EVENT ― Global Perspectives 2019

Global Perspectives 2019
Global Perspectives 2019

EVENT: Global Perspectives 2019
THEME: Responses to Populism in a Digitally Enabled Era
DATE: October 30 – November 1, 2019
VENUE: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Global Perspectives is an annual conference bringing together leaders of civil society organizations (CSOs) with high-level representatives from governmental, inter-governmental, corporate, philanthropic and academic sectors. Every year around 150 participants engage in interactive formats, discussions and co-creation sessions to analyze the world’s most pressing challenges and devise strategies to bring civil society forward in pursuit of solutions.

Last year’s conference was centered on the theme “Engaging a #NewGeneration” – which led to the creation of Yes! For Humanity, a global, youth-led response to the climate crisis.

At Global Perspectives 2019, successful approaches will be showcased, successes and failures will be shared, and new approaches will be devised, within three pillars:

  • The Changing Environment:
    An increasingly authoritarian and right-wing populist political environment is accompanied by growing public skepticism towards civil society. We will highlight and develop new strategies for adapting to this context.
  • The Role of CSOs:
    The struggle of many civil society organizations to engage with people, strengthen accountability and build fitting power relations is an ongoing challenge. We will review fresh approaches and new partnership models.
  • The Unwritten Future:
    How will trust and legitimacy look in five years? What trends could affect their development? We will examine potential scenarios for the international community and determine pathways to a flourishing global civil society.

Innovation Report 2019

The first edition of the International Civil Society Center’s Innovation Report will be launched at Global Perspectives. This publication showcases innovation in the sector, aimed at facilitating exchange and mutual learning. The 2019 edition focuses on “Responses to Populism in a Digitally Enabled Era”, analyzing opportunities and challenges as technologies mobilize public support for – and facilitate attacks on – the work of civil society.

Global Perspectives 2019: Location

This year’s conference will be held in Ethiopia – a country that has seen significant positive developments since Abiy Ahmed became prime minister in 2018. The new government has been driving an ambitious reform agenda and the context offers an optimistic future for CSOs to participate in shaping public life. As part of Global Perspectives, we will explore the country’s situation and improve our understanding of national and international civil society role there. Many actors on the ground have spoken of the need for greater accountability. With the ambition of leaving a positive footprint, the Center has initiated a process between our partner Accountable Now and Ethiopian organizations to trigger the development of a globally inspired but locally owned accountability framework. Global Perspectives 2019 will form a milestone in this process.

Source: www.globalperspectives.online