Operating since 2008

In early 2008, ICHD with its partners in Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia initiated a forum for civil society leaders founding the Civil Society Leadership Network (CSLN). While there were several regional networks cultivated by various international organizations and mostly engaging young leaders at that time, the CSLN was the first local initiative of its kind that brought together the acting agents of change in the post soviet area.

The CSLN is a floor for discussions, learning from each other and for establishing a mutual co-operation resulting in joint projects among civil society leaders in the region. The CSLN engaged its members into the process of solution of political, social, cultural and other challenges in their societies and throughout the region.

The CSLN is an effective instrument empowering a generation of civil society leaders, advocates of and agents for democratic changes, who promote European standards of human rights in the region. The network enjoys the support of the Council of Europe in developing organizational and communication skills of the members of the network, as well as in educating them in European democratic values and processes. The CSLN also connects civil society leaders with their peers from the Black Sea region countries and international non-governmental organizations. The network also serves as a forum for dialogue and confidence building among different societies and communities from the frozen conflicts in the region.

Through the CSLN network currently engages over 120 civil society leaders from Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan.