On 28 February 2000 approximately 400 guests, partners, and friends celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of CEOSS. Instead of the period of fifty years, the celebration focused on the positive effect and lasting influence that CEOSS has had in making possible a new, more generous life for millions of destitute Egyptians. In its 50^th year, it was clear that CEOSS is increasingly able to contribute at the national level to development necessary to improve the quality of life for Egyptians. 

 

In April 2000, more than 1500 leaders of development work in Egypt participated in a national conference sponsored by the General Federation of NGOs entitled "NGOs and the Challenges of the Twenty-First Century".  The conference was held under the auspices of First Lady Suzanne Mubarek who encouraged all NGOs to awaken and "wage battle" for social development in Egypt.  Topics of the conference included NGOs and the Challenges of Globalization, and the Role of NGOs in facing Cultural Challenges and establishing Development Partners to face the challenges of the 21^st century.  Because CEOSS is considered unique in social development in Egypt, it was asked to reflect on its experience in light of the second topic.  As part of the conference, the late Rev. Dr. Samuel Habib was one of three people selected to receive an award of the highest level for excellence in development work.

 

As a result of its strong impact in the areas of health and family planning, its positive working relationships with governmental organizations, the role it played in the ICPD conference, and its work with the UNFPA, CEOSS is participating in several strategic efforts of the Egyptian Ministry of Health (MOH).  In addition to participating on a committee responsible for developing the overall population strategy of Egypt for the next ten years, CEOSS also has participated in an MOH effort to develop a document defining the national advocacy strategy for reproductive health. The project included representatives from universities, consulting firms, governmental organizations, and NGOs, each with a role to play to achieve positive health results. CEOSS worked with several NGOs to develop the section on the role of NGOs in RH advocacy. The whole document has been finished and was presented by the MOH at a national workshop at the end of May. After it receives official MOH approval, it will become national strategy.

 

CEOSS is also participating in the MOH Task Force on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).  Although CEOSS' work in FGM eradication over the years is well known, publication of We Are Decided, by the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies has catapulted it into the limelight at the national and international levels. The study documents the story of Deir El Barsha, a village in Upper Egypt, where, in 1991, village leaders signed an agreement with midwives and hygienic barbers to stop practicing female circumcision.

 

The May conference of the Forum for Intercultural Dialogue on "Religious Thought and Justice" also pointed to national recognition of CEOSS' stature. That the seminar was held in conjunction with Al Ahzar, and with the participation of representatives from the Egyptian Ministry of Religious Endowments, indicates a public and institutional acknowledgement of the Forum's work and message. That a diverse group could meet in mutual acceptance to discuss "Justice", certainly a challenging topic for Muslims and Christians of the Middle East, is indicative of the extent of trust and respect for the FID.  Probably for all of the above reasons, media coverage of the three day conference was extensive, and without exception, positive.  It is heartening that the public was exposed to this positive model of cooperation and interaction.