Exploring the current collaborations and future tendencies on how global networks can contribute to shifting power towards Southern actors in the context of shrinking space

March 25^th2020, 10.30-12:30 GMT (UK time)

You are invited to join this online event for networks and platforms. Convened by Forus, the global network of 69 NGO platforms and 7 Regional coalitions, andBond, the event will explore the role of global networks in the context of debates on localisation, shifting power, and shrinking civic space. Over two sessions, some of the key questions for discussion will include:

1.          How can regional and global networks contribute to the localisation agenda? What is their unique role and added value? How is this affected by a context of shrinking space?

2.          What does the localisation agenda look like within a transnational network? What tools & approaches can be developed internally to “shift the power”? How can NGOs and global solidarity go beyond the “north-south divide” paradigm?

Introduction by Dr Rowan Popplewell, Bond Policy Manager – Civic space, and Sarah Hénon, Forus Development Manager.

Session1. Localisation of aid, shifting the power to Southern actors, and networkworking

This session will feature a presentation of findings from Coordination Sud’s report on localisation of aid, published in autumn 2019. The study analyses the drivers and effects of localisation, and presents reflections &recommendations for CSOs in the context of shifting power.

Speakers: Diane Vioujard, Coordinator of Coordination Sud, and Jean-Martial Boinis, Evaluation consultant, will jointly present the study on localisation of aid. CoordinationSud will reflect on implications for French NGOs.

Session2. Network responses & approaches to the localisation agenda

This session will feature presentations from national NGO platforms around innovative consortia projects developed with Forus’ support, which challenge the “North-South” divide.

Session 2 speakers:

•            Robert Ninyesiga, Programme Officer at the Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) and Justina Kaluinaite, Director of the Lithuanian NGDO Platform (VB Plataforma) will present their consortium project to develop the capacities of their members.

•            Pavel Přibyl, Director of the Czech Forum for development Cooperation (FoRS), Marie Zázvorková, FoRS Capacity building coordinator and Petra Chaloupková, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, will talk about collaboration between Czech and Cambodian organisations to defend civic space.

Please register for this event here