In Central America, civil society organizations that promote democracy, human rights, and independent media are at great risk– along with the communities that they serve. With most USAID projects canceled in the region, it remains unclear which actors and initiatives maintain capacity to revive civic engagement.

On this panel, Creative and Metropolitan Group will reflect on what has been lost – political cover against authoritarianism, knowledge exchange, and support for CSO missions – along with contextual risks to democratic values faced by their local partners, and examples of canceled interventions that remain vital.

Based on experience operating in non-permissive environments, panelists will share approaches and models to support civil society in closing civic spaces. To close, panelists will pose recommendations for a mapping initiative to reinvigorate a regional civil society ecosystem, inform donor investment decisions, and restore momentum to unfinished civic work.

Note: Coffee, tea and select breakfast snacks will be available in this session. Full breakfasts will not be provided. Space is available on a first-come-first-served basis.