CRDA has organized the IGAD National Steering Committee meeting of NGO/CSO Forum at its Headquarter on July 28,2009.The meeting was officially opened by Dr. Meshesha Shewarega, Executive Director of CRDA. In his opening speech Dr. Meshesha called up on governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to enhance their efforts to strengthen the IGAD National NGO/CSO Forum.

The IGAD national NGO/CSO Forum is formed under the regional parent NGO/CSO Forum and has a national Steering Committee drawn from NGOs, CSOs and government representatives. Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Djibouti, Uganda and Somalia are member countries of the Forum. Established in 2003 in Nairobi, the Forum is aimed at enhancing the role of NGOs/CSOs in poverty reduction, conflict resolution, prevailing peace and human rights. The forum has conducted three meetings in Nairobi (2003), Kampala (2005) and Addis Ababa ( 2007).

Ethiopia is currently chair of the Regional IGAD NGO/CSO Forum. A representative from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director General of the New Charities and Societies Agency, local NGOs and members of the private and government media have attended the meeting.