Annual Delegates Conference 22nd to 24th October 2015- Kigali, Rwanda

Umubano Hotel

SOCIAL PROTECTION AND DEVELOPMENT

Africa Platform for Social Protection wwwafricapsp.org

ANNUAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE

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1.1 Introduction

The APSP Annual Delegates Conference was organized in collaboration with the Rwanda

Civil Society Platform and the Government of the Republic of Rwanda on 23rd and 24th

October 2015. The annual conference brought together representatives of government,

Civil Society Organisations, National Social Protection Platforms, International

Development Partners and Intergovernmental Organisations to reflect on APSP’s past

and future prospects as well as the progress made in promoting Social Protection (SP) in

Africa.

The 2015 Delegates conference had the following objectives;

1. To explore the opportunities and brainstorm on the role of National Platforms in

accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through

Social Protection.

2. To create a forum for sharing lessons and experiences emanating from the

projects on Social Accountability in Social Protection in Kenya, Uganda, Ghana,

Zimbabwe and Zambia.

3. To examine the role that National Platforms can play to promote the

implementation of the AU’s Agenda 2063.

4. To explore the role of SP in promoting health outcomes, especially at the

community level.

1.2 Opening Remarks – Dr. Tavengwa Nhongo -Executive Director, APSP

The session was led by Dr. Nhongo who began by setting the mood for the Annual Delegates

Conference, providing an opportunity for the delegates to get to know one another and run through

the agenda for the two days.

1.2.1 Mr. Ebenezer Adjetey-Sorsey -Chairperson APSP

The Chair of the APSP took the floor to open the session by welcoming the participants to the Annual

Delegates Conference (ADC). He underscored the importance of setting the pace for Social

Protection in Africa. “We can be the example in the development agenda” he said. He urged

Conference participants pose for a photo outside Umubano hotel, Kigali Rwanda.

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participants to participate fully during the length of the meeting and interact with one another to

build on the networking opportunities afforded by the conference. Each delegate brought their

expertise to the ADC which is but one of the many platforms that the delegates can explore to

continue engaging with one another.

1.2.2 Ms. Peace Murungi -Secretary -Rwanda Civil Society Platform

The Secretary of the Rwanda Civil Society

Platform (RCSP) and the Vice Chairperson of

the APSP; welcomed participants to Kigali with

open arms. She said that Rwanda offered a

most conducive environment for the ADC and

welcomed participants to enjoy the hospitality

of Kigali city. She went on to give a brief about

the RCSP stating that it was the umbrella body

of CSOs in Rwanda and Social Protection was

one of its key activities. She added that the

underlying principle was to make a difference

in the work done and the people represented.

She then officially declared the meeting open and wished participants fruitful deliberations.

1.2.3 Dr. Tavengwa Nhongo _Executive Director, APSP

Dr. Nhongo began by communicating a resolution adopted by the APSP Board regarding the change

of the format of the ADC. The new format as that the Annual General Meeting where office bearers

were elected would be held at the end of

the term of the Board rather than mix

the conference with the AGM. That

change was intended to give more time

to delegates to deliberate over the

salient issues on Social Protection that

essentially brought the delegates

together. This was a departure from

previous conferences that got bogged

down in administrative matters. He then

proceeded to walk through the draft

agenda item by item.

Delegates Conference 2014 - Ebenezer Adjetey -Sorsey

The Chairperson began by giving a recap and update from the 2014 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

and the Annual Delegates Conference (ADC). The theme for 2014 was, “Grassroots Participation in

Social Protection”. The AGM and ADC were attended by forty (40) delegates from each of the five

regions as designated by the Africa Union (AU). He went on to recount the details of the meeting

including the presentation by the Guest of Honour, Hon. Esther Murungi, who looked at the role of

Ms. Murungi looks on during conference proceedings.

Delegates follow proceedings of the meeting

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members of parliament in promoting social protection. In addition, he spoke about the organisation

of the APSP including key documents such as the Rules of Affiliation, Guidelines for Establishing

National Platforms and the governance structure of the organisation. He also recounted the launch

event of the report on “Privacy of Information in Social Protection programmes”, during the last ADC

meeting which attracted representatives from both government and development partner agencies.

