A Call To Action: Enabling Civil Society In The Context Of COVID-19

Dr. Rajesh Tandon, Founder-President of PRIA and UNESCO Co-Chair in Community-Based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education, delivered the keynote address at the OECD's high-level virtual event, focusing on the role of and challenges faced by civil society in today’s context, and the need for action to enable civil society to respond to crises and development needs. During his address, he shared FIDC and PRIA’s insights and perspectives regarding India’s experience of how strengthened co-operation with CSOs and other enabling conditions for civil society and civic space have bolstered India’s efforts to deliver development results in the country, and allow for a better response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Civil society is a core partner in the implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), as well as in the response to COVID-19 and recovery strategies. Yet it is facing ever-growing challenges, such as restrictions on civic space, effectiveness gaps, tensions in donor policies and practices, and shortcomings in civil society organisation’s (CSOs) accountability.

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Watch Dr. Tandon's full segment here: