AFRICAN NETWORK OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS (ANCSO)
Meeting summary of the General Assembly of the African Network of Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO) (November/07/2024)
QUICK RECAP
The meeting, led by the President of ANCSO Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, focused on the adoption of the meeting’s agenda, the introduction of participants, the implementation status of decisions as approved by the last general assembly in September 2024, and the preparations for the upcoming COP29 event. The main discussion points included adopting a report, the need for a drafted motion and terms of reference for the Country Advisory Committees, and the goals and plans for the upcoming year 2025. The conversation ended with discussions on the need for a conference convention next year and the importance of planning for it this year.
NEXT STEPS
• President to review and finalize Terms of Reference for the steering group and biennial convention, then share with members.
• President to draft and share Terms of Reference for country advisory committees on ANCSO platforms for members’ input.
• Members to suggest organizations that ANCSO should reach out to for support and collaboration.v
• Steering group to implement plan for biennial convention with virtual general meetings in between.
• ANCSO to work on establishing a presence in African countries and increasing membership to at least 200 members per country.
ADOPTION OF MEETING AGENDA DISCUSSED
The meeting was led by Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, the President of the African Network of Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO). The main agenda item was the adoption of the meeting’s agenda, which was successfully moved and seconded by Charlotte and Abimbola respectively. The meeting also saw the introduction of various participants from different organizations and countries, including Passiva Agudu from Ghana, John Lawrett from Uganda, and Charlotte Calambani from Togo. Dr. Adirieje emphasized the importance of communication in English during the meeting, and other languages should be accompanied by English translations.
‘COP29’ PREPARATIONS AND MEETING MINUTES
In the meeting, Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, CEO of the Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) and President of ANCSO, welcomed everyone as the meeting discussed the preparations for the upcoming United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)’s 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) holding in Baku, Azerbaijan. The general assembly agreed on the importance of participation and feedback by members, since the ANCSO is not participating officially. The GA also reviewed the minutes from the last meeting, asking for comments and questions. However, there were technical issues with the link to the meeting minutes, which some participants could not access. Dr. Adirieje encouraged everyone to continue reading the minutes and to raise any questions or concerns.
Dr. Unice Goshomi (Zimbabwe) observed a mistake in the spelling of her name, and this amendment was accepted.
The minute was adopted
ADOPTION OF REPORT AND STEERING GROUP
The meeting reviewed the draft Terms of reference for the Steering Group, and the proposed implementation modalities for the ANCSO’s Biennial Convention. The GA mandated the ANCSO President to review and finalize these draft documents, and share them on the various ANCSO Platforms for Information purposes. The President also informed the GA that as directed by the House, he was in the process of finalizing the directive of the GA for the President to headhunt and appoint a representative from North Africa for the steering group. The secretary of the steering group was tasked with finalizing and sharing the terms of reference for the steering group. The conversation ended with the acceptance of the draft TORs by the GA which gave the authorization to the President of ANCSO to review and finalize the documents.
COUNTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEES’ TERMS DISCUSSION AND THE BIENNIAL CONVENTION
Dr. Uzodinma requests that the General Assembly mandate the President to draft and share the Operational Guidelines/terms of reference for Country Advisory Committees on the ANCSO platform. This will allow members to provide input before adoption at the next meeting. The country advisory committees are intended to advise on biennial conventions in their respective countries, and undertake other assignments as may be given by the President on behalf of the General Assembly.
The motion for adoption was moved and supported by John Lorrot and Percival respectively.
Motion: 1. Iddrisu 2. Agordoh
Country Advisory Committees
SUPPORT AND FUNDING FOR THE ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONAL RUNNING OF ‘ANCSO’
The GA discussed the need for members to suggest organizations that could provide support and funding for their work. The Steering Group was tasked with implementing a biennial convention with virtual general meetings in between.
COLLABORATION WITH AFRICAN UNION AND OTHER ENTITIES
The President invited members to suggest what they would like the Network to accomplish in 2025. Dr. Adirieje emphasized the importance of reaching out to the African Union and UN for sponsorship and collaboration. He also highlighted the need to quickly constitute the Country Advisory Committees to facilitate activities at their respective Country levels. The participants were asked to share one thing they would want the organization to achieve next year, with suggestions ranging from developing a 5-year strategic plan to hosting a continental convention. The conversation ended with a focus on diversifying their funding base and inaugurating the Advisory Committee for each country.
CONVENTION/ CONFERENCE PLANNING AND NEXT STEPS
The GA ended its meeting with discussions on the need for a conference convention next year and the importance to start planning for it this year.
NEXT GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
The next meeting was tentatively scheduled for January 2025. The attendees were encouraged to continue discussing the implementation of the issues raised during the meeting, on the various ANCSO platforms before the next meeting. The conversation ended with a closing remark from Mohammed, expressing hope for continued fruitful discussions and contributions from members.
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje
President, ANCSO
Dr Patrick Sama-Lang
Dr P Sama-Lang and Mr HN Ekane, from SWCSO in Cameroon, read with care the minutes. and we’re part of the meeting of today