Engaging in multi-stakeholder processes
From Andrew Chetley, Communication and Capacity Strengthening Director, MeTA
The latest issue of the Medicines Transparency Alliance (MeTA) newsletter highlights the worry that some stakeholders feel about engaging in a complex dialogue process. In particular, civil society organisations often – as Minu Hemmanti points out – have concerns over co-option, of losing independence, and being in a situation where the political and economic power of other participants in a multi-stakeholder process might divide civil society or dilute the strength of its voice and its advocacy for change.
MeTA believes that the multi-stakeholder process it is facilitating in seven countries is very much about change and transformation. It seeks to:
* shift some decision-making power to consumers
* put greater competitive pressure on suppliers
* promote better governance and more appropriate resource allocation by public purchasers
* improve the functioning of the pharmaceutical market
* encourage innovative and responsible business practices.
We think that helping to shape the agenda of the dialogue, learning about what solutions are possible, and working together to encourage change are strong incentives for civil society to engage in the multi-stakeholder process.
What about you? What’s your experience of engaging in multi-stakeholder processes? Has it been positive or negative? What can make a multi-stakeholder process effective for everyone?
