Republic of Cyprus Second Voluntary National Report - Sustainable development goals

11 Governance – Institutional Mechanism CIVIL SOCIETY AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS Coordinating the NGOs The long-time integrated policy framework in the fields of Civil Society, Active Citizenship, Volunteerism and NGOs forms a key aspect for the implementation of the SDGs. Citizens are called upon to play their part in building a better, more democratic society, therefore, the development of Active Citizenship skills and attitudes is crucial. The coordination of all voluntary and non-governmental organisations in all sectors of activity and the strengthening of cooperation with local authorities is carried out by the Commissioner for Volunteerism and NGOs. Additionally, the Pan Cyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council (PVCC) is the Supreme Coordinative Body of voluntary social welfare organisations in the Republic of Cyprus. The PVCC is an umbrella organisation representing more than 400 national and local voluntary/non-governmental organisations. Coordinating the Social Partners–The Tripartite Mechanism for Social and Labour Issues An important role in the regulation of collective labour relations plays the long- established mechanism for tripartite cooperation, in social issues and in industrial relations between trade unions, employers’ representatives and the Government, which is not a legally binding mechanism but is based on a voluntary commitment of participants and involves continuous social dialogue and compromises between the three aforementioned main stakeholders. Public Consultation It is further emphasised that stakeholder involvement is an inherent element of the normal procedure for the initial formulation of most policy measures and initiatives at Departmental and Ministerial level. The public consultation process involves local authorities, social partners, businesses and other stakeholders. Youth Participation Youth Parliament – A Best Practice A strong mechanism had long been put in place regarding the participation of youth in Government decision-making with the launch of “ Public Consultation Day ” and “ Citizen’s Day ” as well as the annual meeting of the Children’s Parliament within the Parliamentary House. In addition, on the occasion of an Informal Meeting of the Council of Ministers held at the Presidential Palace, young men and women from all over Cyprus watch the operation and decision-making process of the Council of Ministers. INTERNATIONAL ASPECT Development Assistance Cyprus’ development cooperation policy has remained steady in terms of financial resources and human resources in the provision of development assistance and technical cooperation to third countries. Last August (2020), due to the explosions in Beirut, the Cypriot Government decided to provide additional development aid of €5mln for the implementation of various programmes in Lebanon. A policy has been drawn up during 2020, which is being implemented, in relation to neighbouring Middle Eastern countries, to provide development assistance to women-based programmes, based on the National Strategies of these countries. Cyprus, like the rest of the EU, has supported international efforts to debt relief, mainly to African countries, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.