Author: Sun Weiqing
What lessons can Chinese social organizations learn from international NGOs’ participation in international development governance?
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play an important role in international development. NGOs actively promote global sustainable development, reduce poverty and inequality, protect the ecological environment, promote gender equality, and promote the realization of social justice through policy advocacy, project implementation, emergency relief, fund raising and resource sharing. Canadian and Japanese NGOs actively participate in international development governance and have accumulated rich experience.
What is a Non-Governmental Organization?
The term non-governmental organization first appeared in Article 71 of the United Nations Charter signed in 1945.In 1952, the United Nations Economic and Social Council resolution defined non-governmental organizations as "all international organizations not established by intergovernmental agreement can be regarded as non-governmental organizations." At that time, non-governmental organizations mainly referred to international civil organizations. There is no universal and standardized unified definition of non-governmental organizations in the world. Other similar terms include "non-profit organizations", "civil society organizations", "third sector", etc.
| The United Nations and Non-Governmental Organizations |
| The United Nations was the first organization to give non-governmental organizations institutional meaning and a special status in participating in international public decision-making.In 1968, the United Nations Economic and Social Council Resolution 1296 stipulated the legal framework for the relationship between the United Nations and non-governmental organizations, affirmed the scope of non-governmental organizations, and allowed non-governmental organizations to obtain consultative status in the United Nations system. Since then, non-governmental organizations have been consciously introduced into the work of the United Nations.
The official website of the United Nations defines non-governmental organizations as "non-profit, voluntary, civic organizations at the local, national or international level". NGOs are mission-oriented, driven by common interests, provide a variety of services, play a humanitarian role, reflect citizen concerns to the government, monitor policies and encourage community participation. In addition, NGOs provide analysis and expertise, act as early warning mechanisms, and help monitor and implement international agreements. |
NGOs and International Development
Non-governmental organizations work to promote social progress, economic growth and environmental protection.NGOs complement the work of governments, providing services and alternatives. They also play an important role as advocates, educators and watchdogs. Discussions on the role of NGOs in international development reached a climax during the Busan High-Level Forum on Effective Development Cooperation in 2011. For the first time, representatives of civil society organizations participated in the forum on an equal footing with other development actors such as international agencies and governments. The Busan Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation pointed out that civil society organizations in the South and the North play an important role in international development. As civil society organizations in the South increasingly assume the role of setting agendas and implementing tasks, civil society organizations in the South and the North will continue to leverage their respective strengths, establish a solid and equal partnership, and jointly promote international development cooperation in a more effective direction.
(Generations for Peace/Photo)
Non-governmental organizations contribute to solving social problems through their independent thinking and actions. Non-governmental organizations usually operate independently and their goal is to work for the public good, social welfare or the interests of specific interest groups. They usually rely on voluntary participation and donations to carry out their work to achieve their goals and objectives. Non-governmental organizations play an important role in international development and contribute to the resolution of social problems and social change. For example: carrying out humanitarian and development aid projects, advocating and promoting policy changes, providing services and supporting vulnerable groups, promoting sustainable development and environmental protection, strengthening community participation and building peace and equality.
NGOs work in a variety of ways at many levels and in many fields.In addition to working at the grassroots level, some NGOs also serve as consultants to governments, international organizations and UN agencies. NGOs work in a wide range of areas, including education, environmental protection, health, social welfare, children's rights, women's rights and other development assistance areas. NGOs work in a variety of ways, including project implementation, policy advocacy, service and assistance, resource raising and sharing, etc. Over the past few decades, the number of NGOs and their influence in different fields have grown exponentially.
Canadian civil society organizations play an important role in international development
According to Global Affairs Canada, the term “civil society” refers to the broad range of non-governmental, not-for-profit and voluntary-driven organizations and social movements through which people pursue shared interests, values and goals in public life. These actors exist at the international, regional, national and community levels and are considered independent actors.
