Why this year’s CSO Week will focus on Vision 2050

Dar es Salaam. This year’s Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Week is set to bring together over 500 development actors from September 9 to 13 at Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha.

Addressing a press conference in Dar es Salaam, Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) executive director Justice Rutenge emphasised the importance of the event during which CSOs, NGOs, FBOs, youth’s and women’s groups and key development stakeholders will discuss their expectations from the government and explore partnerships to ensure meaningful progress in line with the Tanzania Development Vision 2050.

“The theme of this year’s gathering – which will be the sixth in a series of similar events previously held in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 – is “Voice, Vision, Value”. CSO Week has grown into a renowned platform recognised for its effective engagement methodologies not only among civil society actors, but also with other development players from the public and private sectors. It is testament to what the middle sector and its ethos can achieve in furthering dialogue for the country's prosperity and development,” he said.

Mr Rutenge added that the event will unite diverse voices in an inclusive, intergenerational forum on Tanzania's development towards 2050.

The annual event, which has become a pivotal platform for civil society engagement in Tanzania, promises to foster dialogue and collaboration among a wide range of development actors from both the public and private sectors.

Mr Rutenge said all Tanzanians, from grassroots activists to national business leaders, are invited to share their insights and experiences to ensure that everyone's voice is heard in shaping the nation's future, particularly as the country prepares for Vision 2050 and the local government elections and General Election scheduled for later this year and next year, respectively.

The event will thus emphasise the importance of civic engagement in the development processes and the need to further expand civic space in Tanzania and enhance citizens' political efficacy and agency.

Focusing on delivering tangible benefits to Tanzanians, the theme of "Value" is about identifying actions that make a real difference in people’s lives through collective efforts. It emphasises a commitment to practical outcomes that uplift and empower every citizen.

“CSO Week 2024 is a blueprint for meaningful engagement. The theme is a timely call for collaboration across key sectors of Tanzanian society – civil society, the government and the private sector – towards a common goal, which is the nation’s progress and prosperity. Despite our different roles, perspectives and learnings, we share a common responsibility towards our country's development. We must use our voices to speak up, listen, share foresight and explore ways to bring about real and positive value by achieving a shared vision for our country's development,” Mr Rutenge said.

Setting the stage for an engaging week, the opening and closing plenaries sessions will inspire forward-thinking and citizen agency, with the closing plenary providing an opportunity to reflect on the week's insights and learnings.

CSO Week Steering Committee chairperson Nesia Mahenge, who is also CBM International Tanzania country director, reiterated the importance of private and CSA collaboration. She highlighted that private sector engagement is a key feature of this year's event, with companies and organisations such as the Vodacom Tanzania Foundation, Stanbic Bank, Ubongo Kids, Action Aid, Clouds Media Group, Aris and PwC being among the event partners.

“The civil society sector works closely with communities to implement interventions that support gender equity, inclusion of people with disabilities, democracy, youth participation, peace, and social cohesion. Private sector support for CSO Week reflects a commitment to social justice, sustainable development and community empowerment, making it a strategic investment in Tanzania's future. It demonstrates a dedication to nurturing an inclusive, equitable, and resilient society. Partnerships between the private sector and civil society are crucial for addressing complex societal challenges, as they play a vital role in driving meaningful change and sustainable development," Ms Mahenge said.