In an attempt to address the challenges faced by CSOs and exchange the best practices among them, NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) organized a Civil Society Conference in Janakpurdham, Madhesh province on 2-3 May 2024. The conference brought together several NGOs and INGOs working in Madhesh province, government bodies from Madhesh province and CSOs from all eight districts of the province. The conference addressed prevailing issues concerning CSOs' operations and the shrinking civic space in Madhesh Province and explored possible solutions to it. Representatives from CSOs at provincial levels highlighted the bureaucratic hurdles and legal obstacles faced by CSOs. They emphasized the indispensable role of CSOs in Madhesh's development and urged the provincial government to address these challenges in accordance with democratic values and human rights. Notable dignitaries like the Minister of Education and Culture, Mr. Pramod Jaiswal, Minister of Labour and Transport Ms. Bechi Lungeli, and Ms. Surita Kumari Sah, Minister of Sports and Social Welfare were present in the two-day conference as chief guests. They highlighted the significance of addressing the policy-level challenges faced by CSOs promptly and assured support for developmental initiatives. Ram Prasad Subedi, president of NGO Federation of Nepal, emphasized the need to promote good governance and accountability in Madhesh province, which has fertile land and a comfortable geographical environment. Details about the Civic Space Project, a collaborative effort between NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) and Association of International INGOs (AIN), funded by the European Union, were also provided during the conference. The conference concluded with a summary of key issues raised and a call to enact CSO-friendly policies to strengthen civic space in the province. The event served as a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding among stakeholders, aiming to create a more conducive environment for CSOs to thrive and contribute to Madhesh's development.
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