Dialogue & Dissent

and Enabling Environment

Cornelius Hacking

Cornelius.hacking@minbuza.nl

Substantial percentage of ODA via CSOs:

2011: € 1211 million (26% of NL – ODA)2012: € 1109 million (25% of NL – ODA)2013: € 1100 million (26% of NL – ODA)

Always in 3 categories: thematic programmes (± 45%), directly via embassies (± 15%), and capacity building programmes (± 40%).

Despite severe budget cuts there will be only a slight decrease in percentage of ODA to CSOs: 22% expected by 2016.

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Current Dutch funding of CSOs

Background of New policy framework for Capacity building of CSOs

Strengthening Southern CSOs Support their role as ‘watchdog’. Connect them to the global agenda. Provide political backing.

Primarily through Dutch CSOs Added value of CSOs in povery alleviation, inclusive economic

development and for their role in addressing GPGs. CSOs are an important backbone of a strong society.

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Future collaboration Dutch government with civil society:Strengthening CSOs in lower- and lower-middle income countries

Attention for lobby and advocacy (for in-country service delivery and bringing national issues to global policy arena).

Enabling Environment for CSOs.

Through strategic partnerships and Accountability Fund (additional funding for direct support to CSOs by Embassies); an Innovation Fund will be added to the framework as well.

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Shift in Dutch Policy towards civil society (implemented from 2016 onwards)

Strategic Partnerships

Max. 25 partnerships (min € 2 mln., max € 20 mln. annually)

A strategic partnership is more far-reaching than the relationship between grant provider and grant recipient.

Jointly define strategic goals.

Partners will retain their own identity and respect each other’s fundamental independence. Agreements will be made about roles, tasks, responsibilities and communication.

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Accountability Fund

To support the lobby and advocacy role of local CSOs.

Local CSOs have become stronger in the recent years.

Direct funding of Southern organisations will be intensified.

More direct contact between CSOs and Dutch Embassies.

Enabling environment is essential for CSOs to function.

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Enabling Environment – the playing fields of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1. Co-chair of the GPEDC: influence agenda, multi-stakeholder,

monitoring of Busan commitments, etc.

2. Strategic Partnerships: enabling environment for L&A.

3. Bilateral, via Embassies.

4. EU-Roadmaps for engagement with Civil Society.

5. Other donors: member of the International Donor Group (IDG):

learn, exchange and cooperate in supporting CSOs.

6. Community of Democracies’ Working Group on Enabling and

Protecting Civil Society: calls for action when human rights are

likely to be infringed by new laws.

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….the playing fields…. (cont.): Task Team on CSO Development Effectiveness and Enabling Environment

Task Team on CSO Development Effectiveness and Enabling Environment:

Objectives: Strengthen democratic

ownership. Implement an enabling

environment for civil society (including donor support models and engagement with civil society.

Further the development effectiveness of CSOs.

Activities: Influence implementation at

country level: pilots in partner countries.

Research on multi-stakeholder partnerships

Develop framework and guidelines for the measurability of Enabling Environment.

Input for work on Indicator 2 of the GPEDC

GP-Initiative on inclusiveness and partnerships

Input for work on future SC meetings and HLM of GPEDC.