Ambassador's Speech at Foundation for Civil Society Event
Ambassador's Speech at Foundation for Civil Society Event on 21st March 2024.
62 years of DANIDA in Tanzania, A celebration of partnership and legacy.
Ambassador's Speech at Foundation for Civil Society Event
62 years of DANIDA in Tanzania, A celebration of partnership and legacy
21st March 2024
• Distinguished Government officials here present
• Francis Kiwanga, Executive Director of FCS ; and his team
• Foundation for Civil Society Board of Directors;
• Government Institutions; private sector actors; civil society organizations; embassies, development partners
• Members of media houses here present;
• Invited Guests, friends and colleagues
• Ladies and Gentlemen, a very good evening to you all!
• Habari za jioni!
What an evening, what an event, what results!
We are here this evening to celebrate the people of Tanzania, to celebrate the results of a 12-year partnership between Denmark and the Foundation for Civil Society. And to celebrate 62 years of DANIDA in Tanzania. Thank you for that!
Thank you for coming! It highlights how important civil society is in this country and the impact it has on the communities.
Denmark, my country, has been a proud supporter of FCS since 2011.
The core support to FCS began, as we saw a need to strengthen the voice of civil society as a whole. A need to give the people of Tanzania a voice. A voice to engage in civil society and in decision-making processes that concerns them.
Together I think we succeeded. Let me elaborate.
Throughout our partnership, FCS has provided support to more than 6,000 local CSO’s and ensured an even larger outreach for civil society in Tanzania.
FCS has been a key actor in harmonising CSO interests. Focusing on key issues - such as disability inclusion, youth empowerment, social accountability, peacebuilding, social cohesion and not least gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence.
For years, FCS has had a central role in supporting gender equality and women’s rights in Tanzania - with a focus on eliminating harmful traditional practices such as FGM and gender-based violence.
As a result of FCS’ work, more than 1,400 cases of GBV have been reported and resolved, since the partnership between FCS and Denmark started.
Another area is women’s land rights. More than 3,400 women have obtained a Community Certificate of Right of Occupancy (land title) as a result of efforts of FCS grantees.
Gender equality is a core Danish value, we believe a just and equal society is a prerequisite to sustainable development.
Further, FCS has been a lead in the inclusion of marginalised groups – spearheading the SDG advocacy on ‘leaving no one behind’.
FCS has played - and still plays - an essential role in promoting inclusive and sustainable development in Tanzania.
FCS has established itself as a recognized leader in the civil society sector. The CSO week is an excellent example. A yearly event that brings together CSOs and Government counterparts from different levels and regions - enhancing capacity on both sides and creating a space to understand each other better.
And I would like to think that the long-term partnership with Denmark has been a key factor in reaching these results.
***
Throughout the years, it has been a Danish priority to support the building and maintenance of a strong civil society, as a core value both in Denmark and abroad.
A civil society that is strong, active, diverse and independent can make demands to promote change and think innovatively – ‘local solutions for local problems’.
A strong and independent civil society is a main pillar of democratic societies and an end in itself. A strong and inclusive civil society is a bridge between the state and communities.
It builds on the foundation of fundamental freedoms including freedom of assembly, association and speech as well as human rights. Civil society must be given the space to thrive.
CSOs in Tanzania have contributed immensely to the development of this country! They play a key role in complimenting government in ensuring inclusive development and enhanced livelihoods for all, including marginalised communities.
Tanzania has a diverse range of CSOs who work in areas such as health, agriculture, good governance, gender equality and education.
With such diversity, civil society has a direct effect on the lives of the Tanzanian people - especially groups in marginalised positions such as women, youth, indigenous, and people living with disabilities.
I believe that we cannot overemphasize the importance of a vibrant civil society in promoting accountability, good governance and inclusive democracy.
It is about creating an environment, where every citizen has equal access to opportunities and where their voices are heard. These principles are the threads that weave a tapestry of success, prosperity, and unity.
***
Tanzania has been Denmark’s first and largest bilateral development cooperation partner over the years. The latest country programme that ended in 2023 had a budget of around 300 million USD.
For years, Denmark has been among the top bilateral development partners in Tanzania. Together, we have achieved great results, far beyond what it makes sense to try to list here tonight.
Tanzania has been one of our closest friends and most trusted partners.
And it brings me immense joy that our Embassy will stay and that we will now embark on a new journey.
Over the coming months, we will explore how the next chapter in the book on the Tanzania-Denmark partnership shall look. The only thing I am sure of is that it will be good.
***
Tanzania has made great strides recently in enhancing engagement with stakeholders as well as recognising of the role of CSOs.
We commend H.E. President SSH for addressing some barriers to inclusive democracy by promoting the reform agenda. Especially in spearheading gender equality through the Generation Equality commitments.
I think all agree that there still is a need for more collaborative efforts in order to ensure an enhanced and effective legal and policy framework for CSOs, as well as a more complete inclusive democracy.
There is still a long journey ahead, for Tanzania and all other countries in ensuring sustainable and inclusive development. All hands on deck are needed to reach the SDGs.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the E.D of FCS, Francis Kiwanga for the many years of cooperation with Denmark and the many results we have reached together.
Francis is now exiting his role as E.D. of FCS. You have done a tremendous job. Hongera sana. I wish you all the best in your next chapter.
