Enhancing the engagement of Maltese Civil Society in Policy Dialogue

Total Costs: 29.953 euros
Request from Fund: 29.953 euros

The Maltese overseas development policy has identified priority countries and themes within the framework of which, this project has been designed.  The activities of this project will help develop the expertise and capacity of Maltese NGDOs and the National NGDO Platform itself to engage in, co-operate and execute actions and activities related to advocacy, public-awareness, campaigning and lobbying.  

Specifically, the project will help the platform and its NGDOs to strengthen their relationships with their networks and develop expertise in the area of the EU-Africa relations.  With this expertise members could also participate in CONCORD’s working groups on EU-Africa relations.  Malta being strategically located, has an important role to play in this regard. Besides assuming a more active role in EU-Africa relations, Malta is also interested in the Arab network and development issues in the Middle-east, particularly Palestine.  Malta could play a crucial role with regards to advocacy, campaigning and lobbying on such matters, also serving as a cultural mediator to bring different cultures together, which has been the experience for many years on the island.  

The project also includes training for the Platform Secretariat in financial and human resource management to ensure its sustainability at European and international level while building on the learning gained from previous presidency fund project.

Public awareness on development related issues will ensure that the Maltese population is more receptive to poverty eradication issues, development policies at a local and EU level, and will perceive the activities of NGOs in a more positive attitude.  

Lastly, the Platform will, in the course of the year, strengthen its position in lobbying the national government to engage better in the EU Development policy debate.  The platform will also be making a concerted effort at a regional level to advocate in collaboration with fellow member states for the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.