Blog of Habiba Alambo, SI UN Representative in Nairobi.
The UN Civil Society Conference (UNCSC) 2024, held in Nairobi, stands as a key event organised by the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC) in collaboration with civil society organisations (CSOs). This annual conference provides a platform for diverse civil society members—including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), activists, academics, and representatives from different sectors—to engage in meaningful dialogue and cooperation on pressing global issues. Attending on behalf of Soroptimist International and Women for Water Partnership was Habiba Alambo, who drafted a report on the major events and activities taking place during the conference.
The primary goals of the UNCSC 2024 are to foster multi-stakeholder engagement, contribute to the Pact for the Future Negotiations, and produce concrete outcomes that align with the Summit of the Future’s (SOTF) objectives. By promoting active civil society participation, the conference aims to ensure that a broad spectrum of voices and perspectives are included in shaping strategies and solutions for the global challenges addressed at the SOTF.
May 8 – Summary of Activities
On May 8, a strategy meeting focused on the Summit of the Future (SOTF) was held. Participants discussed the need for greater civil society involvement, community representation, and continuity with past agreements. Key points included the importance of public education, inclusion of marginalized groups, reproductive health rights, and enforcement mechanisms for commitments. Advocacy opportunities in economic justice, tax, environment, human rights, and gender were also identified.
In the afternoon, UNESCO and NGOs discussed enhancing partnerships. Ms. Sabina Colombo outlined the benefits of official partnerships with UNESCO, such as network recognition and access to major meetings. The meeting aimed to leverage the strengths of the network, expand it, and increase NGO engagement. Mr. Nick Newland encouraged participants to clearly convey their organization’s key points.
May 9 – Summary of Activities
The workshops on May 9 centred on inclusive multilateralism and the critical role of women in sustainable development. The morning session focused on advancing women’s land rights and bridging grassroots initiatives with global visions for gender justice. Key outcomes included the need for inclusive decision-making, legal frameworks supporting women’s rights, and increased visibility for global movements advocating for women’s rights.
The afternoon session hosted by FEMNET emphasized the dignity of African women and girls, advocating for the integration of the Maputo Protocol language into the Pact for the Future and calling for a gender-inclusive global finance architecture. The discussions highlighted the impact of militarization, climate crisis, and the importance of decolonizing education on women.
The final workshop of the day underscored the role of women mediators in West African peace processes. Presentations emphasized women’s perspectives in mediation, the need for accurate data on women’s participation, and strategies to avoid tokenism while enhancing women’s roles in peacebuilding efforts.
May 10 – Summary of Activities
On May 10, the session “Civil Society Recommendations on the 5 Chapters of the Pact for the Future, Declaration on Future Generations, and Global Digital Compact” gathered civil society input on global frameworks. Key interventions included calls for intergenerational collaboration, sustainable development, peace and security reforms, inclusive digital cooperation, and youth engagement. The outcomes emphasised the critical role of civil society in shaping global policies and frameworks, advocating for systemic changes in global governance, and ensuring commitments to future generations.
The follow-up session, moderated by Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Policy, and María Fernanda Espinosa, Executive Director of GWL Voices, focused on interactive dialogue about the Pact for the Future. Civil society representatives discussed the Zero Draft of the Pact, emphasising the need for UN Charter reform, gender equality, and recognition of marginalised groups. The session highlighted the importance of civil society input in shaping the final document and reaffirmed commitments to addressing the needs of current and future generations.
Summary of Impact Coalitions
The Impact Coalitions sessions on May 10 aimed to explore funding for community action on sustainable development and championing underrepresented communities. The first session highlighted challenges in accessing funding for grassroots CSO groups and called for sustainable funding mechanisms and community-driven solutions. Key outcomes included the need for flexible donor requirements, enhanced capacity building, and collaboration between governments, private sectors, and community organizations.
The second session emphasized a human rights-based approach to advocacy, focusing on amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities. Discussions highlighted the need for inclusive language in the Pact, acknowledgment of diverse groups, and stronger advocacy efforts. The session reinforced the commitment to a human-rights-centric Pact for the Future, aiming to address oppression and ensure dignity and rights for all.
The UNCSC 2024 has underscored the indispensable role of civil society in global governance, fostering meaningful dialogue, and ensuring that diverse voices shape the future of international policies and frameworks.
Concluding Thoughts
As we move forward, the insights and recommendations from this conference will play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of the Summit of the Future, ensuring a more equitable and sustainable world for future generations.