The crowning moment of the previous ADC was the ushering in a new Board of Directors who were

tasked with making amendments to the constitution as their maiden duty in office. Of note, he said,

was the fact that for the first time, the

AGM had attracted the participation of all the regions and led to the election of a board member

from Tunisia to represent the Magreb region.

The Chair also reported that the Strategic Plan for 2015-2017 had been concluded and sent out to all

National Platforms as soft copies, and hard copies handed out during the current Conference.

Role of Social Protection in Development – Mr. Simon Nhongo

The Board member for Southern Africa began by equivocally stating that the basis for engagement

in/on Social Protection was to overcome poverty. This primary preoccupation gave impetus to Social

Protection as a tool and mechanism contributing to the Human Development indicators which

among others, served to reduce

vulnerability stemming from shocks and

stresses. Social Protection in

development is linked to building

resilience especially for vulnerable

groups who often bear the brunt of the

effects of poverty. He then went through

the concept of Social Protection and

gave examples of safety nets designed

for specific vulnerable groups. He laid

emphasis on the fact that not only does

Social Protection have a direct impact on

the lives of the poor but also has a

promotive function that builds assets

and regularises incomes for vulnerable

households. Social Protection

contributes to specific Human

Development Indices including health

and education outcomes to name but a

few. Other important roles played by SP include psychosocial benefits that improve dignity and self

esteem. In conclusion, he stated that a comprehensive Social Protection program brings harmony

within the society, reduces poverty and enhances productivity.

Mr. Simon Nhongo, APSP board member, making his

presentation.

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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role of Civil Society Organisations – Mr. Boniface

Deagbo

Mr. Deagbo started off his presentation with an affirmation from delegates of their participation in

the development of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He went on to give the context of

the SDGs by going through the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as the precursor to the SDGs

and drew a comparison based on the focus areas and the element of continuity. He went on to look

at the progress of the MDGs between their inception in the year 2000 and in 2015. Even with the

great progress made, he remarked that much still needed to be done. The identified gaps provided

the basis for the successor 17 item Sustainable Development Goals.

To underpin his presentation, he delved into the role of CSOs in their interaction with SDGs, even

though these are targeted at governments. He indicated that CSOs have to accompany government

in this strategy. The SDGs speak to human rights which are the mainstay of CSOs’s, work and should

therefore be linked to the access of entitlements. Specifically, he pointed out that advocacy would

be important for the realisation of the SDGs. CSOs have the tools to put to work the SDGs such as in

the awareness creation of the SDGs, and popularising these at the different levels of society. In

addition, a comprehensive approach to the engagement with SDGs has to be embodied in the work

of CSOs who can link skills, knowledge and expertise in the realisation of specific global goals. Last

but not least, CSOs can play a key role in monitoring the implementation of the SDGs to ensure that

lessons and progress are well documented and shared. This will inform the path to realisation of the

goals and also hold leaders accountable for progress. In conclusion, he said that the onus to realise

the SDGs was not squarely placed on government alone, but rather through a concerted effort from

government, civil society and the private sector.

Mr. Deagbo, looking at the SDG pictogram during his presentation

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The African Union Agenda 2063 _ Dr. Tavengwa M. Nhongo

The presentation by Dr. Nhongo looked at the overview of Agenda 2063 which he described as a

plan for Africa’s structural transformation agreed upon by the African Union (AU) in May 2013.

Coincidentally, the plan was agreed upon during the AU’s commemoration of 100 years of existence.

He proceeded to read out and speak to the details of Agenda 2063 including; infrastructure

development, political unity, social outcomes in sectors like health and education, respect for human

rights and the rule of law, Africa at Peace and a cultural renaissance.

