Category: International & Regional cooperation mechanisms

News related to regional and international cooperation mechanisms

The Advocacy Unified Network (AUN) Africa Chapter – South African Public Policy Advocacy

A Netherlands-based research and advocacy organization called Advocacy Unified Network has recently announced plans to launch its very first chapter in Africa. The aim of promoting South-South cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals is something that they have taken upon themselves, with a team visiting Durban in June. It is not just an NGO in South Africa but across all Africa. So, it will probably be one of South Africa’s best International NGOs in public policy research and advocacy. In addition to engaging directly with Members of Parliament and Government Officials, it will also conduct public policy research using public opinion surveys, focus groups, and surveys. However, it lacks members from some local communities but wishes to work with these people to assist them by providing them with information on how to lobby for their interests. It is hoped that many more African countries will follow suit and soon join forces to offer a South-South collaboration for sustainability goals. They are not stopping at just getting more countries involved; existing organizations are being encouraged to become members, including CSOs who wish to do similar work. The Africa chapter will consist of the stakeholders from all the countries of Africa. The aim is to promote South-South cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by linking Non-Governmental Organizations in South Africa and developing countries on a more formal basis. The Secretary of AUN Priyasa Banerjee said, “we will use our networks to support SDG realization through research, advocacy, and public education work at the national level and support each other concerning international policy dialogue, influencing decision-makers, and development assistance agencies. At AUN, it is also essential that we share knowledge about UN processes; how does it work? The purpose of AUN is simply to enhance international relations through South-South Cooperation to support national development”. As we can see, if you’re looking for an NGO in South Africa which promotes social justice and human rights or sustainable development goals, then you should look no further than AUN’s new Africa chapter!