Civil Society explore closer collaboration on influencing the AU

A number of civil society organizations keen on engaging the AU around key policy discourses are set to meet in Nairobi for a strategy meeting on January 21, 2007. The meeting, scheduled to be held at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies in Nairobi, Kenya, will explore synergies for closer collaboration. It is organized by the Southern Africa Poverty Research Network(SARPN) and Oxfam GB.

The meeting seeks to provide a platform for sharing and learning based on the lessons and experiences gained in engaging the AU, monitoring its key organs and influencing government positions.

The meeting confirms the growing recognition by civil society on the need to influence the AU. It also affirms the central role of the AU in influencing policy development in the continent.

Among other things, participants at the meeting will consider ongoing policy initiatives targeting the AU. Participants will be able to share lessons and learnings on effective advocacy targeting the AU, monitoring its key organs and influencing government positions.

The meeting will create a forum for like-minded individuals and organizations to explore opportunities for closer collaboration and consider joint continental advocacy opportunities over 2007.
For more information, please contact: Carol Equamo email:

Scaling up CSO policy engagement around Pan African Institutions
Session for Organisations working on capacity building and support initiatives
Organised by Oxfam GB and SARPN

Venue: Kenya School of Monetary Studies, Thika road, 7 kilometres south of Kasarani, the venue for the World Social Forum, Nairobi
21st January, 2007, 2pm – 4.30pm

Background:
In view of the centrality of AU to all development initiatives, many of the key civil society entities are seek ways of engaging meaningfully with the AU. Several parallel and credible initiatives are currently being developed in this regard. A group of interested Civil Society parties have proposed a forum for like-minded actors to deliberate and explore synergies and coordinate issues between those emerging facilities. In view of the relevance of your work to these issues, you are invited to the proposed meeting.

Roundtable Session Objectives:
By the end of the session, we will have
1. Shared progress on the establishment of the proposed CSO support facilities
2. Discussed ways of supporting each other
3. Discussed and agreed joint continental advocacy opportunities over 2007

Agenda: Part 1: Moderator Irungu Houghton
2.00 Welcome, Objectives and Introductions
2.05 How transformation could happen around the AU? – Rudo Chitiga
Discussion
Part 2:
2.30 Progress on the Midrand project – Southern Africa Trust (20 mins)
2.50 Progress on the Addis CSO centre – Open Society (20 mins)
3.10 Progress on the e-information facility The AU Monitor/Fahamu (20 mins)
Each speaker will touch on unfolding objectives, 2007 activities, areas needing support
3.30 NEPAD Secretariat Capacity Building Strategy for Africa (20 mins)
3.50 Issues and Decisions in upcoming AU Summit 2007 (20 mins)

Part 3:
4.10 Common strands and ways of supporting each other
4.30 Summary and close with tea

For further information on this activity contact Catherine on +254 (0) 722443592

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