Forum for Social Studies (FSS) is an independent, non-profit institution engaged in policy-oriented research on the development challenges facing Ethiopia . READ MORE

NEW Publications from FSS

Society, State and Identity in African History

Edited by Bahru Zewde

Click here to Read the Introduction

Civil Society at the Crossroads

Challenges and Prospects in Ethiopia

Edited by Taye Assefa and Bahru Zewde

Digest of Ethiopia's National Policies, Strategies and Programs (Amharic)

Digest of Ethiopia's National Policies, Strategies and Programs

Edited by Taye Assefa

ACADEMIC FREEDOM in ETHIOPIA

Perspectives of Teaching Personnel

Edited by Taye Assefa

To order these and/or other FSS publications, e-mail library@fssethiopia.org.et or call Tel: +251116297888/91

Click here to read FSS' latest Policy Briefs in Amharic

Rethinking Academic Freedom in East African Universities

The Network for Education and Academic Rights (NEAR) and Scholars at Risk (SAR) in partnership with Forum for Social Studies (FSS), Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA), and the British Council (Ethiopia Office) have organized a conference on ‘Rethinking Academic Freedom in East African Universities' which has taken place from 21st to 23rd October 2008 at the Ghion Hotel, Addis Ababa.

The event has brought together leading higher education officials, scholars and professionals to rethink issues of university development and academic freedom. Previous such events have been held in Amman (Jordan), St. Petersburg (Russia), and Vilnius (Lithuania). Read FSS Update for more info

• Good Governance and Democracy lecture series held on 15 August

As part of FSS and HBF public lecture series on Good Governance and Democracy, Dr. Akwasi Aidoo , currently Executive Director of TrustAfrica lectured on “Identity and Citizenship in Africa : Negotiating the boundaries that divide and unite us.”

The lecture was held on Friday 15 August, at 6:30 pm, at the Ghion Hotel (Blue Salon) Addis Ababa. Read More

FSS held its Last Lecture in the Intergenerational Transfer of Knowledge series (2006-2008)

The Forum for Social Studies held a series of lectures every two months since the beginning of 2005. These have been focusing on the policies formulated and endeavours undertaken during the period of the Imperial Regime in order to overcome poverty and to bring about sustainable development. The speakers were persons who had occupied important positions in government or in the private sector. The lectures and the publications that ensued have been deemed very fruitful. The last speaker was Dejazmach Wolde Sema'et Gebre Wold. His discussion was mailnly focused on “ Reforming Provincial (Awraja) Administration (1963-1972 GC): Reminiscences ”. He has served as administrator on key government positions during the Imperial Regime. The lecture took place at the Ghion Hotel, Awash Hall, on 18 July 2008 at 6:00 pm. Click here to read FSS Update (Read the news filed by ENA)

• Draft proclamation on Charities and Societies and Comments of CSOs

The Ministry of Justice of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has recently issued a draft “Charities and Societies Proclamation.” Ethiopian CSOs have submitted their comments to the FDRE Ministry of Justice. We have posted here the Draft Proclamation as well as the general comments made by Ethiopian CSOs.

Click the following links

Draft CSO Proclamation in Amharic and English (PDF)

Comments of Ethiopian CSOs in Amharic (PDF)

Comments of Ethiopian CSOs in English (PDF)

• International conference discussed policy dialogue on civil society issues

An international conference aimed, among others, at facilitating for policy makers and members of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to share from international experiences in the creation of an enabling policy environment has been held on Friday 28th March 2008, at the Hilton Hotel Addis Ababa.

The Conference has sustained platform for policy makers and members of the CSOs for policy dialogue on civil society issues, including an enabling legal and policy environment. Click here for more information

Click the links below to read some of the papers presented at the conference (PDF)

Harvest of Thorns?: Whither CSO Policy Advocacy in Africa post-9:11 By Brian Kagoro

Challenges and Opportunities for Civil Society Coalition Building in An Era of GlobalisationBy Kumi Naidoo

Policy Research Institutions and Democratization: Recent Experience and Future Challenges By Dessalegn Rahmato

The Resilience of Home-Grown Civil Society and its implications for Policy: the European Experience By Gerry Salole

FSS Moves to a new location

FSS moves its office to a new address, adjacent to Emad Guest House next to Imperial Hotel, Addis Ababa. Please click here to see the map

IGTK discussed Education expansion in Ethiopia

Ato Kebede Firesenbet, a prominent scholar on education sector has presented a paper on “ Education Expansion in Ethiopia: From Liberation to the Education Sector Review ” on May 16, 2008. The lecture was held at the Hilton Hotel at 6:00 pm.