Civil Society Organizations-Government CollaborationCategory: Social Issues
Article added by: Amir Jahangir
It is a recognized fact that social development cannot be achieved by governments alone but requires broad based public and private partnerships, which involve participation of citizens at all levels. This realization has become more acute in the face of rising fiscal constraints and the fact that the bulk of public expenditure has been pre-empted by the costs of servicing defense and civil administration. It is also based on the recognition of the impediments to government delivery to poor and marginalized groups in relatively inaccessible backward areas.
The rapid growth of civil society in Pakistan as well as in other countries in the recent past and its emergence as a key player in the development agenda bears evidence to the same. Today, the contributions of this sector are being recognized by all stakeholders (government, national and international donors, private sector and the ordinary citizen) and nonprofit organisations (NPOs) are increasingly being considered as privileged partners in the effective delivery of social services, be it in education, health, poverty alleviation, or rights and advocacy.
It is important to however understand that Civil Society as an umbrella term refers to almost all groups outside government. Civil society- the key player in articulating the needs of various groups- creates awareness about key issues in order to influence policy formulation and decision making. It is christened as the "third sector”, an entity distinct from government and business. They are a host of not-for-profit or non-profit associations through which society voluntarily participates in the political and socioeconomic development processes.
The new paradigms in participatory development and governance call for a strong collaboration between civil society and the state. Collaborations foster greater benefits such as giving the players access to a wider pool of resources, expertise, experience, dynamism and innovation to addressing complex challenges and issues, efficiency by means of shared costs and effective delivery systems, capacity building of the work force and lastly ensuring long term sustainability of development efforts. Prince Karim Aga Khan highlighted the role of civil society in effectively contributing to better processes of democratic government. In many countries of Asia and Africa, He said, "Democracy is young and still relatively ineffective in support of modern development activities. While a strong civil society can and does help to counter-balance such ineffectiveness, the processes of democratic government must also receive more attention and support.”
Government, the cantilever of development plays a pivotal role by providing an enabling environment, funding and support to the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for development. CSOs on the other hand amplify operational performance by contributing local knowledge, providing technical expertise and leveraging social capital. They also bring innovative ideas and solutions as well as participatory approaches to solving local problems through community involvement. CSOs have gone ahead of social delivery programmes and services. They make valuable contributions in the development of social and economic policies and in monitoring the impact of policies and programmes at the grass root level being watchdogs.
Government –CSO collaborations have been characterized by mutual distrust. Now with the growing pressures on the natural environment and social and economic inequities, terrorism, disparity between the rich and the marginalized, and the cultural and religious tensions the need for integrated solutions and concerted and collaborative partnerships, has become more imperative. It is the responsibility of the government to provide an environment where CSOs can flourish and make positive contributions to the development of society at large.
Recently a national consultative workshop on collaboration between Government and CSOs was held by AKDN and Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy. In which, the way forward, and various point of views were shared by government officials and CSO representatives:
i) Provision of an enabling and conducive environment for mutually rewarding collaboration.
ii) Provision of defined and clear cut frameworks for partnerships i.e "principals of Collaboration”.
iii) Promotion, advocacy and awareness raising of the concept and practice of public private partnerships.
iii)Simplification of government procedures and removal of red tape.
iv) Ensuring partners’ ownership and involvement through out the process i.e the collaboration cycle.
v) Capacity building of both the partners.
vi) Work towards stronger partnership through a viable demonstrative partnership model.
Altogether, not only is there case for expanding the level of government support to nonprofit organizations, but also of streamlining the system and making it more autonomous, transparent and accountable. Developing a policy paper for the government for establishing a framework for effective and productive collaboration. However, on the other hand the NGOs need to be more transparent and humble. They also need to realize the constraints of the government. While, Donors need to review their policies, procedures and guidelines while financing government or CSOs.
Often budgets are negotiated between NGOs and donors and the Government is left out. Experience shows that wherever NGOs have been transparent it has clarified many misconceptions. It should be made mandatory that NGOS share their budgets with all stakeholders and the Government develops that capacity so that it can negotiate in a powerful manner with NGOs and donors alike.
Dr. Nasim Ashraf, Chairman NCHD says "The job of the civil society is to ‘make the government look good.’ NGOs are the best service providers but we must transplant these processes into the government. The NCHD and the government run health units in 12 districts of Punjab together. You must buy ownership since the Government is committed to and has realized that they cannot do without NGOs”.
At the same forum Ms. Wazir Ali posed a question, "Ask yourself if you feel you’re fully at the table with the Government. How many times have you worked actively with the Government? Have the windows of the Government’s mind been sufficiently welcome to NGOs. Who needs to knock on the door and who needs to open it? ” I think here is some food for thought for all of us, the development practitioners, representatives of civil society and government representatives.
The need and value of Government-CSO collaboration is established but a Common and shared vision is the key to success in collaborations.
Posted By: Amir Jahangir
Web: http://www.competitiveness.org.pk
Contact: e-mail
| About the Author: |
| Aleeza Akbar is a communication & advocacy specialist at Pakistan Center for Philanthropy (PCP). Aleeza can be reached at her email:aleeza2002@hotmail.com |
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