Edward Munyamariza, the President of Rwanda Civil Society Platform (RCSP) looks on during a panel discussion held during the Policy Dialogue with representatives from RSCP member organizations.

Rwanda’s civil society has resolved to deliver as one in the country’s development agenda for the betterment of citizens of Rwanda and Africa at large.

This was one of the eight recommendations which came from a one-day policy dialogue held on 09^th December, 2016.  

Themed “the civil society we want”, the dialogue was an occasion for members of the RCSP to review how they can influence public policy.

The Rwanda Civil Society Barometer in 2015 indicated that civil society’s contribution in influencing public policy stands at 72.30 per cent, but RCSP members feel they can do better.

Commenting on this, the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Governance Board, Prof. Anastase Shyaka noted that a vibrant, critical and engaging civil society is healthy for Rwanda’s development.

Rwanda Civil Society also undertook to use a research-based approach as one of the tools to voice citizens’ views and opinions on government programs and policies.

The One UN resident Coordinator, Lamin Manneh, earlier in his remarks, had urged civil society to evolve from a more service provider role to an advocacy driven organisation.

“Your voices and the voices of all Rwandans should be heard in any important policy debate”, Manneh noted.

He further said the One UN and government count on civil society expertise and networks to ensure democratic gains are translated into long term sustainable development gains benefitting all Rwandan citizens.

RCSP members also committed clearly define and position themselves in the domestication, localization, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of Sustainable Development Goal targets.