At the Post-National Budget 2023-2024 and CSO Observatorio Workshop, civil society led by the Fiji Council Of Social Services (FCOSS) recommitted to advancing accountable and inclusive governance through the CSO Observatorio mechanism.
Held last 14 July, the workshop commenced with a re-orientation/refresher on the CSO Observatorio, aimed at providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of its purpose and mechanisms. The session was facilitated by the esteemed FCOSS Executive Director Vani Catanasiga, who shared valuable insights into the CSO Observatorio’s significance, and about the Istanbul Principles for CSO Development Effectiveness.
The CSO Observatorio mechanism, she explained, serves as a vital platform for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of national budgets. It enables Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to contribute to accountable and inclusive governance by tracking public expenditure and advocating for transparency.
Another key highlight was the presentation of the results obtained through the CSO Observatorio; participants gained valuable insights into the impact of the mechanism and its contributions towards enhancing development effectiveness. The outcomes showcased the power of collaboration between CSOs, government agencies, and stakeholders in achieving sustainable and equitable progress.
To delve deeper into the CSO Observatorio’s tools and methodologies, group discussions were held on the innovative “Kacivaka” tool. This interactive session provided an opportunity for participants to explore and exchange ideas on how to maximize the tool’s potential for effective budget tracking and analysis.
In a plenary session, participants then identified the agencies to be diagnosed by divisions and technical teams using the CSO Observatorio framework. This process sets the stage for targeted evaluations and supports evidence-based decision-making to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public spending.
Participants also embarked on a simulation exercise by traveling to Navolau Village 1 in Rakiraki, Tavua, and Ba, with the aim of conducting diagnosis team exercises, gaining firsthand experience in applying the CSO Observatorio tools and methodologies in real-world scenarios. Such immersive experiences strengthen the capacity of participants to drive positive change at the grassroots level.
The initiative was supported by the CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE), and held in partnership with the Pacific Islands Association of NGOs (PIANGO).#
