The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) involves all sections of civil society in shaping government's economic and social policy, it is expected to be a pivotal instrument for transforming Antigua and Barbuda into a truly participatory democracy. The council ensures transparency and enables stakeholder participation in the formulation of significant development policies. Its key functions include: promoting goals of economic growth and development, participation in economic-decision making; to reach consensus and conclude internal agreements on matters pertaining social policy; advise the Government on changes to social and economic policy.
According to Law No. 18 of 2004 (Antigua and Barbuda), the functions of the Council are:
- to promote the goals of economic growth and development, participation in economic decisionmaking and social ecpity;
- to reach consensus and conclude agreements on matters pertaining to social policy;
- to regulate its own procedure;
- to make rules for the conduct of business of the Executive Committee or any other committee established under section 12;
- to delegate or assign functions to the Executive Committee or any other committee established under section 12;
- to advise the Government on significant changes to social and economic policy.
More information: National Economic and Social Council (NESC) in AICESIS