The President held a number of discussions and interactions with a cross-section of representatives from a range of interest groups that assisted in informing him of the needs, problems and challenges of civil society (including business, trade unions, commercial agriculture, education, religious groups and the youth). These engagements were facilitated through a selection of consultative forums that were also used as a key mechanism for interest groups and communities to inform Government policy.

The system of Presidential Working Groups was established in 1999 to afford the President and Government the opportunity to interface and engage with key sectors in society.

The previous forums and working groups were under review.