Programme

There will be a morning session prior to the SIGN conference, organised by Amsterdam Initative against Malnutrition (AIM). Read the AIM morning session programme.

SIGN conference programme

12.00 - 13.00 Arrival and Lunch buffet
Information and Networking market
13.00 - 13.15 Welcome & programme overview
13.15 - 13.30 Welcome address & prayer
13.30 - 14.15 Session one ‘setting the scene’ - an overview from the onset of SIGN and HGSF in SSA until where we stand today.
Session one will be presented by SIGN initiator Hans Eenhoorn
14.15 – 15.30 Session two ‘multi stakeholder collaboration on the GSFP’ – perceived from different perspectives
 
- Presentation & Panel discussion -
 
    15.30 - 16.00 Information and Networking market
    16.00 - 17.15 Session three ‘GSFP lessons learnt and future perspectives for HGSF’ – exploring conditions for effective HGSF programs in SSA
     
    - Presentation & Panel discussion -
     
      17.15 - 17.30 Ceremonial moment where SIGN hands over to all stakeholders involved in HGSF
      17.30 - 17.45 Closing address
      By. Dr. Ben Knapen (Dutch Minister for International Cooperation)
      17.45 - 18.00 Information and Networking market
      18.00 - ... Open bar


      The conference is itemized in three separate sessions. All sessions are presided by experienced moderators and provide the opportunity for participants to join the discussion and ask questions.

      Opening session; setting the scene

      SIGN initiator Mr. Eenhoorn will first set the scene and give a presentation providing a framework of the onset of HGSF and the SIGN initiative until where we stand today. His presentation will be followed by the moderator involving invited guests who evidently feature in this story. Subsequently there will be room for a plenary discussion. The overall aim of the first session is to provide context to succeeding panel discussions.

      Session two: multi stakeholder support for the GSFP

      Since its initiation SIGN strives at a multi-stakeholder approach in supporting the GSFP. The rationale behind this is that HGSF requires not only a cross-sectoral manner of working but also broad societal and political backing as well as technical and complementary relief to enable the program achieving its objectives. Both in Ghana and the Netherlands organizations and individuals were mobilized to engage with the program and offer diversified types of assistance. This materialized with various successes. In the Netherlands organizations and individuals working among the four pillars of society (governance, private sector, research and civil society) where unified by the SIGN platform. Subsequently in an attempt to assist the Government of Ghana, in-country networks and partnerships were formed offering direct technical and complementary support. Vital lessons can be drawn from this multi-stakeholder approach that will serve initiatives of similar inclination in support of HGSF. This session focuses on sharing experiences and lessons regarding multi stakeholder cooperation. Generally this regards SIGNs internal relationships (member to member), the formation of partnerships between SIGN members and their Ghanaian counterparts as well as initiatives to support the GSFP in-country like the Civil Society Platform. Specifically this session reflects on the lessons learned regarding involving various disciplines e.g. research, private sector, governmental and non-governmental institutions. A representative of the GoG of Ghana will partake to share her views on various types of (multi) stakeholder activities initiated to complement the GSFP, it being a government program.

      Session three: the GSFP- lessons learned and future perspectives for HGSF in SSA

      HGSF programs in Sub Saharan Africa are a relatively new endeavour. The Government of Ghana was impassioned about the concept of HGSF concept and the first country willing to implement it in Ghana as a poverty reduction strategy under the ministry of NEPAD. The GSFP, being a means to achieve multiple objectives in the area of education, health and food security requires multi- sectoral collaboration and coordination which makes the program a particularly complex undertaking from which many lessons can be derived. These lessons can give guidance to implementation processes of similar initiatives in other Sub-Saharan countries whether or not supported by development partners operating in the arena of International Development Cooperation. This session will particularly focus on a number of aspects recognized as ‘challenging’ including social accountability, leadership/ good governance and creating market opportunities for smallholder farmers through school feeding. The Government of Ghana in collaboration with development partners has been able to design a comprehensive strategy in addressing some of these aspects like the well known Social Accountability Program (SAP). Whereas other aspects still await an applicable resolution. After five years of GSFP most challenges in implementation are well known and equally well documented. Session three will kick of with a covering presentation summarizing key challenges. Hereafter the panel discussion will focus on identifying the conditions for implementing effective strategies that ensure effective HGSF programs. The discussion joins perspectives from the farmers, the private sector, the Dutch government, NEPAD (AU), international development partner’s.

      Network and information market

      Many SIGN members and partners, together with their counterparts in Ghana have initiated projects in the area of education, agriculture, renewable energy and or health and hygiene. The network and information market is primarily aimed at showcasing various projects and initiatives in support of the GSFP. The market will offer ample opportunity to learn from the experiences of SIGNs (former) members and partners.
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