Digital Vision and Communications Workshop, conducted by a team of 4 Oxfam communications personnel, namely Laura Eldon from Oxfam GB, Chaliya Sophasawatsakul & Dow Punpiputt from the RC and Md Abdul Quayyum from Bangladesh, was held in NGO Forum from 18-20 February 2013. The two main objectives of the workshop were to raise awareness and understanding of Digital Vision among Oxfam‟s partner and staff and to build capacity of Oxfam‟s campaign partners and staff in using digital tools and improve their campaign communications skills. Wide range of topics like citizen journalism, SMS gateway, Prezi, digital photography and caption writing, podcast, social media etc were covered in the two and half day training workshop. Country Director, Gareth Price-Jones and PolAD Manager Monisha Biswas graced the event with their closing remarks regarding the workshop and awarded certificates to the attendees. The workshop ended with a vow to use digital tools in campaigns from now on
The Annual General Meeting of Campaign for Sustainable Rural livelihoods (CSRL) was held during 26-27 February 2013 at Sheikh Hasina National Youth Centre, Savar. A total of 167 members of CSRL attended the two day residential event. The formal meeting started with a joint action by drawing a map of Bangladesh in an open field outside the auditorium with flowers as part of expressing solidarity among the wider team members and aim towards a sustainable strong network in coming future.
Dr. CS Karim, Convenor of CSRL gave the welcome speech and Monisha Biswas, Manager Policy Advocacy Department of Oxfam explained the objective of the AGM. CSRL focus on Agriculture, Climate Change and Trade Policies and Practices and CSRL and GROW solidarity launching held in September 2011. The AGM was also attended by the Steering Committee members: Shirin Akhter, Sharmind Neelormi, Farida Yasmin, Dr. Abu M Musa.
AGM 2013
Gareth Price-Jones, Country Director, Oxfam gave the presentation on CSRL’s Journey towards Future which focus on Oxfam’s country strategy and development aim, setting vision, sustainability strategy, possible model for CSRL. In addition to this Zakia Haque, Campaign Coordinator, Oxfam shared the findings of a recent survey among the members that was able to point out the present status of all members, their geographical and thematic coverage and what they think about future of CSRL.
This AGM also initiate discussion on importance and scope of linkage for CSRL with other Oxfam program both at local and national level. Case studies of GUK and IDEA were shared with all. A very enthusiastic discussion took place regarding keeping Women’s Right in the Heart of Campaign and strategy, steps for mainstreaming, capacity building need.
There was discussion on National Election: Risk or Opportunity for CSRL, findings from External Evaluation Team for ongoing CSRL Evaluation.
The residential event took the opportunity to have brainstorming session among the Steering Committee Members and Group Leads of 8 Thematic areas: Plain Land, Haor, Beel, Char, Coastal, Barind, Madhupur and Hill. They discussed on aachievement till date, challenge, way forward road map for CSRL.
Summary of Action Points including major decisions, key events and dates for 2013, action plan for secretariat and group leads were explained by Monisha Biswas and Farida Yasmin while Dr. CS Karim, Convenor of CSRL gave the closing notes to all.
Prior to CoP19, which will be held in November 2013 in Poland, Climate Action Network South Asia- CANSA organized a two-day Sub Regional Conference on “Climate Change Issues and Priorities in South Asia: Assessment and Ideas for Future Engagement” from 18-19 February 2013 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Representatives from Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan attended the conference. The objective of the meeting was to design the line of action for the next CoP 19 covering issues like; agriculture & climate change, water & climate change and loss & damage. Apart from that “SAARC policy framework” was also discussed where government and business community representatives from SAARC countries participated and exchanged their views and recommendations.
