DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/17 October) – A global forum on autonomy, governance and federalism as a conflict resolution devise will gather experts for two days in Makati City’s Dusit Thani hotel.
Organized by the Cotabato City-based Institute of Autonomy and Governance (IAG), the Global Autonomy, Governance and Federalism Forum (GAGF) on October 19 and 20 aims to present the latest global scientific researches, studies and experiences on autonomy, federalism and governance as a devise to resolve violent conflicts; and examine autonomy and the proposed shift to a federal system of government in relation to international lessons and experiences.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza will deliver the keynote address. Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim will also speak at the forum.
Experts from the Philippines, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa and North America, among others, will share their experiences based on the conference themes.
The conference themes are: Negotiating, Policy-Making and Implementing Autonom; New Paradigms, Alternative Models and Emerging Approaches; The State of Bangsamoro Autonomy: Implications & Prospects; Impact & Interventions for Women, Youth, Children, Indigenous Communities and other Marginalized Groups; Global cases & perspectives on autonomy – Lessons for the Philippines & other countries; Peace Through Responsive, Progressive and Sustainable Autonomy and Governance; Autonomy for Sustainable Development & Security; Making Moro Autonomy Work; Moro Autonomy to Address Development and Security Issues in Mindanao; Moro Autonomy Implementation Roadmap; Avoiding common pitfalls, providing safety nets and control mechanisms to ensure effective autonomy and good governance; Coordinating & Rationalizing Donors Funds, Initiatives & Interventions to Optimize Results; and Power & Economic Relations between Autonomous & Central Governments.
Experts will present the state of autonomy and governance in Asia Pacific countries and beyond; as well as share international and regional experiences, programs, researches and methodologies on negotiations, policy and implementation of negotiated autonomy arrangements.
Effective strategies and best practices will also be identified “to achieve long lasting autonomy, federalism and effective governance towards peace and development.”
Participants are expected to meet, network and discuss potential programs and collaboration with international experts, government and non government officials, business leaders, policy makers, heads of development agencies, political strategists, religious leaders and media personalities.
The GAGF also aims to become a regional independent platform for researches, forums, dialogue and expertise in autonomy, federalism and governance.
Organized by the IAG in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Philippines, the GAGF is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and sponsored by the British Embassy and the ARMM Regional Government. (MindaNews)
