The Coordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE) has been endorsed to continue chairing the sector technical forum of all existing networks. This position was first attained in 2013 under the Council for Non-Governmental Organizations (CONGOMA) and will be retained until terms of reference are revised and elections held this year. The reaffirmation of CURE’s chairmanship occurred on Wednesday, during a meeting convened by the executive directors and representatives of various networks at the Malawi Human Rights Resources Centre in Lilongwe.
CONGOMA began as a voluntary organization until early 2001 when the NGO Act was enacted into law. Under this Act, CONGOMA is designated as the representative of NGO collective interests and concerns. Consequently, CONGOMA has become an increasingly important rallying point for joint civil society action.
These developments have led not only to the revitalization of the sector networks under CONGOMA but also to the establishment of a forum for all sectors, including a grievance mechanism, known as the sector technical forum. Ronald Mtonga, CONGOMA’s Executive Director, elaborated on this during the meeting aimed at rejuvenating the sector technical forum.
The sector technical forum serves as an arm to harness energies, skills, and experiences across all sectors, providing inclusive service to the people. Its mandate is to champion a pro-poor national development agenda and outcomes through advocacy and service provision, aligning with Malawi 2063 and other relevant regional and global development instruments.
Among the tasks assigned to network leads is the compilation of reports from their respective sectors and their submission to CONGOMA. These reports should reflect all activities undertaken in various sectors, including environment, health, education, nutrition, and others.
Charles Mkoka, Executive Director of CURE and the current chair of the forum, praised the platform as a space for networking and collaboration among various NGOs. He emphasized the importance of sharing experiences and opportunities for the growth and development of diverse sectors in Malawi, while also commending government efforts.
Mkoka highlighted the necessity for effective collaboration among different NGOs to enhance consolidated reporting from various sectors. This requires fostering good working partnerships to ensure information sharing and exchange.
Transparency, accountability, non-partisanism, mutual respect, partnership, and inclusivity are among the core values of the forum.