The aspirational document underscores the important role to be played by its people including

women and youth who are a key resource of the continent. Additionally, the AU also envisages a

more prominent role in international discourse shaping the global agenda. He underscored the

importance of CSOs in Agenda 2063 who are explicitly mentioned within the document. He however,

sounded a caution to CSOs who act as a stumbling block to their engagement with regional bodies

and with governments either by being in competition with each other or duplicating work rather

than

complementing

action. He

urged

participants to

keep abreast

with

technology

especially those

that are

concerned with

communication

to ensure that

they are well

informed and

can maximise

on the different

channels of

engagement. Lastly, he recommended to CSOs that they needed to ensure that they have the

capacity, skills and knowledge to engage with the various processes that exist, in order to capitalise

on the numerous avenues to accentuate the voice of the poor and vulnerable.

Mr. Martin Mbuvi from APSP together with other participants listening to Dr.

Nhongo’s presentation.

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Social Protection and Health _ Mr. Edmond Odaba, Project Manager, APSP.

He started off by giving a brief story that

looked at the importance of accessibility of

medical services, infrastructure and the

underlying principle of financing access to

healthcare. In his submission, he said the key

is a comprehensive approach to ensure that

quality healthcare is available as and when it

is needed. To give context to his presentation,

Mr. Odaba, stated that out of pocket

expenditure dominates the financing

spectrum of expenditure on healthcare in

Africa presenting a key challenge to access. He

went on to state that some of the principles

underpinning Social Health Policy are based

on equity, justice and solidarity to enable

access through risk pulling and cost sharing..

He gave a few examples of financing

mechanisms giving both pros and cons for

each including: Community Health Financing,

Private Health Insurance Schemes, Social Health Insurance and Tax Financed Systems. He said that a

mixture of different schemes improves access to healthcare and gave the example of Rwanda which

leads the way with about 80% coverage. He went on to look at the different Social Protection

interventions that build on the access to health care including waivers, cash transfers, etc. Examples

include free maternal care, universal access for children under 5 years, etc.

Mr. Odaba then presented an analysis of expenditure from a cash transfer by households which

demonstrated clearly that health was one of the prominent expenditures including food, education,

savings and investment. There is evidence supporting healthcare investment including reduced

infant mortality rates as exemplified by Rwanda which leads in coverage on the continent and also

has one of the highest impacts in reduction of infant mortality. In conclusion, Social Protection in

Health Promotion leads to improved health status of people, prevents impoverishing healthcare

expenditures, substitutes for insufficient coping mechanisms etc. Universal health coverage requires

a mixture of health financing tools and strategies. The poorest can be reached by tax financed

approaches whereas other segments of the population can take advantage of other existing

schemes. The underlying principle is that system has to be holistic in its approach and medical care

affordable, a two tier health system emerges when issues of affordability are concerned leading to

exclusion and discrimination.

Plenary Session

Dr. Abiola Tilley-Gyado from Nigeria was first to speak. She underscored the importance of research

to respond to doubts from the sceptics. She reiterated the important role of evidence in advocacy. In

Mr. Edmond Odaba, Programme Manager APSP,

reiterates a point during his presentation

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addition, she said that citizens have a key role to play in the development discourse especially

holding governments to account.

Dr. Djermakoye Ide, from Niger, spoke about the importance of a basic minimum package for health

that is comprehensive in its reach and approach.

Mr. Amacadou Diouf, spoke of the health system in Senegal which he said had a universal approach

and drew from global practice linking clearly with social protection objectives. He also underscored

the importance of the role being played by the private sector, an untapped resource that can be

explored to increase coverage.

Ms. Mirana Rakotomalalala inquired on how knowledgeable government was on the interplay

between health and social protection. The machinations of the two can be an asset especially if

looked at as complimentary to deliver maximum effects for vulnerable groups. She was quick to

point out that a clear strategy to engage government has to be drawn to promote health coverage

and build on synergy and complementarity between social protection and other sectors.

Dr. Tavengwa M. Nhongo said that it was important to ensure that CSOs share data and information

with government to build on learning and evidence. Mr. Odaba, also touched on the role of the

private sector saying they are indeed a key partner although the burden still rests with government,

the issue would be on how to harness synergies between government and the private sector.