The policy, regulatory and institutional framework supports Canadian NGOs’ involvement in international developmentThe Canadian government considers non-governmental organizations as important partners in international development. In 1968, the Canadian government established the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the NGO Division to promote the participation of civil society organizations (CSOs) in development activities, becoming one of the earliest donors to support civil society partnerships. The Canadian government has formulated policies and regulations such as the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Civil Society Partnership Policy, and the Official Development Assistance Accountability Act, which provide a legal and policy framework for Canadian civil society organizations to participate in Canada's international aid.
The Government of Canada considers civil society organizations to be independent actors and creates an enabling environment for civil society.Both governments and civil society have a commitment to partnership. Canada’s international commitments as a party or signatory to the Busan Partnership for Effective Development Partnerships, the Istanbul Principles for CSO Development Effectiveness, the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States, and the Principles and Good Practice of Humanitarian Donorship provide the foundation for partnerships with civil society organizations. Partnership principles such as inclusivity, transparency and accountability, results orientation and ownership, and mutual respect and commitment to learning underpin these international commitments.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the entry point for the Canadian government to build partnerships with civil society organizations. Canadian NGOs play an important role in policy advocacy, advancing global agendas in areas such as gender equality, climate change and human rights protection, capacity building and partnership building. For example: The Government of Canada believes that progress on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, "Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls", is critical to advancing progress on other SDGs.
(fingle.fi/Photo)
Civil society organizationsCanadaBilateral official development assistanceOccupies a considerable share.In 2022/23, Global Affairs Canada provided CSOs with support worth 25% of total official bilateral aid. According to the 2024 report of Cooperation Canada, CSOs’ share of actual bilateral ODA increased by 28% from 2015/16 to 2019/20, and increased by another 20% from 2019/20 to 2022/23, reaching 1.552 billion Canadian dollars (about 1.093 billion US dollars) in 2022/23. Since 2019/20, aid implemented through CSOs abroad has increased by 55%, while aid through CSOs in Canada has only increased by 9%.
Major non-governmental organizations in Canada
Cooperation CanadaThe Canadian Council for International Cooperation (formerly the Canadian Council for International Cooperation) is a national alliance of Canadian civil society organizations dedicated to achieving sustainable development for humanity worldwide. Members include a wide range of civil society organizations working in international development and humanitarian aid. Since 1968, Canadian Cooperation has brought together civil society organizations working in the international development and humanitarian fields, giving voice to these groups through initiatives such as convening industry leaders, influencing policy and building capacity, and working with partners in Canada and abroad to jointly address global challenges.
(Samantha Searle/Photo)
CARE Canada:Founded in 1945, CARES Canada is dedicated to ending poverty and social injustice, with a focus on empowering women and girls. CARES Canada is headquartered in Ottawa, but works with communities and women's rights organizations around the world. Its work focuses on safety, health, livelihoods, advocacy and emergency response.
Canadian Foodgrains BankFounded in 1983, it is a partnership of 15 Christian churches and church agencies in Canada, focusing on ending global hunger with local organizations in developing countries. It has now expanded to more than 30 countries and has more than 100 international partners.
GreenpeaceIt is an independent global movement network founded in Canada in 1971. It is currently headquartered in Amsterdam and consists of 26 national and regional organizations in 55 countries. Its goal is to protect life on Earth, focusing on climate change, deforestation, nuclear weapons, overfishing and other environmental issues. As an independent organization, it does not receive funding from governments. It has general consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
United Way of Greater TorontoIt is a global non-profit organization based in Canada with operations in more than 100 countries. Each United Way raises funds locally and is governed by an autonomous board of directors. The association is committed to eliminating poverty through philanthropy, grants, convening, research, etc., with a focus on food security, early childhood education, inclusive employment, mental health, youth development and other aspects.
CanadaCivil Society OrganizationsexistIn global governanceDiversifyeffect
first,Engage in international development through advocacy and policy influencing.Canadian civil society organizations work with the government, international organizations, regional organizations and other stakeholders to promote sustainable development, reduce poverty and inequality by influencing domestic policies and directly participating in international policy discussions. For example, on the issue of climate change, environmental organizations actively pressure the government to push Canada to formulate stricter greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and related policies in order to play a more active role in the global response to climate change. Canadian civil society organizations also directly participate in various international policy forums and platforms, representing the voice of Canadian civil society in the discussion and formulation of global governance rules. For example, in the relevant negotiations of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Canadian labor organizations will send representatives to participate and express their opinions on trade rules, labor standards and other issues, striving to make global trade governance rules more in line with the needs of relevant interest groups in Canada and the world.
