Ελληνικά / Turkce
Speaking before the start of the Fair, Mr. Hammarberg said “It is important for civil society groups, funders and international organisations to meet and forge partnerships in support of dialogue and reconciliation in
Cyprus”.
Organised by UNDP’s initiative, Action for Cooperation and Trust, the 3-day Fair, which takes place in the Ledra Palace area in Nicosia between 3-5 May, will provide over 70 Cypriot civil society organisations from all communities the opportunity to showcase their work and demonstrate to the general public the important social role they play in society. In addition to the exhibition area for civil society organisations, the Fair will be accompanied by Cyprus’ 4th International Civil Society Symposium, which this year is entitled “The State of Civil Society: Where do we go from here?”. The symposium is being led by the Management Centre in collaboration with Intercollege, and is an open forum for local and international experts and activists to discuss the future of Cypriot civil society, including the results of the first comprehensive study of Cypriot civil society which was published last year.
According to Jaco Cilliers, Programme Manager of UNDP-ACT, “Everyone has a role to play as an active and responsible citizen. Society grows and works for its citizens when citizens themselves are the main agents for moulding the social, economic and political dynamics of a country. The Cyprus Civil Society Fair gives those of us who work with, and as part of civil society, the chance to explain how these organisations are important and relevant to Cypriots in their day-to-day lives, and why an active civil society is important for the future prosperity of Cyprus”.
One of the main aims of the Fair is for local civil society organisations to reach out to new members, attract volunteers and encourage people to participate, especially in decision making processes which affect their lives. The Fair will culminate in a celebration of civil society on Saturday 5 May with a rich entertainment programme including a live graffiti competition, a children’s activity area, and live music from local Cypriot bands including Umut Albayrak and Isovites.