Civil society sees its participation in sustainable development hindered
By: Salah Zeghidi
There has been a lot of talk recently about sustainable development as a new concept and orientation for development issues that are the main concern of all governments and global institutions. Consequently, many organizations and associations emerged to occupy a prominent position in the field of development.
The Arab region is not immune from this trend, as local populations are eagerly awaiting the improvement of transportation, health and education for the coming generations.
Sustainable development relies on ensuring that all projects achieve an acceptable balance between economic development and social and human development from the outset…
Such projects are required to at least put an end to social differences and categorically reject anything that could harm the environment…
As for civil society, associations often need such small projects to prove their capabilities on the one hand, and support marginalized social categories on the other hand…
Sustainable development projects throw the doors wide open for the extensive activities of civil society organizations and associations, which often involve young men and women who have the energy and commitment it takes to assume full responsibility…
However, there are too many obstacles in the Maghreb region. Developing civil society and expanding its role require a positive atmosphere by enabling civil and individual freedoms, facilitating the creation of associations and providing them with subsidies and incentives, and establishing networks gathering large numbers of associations in each Maghreb country…
Yet, there are many significant differences between Maghreb countries. For instance, Morocco has an important network of associations with various specializations, working on – or taking part in – different projects; while the Algerian scene looks darker, because the country hasn’t made any significant progress on this front.
As for Tunisia, the situation is worse as the one-party system has total control over all society segments, especially the activists…
Sustainable development is a golden opportunity that must be seized in order to achieve real development in our countries. Things should change since civil society has all the qualifications and competencies that enable it – more than others – to create successful economic, cultural and social development projects.
It is high time for the Maghreb ruling authorities to allow civil society associations to contribute to developing their countries and educating their peoples.
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Your Comments
commentsAnonymous About about 1 year ago
I agree with you on the role of civil society and its varying levels of blockage in each country. However, even if associations wanted to play an assertive, educational and experimental role, they wouldn’t be able to ensure a large-scale policy due to the lack of capital, structure and clear objectives. Sustainable development should not be marginalized and confined to a buzzword; it is the only possible development over time, and should thus be at the heart of major present and future economic choices. Our States and private sectors – if given public incentives – ought to implement sustainable development. Beyond pretty speeches on the environment, our societies are obviously far from the basics of ecological sustainability, both in terms of individual awareness and economic and social organization. Garbage collection – not to mention refuse disposal – is often disastrous. Plastic bags accumulate near the cities and pollute the best agricultural lands; this is just one of the most visible aspects. The steadily increasing pollution of in air and rivers, the erosion of hills resulting from irrational overgrazing, and deforestation are other signs that should rush our societies into seriously tackling the ecological issue. Concealing this issue will inevitably lead to a decline in the living standards in the Maghreb. We cannot exploit nature endlessly; one day, it will make us pay for everything!
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