Secondly,Canadian NGOs are directly involved in international development by implementing projects and providing services in developing countries.These projects cover a wide range of areas, including education, health, agriculture, environmental protection, and social welfare, and are designed to create conditions for local economic growth, increase employment opportunities, and enhance social well-being. Canadian civil society organizations often work with the Canadian government to jointly implement international aid projects. The government provides financial support, and civil society organizations use their professional capabilities and flexible operating methods to effectively deliver aid resources to where they are needed. For example, the International Development Research Center (IDRC) of Canada often cooperates with various non-governmental organizations to carry out research and practice projects related to sustainable development around the world.
Third, carry out international exchanges and cooperation. Canadian civil society organizations actively establish cooperative relations with international organizations including UN agencies, non-governmental organizations in other countries, multinational corporations, etc. They host or participate in various international conferences, seminars and other activities to provide a platform for discussions on issues related to global governance and promote experience exchange and knowledge sharing among different countries and regions. By establishing cooperative networks with international organizations and non-governmental organizations in other countries, they jointly carry out projects and actions to meet global challenges. Many Canadian women's organizations are part of global networks or alliances, such as the Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID) or the Women's Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR). These networks or alliances promote cross-border cooperation and jointly promote the progress of global gender equality.
Japanese NGOs participate in global development governance through “public-private collaboration”
Japanese NGOs began to participate in global governance in the 1960s. After the 1990s, the number of NGOs increased rapidly, which was due to the growing awareness of international cooperation among the Japanese people. On the other hand, it was also because Japan became one of the world's largest foreign aid donors as its economic strength grew in the 1980s and 1990s, and it also hoped to increase its international political influence through various channels. In the 21st century, Japanese NGOs paid more attention to the construction of cross-departmental networks and cooperated with government departments and the business community.
Japan's foreign aid is carried out at both the government and private levels. Official development assistance (ODA) is mainly the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is an important implementing agency for foreign aid. At the private level, non-governmental organizations, enterprises, and the public have been playing an important role since the 1960s in carrying out development cooperation activities in many fields such as health care, education, agriculture, environment, and disaster relief. According to the "NGO Data 2021" jointly released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the NGO Center for International Cooperation, there are about 400 non-governmental organizations in Japan participating in international cooperation, and the focus of their work has also shifted in recent years to helping achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
| NPOs, NGOs and CSOs in Japan |
| In Japan, non-profit organizations that address issues such as domestic poverty and aging are called NPOs, while the term NGO usually refers to non-profit organizations that work overseas in emergency humanitarian aid, development, human rights, peacebuilding, etc. This usage is unique to Japan. Non-governmental organizations are often more generally referred to as civil society organizations (CSOs).
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs defines NGOs as "non-governmental, non-profit organizations whose mission is to solve global issues such as development, poverty, peace, humanity and the environment and which independently carry out related activities." Japan's NPO Law enacted in 1998 and the Public Welfare Recognition Law enacted in 2006 provide a legal basis for various types of non-governmental society organizations to carry out activities. |
Japanese GovernmentPromoting cooperation with NGOs through three pillars.The Japanese government believes that non-governmental organizations are indispensable partners in the field of international development and promotes cooperation with non-governmental organizations through three pillars: providing financial cooperation for NGO projects, supporting NGO capacity building, and engaging in dialogue with NGOs.
