17 September 08:30-13:00Lilla Studion, Kulturhuset

Civil Society – a pillar of democracy

Civil society plays a vital role in deepening and sustaining democratic local governance and keeping the democratic conversation alive. Civil society acts as a watchdog and advocate for change. 

In celebration of this year's International Day of Democracy, we invite you to honor and celebrate  civil society and its contributions to democracy worldwide. Together with national and international experts, we’ll explore important questions such as:

What is the current space for civil society? What are the implications for democracy when civil society is weakened? How can civil society further develop democracy?

Join us on September 17 for a morning filled with engaging discussions, networking opportunities and poetry. 

This site will be regularly updated. Please register by September 10.

All you need to know


Date: September 17 

Time: 08.30-13.00

Location: Lilla Studion, Kulturhuset, Stockholm


Outline of program (TBC)

08.30 Breakfast & mingle

09.00 Poetry with Saba Tadele

09.15 Presentations and Panel discussion

10.30 Coffee break

10.45 Panel discussion

12.00 Poetry & Lunch

The event will be moderated by Parisa Amiri and held in English. 

Please register at the latest on September 10.

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Speakers

Rumbidzai Kandawasvika-Nhundu
Principal Adviser, Democracy and Inclusion, International IDEA

Rumbidzai Kandawasvika-Nhundu is International IDEA's Principal Adviser, Democracy and Inclusion. She is a democracy and gender equality advocate and practitioner with several years of progressively responsible engagement in the political participation and representation areas on gender equality and women’s empowerment, political systems, political parties, electoral systems and processes, gender in constitutional processes and outcomes, gender and political financing, parliamentary strengthening and performance through working at national, regional and international levels.

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Teshome Shibru
Country Director, The Hunger Project Ethiopia

Teshome Shibru is the Country Director of The Hunger Project Ethiopia. He holds a B.A. in Political Science and International Relations from Addis Ababa University and a M.Sc. in Health Monitoring and Evaluation from Jima University. He has 30+ years of experience from both governmental and non-governmental work.

To be confirmed

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Lena Ingelstam
Secretary General, Forum – The National Forum for Voluntary Organizations

Lena Ingelstam is the Secretary General of Forum – The National Forum for Voluntary Organizations, an umbrella organization for civil society organizations in Sweden's social sector. With over 20 years of experience in development issues and civil society, both internationally and in Sweden, Lena is committed to promoting social justice, sustainable development, and the fulfillment of human rights everywhere. Her leadership focuses on strengthening civil society's role in addressing social challenges and advocating for these fundamental rights.

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Tsehay Admassu
Senior Director for Program Development and Management, CCRDA

Tsehay Admassu Kebede is the Senior Director for Program Development and Management at the Consortium of Christian Relief and Development Associations (CCRDA) in Ethiopia. CCRDA is a non-profit umbrella organization of NGOs and civil society organizations engaged in various development activities including agricultural development and food security, rural and urban development, HIV/AIDS prevention and control, environmental protection and gender mainstreaming. She has worked in the Ethiopian civil society for 20+ years. 

To be confirmed

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Anna Stenvinkel
Secretary General, Forum Civ

Anna Stenvinkel is the Secretary General of ForumCiv, Sweden's largest platform for civil society with over 200 member organizations. With over 25 years in the leadership roles, including within the Green Party, the Red Cross and Sweden's united student unions, Anna has extensive knowledge and long experience of the complexity that leadership in idea-driven organizations entails.

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Irina Schoulgin-Nyoni
Sweden's Ambassador for Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law

Irina Schoulgin-Nyoni is Ambassador for Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. Irina has mainly worked with issues related to peace and security as well as human rights rights and democracy, in both multilateral and bilateral contexts and for both the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN. Irina has represented Sweden in the UN Council for Human Rights in Geneva, the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly in New York. Irina has been Ambassador to Mozambique and head of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs' Africa Unit. Irina has also served in two UN Peacekeeping Missions.

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Parisa Amiri
Moderator

Parisa Amiri is a well-known Swedish program host, journalist, and cultural expert, celebrated for her unique blend of humor and sharp insight. With extensive experience leading major TV and radio events, including multiple wins on "På Spåret," Parisa is a sought-after moderator and speaker with a deep commitment to social issues. Parisa is the moderator of the event.

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Saba Tadele
Artist, Poet and Activist

Saba Tadele is a multidisciplinary artist, poet and activist with Ethiopian and Afghan roots. Her work is an invitation to explore the complexities of the human experience, examine global struggles and to dive into the intricately woven depths of her inner world. Saba will perform specially written poetry at the event.

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