High-level Dialogue sets priorities for developmental strategy of the IAAH

The roles and opportunities of civil society in the International Alliance against Hunger (IAAH) were discussed during a side event held on 22 September, during the Thirtieth Session of the Committee on World Food Security of the FAO.

Representatives of FAO member countries, civil society and National Alliance Leaders shared their experiences and explored different ways of working together through two important panel sessions. The first panel session was based on the experiences of four National Alliances (Brazil, Cameroon, Philippines and the United States of America) and the report from an international NGO representative on the civil society regional consultations held during FAO regional Conferences this year.

During the second panel session, civil society leaders from organizations such as Caritas, Bread for the World, World Association of girls Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGS), the International NGO/CSO Planning Committee for Food Sovereignty (IPC) addressed the four major themes presented in the draft strategy paper: advocacy, accountability, resource mobilization and coordination. A UNDP representative also made a presentation showing ongoing and future media campaigns related to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.

An open debate followed the panel sessions, concerning various subjects such as: the degree of participation of governments and civil society for the success of the alliances at national level as well as possibilities of joining efforts in various resource-mobilization and awareness-creating campaigns. Recommendation regarding the improvement of the strategy paper included: clarification or addition of guidelines for accountability and greater emphasis on the role of women, among other recommendations.

A final report will be soon issued along with the feedback from participants. The draft strategy paper will be revised in response to the main recommendations of the side event.

To download the draft strategy paper used as a basis for discussion during the side event please click here.

To listen to the interviews made to civil society representatives attending the IAAH side event, please click below:

English: http://www.fao.org/audiocatalogue/index.jsp?lang=EN
French: http://www.fao.org/audiocatalogue/index.jsp?lang=FR
Spanish: http://www.fao.org/audiocatalogue/index.jsp?lang=ES