Preparing the future policy of the EU with regard to support to CSOs in partner countries

1. Preparing the future policy of the EU with regard to support to CSOs in partner countries 1st Interim Meeting of the Policy Forum on Development Brussels, 10-11 May 2012

2. Structure of the session • CSO in governance roles – First results of the Consultation on CSOs in Development • Introduction- The role of CSO in social services and in inclusive growth Coffee break 3) Two working groups: • Role of CSO in service delivery – social sectors • CSO and the promotion of inclusive growth

3. Structure of the Consultation CSOs and developm effectiveness

4. The on-line consultation … ran between the 12 March and 7 May 2012 and open to all stakeholders … • Approx. 300 contributions received in total (85% since 1st of May and 65% on the 7th of May) • Assessment process on-going. Consultation report ready in July 2012 • 50 first contributions assessed so far (almost 20%).

5. About the respondents (i) More than 90% of the respondents are CSOs, with a majority of NGOs

6. About the respondents (ii) Its well balanced, geographic-wise, with African CSOs taking the lead

7. Preliminary results: three blocks

8. Promoting an enabling environment for CSOs to operate

9. An enabling environment … A democratic system that ensures in law and in practice the right to organise, to secure funding, freedom of expression and information and to participate in public affairs What can the actors do? Donors; CSOs; etc What indicators can be used to track progress? What role can media play (traditional and social)? Identification of good and innovative practices

10. About CSOs: what can be done? Reaffirmed Political engagement About development partners: what can be done? Internal governance • Social media plays a cornerstone role in: • ensuring public backing to CSOs work; • documenting good and bad practices; • raising public awareness ; • promoting accountability and transparency • Social media is particularly relevant in restrictive and fragile environments + + Political engagement Information and Dialogue + Information & Communic. + Adequate & predictable funding & Capacity development

11. Proposed indicators to measure progress in the area of EE • Frequency of uptake of recommendations by CSOs into policy formulation • Effective CS engagement in preparation of annual plans and budgets • Degree to which FOI, Freedom of association and freedom of press are respected • Permanent space for dialogue and/or cooperation between the government and CSOs • Number of CSOs registered and operating in the country • Existence of a CSOs friendly national legislation and procedures • Degree to which CSOs are free to operate without political interference • Freedom of receiving foreign funding

12. Promoting the participation of CSOs in public policy processes and in domestic accountability

13. Participation of CSOs in policy processes and domestic accountability • To ensure effective pro-poor policies and management of public resources -> democratic ownership Challenges and opportunities? What indicators can be used to track progress? How can the EU & International CSOs support Domestic Accountability? Criteria to ensure representativity and legitimacy Identification of good and innovative practices

15. International CSOs support Financial support Financial support Donors’ support + + Support Capacity development Capacity development Key idea: partnership + alignment with local CSOs needs + + Experience sharing + support to networking Enhanced tripartite dialogue + + Support citizen education Citizen education and awareness raising in European countries Advocate and put pressure in their respective governments

16. Proposed criteria • Reputation & good practice record • Experience in oversight methodology, sectoral expertise & know how • Loyalty and commitment to the formulated mission. • Institutional capacities and available resources to ensure information dissemination • Capacity to voice the concerns of grass-roots and social excluded groups. • Independence (no links with politicians) • Transparency and accountability systems in place. Additional comments • The criteria should be identified by CSOs.

17. CSO Capacity Development CSO Development Effectiveness

18. Capacity development and internal governance mechanisms Donor approaches to CD Donor support to internal governance Internal Governance Challenges Identification of good and innovative practices

19. Good practices in Capacity Development • Bottom up approach to ensure CSO ownership • Long-term perspective • Case-by-case approach (i.e. through evaluation of CSO needs) • Organisational development of CSOs to promote governance & accountability • Exchange of experiences among CSOs • Innovative mechanisms (even at funding level), South-South and peer cooperation and search for new partners/allies (e.g. business, professional unions, etc.)

20. Weaknesses and challenges to ensure development effectiveness • Lack of transparency and accountability & weak governance structures. • Insufficient orientation towards the community and disconnection from their constituencies. • Lack of technical skills, limited capacity and unstable staff. • Private interests and fragmentation of efforts • Top-down leadership models The EU should support CSOs own efforts (86%)

21. The role of CSO in social services and in inclusive growth

22. The role of CSO in social services and in inclusive growth The Agenda 4 Change : • Human Rights, democracy and good governance • Inclusive and sustainable growth for human development Support to focus on: • the foundations of inclusive growth :social protection, health and education • the enabling vectors: business environment, regional integration • sectors with a multiplier effect: sustainable agriculture and energy • How: public actors in partnerships with private sector and civil society