Preparations afoot for the annual CSO week scheduled for May

The Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) and the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) officially announce the launching of preparations to host the third CSOS Week event.

Last year, the second CSOS Week was celebrated under the theme "Proactive Civil Society Organizations for Peace, Democracy, and Development".

The two institutions stated that preparations are being made this year, to observe the event under the theme "Active Participation of Civil Society Organizations for Lasting Peace, Respect for Human Rights and Building Good Governance" in line with realizing the peace processes that have been started following the existing situation in Ethiopia. The theme also reflects on strengthening the work on human rights protection at various levels as well as strengthening good governance in the sector.

In addition to promote CSOS through exhibitions, extensive work will be done to ensure the involvement of development partners, the private sector, government institutions, and other stakeholders in various discussion forums.

The main objective of CSOS Week is said to create an opportunity for organizations in the sector to introduce the role they are playing to the public and stakeholders in addition to facilitating a platform where CSOS can work closely with the government, private sector, and other development partners. Regarding this year's CSOS Week event, Director General of the Authority for Civil Society Organizations, Jima Dilbo Danbel said, “Various efforts are being made in order to strengthen the civil society sector. One of these efforts is the annual CSOS Week. This platform is meant to create the opportunity to create links within the sector, ensure networking and introduction among CSOS.”

CSOS are expected to play a significant role in peace-building efforts and should help closely to ensure that the upcoming national dialogue process is inclusive and transparent. Celebrating CSOS Week - 2023 will have a major contribution to highlighting the development activities of the sector.

In this regard, Executive Director of the ECSOC, Henok Melesse stated that among the responsibilities of the Council, is ensuring the promotion of the irreplaceable role of CSOS in the country, in addition to serving as a voice for the civil society sector, stating, “One of the objectives of celebrating CSOS Week is to create a platform where the contribution of the sector can be widely known, and to ensure sufficient awareness creation." This year's CSO Week is said to include a colorful opening ceremony, panel discussions, exhibitions, and media sessions among other events.

The event is also expected to create an opportunity for CSOS to work together on their common issues.

The third National CSO Week will be held in May. More than 200 Civil Society Organizations are expected to participate at the event. Those interested in participating in the CSOS week can express their interest to the relevant organizing body.