Lungos takes part in civil society gathering

Lungos takes part in civil society gathering

Seychelles was represented by Lungos chief executive Steve Lalande at the largest world gathering of civil society in Tunis.


Held from March 26-30, the world social forum (WSF) is an annual meeting of civil society organisations, first held in Brazil, offering a self-conscious effort to develop an alternative future through the championing of alternative answers to world problems and providing visionary ideas for development.

The WSF is known to be a physical manifestation of global civil society as it brings together non-governmental organisations, advocacy campaigns as well as formal and informal social movements seeking international solidarity.

The WSF prefers to define itself as "an open space – plural, diverse, non-governmental and non-partisan – that stimulates the decentralised debate, reflection, proposals building, experiences exchange and alliances among movements and organisations engaged in concrete actions towards a more solidarity, democratic and fair world, a permanent space and process to build alternatives to neoliberalism.

Most of the people who attended are supporters of the global justice movement who come together to coordinate global campaigns, share and refine organising strategies, and inform each other about movements from around the world and their particular issues.

It tends to meet just before or after the world economic forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. This date is consciously picked to promote alternative answers to world economic problems in contrast to the world economic forum.

Steve Lalande, who was at the forum representing Lungos as a board member of the International Forum of Platforms (IFP) based in Paris, made presentations to a large audience on the theme of ‘Developing National Civil Society Platforms’ where he described the rational of civil society as a pillar of development, next to the government and private sector and the services offered by NGO umbrella organisations.

“I realised that with our meagre resources and smallness in size compared to many larger countries, Lungos is doing a lot as the national umbrella organisation for NGOS,” said Mr Lalande.

He recalled a particular session he attended which he considers may be of interest to Seychelles. This is the successful campaigns to induce the governments of the European Union, United States of America and other countries to address issues of “taxation” called tax justice network.

The tax justice network is led by economists, tax and financial professionals, accountants, lawyers, academics and writers, and describe themselves as driven by original research and ideas.
Their website refers: “The tax justice network promotes transparency in international finance and opposes secrecy. We support a level playing field on tax and we oppose loopholes and distortions in tax and regulation, and the abuses that flow from them. We promote tax compliance and we oppose tax evasion, tax avoidance, and all the mechanisms that enable owners and controllers of wealth to escape their responsibilities to the societies on which they and their wealth depend. Tax havens, or secrecy jurisdictions as we prefer to call them, lie at the centre of our concerns, and we oppose them.”

“As I listened to them speak, I understood more clearly of the idea they are advocating for, had the money been taxed, it could have been used for development purposes. I believe that there is some merit in this point of view, since development aid and social welfare funds are shrinking globally but I am also equally aware that this could have a commercial impact on our delicate offshore sector,” said Mr Lalande.

Mr Lalande also attended sessions describing many issues after the Tunisian revolution and the concept of ‘transitional justice’ for atrocities committed by the previous regime which human rights lawyers are advocating for.

The WSF is an interesting breeding ground for new awareness and citizens’ emancipation, therefore more Seychellois should try to take part in the next event, he said.

http://www.nation.sc/index.php?art=31069

In reacting to the news about LUNGOS attendance of World Social Forum (WCF) we have seen some of the news flash our view is that they do not deliver the state of the world - just as WANGO the important involvement of Rev Moon Network. Including the Paris and Brazil based International Forum of National NGO Platforms formed in 2008.

Beside the situation in Britain economic, social and real politic - look around across the EU Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus and Italy and some of the new EU member state the degrading economic situation. Yet we are supposed to be a complete unknown entity as and when we choose to intervene what we can do, impacts and then those so call experts and the media what they write.

Quote Mr Steve Laland -Steve Lalande, who was at the forum representing Lungos as a board member of the International Forum of Platforms (IFP) based in Paris, made presentations to a large audience on the theme of ‘Developing National Civil Society Platforms’ where he described the rational of civil society as a pillar of development, next to the government and private sector and the services offered by NGO umbrella organisations.

“I realized that with our meager resources and smallness in size compared to many larger countries, Lungos is doing a lot as the national umbrella organisation for NGOS,” said Mr Lalande.

The WSF is an interesting breeding ground for new awareness and citizens’ emancipation, therefore more Seychellois should try to take part in the next event, he said - close quote.

In addressing this comment we have in mind not just LUNGOS as umbrella body - many other's we know in Britain and Europe and Africa. Across North Africa.

After the Historic changes in the COMECON, the USSR and Germany given that this had been the world of NGO or the such as compared to government and their establishment politicking. The emphasis and stress we put to building a strong NGO in Seychelles in comparison to Mauritius, Reunion , Madagascar to compete if this is the proper terminology against the government excessive monopoly on everything and given the nature of the world development and so call Democracy that they would not be able to oppose such workings.

We had in the person of Mr Bernard Elizabeth a modest start - because and given the Funding/Money issues how gradually they have been compelled to sing and dance to the tune of the Money source/suppliers be they Seychelles government, the EU, UN, African Union and USA.

We had wanted to take up contact with them since last year and the Paris based WANGO counterpart - the problem they do not listen, they do not have the time to listen and the current attitude - they complain of the big multinational corrupted workings and abuses they are just as corrupt and arrogant. We are talking of facts.

In advocating for a Senate Parliament - the requirement that a very reliable umbrella body exist and function in Seychelles or any country. In which case Seychelles LUNGOS/NGO need and will have to be radically rebuild and if Mr Christopher Gill and executive care to listen - this is were real and future democracy lies. this is where he ought to be investing and putting his energy and Recruiting and Training young Seychellois to become contributors and participants.

We are somewhat peeved - by the arrogance of those mention NGO it is like the Jihad in North Africa and Arab countries, the one with more guns, clout and resource get to speak the loudest and more say. Mr Steve Laland Job/role should have been to point our the unique role those 21, 000 exile have played and our 45, 000 migrants. However small what we can do and impact and over such Chanel to appraise such workings and share our knowledge. Had we found our person in such situation would have walked away - knowing fully we can still deliver and make very important and unique impute in the affairs of EU, the Indian Ocean, Africa and the World.

Now we have a situation in Seychelles - those calling for revolution, death, destruction and brutal justices. ( The need to stress again the funds/money being channel to LUNGOS/NGO and those making such call have pretty nothing in term of money an funding. The need and job of LUMGOS and Seychelles NGO to pull then in - work with them and share their resources) By the way those who accuse us of Talking shop we are not supposed to abuse our abilities and experiences - we can if required contribute/lend to very radical change at LUNGOS with out their involvements.)

We ask everybody to excuse us - once again had we those Forums, of AKS how the issues could have been threaded, discussed and worked out.

http://citizenseychelles.wordpress.com/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/poverty-matters/2013/mar/27/world-social-forum-march-tunis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Social_Forum

http://www.fsm2013.org/en

http://www.forumsocialmundial.org.br/index.php?cd_language=3

http://www.ong-ngo.org/en/about/who-we-are/

http://www.wango.org/