"Malawi Civic Space Dialogue" to Convene in Lilongwe
Vice President Dr. Michael Usi will deliver the keynote address to officially open the dialogue.
LILONGWE, Malawi - Youth and Society (YAS), a prominent Malawian NGO, will host the "Malawi Civic Space Dialogue" at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) from Aug. 22-23, writes Esther Banda.
The dialogue, facilitated by the Africa Judges and Jurists Forum (AJJF), aims to bring together stakeholders to identify challenges affecting civic space in Malawi and develop a joint plan to address them.
The event will enhance collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders in Malawi, including members of the Judiciary, Executive, Legislature, Civil Society, legal profession, and media.
While Malawi has made strides in enacting laws and policies protecting civic space, the dialogue will address ongoing challenges, particularly those related to the digital transformation and the rise of artificial intelligence.
"The ongoing digital transformation and proliferation of Artificial Intelligence present opportunities for the opening up of civic space but it also introduces cyber security related challenges which must be addressed without disproportionately undermining civic space related human rights," states a concert note released by YAS.
The dialogue will culminate in the adoption of a communique outlining commitments from stakeholders on measures to protect and promote open and accessible civic space in Malawi.
The event will begin with welcome addresses from the Chief Justice, Speaker of Parliament, President of the Law Society of Malawi, a representative of Malawi Civil Society, and the facilitator from AJJF.
Vice President Dr. Michael Usi will deliver the keynote address to officially open the dialogue.
AJJF, a network of prominent judges and jurists from across Africa, is dedicated to promoting the rule of law and development in the continent.
YAS, founded in 2012, focuses on promoting and defending human rights and democratic governance in Malawi, particularly for young people and marginalized groups.