Ms. Patrica Sewe, from Kenya, picking up on Mirana’s point underscored the importance of ensuring

that human rights are guaranteed by governments even as CSOs continue to push for increased

access to healthcare.

Mr. Enock Nkurunziza from Rwanda, said that CSOs are also vulnerable and need to be protected

and promoted to enhance their participation in increasingly shrinking political space.

Mr. Melvin Gotyana explained that the South African NGO Council (SANGOCO) had taken part in the

development of the Agenda 2063 and can attest to the role of the APSP, which was mentioned

during some of the consultation sessions. He however, urged for more structured avenues to engage

both the AU and governments to sustain interaction.

Mr. Ebenezer Adjetey - Sorsey said that opportunities to participate exist and it is our responsibility

to take up these opportunities. He also underscored

the importance of evidence and research to bolster and

advance the cause of social protection.

Social Audits Presentations

This segment focused on country presentations on the

progress of implementation of the Social Audits in:

Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The

project whose objective was to enhance the

participation of grassroots in social protection also

served to build transparency and accountability of

government run programmes. Cross cutting issues from Ms. Keziah Mukasa (Uganda Social

Protection Platform)

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presentations included training of civil society organisations on social protection and in social

accountability. Ms. Keziah Mukasa from Uganda reported that they had managed to train 26 CSOs.

One issue that stood out is that knowledge and information on social accountability and social

protection programmes had been shared with communities and beneficiaries of programmes. In

addition, knowledge derived, enabled beneficiaries of

the programme to choose appropriate social

accountability tools and develop relevant indicators.

Mr. Jeleel Odoom from Ghana reported that 10

indicators were developed. Interestingly the issues of

concern for beneficiaries included timeliness of

disbursements, adequacy of the transfer and coverage

of social protection in the countries. Ms. Patricia Sewe

from Kenya, in her presentation reported that

beneficiaries often had to travel long distances to

access pay points but the government of Kenya was in

the process of rolling out a biometric payment system

that brought payments closer to beneficiaries. Ms.

Esther Yati from Zambia, in her submission, pointed

out that there were lessons to be drawn from the

social accountability projects that demonstrated the

impact of social protection, the need to expand

programmes and the role that can be played by civil society in enhancing access to social protection

services by the most vulnerable. Mr. Simon Nhongo on the other hand pointed to the importance of

having government as a key partner in programme implementation. Civil society needs to ensure

buy-in from government especially in instances where the programmes are being run by government

because the value to be offered by citizen participation in programme design and implementation

cannot be overlooked or underestimated.

Plenary Session – Day 1

Mr. Amacadou Diouf from Senegal pointed out that governments have a primary responsibility to

ensure accountability and transparency in accordance

with the social contract. He added that given the relative

success of the project on social accountability, National

platforms can sell the idea of the social audit as a

mechanism to improve the functionality of service delivery

and in fact, the APSP has a great opportunity to promote

grassroots participation in Social Protection.

Mr. Erastus Maina from Kenya reiterated the fact that

CSOs need to look at government as a strategic partner

and not as an aggressor in the work that they do. He

recounted the initial tension that existed in Kenya during

the commencement of the project but attributed it to

misunderstandings which were sorted out through

consultations and in the end collaboration was the

Ms. Esther Yati (Platform for Social

Protection_Zambia)

Mr. Erastus Maina (SPAF_ Kenya)

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operative word that saw buy - in and support ensuring success and value addition to service delivery.

He advocated for the escalation of the project to more countries and regions.

Mr. Adjetey-Sorsey, in his submission, said that the projects demonstrated capacity development

and that good “pilots” work. The ADC had provided a forum where colleagues had been presented

with an opportunity to share their findings which can be used as evidence in programme and

proposal development.

Day 2

The session began with a recap of the outstanding

issues discussed during the previous day, and was

led by Mr. Edmond Odaba. This gave way to the

second session of the day that was chaired by Dr.

