GEF's Partnership with Civil Society Organizations and Policies Summary
GEF actively engages Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in its programs and policies, facilitating their participation at both project and global policy levels. The definition of civil society includes various major groups, and CSOs play a vital role in GEF's initiatives. Specific policies have been adopted to ensure CSO involvement, setting the foundation for collaboration and engagement in GEF activities. Public involvement in GEF-financed projects is also a key aspect, emphasizing information dissemination, consultation, and stakeholder participation. Additionally, the GEF Council consults with CSOs, including indigenous peoples' organizations, before important meetings to gather diverse perspectives and expertise for decision-making.
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GEFs Partnership with Civil Society Organizations GEF Expanded Constituency Workshop March 22 24, 2011 Kyiv, Ukraine
Civil Society Organizations: Policies and Participation GEF actively engages CSOs in its programs, projects and policies CSOs participate in GEF through: Involvement and participation in GEF projects; and Involvement in policy processes through the GEF Assembly and the Council. Specific policies adopted by the GEF Council, setting the foundation for CSO engagement in GEF activities on two distinct levels, projects and international policy.
What is Civil Society? The GEF recognizes the definition of major groups agreed by Governments at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992. Civil society consists of nine major groups: Non-Governmental organizations, farmers, women, the scientific and technological community, youth and children, indigenous peoples and their communities, business and industry, workers and trade unions and local authorities. In this context the basic principle, as approved by the GEF Council in 1995 (GEF/C.3/5), is that CSOs/NGOs attending/observing Council meetings are defined as non-profit organizations whose mandate, experience, expertise and capacity are relevant to the work of the GEF.
GEF Policies Related to CSO involvement at the Project Level The Public involvement in GEF-financed projects: policy approved by the GEF Council in April 1996. Public involvement comprises three related and often overlapping processes: information dissemination consultation stakeholder participation Applies to all GEF focal areas programs and projects; Spells out the rationale, terms and principles for public involvement Solidifies operational requirement for stakeholder involvement and partnership in the design, implementation, and evaluation of GEF-financed activities
GEF Policies - Global Policy Level GEF Council consults with civil society organizations, including indigenous peoples organizations, before every Council including replenishment meetings. Must be members of CSO NGO network. (http://www.thegef.org/gef/csos and www.gefngo.org) Following criteria applies to selection of sponsored participants: A broad based geographic representation should be ensured Relevant competencies for the GEF agenda Balance among international, national and local representatives and wide range of views and expertise Past attendance of CSOs at Council meetings should be considered and rotation among CSOs should be sought
The Rationale for Public Involvement in GEF-financed Projects Public involvement improves the performance and impact of projects by: Enhancing recipient country ownership of, and accountability for, project outcomes Addressing the social and economic needs of affected people Building partnerships among project executing agencies and stakeholders Making use of skills, experiences, and knowledge, specifically of non- governmental organizations (NGOs), community and local groups, and the private sector in the design, implementation and evaluation of project activities.
