• CEO of RGB, Dr Usta Kaitesi,
• Distinguished representatives of Government Institutions,
• Distinguished representatives of development partners
• Esteemed Representatives of Civil Society,
• Colleagues from the UN Family,
• Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, All protocols observed,

Mwaramutse

Good morning, everybody. Before I begin, I want to thank the Rwanda Governance Board for this 4^th edition of the Rwanda Civil Society Barometer.

I also want to acknowledge the leadership of Dr. Usta Kaitesi, a great supporter of civil society in Rwanda. 

A diverse civil society is essential to a healthy society. It informs citizens, monitors for better policies, defends rights, and delivers essential services, especially to marginalized populations who too often are left behind. 

For decades, UNDP has worked with civil society partners across Rwanda to help you serve your communities better and more sustainably. 

So often we see that no matter the mandate or the particular issue of the day, civil society groups are the most agile, in moments of difficulty and strain.

You will find them in health, education, peace, youth empowerment, child and adult care, teen pregnancies, climate and environment protection and so much more.

So, to all civil society actors, thank you for stepping up on behalf of your communities and your constituencies.

Today, as we launch and disseminate the 2023 Rwanda Civil Society Barometer, a collaborative effort between the UNDP, the Rwanda Governance Board, and our civil society partners, may it serve both as a mirror and a roadmap. 

It provides valuable insights into the progress and challenges as well as the opportunities within the sector. By assessing key indicators and trends, we gain a deeper understanding of the sector's contributions to national development and the areas where further support and collaboration are needed.

It’s not news to anyone that access to funding for civil society organisations has been slowly but steadily diminishing, which only reminds us that we are never going to have enough money to meet the needs of all the people. 

Therefore, we ought to be even more bold in embracing new partnerships, especially with those who may not be traditional allies, but who share your goals, like working with the private sector to promote gender quality or to strengthen environmental protection.

Moving forward, let us use the findings of the Rwanda Civil Society Development Barometer as a roadmap for action. Let us leverage this knowledge to strengthen partnerships, empower communities, and drive positive change across Rwanda.

In closing, I would like to commend the efforts of all stakeholders involved in bringing this Barometer to fruition. Your dedication to promoting transparency, accountability, and civic engagement is commendable and aligns closely with UNDP's mission to leave no one behind.

Delivering sustainable development for all is not easy, and no one can walk this path alone. Joining together, let us continue to work hand in hand towards a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Rwanda.

Thank you. 

Murakoze Cyane