By Kate Powell
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has selected its first Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Steering Committee. Comprising international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and CSOs from across the EBRD’s regions, the committee will be an additional forum for dialogue and communication between the Bank and civil society and will enhance its engagement with key stakeholders.
After a rigorous selection process, the following organisations have been chosen to serve on the CSO Steering Committee:
- CEE Bankwatch Network
- Center for International Private Enterprise
- Concordia Romania
- Eastern Alliance for Safe and Sustainable Transport
- Georgian Society of Nature Explorers “Orchis”
- International Accountability Project
- KAGİDER Women Entrepreneurs Association of Türkiye
- MENAFem Movement for Economic, Development and Ecological Justice
- MoveGreen (Kyrgyz Republic)
- Open Contracting Partnership
- Oxfam Great Britain
- Save the Children
- Transparency International Ukraine
These organisations have a wealth of experience and cover the EBRD’s strategic priorities of green and sustainable development, gender and economic inclusion, digital transition, and good governance and transparency.
The CSO Steering Committee will be responsible for advising the Bank on country and sectoral public consultations. It will provide input to and coordination of the CSO programme at the EBRD’s Annual Meeting and Business Forum and will also broaden the EBRD’s engagement with local CSOs.
The Committee’s mandate runs until the end of 2025 and the selection process for the next CSO Steering Committee will take place then.
EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso said: “The EBRD attaches enormous importance to its dialogue with CSOs, and the launch of this first Steering Committee is a further step towards closer cooperation on themes that are vital for sustainable economic development in the regions where we work. I look forward to the contributions of the CSO Steering Committee and the positive impact it will have on our overall engagement with civil society.”