Djermakoye Ide, a gallery walk. The Gallery walk

was a picturesque display of each country’s

activities for the year. Participants had an

opportunity to walk round the room reading

through and discussing with representatives from

the specific countries strategies and programmes

carried out during the course of the year. This was

followed by an open plenary session where

Platforms engaged with each other on various

issues. Mr. Lamin Saidykhan from the Gambia, for

example, wanted to find out from the Kenyans

how they had managed to conduct a budget tracking exercise. Ms. Regine Goma from the Republic

of Congo, noted that Central Africa was lagging behind compared to other regions (West, East and

Southern Africa) and requested that support should be accorded to share learning and expertise to

push forward the National Platforms in the region. Mr. Jeleel Odoom from Ghana was happy to

share that the National Platform in Ghana was

regularly consulted on the Social Protection

discourse in the country and that the Platform was

increasingly becoming the focal point of

consultation for both government and development

partners. Mr. Erastus Maina from Kenya pointed

out that he was impressed by the innovative

models that other national Platforms were engaged

in, for example in Zambia there was a Poor People’s

Parliament that provides a platform for sharing

experiences and learning.

Delegates go on a gallery walk of National Platform

activities

Mr. Saidykhan (Gambia Social Protection

Platform) participates in the plenary discussion

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Social Health Insurance

This segment of presentations was geared at showcasing the different healthcare financing models

available. Ghana and Senegal made presentations looking at the models in their respective

countries. Ghana’s presentation was made by Mr. Ebenezer Adjetey-Sorsey, while Senegal’s was

made by Mr. Amacadou Diouf. Mr. Adjetey-Sorsey spoke of the National Health insurance Scheme,

looking at the legislative environment,

administrative structure, financing

mechanisms and coverage. In his

presentation, he looked at the

evolution of the healthcare in Ghana,

specifically the transformation in

financing models from pulled funding

schemes, private health financing and

government financed health insurance

schemes. Mr. Diouf’s presentation

looked at Senegal’s Universal Health

Coverage that sought to increase

coverage and make medical care

accessible to all. In his presentation, he

noted that previous health insurance schemes had been dogged by poor contributions, poor

governance structures and low coverage, especially for the poor and vulnerable. Some of the

principles underlying the scheme include non-discrimination and equity.

Both presentations underscored the importance of creating linkages with other sectors to embody

Alma-Ata’s sentiments regarding health: “physical, mental and social wellbeing, and not merely the

absence of disease or infirmity.”

The session was opened up to plenary and remarks from Dr. Abiola Tilley-Gyado from Nigeria drew

on the similarity between the presentations from Ghana and Senegal, remarking that the same

situation prevailed in Nigeria. She explained that the key challenge for accessing healthcare was the

financing component of Health Insurance Schemes to boost coverage, especially for the poor.

Issues were raised on the capitation system used to finance healthcare insurance and how its

management had been compromised leading to the loss in monies that could have been used to

deliver more services and cover more people. Another concern revolved around sustainability of

funding, which was a key challenge especially where funds supporting the schemes came from

sources external to the state. Lastly, the challenge of schemes running across different ministries

created issues of turf wars hence poor coordination which delayed disbursement of funds and

caused inter-ministerial conflicts.

Mr. Amacadou Diouf (Senegal) presenting on Social Health Insurance

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Child Sensitive Social Protection – Mr. John Njoka

The Director for the Regional and Multi-country Programme Unit began by stating that Save the

Children (SCI), as the name implies, focuses on children. SCI programmes look at full spectrum

programming to deliver

maximum impacts for

children.

The focus vis-a-vis social

protection was based on

addressing child

poverty. The dimensions

leading to the focus are

based on harmful

impacts of poverty on

children that have long

term impacts on the

development and

wellbeing of the child

including: low self

esteem, dashed

ambition and hope,

intergenerational

poverty cycle, etc. He added that the issue of relative poverty cuts across both low income and high

income economies and therefore gives credence for investment in children. He affirmed that the

number of children under poverty will not change drastically unless there is a break in

intergenerational poverty cycle through three breakthrough areas including child survival, improved

learning and child protection. One way of arriving at this is through buffering family income shocks

and reducing disparities in society for example statistics showed that children from different

economic brackets tended to stay in school for varied amounts of time i.e. children coming from

higher income groups tended to stay in school for longer and vice versa. This realisation occasioned

a rethinking of how to engage with social protection which has a positive impact on education,

health, income regularisation, mitigation from shocks and stresses. In engaging with Child Sensitive

Social Protection, Mr. Njoka, pointed out to three focus areas for Save the Children:

Child sensitive social protection – securing basic incomes

Child sensitive livelihoods – manage threats to income and assets

Transitions to work – access to services e.g. education, health etc.

