters, attendance lists, presentations, and detailed reports of the meetings. Additionally, feedback received during the sessions must be documented and considered in government decision-making.
These new rules underline the government’s ongoing commitment to citizen-centric governance, where public input is valued and influences policy.