CoST Champion
Proper implementation of the CoST Initiative requires strong, senior and experienced leadership in each participating country. The initiative cannot be meaningful without the real commitment of multiple key stakeholders; but some stakeholders may misunderstand, object to or even resent the CoST objectives and what is required of them.
It is therefore necessary that a high profile “CoST Champion” is found within each participating country. This person will be of Ministerial or high official rank, with good political credentials and public image, and a commitment to the greater efficiency and increased quality that CoST should bring to the construction sector.
The primary role of the Champion is the leadership of CoST in his or her country, giving CoST activities high visibility, spreading knowledge of CoST at senior levels, encouraging media and other interest and support, and helping to open doors when necessary.
The Champion is the national point of contact on CoST for Ministerial colleagues and other key governance bodies (eg Parliament, the Presidency, the Prime Minister’s Office etc) foreign Ambassadors and ranking members of relevant regional and international organisations such as the African Union and the World Bank, as well as UK DFID and others.
Perhaps the most important contribution of the Champion is to use his or her strategic position to help overcome challenges to CoST progress at key moments.
More information on the role is available here.
