OSCE Mission supports conference on civil society in Croatia

ZAGREB, 12 April 2006 - The need to enhance partnership between local authorities in Croatia and the public, as well as the business and civil sector, was voiced by participants of a conference held today in Zagreb.

The event, "Social cohesion - driving force or an obstacle to development?", was organized by the Regional Forum of Slavonian Associations and financially supported by the OSCE Mission to Croatia. Participants discussed ways to develop civil society in Croatia, pointing out the critically low level of social cohesion in the country.

"Local authorities must recognize non-governmental organizations as their equal partners and NGOs in turn should recognize their responsibility toward the community," said Ambassador Robert W. Becker, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission. He expressed hope that the discussion and conclusions of the conference would contribute to the process of creation of a national strategy for civil society development.

Sonja Vukoviæ, the President of the Regional Forum of Slavonian Associations, thanked the OSCE Mission for its help, adding: "This gathering was the result of our social responsibility, our need to share experience and to develop practical models of strengthening social cohesion at local and national level."

The conference was attended by representatives of the Office for Associations and the Council for Civil Society Development of the Croatian Government, the National Foundation for Civil Society Development, local self-government, regional and local associations, NGOs, as well as independent experts.