NEPAD/HSGIC/03-2003/APRM/MOU 09 March 2003 21. TAKE all necessary steps to facilitate the development and implementation of a national Programme of Action (paragraph 13 of the APRM Base Document) to improve our performance in the areas of governance and socio-economic development as stipulated in the African Peer Review Mechanism base document; 22. ENSURE the participation of all stakeholders in the development of the national Programme of Action including trade unions, women, youth, civil society, private sector, rural communities and professional associations; 23. SIGN the Memorandum of Understanding on Technical Assessments and the Country Review Visit, following consultations with all stakeholders in our individual countries; 24. TAKE such steps as may be necessary for the implementation of the recommendations adopted at the completion of the review process within the specified time frame and integrate them into our respective national Programmes of Action; 25. CO-OPERATE and ASSIST each other, as may be necessary, by sharing best practices and strengthening our capacity to rectify identified short-comings including requesting co-operation of external development partners; and 26. ACCEPT that constructive peer dialogue and persuasion would be exercised, where necessary, in order to encourage improvements in country practices and policies in compliance with agreed African and international best practices where recommended. Page 5 of 7