Neftaly Strategic Coordination and Stakeholder Alignment

To ensure effective planning, seamless coordination, and collective ownership of the Neftaly 21 November Joint Planning and Cross-Border Development Forum (NeftalyCSPR-14), a robust strategic coordination framework will be implemented. This framework focuses on bringing together key stakeholders, harmonising priorities, and aligning the forum’s outcomes with broader regional and national development agendas.

1. Establishment of a Cross-Border Steering Committee

A dedicated cross-border steering committee will be formed comprising representatives from:

• Government departments and regulatory authorities
• Private sector organisations and business chambers
• Civil society groups and development-focused NGOs
• Regional and local authorities from bordering communities

This committee will provide strategic oversight, guide the overall direction of the forum, ensure inclusive representation, and drive decision-making processes related to cross-border cooperation.

2. Pre-Forum Bilateral and Multilateral Consultations

To build a strong foundation for engagement, a series of bilateral and multilateral consultations will be conducted with key stakeholders. These consultations aim to:

• Identify shared development priorities across border regions
• Highlight common challenges and bottlenecks affecting regional integration
• Assess current development gaps and areas requiring joint interventions
• Gather insights and recommendations for shaping the forum’s agenda

These pre-forum engagements ensure that discussions are evidence-based, contextualised, and responsive to the needs of all participating regions.

3. Alignment with Existing Planning and Policy Frameworks

All forum activities will be strategically aligned with existing development frameworks, including:

• National Development Plans (NDP) of the participating countries
• Regional integration strategies and economic corridors
• Cross-border cooperation agreements and bilateral or multilateral treaties
• Local development plans and district growth strategies

This alignment ensures policy coherence, avoids duplication, reinforces government priorities, and supports long-term sustainable development across border regions.