Washington, DC - The Department of State intends to re-establish the Advisory Committee on the Secretary of State’s Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society. The Committee will serve the United States Government in a solely advisory capacity concerning engagement with and protection of civil society worldwide.

Functions will include, but will not be limited to, providing information and advice on the effective integration of civil society into overall foreign policy, and providing information and advice on the Department of State’s role in advancing, promoting, and protecting freedom of association and expression.

It is anticipated that the Committee will meet on at least an annual basis.

The Committee may be comprised of up to twenty-four distinguished citizens from the private sector, philanthropy, nongovernmental organizations, think tanks and academia, providing the Secretary with a fresh perspective and insight apart from, and independent of, the State Department organization. It will not perform the function of any existing Department staff or committee.