Civil society engagement

UNDP has long recognized that civil society organizations (CSOs) are uniquely positioned to empower, motivate and connect with people around the world to reduce poverty, enhance living standards and achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). As critical partners in development, their contribution to creating awareness of people’s needs and advocating for solutions gives voice to some of the most marginalized and vulnerable people in the world.

UNDP works with formal and informal organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations, social movements, voluntary associations, mass-based membership and faith-based organizations, providing additional support for their development work within their communities and at national and global levels. This includes bolstering their ability to provide basic services like health and education, along with access to water, micro-credit and agricultural extension services.

Recognizing the dual role CSOs play in both in guiding development policies and watching over whether they are implemented, UNDP helps to ensure that CSOs have a seat at the table when nations are drawing up their poverty reduction plans. The organization also works to strengthen CSOs capacity to advocate for the MDGs and to advance gender equality.

This takes place alongside UNDP’s efforts to increase understanding in national and local authorities of the capacities and knowledge of CSOs and of the contribution that they can and do make in reducing poverty.

UNDP also strengthens the capacity of CSOs to carry out policy research and analysis. By establishing partnerships between civil society networks, donors, and research institutions, UNDP helps CSOs to participate more fully in evidence-based policy-making processes. In doing so, UNDP contributes to a more empowered and active citizenry.