The first pillar isFor NGO projectsFinancial support.The Japanese government provides four types of financial support to non-governmental organizations.Japanese NGO Project Grant AidProvide financial support to Japanese non-governmental organizations for socio-economic development projects in developing countries. Grant assistance covers health care, rural development, assistance for people with disabilities, education and disaster risk reduction. In 2021, 51 Japanese non-governmental organizations implemented 96 projects in 35 countries and regions, with a total amount of approximately 5.7 billion yen (approximately US$38.11 million).Japan PlatformFounded in 2000, the platform currently has 47 members, working with Japanese non-governmental organizations and the business community to support and coordinate emergency humanitarian aid activities of non-governmental organizations. As of September 2023, it has provided humanitarian assistance to 65 countries and regions, implemented more than 2,300 projects, with a total amount of 92.4 billion yen (about 613 million US dollars).NGO Project SubsidiesThree types of projects are supported. The first is research projects, which identify and formulate development cooperation projects and conduct post-project evaluations; the other two are training courses and lectures held in Japan or abroad to help non-governmental organizations expand and deepen their international cooperation activities. In fiscal 2021, the Japanese government provided project subsidies to six Japanese non-governmental organizations and supported the design and evaluation of seminars and training courses held in Japan or abroad.Japan International Cooperation AgencymechanismJoint Partner Program (JPP)JPP is a joint activity between JICA and Japanese non-governmental organizations and civil society organizations, local public entities, universities, private enterprises and other organizations to meet the various needs of developing countries. JPP supports about 200 projects each year, covering a total of 90 countries.
(Roman Deckert, CC-BY SA 4.0/Image)
The second pillar isSupport capacity building for non-governmental organizations.The Japanese government has taken a variety of measures to strengthen the organizational structure and project implementation capabilities of Japanese non-governmental organizations.NGO Consultant SchemeThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs commissions experienced Japanese NGOs to answer inquiries and consultation requests from citizens and NGOs on topics such as how to establish NGOs, organizational management and operations, and conduct international cooperation activities.NGO InternshipprojectIt is an internship and study program for NGOs implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the aim of strengthening organizational capacity through human resource development and fostering the younger generation of human resources to enable them to play an active role in international cooperation of Japanese NGOs.NGO Study ProgrammeProvide domestic and overseas training for mid-level staff of Japanese NGOs for international cooperation, and share the results of training widely within the organization and with other NGOs, to support the improvement of the overall capacity of NGOs.NGO ResearchhabitgroupSponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the study group aims to strengthen NGOs and their capabilities. The study group is appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is composed of Japanese NGO members interested in specific topics facing NGOs. It conducts joint research studies, seminars, workshops, symposiums and other activities, and prepares reports and proposes specific improvement measures.
The third pillar isDialogue with non-governmental organizationsmechanism.The dialogue mechanisms between the Japanese government and NGOs include regular NGO-MOFA consultation meetings and NGO-JICA consultation meetings.Non-Governmental Organizations -Ministry of Foreign AffairsConsultationStarted in 1996, it consists of three consultation mechanisms: the ODA Policy Council, the Partnership Promotion Committee, and the Plenary Session. The ODA Policy Council exchanges views on general policies on official development assistance, the Partnership Promotion Committee exchanges views on policies to support non-governmental organizations and partnerships, and the Plenary Session reviews and discusses the results of the two committees and other matters. In addition, a special plenary session was held in September 2022 to exchange views on the revision of Japan's Development Cooperation Charter. In addition, given that multi-stakeholder partnerships play an indispensable role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been actively exchanging views with multiple stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, at the "Roundtable for the Promotion of Sustainable Development Goals" since September 2016.NGO-JICA Consultative MeetingStarted in 1998 (established by the predecessor of JICA), it is held four times a year to promote effective international cooperation by strengthening the partnership between NGOs and JICA, and to increase public understanding and participation in the cooperation between NGOs and JICA as equal partners. In addition, in order to engage in dialogue and consultation with NGOs carrying out aid projects overseas, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan regularly holds "NGO-Embassy Consultations" in various countries overseas, which are composed of officials in charge of ODA project affairs of Japanese embassies, relevant personnel of JICA overseas missions, and Japanese NGOs, to exchange opinions and hold consultations on the implementation status of ODA projects on a regular basis.
(Photo: Created by the author based on data from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
| Asian-Japanese Women's Resource Center (AJWRC) |
| The Asia Japan Women's Resource Center was established in 1995 with the aim of eliminating violence and discrimination against women, promoting social change from the perspective of human rights and gender equality, and carrying out activities such as information sharing, education, and advocacy.
