UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi: Last Friday, in Nairobi, the first United Nations civil society conference to be hosted in Africa came to a close. The conference’s main message was that governments and civil society must engage in open and honest dialogues if they want to see multilateralism revived and the world brightened.
Both President William Ruto and Secretary-General António Guterres praised the essential contributions of civil society during the concluding session of the 2024 United Nations Civil Society Conference. As an illustration of the enormous influence of civil society, Mr. Guterres cited the work of those who, at considerable personal risk, fight for causes such as ending suffering, establishing justice and peace, protecting the truth, and advancing gender equality and sustainable development.
Recognizing the persistence of crises and conflicts in many parts of the world, Mr. Guterres expressed his hope in the strength of civil society and reaffirmed the United Nations’ determination to seek justice, human rights, and peace. He stressed that crisis response, closing digital gaps, and reviving collective approaches to peace and security are all modern global challenges that civil society must play an essential role in resolving.
President William Ruto reaffirmed his government’s commitment to assisting civil society, highlighting new laws that will make their work easier and more legitimate. In order to achieve a future that is sustainable, equitable, and inclusive, he stressed Kenya’s dedication to building a strong collaboration with civil society.
In preparation for the 2024 Summit of the Future in New York, the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) played host to a wide variety of sessions, seminars, and coalitions at the 2024 Civil Society Conference. Carole Ageng’o and Nudhara Yusuf, who co-chaired the conference, were optimistic about its results, which they said will lead to new alliances and a collective push for sustainability and inclusivity.
The importance of civil society in influencing global agendas and promoting solidarity was emphasized by Melissa Fleming, the Under-Secretary-General of Global Communications. She praised the conference for being an example of unity and cooperation and stressed the significance of working together and talking about current issues.
Finally, the United Nations civil society conference in Nairobi provided an excellent venue for constructive discussions and partnerships, reiterating the vital role of civil society in creating a more just, environmentally friendly, and harmonious global community.
