We have to make the APRM relevant. We need to let people know that the Mechanism is useful to us and that there is something for them, opines Mr. David Omozuafoh, UNDP Programme Advisor on the APRM and Governance.

Mr. Omozuafoh made these observations during his introductory remarks during a meeting with Representatives of the APRM Secretariat and NEPAD Agency at the APRM Headquarters in Midrand, South Africa.

The Mission which runs from 3 – 6 March 2015 seeks to explore concrete ideas of strengthening the partnership between the UNDP and the APRM and to discuss actualization of programmatic activities as outlined in the 2015 APRM Work-plan.

In the meeting Mr. David Omozuafoh shared ideas on how to make the APRM more exciting in order to garner greater commitment from Member Countries and Donor Communities. He said for the APRM renewal process to be effective the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) must be approached and encouraged to start putting the APRM on the agenda. He mentioned that the UNDP has put aside funds for their in-country offices which will assist the APRM with advocacy and outreach activities during Country Review Missions.

L-R: Mr. Dalmar Jama and Mr. Olushola AkinbadeMr. Olushola Akinbade, NEPAD CEO Representative advised that to reach out to countries there needs to be an interrogation of the processes and steps that have minimal cost implications but maximum impact.

The meeting further discussed and highlighted possible areas that can be explored to rekindle and sustain interest in the APRM, for implementation in 2015. These included the harmonization of NPoAs in National Plans, producing a lessons learned report, imminent Country Missions, identifying prominent champions for each of the APRM Thematic areas, engaging thought-leaders and Goodwill Ambassador to champion the APRM Agenda. Another aspect which was highlighted for immediate attention is the institutional augmentation especially in the areas of resource and partner mobilization.