At the same time, I would like to congratulate the incoming E.D. of FCS Justice Rutenge.
Thank you for listening. Asanteni sana
62 years of DANIDA in Tanzania, A celebration of partnership and legacy
21st March 2024
• Distinguished Government officials here present
• Francis Kiwanga, Executive Director of FCS ; and his team
• Foundation for Civil Society Board of Directors;
• Government Institutions; private sector actors; civil society organizations; embassies, development partners
• Members of media houses here present;
• Invited Guests, friends and colleagues
• Ladies and Gentlemen, a very good evening to you all!
• Habari za jioni!
What an evening, what an event, what results!
We are here this evening to celebrate the people of Tanzania, to celebrate the results of a 12-year partnership between Denmark and the Foundation for Civil Society. And to celebrate 62 years of DANIDA in Tanzania. Thank you for that!
Thank you for coming! It highlights how important civil society is in this country and the impact it has on the communities.
Denmark, my country, has been a proud supporter of FCS since 2011.
The core support to FCS began, as we saw a need to strengthen the voice of civil society as a whole. A need to give the people of Tanzania a voice. A voice to engage in civil society and in decision-making processes that concerns them.
Together I think we succeeded. Let me elaborate.
Throughout our partnership, FCS has provided support to more than 6,000 local CSO’s and ensured an even larger outreach for civil society in Tanzania.
FCS has been a key actor in harmonising CSO interests. Focusing on key issues - such as disability inclusion, youth empowerment, social accountability, peacebuilding, social cohesion and not least gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence.
For years, FCS has had a central role in supporting gender equality and women’s rights in Tanzania - with a focus on eliminating harmful traditional practices such as FGM and gender-based violence.
As a result of FCS’ work, more than 1,400 cases of GBV have been reported and resolved, since the partnership between FCS and Denmark started.
Another area is women’s land rights. More than 3,400 women have obtained a Community Certificate of Right of Occupancy (land title) as a result of efforts of FCS grantees.
Gender equality is a core Danish value, we believe a just and equal society is a prerequisite to sustainable development.
Further, FCS has been a lead in the inclusion of marginalised groups – spearheading the SDG advocacy on ‘leaving no one behind’.
FCS has played - and still plays - an essential role in promoting inclusive and sustainable development in Tanzania.
FCS has established itself as a recognized leader in the civil society sector. The CSO week is an excellent example. A yearly event that brings together CSOs and Government counterparts from different levels and regions - enhancing capacity on both sides and creating a space to understand each other better.
And I would like to think that the long-term partnership with Denmark has been a key factor in reaching these results.
***
Throughout the years, it has been a Danish priority to support the building and maintenance of a strong civil society, as a core value both in Denmark and abroad.
A civil society that is strong, active, diverse and independent can make demands to promote change and think innovatively – ‘local solutions for local problems’.
A strong and independent civil society is a main pillar of democratic societies and an end in itself. A strong and inclusive civil society is a bridge between the state and communities.
It builds on the foundation of fundamental freedoms including freedom of assembly, association and speech as well as human rights. Civil society must be given the space to thrive.
CSOs in Tanzania have contributed immensely to the development of this country! They play a key role in complimenting government in ensuring inclusive development and enhanced livelihoods for all, including marginalised communities.
Tanzania has a diverse range of CSOs who work in areas such as health, agriculture, good governance, gender equality and education.
With such diversity, civil society has a direct effect on the lives of the Tanzanian people - especially groups in marginalised positions such as women, youth, indigenous, and people living with disabilities.
I believe that we cannot overemphasize the importance of a vibrant civil society in promoting accountability, good governance and inclusive democracy.
It is about creating an environment, where every citizen has equal access to opportunities and where their voices are heard. These principles are the threads that weave a tapestry of success, prosperity, and unity.
***
Tanzania has been Denmark’s first and largest bilateral development cooperation partner over the years. The latest country programme that ended in 2023 had a budget of around 300 million USD.
For years, Denmark has been among the top bilateral development partners in Tanzania. Together, we have achieved great results, far beyond what it makes sense to try to list here tonight.
Tanzania has been one of our closest friends and most trusted partners.
And it brings me immense joy that our Embassy will stay and that we will now embark on a new journey.
Over the coming months, we will explore how the next chapter in the book on the Tanzania-Denmark partnership shall look. The only thing I am sure of is that it will be good.
***
Tanzania has made great strides recently in enhancing engagement with stakeholders as well as recognising of the role of CSOs.
We commend H.E. President SSH for addressing some barriers to inclusive democracy by promoting the reform agenda. Especially in spearheading gender equality through the Generation Equality commitments.
I think all agree that there still is a need for more collaborative efforts in order to ensure an enhanced and effective legal and policy framework for CSOs, as well as a more complete inclusive democracy.
There is still a long journey ahead, for Tanzania and all other countries in ensuring sustainable and inclusive development. All hands on deck are needed to reach the SDGs.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the E.D of FCS, Francis Kiwanga for the many years of cooperation with Denmark and the many results we have reached together.
Francis is now exiting his role as E.D. of FCS. You have done a tremendous job. Hongera sana. I wish you all the best in your next chapter.
At the same time, I would like to congratulate the incoming E.D. of FCS Justice Rutenge.
Thank you for listening. Asanteni sana