Remarks by Head of UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, Ms. Shabnam Mallick | Summit of the Future CSOs Consultation | August 15th, 2024 | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Remarks by Head of UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, Ms. Shabnam Mallick | Summit of the Future CSOs Consultation | August 15th, 2024 | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

• Mr. Joseph Richard Malekia, Senior Economist, Planning Commission, 
• Fazal Issa, representing the Irish Embassy
• Mr. Stephen Chacha, Tanzania Sustainable Development Platform Co-convener
• Mr. Ibrahim Bakari, UNA Tanzania Executive Director
• UN Colleagues;
• Senior Government Officials;
• Members of the press;
• And most importantly, colleagues from different CSOs here today;

Habari za Asubuhi! (Good morning)

It is a privilege to join you today as we come together to engage in discussions that will shape the future of our global community. Your presence here underscores the vital role that civil society plays in advancing the goals and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. We are at a pivotal moment—one that demands collective action, innovative thinking, and a renewed commitment to the ideals that unite us.

Civil society organizations are the lifeblood of global change. You amplify the needs and rights of the marginalized, innovate where others see only challenges, and build bridges that connect communities across divides. Tanzania’s CSOs are vital actors in addressing the country’s development challenges. Their diverse roles, from service delivery to advocacy and governance, make them essential partners in building a just, equitable, and sustainable society. The United Nations deeply values your indispensable contributions to sustainable development, peace, and human rights.

As we look ahead to the Summit of the Future, we are reminded of the unprecedented challenges we face—climate crises, persistent inequalities, conflicts, and the global pandemic—all of which have tested our resilience. Yet, within these challenges lie opportunities to rethink, reimagine, and reshape the future we aspire to create.

The Summit of the Future is more than just an event; it is a call to action. It urges us to forge new partnerships, innovate our approaches, and ensure that no one is left behind. In this endeavor, the voices of civil society must lead the way, guiding the global community toward a future that is inclusive, just, and sustainable.

We understand that meaningful engagement with civil society is essential to the success of our collective endeavors. This year, we have redoubled our efforts to ensure that civil society organizations are deeply involved in the process of shaping the Pact for the Future, the official outcome document of the Summit of the Future consultations. A significant milestone in this journey was the regional consultation meeting held in Nairobi this past May, where a diverse group of civil society representatives from across the region came together.

This meeting was a landmark event, providing an open platform for dialogue where CSOs shared their insights, challenges, and recommendations on issues ranging from climate action to social justice. The rich and dynamic discussions reflected the depth of experience and expertise within civil society, and the outcomes of this consultation will be instrumental in shaping UN’s strategies and priorities as we approach the Summit of the Future.

Today, I want to highlight three key areas where our collaboration continues to be crucial:

1. Inclusive Governance: We must continue to work together to ensure that governance at all levels is inclusive and participatory. This involves not only engaging diverse voices but also ensuring that those voices have a meaningful impact on decision-making processes. Your role in advocating for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity is more critical than ever.
2. Sustainable Development: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires innovative approaches and strong partnerships. We need to continue building on the progress made and address the gaps that remain, particularly in areas such as climate action, poverty reduction, and gender equality. Your grassroots initiatives provide invaluable insights and solutions that must be integrated into global strategies.
3. Human Rights and Social Justice: The promotion and protection of human rights remain at the core of the United Nations' mission. Civil society plays an important role in defending these rights, advocating for those who are most vulnerable, and holding institutions accountable. Your work in this area will be essential in shaping policies that are grounded in justice and equity.

As we prepare for the Summit of the Future, let us recommit to deepening our partnership. The road ahead will not be easy, but together, we can navigate the complexities of our time with determination and hope. The United Nations stands ready to listen, support, and act in concert with civil society to build a brighter future for all.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment and for the invaluable contributions you continue to make. Let us move forward together with a shared vision and a common purpose.

Asanteni sana!