Delivering the first key note presentation at the conference on ‘CMTS, security and development’, Prof Alan Fowler was tasked to frame the terms of the debate and provide provocative food for though to the discussion.
According to Mr. Fowler, poverty reduction has never been a strictly ‘domestic’ issue; however, for the recent development on the global scene, now poverty oversees is reflecting in insecurity at home, thus acquiring a domestic dimension. This implies a different definition of what aid is about, with poverty reduction progressively becoming not an end in itself anymore. In other words, ODA is becoming more integrated into country’s security and geopolitical interests.
In this picture, according to Mr Fowler the combination of developing practice and security imperatives presents clear challenges that civil society need to tackle.
Firstly, for Mr. Fowler it is important to ask “how to bring together counter terrorism measures, which try to promote stability and security for people, with the respect for social justice, the protection of human rights and the realisation of effective development practice.”
Secondly, he suggests “looking with some care” and ensuring that CSOs are not exploited in their role. CS is considered as an “ambivalent factor: it is part of the problem, and at the same time it is part of the solution to the problem itself.”
The CMTs conference presented a great opportunity for civil society to engage in the debate and make some steps forward on those two main challenges.
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