Civil Society and Policy Influencing: the European Context and Peace Building

The International Civil Society Forum is being convened by INTRAC (UK), The Management Centre, and NGO Support Centre (Cyprus) as part of the Cypriot Civil Society Strengthening Programme which is being funded by UNDP-ACT and supported by USAID. This programme was designed to support Cypriot citizens in creating strong and active civil society organisations (CSOs), which complement the activities of the authorities in achieving an open and well-developed civil society. The Forum aims to contribute by encouraging increased debate and understanding around critical issues facing civil society and social change in Cyprus.
The Forum will bring together Greek and Turkish Cypriot CSOs, their stakeholders, members, and associates; representatives from international civil society, the private sector, the EU, authorities from both communities, and other interested parties. It aims to contribute to:
- An increased understanding of the role of, and approaches for, civil society in influencing policy decisions
- A renewed energy and motivation amongst Cypriot CSOs and the citizens they represent to shape the island’s future, through proactive advocacy focusing on EU lobbying and peace building processes.
- A reinforced range of relationships and networks of CSOs, engaged in efforts to take forward Forum messages/outcomes.
For more information, please visit INTRAC's Website or contact cgordon@intrac.org .