Advocacy Activities under the 7up4 project Pradeep S Mehta Secretary General, CUTS International

Defining Advocacy Activities to create awareness through non-enforcement mechanisms Include networking structures, information exchange platforms, media outreach and meetings Persuasion strategy, hence largely voluntary Under 7up4, advocacy to be at national levels Will include all national stakeholders in project countries

National reference group (NRG) A NRG in each project country Purpose to decide on plan for national advocacy Composed of key stakeholders in regulation (CSOs, media, academia, govt, regulatory agencies, business etc) Discussion to be based on research findings Research findings to be key in mapping advocacy

NRG Meetings Three NRG meetings in each country Meetings to be in line with research reports First meeting discussion in line with PCP final report Second meeting after draft CRR preparation Third (final) meeting after final CRR and regional and national workshops

Special emphasis on advocacy Emphasis on involving consumer advocacy groups and media Consumer concerns to be highlighted in all disseminated materials Consumer groups to be linked to INCSOC, established 2002 When consumer movement not active, credible NGOs with consumer issue on agenda to be used

Media outreach and advocacy Specific issue-based advocacy documents to be prepared Wide distribution of publication for further NRGs discussion. One e-newsletter to be developed quarterly and circulated A project webpage with updates related to project. An outreach strategy for target audience after CRR

Linkages with the Government (to be developed) NRG reports to have recommendation to govt Gvt also represented in NRG Findings to be presented for discussion at govt level Advocacy route not confrontational

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