Civil society in Africa is under assault on many fronts. We are experiencing many restrictions on political space, the erosion of women’s rights, increasing inequality and, in addition, climate change which is already having significant impacts across the continent. We therefore need to increase our cooperation, solidarity and the sharing of experiences as African civil society while building our capacity to mobilise and organise our civic struggles, and to shape development agendas at the local, national and international level.
It is against this background that ActionAid and CIVICUS, in collaboration with regional coalitions, have come together to discuss the proposition for establishing a dynamic and robust space where progressive and engaged African Civil Society leaders can convene.
The ACSC vision is to foster an environment of democratic, equitable, sustainable and transformative change in Africa, one in which popular struggles against poverty and injustice can successfully shift the balance of power and attain respect for the human rights of all.
The mission is to promote and strengthen the effectiveness of African solidarity and integration, bringing together networks to build trust and cooperation amongst Civil Society leaders, for reflection and experience sharing in pursuit of the ultimate goal of eradicating poverty and injustice.
The key objectives of the proposed ACSC are to:
This session will be led by Kumi Naidoo, Launch Director of the proposed ACSC, and is intended to be interactive.
