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The International Civil Society Forum went well beyond everyone's expectations, with pro-active and inspiring sessions, smooth publicity and organisation, and even media coverage.
Cypriot civil society organisations (CSOs) have the chance to become increasingly important actors in policy influencing both at home and abroad.
Two critical areas that underpin the island’s development and present new opportunities for CSOs are at the centre of the International Civil Society Forum: European policy influencing and peace building.
Instead of publishing a traditional report, the Cypriot Civil Society Strengthening Programme has written two colorful booklets, available to read below.
The European Union and Council of Europe have taken an increasingly prominent role on Cyprus since 2004, with new opportunities for Cypriot civil society to engage both within EU institutions and in Cyprus-focused EU programmes. The EU offers the possibility of linking with Europe-wide CS networks; of engaging in civil dialogue and advocacy with EU institutions, and of access to EU/Council of Europe initiatives and funding sources. How can Cypriot CSOs seize these opportunities?
Booklet 1 deals with opportunities for Cypriot CSOs can engage with European institutions.
Booklet 1 English.pdf (1470Kb)
Booklet 2 is about civil society in peacebuilding - worldwide and on Cyprus.
Civil society has a critical role in addressing issues of trust, conflict and peace building. This takes place both in specific, peace-focused CS activities but also more indirectly as part of working together for different purposes.
Some questions to be discussed at the Forum include: What are the opportunities for CS to shift the political stalemate? Through what mechanisms can CS peace building happen – at home and internationally? What can be learned from other contexts such as Northern Ireland and South Africa? What is the Cypriot CS experience of peace building?
Booklet 2 English.pdf (1164Kb)
Press Release - International Civil Society Forum.pdf (156Kb)
International Civil Society Forum.pdf (2136Kb)
Feedback on the Forum:
"Congratulations on a very well designed and professionally executed event. The number of participants, quality of speakers and level of interaction at the Forum was impressive along with the breaking of new ground in Cyprus with the awards ceremony". -UNDP-ACT, Cyprus