The Ethiopia Civil Society Coalition for Scaling Up Nutrition (ECSC-SUN) convened a regional review meeting in Bahir Dar, bringing together representatives from 11 civil society organizations (CSOs) to strengthen coordination and accelerate nutrition actions in the Amhara Region.
The meeting served as a key moment for stakeholders to reflect on the performance of the ECSC-SUN Amhara Regional Support Platform and to identify practical solutions for enhancing its effectiveness. Participants emphasized that strong collaboration, active engagement, and coordinated efforts among CSOs are essential to address ongoing nutrition challenges and advance the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) agenda in the region.
During the session, participants received an overview of the SUN Movement and the role of ECSC-SUN in promoting multi-sectoral coordination and advocacy for improved nutrition outcomes. The discussion highlighted the importance of aligning efforts across sectors and strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders at regional level.
Key Challenges Identified
Participants acknowledged several constraints affecting the functionality of the regional platform, including:
- Limited engagement and participation of member organizations
- Competing priorities among CSOs
- Resource and funding gaps impacting implementation
These challenges have contributed to reduced activity and effectiveness of the platform in recent years.
Strategic Priorities for Revitalization
To address these gaps, participants proposed a series of strategic actions aimed at revitalizing and strengthening the platform:
- Reinforcing and institutionalizing the regional coordination mechanism
- Enhancing collaboration with regional sector bureaus and partners
- Expanding membership through mapping and mobilization of CSOs and networks
- Aligning activities with existing coordination structures to improve efficiency and avoid duplication
- Strengthening resource mobilization and partnership development efforts
Agreed Actions and Way Forward
The meeting concluded with clear commitments to move forward, including:
- Establishment of a Steering Committee composed of Concern Worldwide, World Vision, FIA, ASDEPO, MTI, and PIN to guide platform strengthening efforts
- Strengthening the coalition’s governance system, including the operationalization of its Terms of Reference
- Enhancing collaboration with partners and relevant platforms to maximize impact
- Creating a dedicated communication channel to improve coordination and information sharing among members
Participants also agreed to align future meetings with existing regional coordination platforms to reduce duplication and improve engagement.
Commitment to Collective Action
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of civil society organizations to work collaboratively in advancing nutrition outcomes in Amhara. By revitalizing the ECSC-SUN platform, stakeholders aim to strengthen civil society leadership, improve coordination, and deliver more effective and sustainable nutrition interventions across the region.
