Building a Fairer and More Just Future
At the opening of a major UN conference in Nairobi, Kenya, the buzzwords ‘meaningful participation’ and ‘inclusion’ set the tone for discussions urging governments to listen to the diverse voices of civil society. These voices are crucial in working alongside governments to create a more equitable future.
UN Civil Society Conference Overview
The UN Civil Society Conference, a gathering of civil society actors, government representatives, UN officials, young changemakers, and stakeholders, is a key event on the civil society calendar at the United Nations. This conference precedes the upcoming Summit of the Future scheduled for September.
Key Messages from the Conference
In a video message, Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, highlighted the vital role of civil society in advancing the United Nations’ goals. She emphasized the advocacy for global justice, social justice, climate justice, peace, gender equality, human rights, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Ms. Mohammed stressed the importance of civil society’s strong voice in the face of increasing threats and shrinking space. The conference reaffirmed the need for the upcoming Summit of the Future to align with civil society’s priorities, concerns, and expectations.
Importance of Civil Society Engagement
Organized by the UN Department of Global Communications, the Civil Society Conference in Nairobi aims to facilitate collaboration between civil society, governments, and other stakeholders. The event serves as a platform for over 3,600 civil society representatives and government officials to engage in discussions over two days.
With a significant youth presence, representing 40% of registrations, the conference highlights the importance of youth engagement in addressing global challenges. Climate emerged as a top concern among young participants.
Call for Action and Collaboration
Speakers at the conference emphasized the need for robust collaboration between all stakeholders to drive impactful global action. The upcoming Summit of the Future presents an opportunity to update international institutions and promote inclusive multilateralism.
Participants were urged to actively engage with governments and contribute to shaping a more sustainable and equitable future. The conference highlighted the critical role of civil society in advocating for real change and addressing global inequalities.
Looking Ahead
As the conference progresses, workshops and dialogues will focus on civil society recommendations for future initiatives such as the Pact for the Future, Declaration on Future Generations, and Global Digital Compact. The event will culminate in a closing session attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of Kenya, William Ruto.