Consultations with Civil Society

(last update - 29 March 2005)

Wednesday 30th March 2005

17:00-18:30: Consultation with BIAC and TUAC

Chair:  Mr. Aart Jan de Geus, Minister of Social Affairs and Employment, Netherlands

The consultation will enable representatives of the Business and Industry Advisory Committee (BIAC) and the Trade Union Advisory Committee (TUAC) to present their views on the topics to be discussed by Ministers during the meeting.

Thursday 31st March 2005

15:00-18:00: FORUM
What are the appropriate rights and responsibilities for different parts of society in delivering social protection?

The Forum is devoted to the roles and responsibilities of different groups in society in delivering social protection. There will be a discussion between Ministers and the different actors - employers, trade unions and non-governmental organisations - involved in social protection.

Chair: Ms. Berit Andnor, Minister for Social Affairs, Sweden

Opening remarks: Professor Neil Gilbert, Professor of Social Welfare, University of Berkeley, California -
Background Note[DELSA/ELSA/MIN(2005)5] - The "Enabling State”?  From public to private responsibility for social protection: Pathways and pitfalls

The civil society groups present at the Forum were selected in consultation with the International Council of Social Welfare (ICSW).
The organisations that will be represented are:

• the ICSW, 
• the American Association of Retired People which is the largest social policy NGO in the world,
• the Smith Family an Australian NGO promoting innovative solutions for the participation and integration of disadvantaged persons, and
• the Lisbon Council a policy network that promotes the modernisation of European economic and social policy.
• ATD Quart Monde France
• The business and trade union advisory councils to the OECD, BIAC and TUAC, will contribute the employers' and trade union's perspective on social protection delivery.
  

Discussion

NGO's representatives:

• Elaine Henry, The Smith Family
• Paul Hofheinz, President, The Lisbon Council
• Ann Metlter, Executive Director,The Lisbon Council
• Hans van Ewijk, President ICSW European Region
• Ladan Manteghi, Director of International Affairs, AARP
• Françoise Coré, ATD Quart Monde France
  

Academics:

• Bruno Palier, CEVIPOF

More information on the OECD and civil society.