Capturing the conference

Our December 2011 20th anniversary conference brought together over 70 participants from different perspectives - civil society organisations, private foundations, donors and the public sector - to look at the future of civil society in the light of economic growth and the post-aid environment. Watch the keynote speeches and presentations below from leading civil society actors at the conference.

We also managed to capture one-to-one interviews with seven conference participants - each offering their thoughts on civil society's future. View these interviews.

Presentations

Monday morning introduction: What brings us here and what do we hope to achieve?

• Dr Brian Pratt of INTRAC opens the conference and sets the scene by highlighting some of the most prominent challenges and opportunities facing civil society today. (14.31)

Monday morning session: The 'New Frontier' – what are the challenges and opportunities for civil society?

• Dr Michael Edwards, Demos, talks on uncertainty in the present and on the likely role of civil society in the near future. (8.19)
• Nomvula Dlamini, CDRA, discusses the history and achievements of civil society in South Africa, as well as the problems that face it today. (In two parts – Part 1: 5.00 and Part 2: 8.05)
• Dr Rajesh Tandon, PRIA, talks about the pros and cons of prolonged economic growth in India, and the response of civil society. (14.30)
• Dr Carlos Braga of The World Bank argues that short to mid term is likely to be one of high turbulence for global civil society. (In two parts – Part 1: 9.18  and Part 2: 8.39)

Monday evening session: The continuing importance of civil society – lecture to mark INTRAC's 20th Anniversary

• Ingrid Srinath, CIVICUS, gives a history of what she describes as the 'economic feeding frenzy of the past three decades.' She identifies many potential challenges for the future but also draws attention to the mass social movements of 2011, and sees in them reason for optimism. (In two parts – Part 1: 6.57 and Part 2: 11.30)
• Dr Rajesh Tandon, PRIA, talks about the history of civil society at INTRAC's 20th Anniversary lecture. He emphasises the need for rethinking capacity building, and reconnecting with core constituencies and values if civil society is to remain relevant in a changing world. (In two parts – Part 1: 9.15 and Part 2: 12.16)

Tuesday morning session: Shaping our responses – initiatives and ideas to inspire

• Dr Kees Biekart, ISS, discusses the power divide within civil society and pinpoints what he sees as the most prominent opportunities and challenges. (13.20)
• Anabel Cruz, ICD, speaks about the origins and trajectory of the Chilean students' movement. (9.11)
• Neil Howard, part of the Occupy Movement at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, talks about the motives behind the movement. (8.52)
• Marwa El-A nsary of Oxfam GB talks her professional work and about her recent experiences in Egypt as an activist in Tahrir Square. (In two parts – Part 1: 5.45 and Part 2: 10.03)