UNDP Oslo Governance Centre

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 Oslo Governance Centre focuses on creating political space for civil society organizations, ensuring legitimate engagement in key policy processes. The Centre provides advice and support to UNDP country offices on a range of civil society issues.

See also: Civil Society Organisations

A Guide to Civil Society Organizations working on Democratic Governance
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A Handbook on Working with Political Parties
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UNDP Civil Society Resources

UNDP’s Civil Society Division.
The CSO Division, housed in the Bureau for Resources and Strategic Partnerships (BRSP), leads UNDP efforts to put into practice its commitment to partnerships with CSOs. The division is responsible for strengthening UNDP policies and procedural methods to collaborate more effectively and systematically with CSOs.
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UNDP and Civil Society Organizations: a Toolkit for Strengthening Partnerships (2006)
This toolkit provides practical guidance and essential information in forging partnerships with CSOs. It includes examples of innovative country-level mechanisms to build and strengthen collaboration with CSOs.
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UNDP and Civil Society Organizations: A Policy of Engagement.
The updated policy on UNDP engagement with civil society organizations sets out a new set of principles and highlights the policy and programmatic implications.
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For further information please contact:

• Barry Driscoll, Research Assistant
  barry.driscoll@undp.org