The third National Forum of Civil Society Organizations, organized by the Volunteers for the Development of Haiti (VDH), which brings together nearly 3,000 organizations, with the support of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), was held on June 20 and 21 in Port-au-Prince. Bringing together approximately one hundred participants from local organizations in the country's ten departments and from the diaspora, the event provided a space for reflection on the political transition, the draft Constitution, and the next steps in the electoral process. The expected outcomes of this third forum focus primarily on an assessment of the transition, particularly on the key issues of the Constitution and the referendum, which are currently at the heart of the debates.
In his opening address, the Executive Director of VDH, Dr. Arnaud Descardes, emphasized the forum's importance as a pillar for strengthening Haitian civic space. He noted that this third edition builds upon the commitments made at the 2021 and 2024 forums, which respectively led to the development of a capacity-building plan for civil society organizations and a strategic action framework focused on women and youth. He reaffirmed the driving role of civil society in discussions surrounding the transition process, calling for collective mobilization around a "shared understanding" and a "new impetus for the country." He also highlighted the forum as a space for pooling resources, contributing to the development of political intelligence for national reconstruction—an urgent imperative and a prerequisite for genuine patriotic renewal.
Representing BINUH, Mr. Sancho Coutinho praised the commitment of young people and women as a source of hope: “To break with the old ways of doing things, it is you, the young people, and the commitment of women who have the power to do so. It gives me hope to see you here today; it is proof of courage, but also of your commitment to the country.” He reaffirmed the importance that BINUH attaches to this initiative, emphasizing that its mandate includes supporting inclusive and participatory transition efforts, as well as dialogue led by young people and women.
The forum's discussions will be structured around three priorities: analysis of the draft Constitution, evaluation of the strategic action framework developed in 2024, and definition of a realistic agenda for exiting the transition period by February 7, 2026. Three deliverables are expected at the conclusion of the forum: an evaluation report on the strategic framework, a memorandum outlining the main concerns of civil society regarding the constitutional text, and a document of proposals to support the success of the transition. Organized within the framework of the Civil Society Strengthening Project (PROSS), the forum is supported by BINUH and has also received support from the Organization of American States (OAS).
