### The 12th Conference of Governors: a space for dialogue and reflection for the DRC
The 12th conference of governors, which is held in Kolwezi from June 10 to 13, raises a number of questions within the political and administrative landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Diving under the theme “Health as a factor in social cohesion and sustainable development of the provinces”, this meeting invites to an in-depth examination of the links between health management and socio-economic stability.
#### A promising but delicate context
Arrived in Kolwezi, President Félix Tshisekedi inaugurated several infrastructure, including a congress room with a capacity of 1,500 places. This symbolic gesture illustrates both the importance of the meeting and the expectations placed in it. Inaugurated infrastructure can also be perceived as an effort to revitalize exchanges between governors, presidents of provincial assemblies and other members of the delegation led by the Head of State.
Nevertheless, the question arises: will these infrastructure be used to solve the deep issues encountered by the provinces? Access to health, sustainable development and effective governance are complex subjects often intertwined with economic and social realities of territories.
#### Lessons from previous forums
The previous meeting in Kalemie gave rise to significant recommendations, in particular the need to review the voting system for the election of provincial governors and deputies and to ensure regular payment of the wages of political leaders. These resolutions, although ambitious, require rigorous implementation so that they do not remain simple intentions.
Why have these recommendations not yet resulted in palpable changes? This question invites us to explore the dynamics of power within provincial administrations and the challenges of decentralization. The DRC being a vast country rich in diversity, each province faces their own issues, making the generalization of often inoperative solutions.
#### Towards an efficient administration
Governors have expressed the need for strong and effective administration. This raises concerns about the current criteria for accessing territorial administrators. How to guarantee that those who direct have the skills necessary to respond to the aspirations of the populations? The question of the training and selection of provincial leaders deserves to be asked, especially in the context of a decentralization which aims to bring the power of citizens closer.
The local development program (PDL-145 territories) aimed, among other things, to complete essential infrastructure sites. To what extent were these projects followed by concrete effects in the field? This requires systematic monitoring and transparency generating the confidence of citizens.
#### Health as a pillar of social cohesion
It is vital to emphasize that health, at the heart of the debates of this 12th conference, cannot be dissociated from social and economic realities. Ensuring access to quality health services is a prerequisite for building sustainable social cohesion. This theme, as a common thread of the forum, can offer avenues for collective solutions to the challenges of poverty, inequalities and instability.
It is the responsibility of governors to integrate local perspectives into health policies. This implies a constant dialogue between the authorities and the basic communities to adapt strategies to the realities experienced by the populations.
#### A future to build together
The 12th conference of governors is an opportunity to redefine territorial governance in the DRC. This meeting should not be simply a space where words arise, but a real laboratory of ideas and solutions. In order for this vision to be realized, it is essential to establish a culture of responsibility, monitoring and evaluation of commitments made during these assisters.
Finally, hoping that this meeting generates a constructive dialogue, a question remains: how to establish a follow -up process making it possible to really measure the effectiveness of the decisions taken? It is through the transparency and active participation of citizens that the country will be able to advance on the path of effective governance and, consequently, of sustainable development.