This technical assistance project will strengthen the partnership between the European Union and Gabonese civil society and support implementation of the EU Roadmap for Engagement with Civil Society. It aims to improve opportunities for dialogue, increase civil society involvement in public policies and Global Gateway projects, and strengthen the organisational and operational capacities of civil society organisations (CSOs), particularly those working on human rights, governance and environmental protection.
The project is organised around four expected outputs:
1. **Initial stakeholder assessment and updated work plan:** Assess CSOs’ capacities, readiness and needs; identify active organisations for dialogue and training; and prepare an inception report incorporating a detailed methodology, work plan and implementation schedule.
2. **Stronger dialogue and a framework for structured engagement:** Organise four thematic dialogue sessions between civil society, the EU and its Member States, alongside at least two meetings on Global Gateway projects. Develop a strategy for establishing a formal, structured dialogue mechanism, involving national authorities and the private sector where relevant.
3. **Strengthened civil society capacities:** Deliver two five-day training sessions, each accommodating 20–30 participants. Training will address project proposal development, budgeting, funding opportunities, calls for proposals, event organisation, advocacy, participation in public policies, legal recognition and fundamental rights. Content will reflect assessed needs, with priority given to less experienced CSOs.
4. **Support for the annual Civil Society Forum:** Provide technical, logistical and financial support for the second “Forum citoyen”, planned during the Europe Fortnight in May 2027. The event will combine a public exhibition of CSO activities with two or three roundtables, promoting visibility, networking and dialogue with public authorities.
Gender equality, women’s empowerment and inclusion will be integrated throughout, while building where possible on the achievements of the EU-funded IMPACT project.