Gaborone, Botswana – May 12, 2024 - Civil society representatives from more than 65 countries are set to meet in Gaborone, Botswana, from May 13 to 17 for the Forus General Assembly. Organized in collaboration with the Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (BOCONGO) and the Southern African Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (SAf-CNGO), the unique event serves as an important platform for global civil society. 

With an exchange of insights, experiences, and best practices among civil society actors from diverse backgrounds and regions, platforms will develop strategies to navigate challenges such as shrinking civic spaces, electoral environments, and other emerging issues affecting civil society globally. 

Discussions will also delve into foresight thinking and the future of development, to unpack today’s ever-evolving global landscape.  

Part of the strategic exchange will also involve exploring the challenges and opportunities presented by digitalization, artificial intelligence, and other technological advancements that could enhance the effectiveness and reach of civil society initiatives, but also present some risks. 

The Forus network works across different regions to safeguard the rights of people and the planet. Its efforts have included important work such as observing elections, supporting sustainable development financing, capacity strengthening of civil society platforms based on their local needs, promoting dialogue in challenging and polarized political environments, providing humanitarian aid, advocating for civil society involvement in internet governance, and addressing issues related to artificial intelligence. 

With the upcoming United Nations Summit of the Future in September, the event will also look at new ways of financing sustainable development respecting people and planet, as well as monitoring and promoting the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the Agenda 2030.  

“Civil society organisations are essential throughout the world, providing humanitarian aid, supporting community resilience, fighting for human rights, justice, equity, democracy and peace. They fight for the creation and animation of spaces where we can all learn from each other, and even from our differences, to act for the collective well-being. Such spaces are precious, and dialogue is crucial to making progress. Together, we can overcome the challenges of our time, by opening to the rich diversity that the world has to offer, while respecting our values. This will help us to find new solutions to the aspirations of our peoples and to safeguard our planet,” says civil society leader Mavalow Christelle Kalhoule, Forus Chair and President of SPONG, the Burkina Faso NGO network. 

Established in 2008, Forus is a forward-thinking network comprising over 22,000 NGOs, dedicated to advancing the interests and impact of civil society worldwide. Approaches to support leaders within civil society will be discussed, to support inclusivity, diversity, and equitable representation in decision-making processes.  

Bonds of solidarity will be strengthened among civil society organisations to amplify their collective impact on global development agendas. Finally, conversations with local civil society organisations are scheduled to exchange practices and build new ties across countries and visions. 

With representatives from over 60 national civil society platforms across all continents, as well as seven regional coalitions, the Forus General Assembly promises to be a truly global affair. Additionally, delegates will be joined by high-level representatives, including the UN, EU delegation to Botswana, officials from the French Embassy, government representatives, activists, and other stakeholders. 

The Forus General Assembly is supported by the European Union and the Agence française de développement (AFD). 

For media inquiries and further information, please contact: Bibbi Abruzzini  at [email protected], Clarisse Sih at [email protected] or Lovey Ramotlhala [email protected]