Cross-sectoral efforts for development

Over the past 15 to 20 years, a pessimistic view has been developing worldwide regarding the ability of government action to meet the demands of its citizens. In response to this, the state has tended to “modernize” in order to become closer to its citizens and to “survive” in the face of other non-governmental actors, among which we, NGOs, find ourselves.

Intersectorality is the commitment made by different sectors to propose comprehensive solutions to social problems, turning the differences between them into a useful resource, as each heterogeneous vision constitutes an opportunity to address issues from different angles.

For us, intersectorality is fundamental, especially when it comes to working together with the State. We know that non-governmental organizations play a role in social coordination, information, research, and improving the quality of life of different people around the world, and in our country, our work has contributed to making the General Health System more inclusive, efficient, and fair. That is why we believe it is necessary for the State to work hand in hand with civil society organizations, especially when it comes to health issues, since coordinating efforts to help our social security system reach every corner, even those that have been called inhospitable over time, is a priority and a duty for all.

In this sense, when it comes to contributing to the human development of our country, it is necessary to unite and coordinate efforts to ensure that people have all the conditions they need to fulfill themselves, that is, so that their capacities can be developed without any obstacles. Human development also lies in the responsiveness of society as a whole (including the government, social, and private sectors), so that human beings can have guarantees of existence and thus be able to enhance their capabilities.

That is why we seek non-hierarchical relationships so that we can all collaborate. Although the State is legitimate in its actions, intersectorality in the field of health provides a space for the different actors involved to be able to work together, that is, toward the same goal, with everyone's help.

That is why development is associated with intersectorality: because by joining forces, it is possible to change the living conditions of people in need.

SOURCES

Gradu-Cunill N. Inter-sectorality in new social policies. An analytical-conceptual approach. 2014 Management and Public Policy Journal available at: http://www.gestionypoliticapublica.cide.edu/num_anteriores/Vol.XXIII_NoI/01%20GyPP%20Nuria%20Cunill%20(1-46).pdf

Dubois A. A concept of development for the 21st century. Argentine Presidency 2010. “THE CHALLENGES OF COORDINATION AND INTEGRITY IN POLICIES AND PUBLIC MANAGEMENT IN LATIN AMERICA.” Available at: http://www.jefatura.gob.ar/archivos/pme/publicaciones/desafios_coordinacion.pdf