ISLAMABAD, March 12: A Norwegian mission led by Mr Olav Kjorvan, state secretary for international development, called on National Reconstruction Bureau (NRB) Chairman Syed Tanwir Husain Naqvi here on Tuesday.

NRB chief informed the mission that the bureau had moved into second phase of the devolution plan, in pursuit of its policy of national reconstruction, to establish genuine and sustainable democracy for good governance.

He outlined the concept of the Devolution Trust for Community Empowerment (DTCE) as a quasi non-government organization for making local communities realize the marked difference in the new relationship emerging between the citizen and state.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had shown its commitment to co-sponsor the trust. Other donor agencies could come forward and join hands with the NRB to turn the DTCE into reality, Mr Naqvi added.

The Norwegian mission appreciated the concept and poverty alleviation strategy of Islamabad, and showed its keen interest in contributing to the trust.

The mission was of the view that to combat poverty community involvement in decision making was necessary, and that the new local government structure and system was more participatory, proactive and encouraging for community involvement in governance.

In the meanwhile, mission leader Mr Olav Kjorvan called on Federal Minister for Women Development Dr Attiya Inay-atullah.

He endorsed Pakistan’s efforts towards the uplift and empowerment of women, and said Norway would like to enhance assistance for strengthening participation of the Pakistani women in this particular process and decision-making.

Dr Attiya Inayatullah informed him that the training project on political participation had been launched for women councillors to ensure their effective participation in decision making and poverty alleviation. Norway has contributed $1 million for this project.

Mr Olav Kjorn assured Dr Attiya that the government of Norway would also provide support to strengthen such projects, and give assistance for visible political space for women in Pakistan.

She applauded the strategic intervention by Islamabad in the field of women development.