These he added, needed to be underlined by a robust monitoring and evaluation framework which

can ascertain attributable impact of the programmes on children. In conclusion, he asserted that

Child Sensitive Social Protection means maximising benefits for children and minimising harm.

Mr. John Njoka making his presentation on Child Sensitive Social Protection.

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Social Protection Policy in Madagascar - Rakotomalala Mirana

This presentation was a demonstration of the commitment to uphold the values of protecting the

poor and vulnerable through the policy process which tends to elicit debate on financing and

sustainability, definition of what social protection can and should encompass as well as the

minimum package of social

protection benefits. The

presentation focused on

Madagascar’s path to

development of a social

protection policy. She

explained that the document

had borrowed from several

policy documents both national

and international and finally

culminated in a National Social

Protection Policy on 22nd

September 2015. She explained

that the policy aimed at

preventing shocks, assuring basic social security and access to social services. She added that the

Policy had three guiding principles of prevention, protection and promotion of the well being of the

poor and vulnerable people through access to social services, social assistance and social security.

Some of the programmes articulated in the policy include: social security both public and private,

health enterprises, programme for accessing and maintaining students in the education system,

access to health services, social transfers during natural catastrophes (Madagascar is prone to

cyclones), cash transfers to manage extreme poverty and social transfers to the vulnerable groups.

Ms Mirana elaborated that the policy defined a coordinating mechanism for the different social

protection interventions due to the cross cutting (Ministerial mandates) nature of interventions. It

envisions a centralised management of social protection programmes in the country with technical

committees constituted to operationalise the Policy in all the regions in Madagascar.

The presentation ended with a look at some of the challenges and gaps that exist and which require

attention. These are:

An efficient policy system needs to have a high threshold for coordination and integration of

social protection interventions to ensure maximum benefits.

Graduation mechanisms and the evaluation of programme impacts need deliberate effort

and capacity.

Ms. Rakotomalala Mirana (Social Protection Policy_Madagascar)

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Progress in Delivering Social Protection Measures in Tanzania – Ms. Juliana Bernard

Ms. Bernard, in her presentation, explained that Social Protection programmes in Tanzania were

founded on legislative and policy principles. Advocacy for the development of a social protection

policy, however, continues and one such effort was based on

establishing a universal older persons’ pension scheme. Efforts

were founded on a feasibility study done in 2010 by HelpAge

International in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and

Employment, exploring the gap in income security among

Older Persons. The findings demonstrated the need for a

universal pension leading up to lobbying and advocacy from

both civil society and development partners. In 2012, the

Social Security Regulatory Authority was commissioned to look

into the viability of a universal social security scheme to which

recommendations for a universal pension were made. Ms.

Bernard stated that lobbying for the implementation of the

scheme was sustained and this led to advancement of the

political buy-in through its incorporation into political

manifestos. A universal transfer to persons above 70 years was

slated to start in Zanzibar in 2016 and it was hoped that this

would influence a similar rollout in Mainland Tanzania.

Constitutional Amendments proposed in 2014 – Mr. Ebenezer Adjetey-Sorsey

This session was chaired by Peace Murungi – Vice Chair, who welcomed Mr. Adjetey-Sorsey to

report back to delegates on the proposed amendments to the constitution.

