The challenge: Effective and efficient civil society organizations have been a hallmark of successful societies, whether it is in the form of farmer’s federations, arts clubs, or other non-governmental organizations. Civil society is when citizens come together to express their shared values and interests and take action for the public good. But around the world, trends indicate that the environment for civil society is becoming more restrictive, while funding – especially for women’s organizations – is decreasing. This is at a time when civil society is needed more than ever, to provide a safeguard against instability and exclusion and help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Our solution: We support diverse and active civil society at all levels, from school committees in rural villages to world-class research institutes in urban hubs. Our programs underwrite greater competency, legitimacy, accountability, and sustainability within civil society, which translates to long-term gains across our program areas. All this work is underpinned by a commitment to gender equality and pluralism, to ensure that all voices are heard and valued. A robust, efficient civil society – increasingly funded by local sources – is a key driver of the overall quality of life, both in developing and developed countries.
Onno Ruhl is the first General Manager of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), created in 2016 to address the increasing threat posed by natural disasters and climate change.
The Fellowship for International Development Reporting encouraged journalists to push the boundaries of daily foreign coverage – which is often focused on disaster or crisis – and set new standards for reporting on the developing world.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sometimes called the Global Goals, are a worldwide movement to break the cycle of poverty
Rosie Jervase was part of the 2018-2019 cohort of the International Youth Fellowship Program. She was placed at the Aga Khan University’s East Africa Institute in Nairobi.
The first 1,000 days of a child’s life, it is said, sets the stage for all future growth.
Duration: 2011-2017 Location: Pakistan Reach: 252,000 people (114,200 women and 137,800 men) Budget: $19 million (Global Affairs Canada: $16 million; AKFC:
Duration: 2012-2018 Location: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Canada, Egypt, Uganda, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Tanzania
The Aswan Skills Development Program aims to improve livelihoods and economic opportunities for youth in Egypt.
Duration: 2016-2020 Location: Afghanistan Reach: 235,100 people (213,050 women; 22,050 men) Budget: $12 million (Global Affairs Canada: $10.5 million; AKFC: $1.5 million) Description:
