‘Please continue to work with us to build a better world,’ Guterres says as major UN civil society forum wraps up in Kenya

At the closing session of the Conference United Nations Civil Society Conference 2024 in the capital of Kenya, Secretary General António Guterres and President William Ruto praised the efforts of civil society and emphasized their “indispensable contributions”.

In his speech, Mr. Guterres said repeatedly that he had witnessed it enormous impact of civil society everywhere in the world; alleviating suffering, promoting peace and justice, supporting truth, promoting gender equality and sustainable development, many of whom are working at great personal risk.

Pointing to current conflicts – the civilian death toll in Gaza, the civil war raging in Sudan and the ongoing crises in the Sahel, Great Lakes and Horn of Africa regions – he pledged: “ We will not give up … promoting peace, justice and human rights, and I know you will not give up either. My best hope for the future is you.

‘Please continue to cooperate with us’

Mr. Guterres continued to emphasize that civil society engagement is critical to solving many of the problems facing the world today, including responding to crises, bridging the technical gap numbers and restore a common approach to peace and security.

“We need to be informed about your frontline know-how; “We need you to use your networks, knowledge and contacts to implement solutions and persuade governments to act,” the UN chief explained. Your contributions have been indispensable, and I thank you.”

The Secretary-General invited civil society to bring their spirit to the so-called ‘Day of Action’ organized in connection with the highly anticipated United Nations Future Summit this September and asked asked them to call on their governments to make ambitious commitments at that event.

“Please continue to work with us to build a better world,” he concluded.

For his part, Kenyan President William Ruto outlined his government’s commitment to recognizing the civil society sector, noting that yesterday the country moved to bring in the Public Welfare Institutions Act. domestic law.

The Act now consolidates civil society activities into a predictable legal regime, making it easier for civil society, including those outside Kenya, to operate. .

“We are determined to reinvigorate our development agenda by harnessing the organizing and advocacy power of civil society,” he said, but emphasized that it was clear that more important work was on the horizon. wait in front.

There is no room to lock others out: “Kenya remains steadfastly committed to a strong partnership with an empowered civil society, to advance our pursuit of a sustainable future , fair and comprehensive”.

‘Bold, honest conversations’

Over the past two days, the 2024 Civil Society Conference, held at the United Nations Office in Nairobi (ARE NOT), features a series of briefings, interactive dialogues and approximately 37 workshops and 20 ImPACT alliances.

The conference comes ahead of the Future Summit, which will bring delegations from around the world to United Nations Headquarters in New York this September to agree a bold multilateral roadmap of action to ensure a fairer, safer and more sustainable world now and for generations to come.

Friday’s Civil Society Conference closing ceremony also heard from Mithika Mwenda, of the Pan-African Climate Justice Coalition, who emphasized the need for “boldness and honest conversations” to achieve the fundamental transformations needed to ensure sustainable development for all, eradicate poverty and, ultimately, an action-oriented Pact for the Future [one of the expected outcomes of the Summit].

Chola Milambo, Permanent Representative of Zambia to the United Nations and Co-Coordinator of the Global Digital Compact, issued a statement on behalf of all co-coordinators, saying the Conference had heard from many rich voices, including from young people and women. and people from underrepresented areas around the world.

The Co-facilitators remain open to dialogue, engagement with civil society and listening to all voices in the process, she added.

Conference Co-Chair Nudhara Yusuf said that over the past two days, civil society has made a “big statement” on what it expects from intergovernmental processes and what it can deliver. If the Future Summit expects UN Member States to be ambitious, civil society must be ready to do the same.

For her part, Co-Chair Carole Ageng’o said at the end of the Conference she was optimistic among others, considering the new partnerships that have been forged that will open up space for all All stakeholders are involved in creating a more inclusive, sustainable environment. and a secure future for everyone.

Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, which organized the Conference, emphasized that the ideas and voices of civil society have always been important to the world of the United Nations: from upon the establishment of this Organization. Sustainable development goalsto deliver impact and set the stage for the Future Summit.

Ms. Flemming said solidarity is needed today more than ever and the Conference has set a strong example in this regard.

Find full information about today’s events at the Conference This.