Civil Society and Communication
UNDP defines civil society as a third sector existing alongside and interacting with the state and private industry.
UNDP takes a broad view of Civil Society Organizations [CSOs] of which non-governmental organizations are an important part, and recognizes that in practice civil society is an arena of both collaboration and contention. Over the last decade there has been a considerable increase both in the number of CSOs and in the scope of their activities. They are playing an increasingly influential role in setting and implementing development agendas across the globe. A strong civil society enables people, especially vulnerable groups, to influence public policies at national and local levels.
The Civil Society and Communication team at the Oslo Governance Centre facilitates knowledge sharing and networking and addresses new and emerging needs in the areas of civil society, political parties, and communication for empowerment including access to information. The Centre provides advice and support to UNDP country offices on these themes. On this page, you can find out more about who we are, what we do, as well as further resources on the areas of civil society, political parties, and communication for empowerment.
See also: UNDP's Civil Society Organisations Division
What do we do?
OGC's Civil Society and Communication team is guided by UNDP's Strategic Plan for 2008-2011. OGC’s team contributes with service offerings in the areas of:
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Civic engagement, through civil society organizations, voluntary associations, trade unions, political parties, and private sector organizations, enabling all people to influence public policy processes and to hold government to account. This is Outcome 2.1.1 in UNDP's Strategic Plan.
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Communication channels, which promote government accountability and transparency through e-governance, independent journalism, and access to information policies. This is Outcome 2.1.3 in UNDP's Strategic Plan.
To achieve these two outcomes, OGC further divides its activities:
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Civil Society
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Communication
Who are we?
Who else in UNDP works on civil society?
UNDP's Civil Society Organisations Division
The CSO Division at UNDP headquarters provides policy and advisory support to UNDP staff and engages actively with CSO partners. More on this Division
Contact:
Thierno Kane
Director, Civil Society Division, Partnerships Bureau
Thierno.kane@undp.org
Bharati Sadasivam
Policy Advisor, Civil Society Division, Partnerships Bureau
bharati.sadasivam@undp.org
Publications and Resources on Civil Society and Communication
Contact:
Barry Driscoll
Research Associate
barry.driscoll@undp.org
