The Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Dr Tambo Gina, will on Thursday (January 31) join ESEPARC in celebrating Think Tanks Day 2019.
The Eswatini Economic Policy Analysis and Research Centre (ESEPARC), in coordination with the Lauder Institute of the University of Pennsylvania’s Think Tanks and Civil Societies Programme, will be joining over 160 organisations for a unique global programme involving a series of coordinated events that are intended to highlight the important role think tanks play in governments and civil societies around the world.
This year’s theme is ‘Why Facts and Think Tanks Matter’, which is intended to provide concrete examples of the research and educational programmes created by these institutions and how think tanks serve policymakers and the public with the necessary evidence during this technology driven era of constant information.
Keynote speakers at the event are Dr Gina, Business Eswatini President Andrew Le Roux and Editor’s Forum Secretary General Jabu Matsebula, who will lead discussions on issues around the theme, and the role of think tanks in the face of challenging times and the advent of technologies that may distort facts and the policy space.
ESEPARC’s outgoing executive director, Dr Thula Sizwe Dlamini stated that the event was a very important day for think tanks around the world and certainly for ESEPARC. “Often, governments and civil society organisations establish think tanks yet forget their role in an economy and why the matter, especially when challenges emerge. The ‘Why Facts and Think Tanks Matter’ event is important to spotlight the value of think tanks like ESEPARC.”
Dr Dlamini mentioned that His Majesty’s Government established ESEPARC for a specific mandate, which is to conduct economic policy research and prescribe evidence-based policy strategies for the Government, including supporting the work of the private sector and civil society organisation. “We also help in developing sustainable national capacities in economic policy analysis,” he said.
Over 100 institutions around the world have organised activities and events around the world (with 160 organisations expected to join this annual event) to highlight the important role think tanks play for governments and civil societies around the globe. ESEPARC is hosting a breakfast meeting to celebrate the Think Tanks Day at the Mountain Inn, starting at 7 am.
