Kigali, September 10, 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), the Network of International NGOs in Rwanda (NINGO), and the Rwanda Civil Society Platform (RCSP) launched the 2024 Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Week. The event, themed “30 years of Partnership and Accountable Governance, will run from September 10-12, 2024, bringing together over 50 CSOs from across Rwanda to showcase their contributions to national development.

“As we mark 30 years of working together for accountable governance, we celebrate the important role civil society has played in Rwanda’s development through improving the lives of vulnerable communities, promoting unity, and advocating for equal rights.”– Dr. USENGUMUKIZA Félicien, Deputy CEO, Rwanda Governance Board.

The Role of Civil Society in Rwanda’s Transformation

For three decades, the civil society has been an essential partner in Rwanda’s development journey. With over 2,400 local CSOs and more than 170 international NGOs, civil society organizations have played a pivotal role in delivering services to the most vulnerable populations and advocating for the rights and well-being of all Rwandans. The CSO Week 2024 aims to highlight these contributions, foster networking, and encourage collaboration among CSOs, government agencies, and development partners.

“We are so proud to be partnering with the Rwandan Government in promoting people-centered development initiatives. The CSO Week is a great example of how we can all come together to continue building on this progress, as we create stronger, more resilient communities and move Rwanda’s development forward.”- Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, UNDP Rwanda Resident Representative.

Key Activities of CSO Week 2024

• Community Connect (September 10, Gahanga, Kicukiro District): Kicking off the event will be the Community Connect, where CSOs will provide direct services such as health testing, legal assistance, and youth investment opportunities to local citizens. This event showcases the on-the-ground impact of CSOs and their efforts in improving the lives of Rwandans.
• CSO Exhibition (September 11-12, Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village): The exhibition will provide a platform for over 50 CSOs to display their work, engage in knowledge-sharing, and connect with potential partners. The exhibition will also feature a panel discussion on the role of CSOs in Rwanda’s development over the last 30 years, with esteemed speakers from RGB, UNDP, RCSP, and NINGO.

In addition to fostering private sector collaboration, CSO Week 2024 aims to encourage dialogue and learning among CSOs, international partners, and government institutions. By doing so, stakeholders can collectively identify new approaches to advancing Rwanda’s development goals and building resilient communities.