In the framework of the project which is being implemented by EPRD: “Assistance for Maximizing the Effectiveness of the Policy Forum on Development,” on the 25th and 26th of June 2014, 140 representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) and local authorities (LAs) from 11 Latin American and Caribbean countries met in the Peruvian capital of Lima for the first regional meeting of the Policy Forum on Development (PFD).
The meeting, hosted by the Metropolitan Municipality of Lima and organised by the European Commission (EC), brought together representatives from all sectors of civil society (ranging from NGOs, women and feminist organisations to trade unions and cooperatives), with local authorities (including mayors of several Latin American cities), EU Member States present in Peru, UNDP representatives and staff from EU Delegations in the region and headquarters. Members of the PFD Task Team representing all regions were also present to bring regional, European and global perspectives.
The goal of the meeting was to allow these different actors to meet to debate issues of common interest, with special attention to European development policies, in order to ultimately impact the development of their countries. Throughout the 2-day gathering, participants had the opportunity to discuss key issues of global importance, such as the post 2015 agenda, the regional focus of EU cooperation, past and future, and the new actor-based programme addressing CSOs and LAs which draws on the recently issued EU policies on CSOs and LAs in development.