ICA Japan - Egypt 1996

Global Conference
"The Rise of Civil Society in the 21st Century"

September 1996
Cairo, Egypt

Funded by: MOFA
Implemented by: ICA International and ICA Japan

PROJECT OVERVIEW
The last years of the 20th century are marked by unprecedented interdependence and turmoil around the world. Given these circumstances, this global conference on civil society was held, aimed at achieving a vision for civil society, and to think and act together globally towards our future in the 21st century. It was attended by 260 participants from NGO, private and government sectors from 39 countries. Starting with the keynote speeches on civil society by Dr. Goran Hyden, a professor of the University of Florida, and an Australian indigenous person, the conference consisted of a panel discussion, sessions, workshops and project site visits. Participants discussed various issues such as development, education, culture, business, gender, and other concepts of civil society.

1. Dr. Goran Hyden, the Keynote speaker at the Conference The Rise of Civil Society in the 21st Century.

2. The city of Cairo from the vewpoint of an ancient temple.

3. The ancient pyramids of Giza remind us of the evolution of civility over the last 7000 years.

4. The Nile River was always in view, the source of fertility and life in Egypt. 96%of Egypt is desert and the remaining 4% is the banks of tne Nile where most people live.

5. Shizuyo Sato, President of ICA International, gave an opening address.

6. Her Excellency, Dr. Amal Osman, Minister of Social Affairs in Egypt, spoke on the issues of modern society and emerging forms of civility in modern Egypt.

7. Dr. Goran Hyden, professor of Political Science at the University of Florida, presented a detailed theoretical framework on contemporary and historic thinking about civil society.

8. Hope Neill presented journey of the civil struggles of Australian Aborginal people, and their breakthroughs in community centered education.

9. UNDP representative Mrs. Soheir Kansouh Habib spoke on "Charting a Course to Sustainable Human Development: The Participatory Approach".

10. Master of ceremonies Dr. Shirley Imogene Heckman, Conference host Ms. Hala El Kholy, and three of the keynote speakers lead the participants in reflecting on civil society.

11. Shizuyo Sato and Mr. Akira Ouchi, First Secretary, Director of Information and Culture Center of the Japanese Embassy talked about the role of citizen participation in the advancing of civil society.

12. 260 participants from 39 countries attended the conference.

13. Often the participants had the opportunity to discuss in small groups and to report to the entire conference.(from left: participants from Japan, USA, Germany, Spain and Taiwan)

14. ICA Zambia Director Ruth Lukona speaks about the future with great passion.

15. Two participants from India join in the group discussions.

16. The ICA Japan team discuss the future with participants and staff from Egypt.

17. Gentlemen from Africa enjoy reflecting during a break.

18. The team from India meet during the coffee break.

19. Mr. Akira Uo and Mr. Rutger van Mazijk, a coordinator of ICA's International volunteer programme.

20. During the workshop on "The Technology of Meaning" the partcipants began by answering the questions "What tasks are filled with meaning" and, "if undertaken, what would make you say that this is time well spent?"

21. Then the participants responded to "What are the methods that will disclose to people the meaning of their work?" and "What do you experience as barriers to finding meaning in work?"

22. One of three teams examined techniques of group problem solving using three dimensional forms (Tetrads).

23. Another team explored intangibles beyond deductive logic and quantifiable observation which move our spirit and give meaning to our lives.

24. Maria Maguire leads a workshop on "Money and PUrpose to Release Civil Society".

25. Members of the "Workshop on Participation" prepare to present their eleven ideas towards "What are the essential components of Participation in a Civil Society" and their six resolves for effective participation.

26. A participant presents his discussion groups' resolves.

27. Methods for holding effective discussions and conversations were presented.

28. Presenting their reports to the entire group increases participants' commitment to take action when they return home.

29. All the members of the workshop on women entitled: "From Dreams to Commitment" present the nine goals they commited to achieving.

30. Team members from the panel workshop on "Business and Civil Society" answer the question: 'What does a business look like that is contributing to Civil Society?'

31. The workshop on "Seeing the World through Women's Eyes" was chaired by Ms. Ursula Winteler, member of the NGO Womens' Forum in Germany.

32. The ICA Japan team were the facilitators of the meeting.

33. We began by reflecting on the local implications of the 'Rise of Civil Society Conference.'

34. Participants from four African countries meet to coordinate their plans. The Asian team and the Latin America team also met.

35. Ms. Puthrika Moonesinghe presented work with women's development and pre-school education in Sri Lanka.

36. Ms. Inga Bessin presented work with rural education and teachers' advancement in Guatemala.

37. Mr. Edward Mutiso presents their plans for development activities in 8 rural centers of Kenya.

38. Ms. Miriam Villamizar helps improve abandoned girls' vocational skills in Colombia.

39.Mr. Shankar Jadhav is promoting wide area environmental education in India, including a demonstration project in Malegaon, and a training center in Talegaon.

40. Mr. Kouadio Alli is developing vocational training centers in rural Cote d'Ivoire.