In December 2019, SCS Global’s CSO Sustainability Index (CSOSI) project hosted “Civil Society Amid Authoritarianism and Crisis,” a Learning Forum where the 2018 CSOSI reports were presented and discussed. An estimated 70 participants joined.

Don Chisholm, Deputy Office Director, DRG Center, kicked off the Forum. A distinguished panel of speakers presented on cross-cutting trends: Civic Space Under Attack/Authoritarian Resurgence, Emerging Technology and Restrictions of Fundamental Freedoms, and Civil Society Serving in Crisis. Speakers included Saskia Brechenmacher, fellow in Carnegie’s Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program; Zach Lampell, Legal Advisor for ICNL; and David Saldivar, Senior Policy Advisor at Oxfam.

The event featured active breakout sessions on Legal Environment, Service Delivery, Public Image, and Organizational Capacity/Financial Viability—four of the seven key CSOSI dimensions—addressing both advances and setbacks in the sustainability of civil society sectors in the countries covered by the Index.

The annual CSOSI reports cover 72 countries in Asia, Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East and North Africa. SCS Global’s CSOSI project is implemented by FHI 360 and ICNL, along with local partners in each of the 72 countries.
 

The annual CSOSI reports cover 72 countries in Asia, Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East and North Africa.