Set up citizenship committees and youth ambassadors (TNCTG0001)

Commitment ID

TNCTG0001

Commitment Title

Set up citizenship committees and youth ambassadors in each neighbourhood of the municipality

Problem

Although the municipality is always open and available to receive the grievances of its citizens, some studies have shown that there is a lack of communication, to varying degrees. In addition, due to geographic and social outcomes, the municipality wants to ensure that all neighborhoods in Carthage are represented and interact equally in its activities and decisions. Also, in its orientation to emphasize the integration of youth in public life, the Municipality has conducted a diagnosis on youth participation, and it was clearly found that there are gaps in this sense. On this basis, the Commission on Participatory Democracy and Open Government of the Municipality intends to strengthen the bridges of communication and interaction with young people and elders to the succession in the management of public life.

Status quo

The city of Carthage has 18279 inhabitants, spread over 5 communes. The historical sites represent 64% of the total area and are classified as world heritage by UNESCO. It is also a tourist city par excellence, and the tertiary sector represents 60% of its activity.the city is characterized by a social quality which constitutes a major challenge. A western side marked by a high density, an average economic and social level, far from the vestiges and the main transport route of the region. An eastern slope, by the sea, constituting the tributary part with lower density. This means that the realities of these two populations are different, with specific needs. The Municipality must be able to understand the problems and needs of both. Spontaneous participation of citizens, especially young people, in municipal council meetings.

Action

The objective is to create 5 citizenship committees, one in each neighborhood of the city. These citizenship committees will represent the citizens to the Municipality and will set up citizen action nuclei in each neighbourhood. Also, 20 young ambassadors will be recruited and trained to represent the youth of their neighborhoods and ensure the relevance of citizen action in the region in the medium term.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

The citizen committees will be the link between the citizen's voice and the municipality. Concentrated by neighborhoods, the municipality will be able to better understand and characterize the needs and problems of each area, and will thus be better equipped to resolve them.The citizen committees will also sensitize citizens to the requirements of municipal work and will serve as training structures in the practice of participatory governance and the initiation of citizen actions for the benefit of the community.This commitment will thus allow a two-way and interactive exchange of information between citizens and the Municipality, will strengthen their relationship and bring their points of view closer together. This will contribute to the establishment of a more harmonious climate in the city and a healthier relationship between the citizen and the municipality based on more transparency and trust.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

The long-term objectives of this commitment are to strengthen public participation (citizen participation, cooperation with civil society) and to improve transparency with a two-way and direct communication relationship between the citizens and the Municipality.

Primary Policy Area

Civic Space, Inclusion

Primary Sector

Citizenship & Immigration, Public Services (general), Security and Public Safety

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?