On December, 2025, the Consortium for Networking and Development (COND), in partnership with Welthungerhilfe (WHH), convened a Bi-Annual Government–Civil Society Organization (GO–CSO) Workshop at Skey Resort Hotel. The event was organized under the project “Strengthen the Contribution of the Civil Society Sector towards the Peace Building Efforts in Amhara Regional State.”
The workshop aimed to strengthen partnership, trust, and collaboration between government institutions and civil society organizations (CSOs) by creating a structured platform for dialogue, experience sharing, and joint problem-solving. It aligned with national civic engagement frameworks and ongoing efforts to promote inclusive governance and participatory development.
On the workshop different representatives from relevant government sector offices and bureaus, leaders and program managers from local and national CSOs, and participants with disabilities, ensuring inclusive participation.
The workshop opened with welcoming remarks by Mr. Nigatu Desta, Executive Director of COND, who emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and trust-based partnerships between government institutions and CSOs. The official opening address was delivered by Mr. Adragewu Kasia, Vice Head of the Bureau of Finance, who acknowledged the contributions of CSOs in service delivery, advocacy, and community mobilization and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for civil society engagement.
A keynote address by Mr. Mesfin Degaga, Program Manager at WHH, highlighted the strategic importance of GO–CSO collaboration in addressing complex development and peacebuilding challenges. The presentation discussed policy and legal frameworks guiding CSO engagement, existing coordination gaps, and the need for institutionalized dialogue and mutual accountability.
The workshop featured a technical presentation on “Governance in Conflict: Perspectives and the Way Forward” by Dr. Ebabu Chekole Mengistu from Bahir Dar University, followed by a panel and plenary discussion moderated by Dr. TilikSew Yitayal, Advisor to the house speaker of Amhara Regional State. Discussions focused on the current state of GO–CSO collaboration, key challenges, best practices, and mechanisms for regular dialogue and joint planning.
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to institutionalize regular GO–CSO dialogue forums, strengthen coordination mechanisms, and enhance joint action for peace-building and inclusive development in the Amhara Regional State.