The civil society in any country plays an integral part in decision making as far as government policies are concerned.
However in PNG, there is no framework to guide the involvement of or link the civil society to the government process.
This is one area that is yet to be appropriately addressed, says Susan Setae, President of PNG Civil Society Forum.
The PNG Civil Society has its eyes on the upcoming National Consultative meeting in Lae with the hope of forging a strong partnership with the government.
Mrs Setae said the civil society and the government do not see eye to eye due to issues that may affect government policies.
Steps to develop a civil society and government partnership policy framework are currently in progress and it is hoped this framework is adopted by the government and implemented.
“That will pave the way for the smooth partnership between the government and civil society,” said Mrs Setae.
Mrs Setae said the policy framework will not only facilitate the smooth partnership but will also enable them to be the mouthpiece for the people.
Through the policy framework, the society can also assist the government provide services in areas where the government’s arm cannot reach.
“We have education and literacy groups and environment groups and organisations that have been working with the communities,” Mrs Setae added.
The policy framework and partnership are agendas they are determined to pursue, she stated.
(Susan Setae during last week’s CIMC workshop)