On 19-20 November, 80 representatives from civil society (CS) organizations including youth led organizations engaged in the GFF process in 34 of the 36 GFF countries and at regional and global levels, participated in the fifth annual GFF civil society workshop. This workshop, which happens every year ahead of the November Investors Group (IG) meeting provides an opportunity for civil society in different GFF countries to share experiences and learn from one another on how to best engage in the GFF process. The 2019 workshop was also designed to address CS capacity building needs which have surfaced throughout the year, in particular understanding the GFF; sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition (SRMNCAH+N) planning, financing and monitoring; and budget advocacy.

The objective of the workshop was to build the capacity of CSOs working on the GFF to engage in GFF Investment Case development and effectively monitor implementation of GFF-funded projects. Specifically, it attempted to:

1. Improve the capacity of CS focal points in GFF countries to engage in GFF processes, by reflecting on experiences, lessons learned, and best practices to-date;
2. Identify and build capacity on proven approaches to monitoring GFF Trust funds and World Bank loans/credits; government funds for sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition and private sector funding;
3. Support monitoring and advocacy efforts around the aligned development partner funding in support of GFF Investment Cases (ICs);
4. Align around common priorities for CS advocacy at global and national levels, as well as priorities for t`he CSCG for the coming year.