AJWRC was granted special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 2000, and has participated in meetings and activities of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and related agencies, submitted reports and recommendations, and expressed its views and demands on women's issues. When the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) conducts periodic reviews of Japan, AJWRC, as a member of the Japanese NGO network, submits alternative reports to reflect the status and problems of women's rights in Japan, and supervises and supplements the government. In the United Nations Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Japan, it submits NGO reports on the human rights status of women in Japan, and jointly voices with other organizations to push the Japanese government to improve the status of women's rights. Since 1995, AJWRC has held more than 300 events, published more than 200 magazines and journals, and shared more than 1,000 news articles on gender inequality in Japan and abroad. AJWRC also shares experiences and best practices with global women's organizations and NGOs to form synergies in international governance and jointly promote the realization of the United Nations gender equality goals. |
Experience of international non-governmental organizations in participating in international governance
Although China, Canada and Japan differ in historical processes, political systems, social and cultural backgrounds, legal frameworks and development methods, and Chinese social organizations also have their own characteristics in terms of functional positioning, operating mechanisms and social roles, some practices and experiences of international NGOs in participating in international development and global governance have certain reference and reference significance for Chinese social organizations.
Improve laws, policies and mechanisms to support NGO participation in international governance. The governments of Canada and Japan both regard non-governmental organizations as important partners in the field of international development, and provide legal and policy frameworks and corresponding mechanisms for non-governmental organizations to participate in international development. For example, the aforementioned "Canadian Civil Society Organization Policy" provides a legal and policy framework for Canadian civil society organizations to participate in Canada's international aid. Japan's "NPO Law" and "Public Welfare Recognition Law" and other laws also clearly include "NGO participation in global governance". These are all guarantee factors for promoting NGOs to effectively participate in global governance. my country's current "Regulations on the Registration and Administration of Social Groups", "Regulations on the Administration of Foundations", and "Interim Regulations on the Registration and Administration of Private Non-Enterprise Units" have not yet made provisions for social organizations to participate in global governance. Improving the laws and regulations on social organizations' participation in global governance will help create a supportive legal environment for social organizations to go global and participate in international governance.
Support NGOs in terms of funding and capacity building. Canada and Japan's funding project grants and subsidies for non-governmental organizations provide Japanese NGOs with financial guarantees for international cooperation. Japan has also set up special consulting programs, internships and training programs for NGO capacity building. At present, the partnership between social organizations and the government in my country has not been fully established, and substantive support from the national level for social organizations to participate in global governance is still insufficient. Drawing on the experience of Canadian and Japanese NGOs in funding support, capacity building and partnership building, we can strengthen support for Chinese social organizations, provide support for social organizations to participate in global development governance, and cooperate with social organizations in developing countries to promote the funding and talent gaps faced by global sustainable development.
Build a diverse network of dialogue and cooperation to expand influence. NGOs in Canada and Japan have established mutually supportive partnerships with their governments. The government provides policy guidance and legal protection for NGOs, while NGOs provide professional services and advice to the government, jointly promoting social development. The multi-stakeholder collaboration model in which Japanese NGOs cooperate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, JICA, the business community, universities, volunteers, international organizations, etc. is widely used in international development. my country can learn from this experience and establish a regular communication mechanism between social organizations and relevant government departments, guide social organizations to cooperate with NGOs, enterprises, research institutions, etc. in countries along the Belt and Road under the strategic framework of the "Belt and Road" and "Global Development Initiative", actively participate in global governance, and promote global and regional development.
References:
https://www.un.org/en/civil-society/page/about-us
https://alliance2030.ca/members/canadian-council-international-co-operation/
https://learning.candid.org/resources/knowledge-base/ngo-definition-and-role/
http://ijs.cssn.cn/xsyj/bkwz/202209/t20220928_5543865.shtml
https://www.mcleodgroup.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/REVISED-McLeod-Group-Policy-Brief-13-CSOs-.pdf
https://aidwatchcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/July-2023-Revised-CC-Report-on-Cdn-ODA.pdf
https://www.aisixiang.com/data/130878.html
https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/other/bluebook/2024/en_html/chapter4/c040102.html
https://www.japanplatform.org/about/profile/index.html
All rights reserved, please indicate the source when citing.