Amendments to the constitution were as follows:

2.2 Mission – expansion of the mission

4. Article III – Objects – looked at the mode of

operation and collapsed the objectives to become

APSP method of Operation (Objects changed to

Method of Operation)

o There was a proposal to create a committee

for sociology to advise on key areas

o Ebenezer said committee creation is already

a preserve of the Board and it is advised not

limit the Board’s power but rather maintain

the board discretion in establishing pertinent

committees for work

5 Part III – Membership and Governance

o 5.1 Membership mention of marginalised

groups and prescribed a few within the text

of the constitution.

Ms. Juliana Bernard (Tanzania)

making her presentation.

APSP board chairman, Mr. E. Adjetey-

Sorsey making his presentation.

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o 5.2 – Governance – it was suggested to separate the two membership and

governance rather than have it together as was in the previous constitution. In

addition, policy articulation was specified within the text on governance with regard

to the Board’s functions.

2.1.2.1 Number of Board Members

o A minimum number of Board members was put in place to ensure a functional

Board but also an upper limit of 11 members was established to allow for co-option.

Abiola Tilley-Gyado suggested that the upper limit be done away with and

instead add two categories for women and the youth.

Peace Murungi, in support of Abiola, proposed that these categories be

specified in the constitution.

Ebenezer Adjetey-Sorsey reiterated that by having the minimum threshold the

constitution did not preclude

any group from being

represented and therefore

maintaining the provision as is

allows for the incorporation of

representatives from different

interest groups.

Article X – Office Bearers

o This section put in place timeframes

to ensure smooth transition of Board

members preserving institutional

knowledge and safeguarding

continuity

Article XIV – General Meeting

o This clause looked at creating a distinction between the Annual Delegates

Conference (ADC) and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) the AGM was favoured

during the election periods.

After deliberations, a motion to adopt the changes was proposed by Jeleel Odoom from Ghana. This

motion was seconded by Dumisani Mnisi from Swaziland.

With the motion on the floor, the Chair Mr. Ebenezer Adjetey-Sorsey moved for a vote for or against

the motion by delegates, each National Platform had a single vote.

Eligible voters Votes

For the motion 15

Against the motion 1

Abstained 1

Total tally 17

Eligible Voters 17

The motion was carried by the majority

Dr. A. Tilley-Gyado (Nigeria) makes a remark as

Mahendranath Busgopaul (Mauritius) looks on

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Way Forward

The way forward was structured in a manner that allowed delegates to air their views in plenary. The

session was kicked off by Ms. Patricia Sewe from Kenya who urged delegates to incorporate the

SDGs into strategies for work. Dr. Djermakoye Ide from Niger was grateful for the opportunity to

share and learn, urging delegates to explore opportunities to work together. Mr. Jeleel Odoom from

Ghana on a lighter note remarked that he understood that financial constraints and other

obligations could not allow delegates to extend their stay but proposed that the Constitution be

translated into various languages to accommodate participants from Non-Anglophone and Non-

Francophone countries. Ms. Regine Goma from the Republic of Congo plead for support for the

Central African region; hers was a request that sought to advance the Social Protection agenda by

expanding the reach of the APSP in the region and by taking cognisance of regional dynamics.

The Chairperson of the Board, Mr. Adjetey-Sorsey, suggested that the new constitution be sent

round to National Platforms who can interrogate it further and raise any issues in the following

Delegates

Conference. He

added that members

have the right to

interrogate and

influence the agenda

of the coming

meeting.

He added that there

are numerous

opportunities to

engage with the SDGs

and pointed out to

the data generated

during the social

audits as a viable source of evidence to bolster work and engage with the SDGs. He said that the

Board was working on visiting as many National Platforms as possible and urged members to also

keep the APSP Secretariat in mind as they mobilise for resources.

In conclusion, he said there is need to create more space and time to deliberate over salient issues

during the ADC given the level of interest and discussions generated during the sessions. He

proceeded to thank delegates for attending the conference and the secretariat for organising a

successful meeting.

Peace Murungi, officially closed the meeting; thanking members for their active participation. She

reiterated the importance of sustainability for the organisation basing it on the efforts of the

members. She challenged the organisation to continue to rise and to become a force at the highest

levels in Social Protection policy discourse. With this, she declared the meeting officially closed.

Ms. Regine Goma (Republic of Congo)