GLOBAL CIVIL SOCIETY AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION Petatn key eae After studying this chapter, the students will be able to: Define civil society and nongovernmental organizations. . Examine the role of civil society organizations in globalization. . Discuss the’ various global civil society organizations and their interests. Inspired by the Arab Spring in the Middle East and community uprisings in some parts of Europe, the Occupy Movement or Occupy Wall Street movement surprised the world's financial center. It quickly spread in some parts of the US like Boston, San Diego, Atlanta and Los Angeles. In just a week, the convergence of diverse backgrounds received a worldwide attention through a series of ‘occupations and demonstrations in key cities outside the US. Protests were held in major metropolis centers like Buenos Aires, Hong Kong and Madrid. The movement was an eye opener for societies and countries that have negatively affected and ruined by the aggressive and monopolistic practices of capitalism. Members and conveners of the groups have associated pressing global problems of unemployment and joblessness, poverty and hunger, and corruption to the Wall Street greed. A noticeable sign that captures the hearts and minds of the many was “Dear 1%. We were asleep. Now we've woken up. Signed, the 9996" The Occupy Wall Street movement was not a people's initiative demanding only a change, but it was aimed to transform ‘economic landscapes on how governments and key economic institutions respond to the 99% problems of the world. From the 99——+e@ @ Globalization in Contemporary World @ personal observations of Sarah Van. r, David Korten and Ste\ Piersanti, who documented the struggles and activities of the grou the Occupy movement made a difference. It has called in redefinie ‘the value of labor, demanded an increase in the budget of education, and reforms in the battered economic system of US. The Occupy Wall Street movement is just only one of the many non-government organizations in the world. This group is bonded by commonality of interests and aspirations. The group shares the same goals that other global organizations hold — the stoppage of global problems caused by the few and experienced Stop the New Round or new WTO Round movement in the Philippines has a similar sentiment with other organizations that have disapproval with WTO and its trade liberalization. Sally (2004) and Quinsaat (2011) described the Philippines’ inclusion in the WTO as part of the “developing country syndrome” which includes the ‘economy's weak trade policy and inability to participate actively in the WTO. Social movements in the country are deeply entrenched on the issues of appropriate mobilization of techniques of WTO which will continue to hamper and punish the country's struggling economy. Civil society and non-governmental organizations or NGOs: are the third sector of the society aside from the government and business. The United Nations recognizes the important role of partnering with civil society groups and non-governmental organizations in advancing the welfare of its stakeholders. The participatory mechanisms of NGOs and civil society groups like the Occupy movement provide avenue for all parties to relook actions and norms that are considered potentially beneficial and potentially The formation of United, Nations in 1945 was pivotal in the recognition of civil society organizations and NGOs. This era was marked by participation of NGOs in the decision-making of the body. They did not only help the role of UN in strengthening relationship with the private sectors, but these:civic organizations were active also in influencing UN in adopting its economic and social arm astmmental brs. The $ like the (actions Dtentially al in the ‘era was he body. Ationship fe active ial arm @ Globalization in Conremponany World @ the formal implementation of the organ Economic and Social cil or ECOSOC. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have strong ences and role in globalization. Its operation is very evident disciplines and industries such as commerce’ and trade, ‘and press, human rights, environmental groups, migration and = These groups and social interests are described as_civil ‘an activity for groups and individuals that is relatively ndent and not within the scope of governmental interference 2009). Global Civil Society (GCS) is a global and ational_network of nongovernmental organizations with the of influencing governments and organizations in various ss and concerns. It is usually identified as organized attempts to te and resist change. There are numerous explanations behind ‘operations of civil society organizations and social movements d the world. World Bank defined civil society as: “The wide array of non-governmental” and “not-for-profit izations that have a presence in public lite, expressing the sts and values of their members or others, based on ethical, ‘political, scientific, religious or philanthropic considerations. ‘society organizations therefore refer to a wide array of izations: community groups, NGOs, labour unions, indigenous charitable organizations, faith-based _ organizations, sssional associations, and foundations.” The international operation of NGOs is shaped by ments; while its domestic operation is influenced within the jework of local and national: institutions. The “globalization del” stresses that the increasing interconnectedness of the world affected the structures and processes of some social ments in other countries» (Giugni, 2002; Tadem 2011). er, there are NGOs that operate within the control mechanism d instruction of national governments like in Russia and China. In 1e cases, NGOs are not allowed to operate in country like North. The various movements formed to challenge policies of the 'O are examples of rich networks of groups and organizations ound the world. The protests held in Seattle, Washington during e 1999 WTO meetings was a clear move of expressing the 101——+©@ @ Globalization in Conremponany World @ @¢-—— frustration of the protesters in their demand to reduce forest products. The same case was experienced in Doha, Qatar of November 2001 known as Doha Round, it failed due to the move of making the free trade conditional. The Doha Round disappointed some activists and NGOs turned out to protest showing their dismay on the move to adopt higher labor and environmental standards. This particular form of involvement from the private sector and non-governmental organizations in the political and economic realm is seen as armory in the promotion of transparency and accountability. Lobbying in governments, participating in public protest, and maintaining information campaign are some known styles of articulating their interests and expressing their stand on an issue. Ciencia cance ‘An NGO must be entirely independent from the control of any government. It should have its‘own authority and jurisdiction over its operation and decisions. NGOs’ design their own programs and activities and maintain their networks without interference from the government. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is very active in lobbying for some environmental policies that are critical to the ecology. It has ties with some government agencies in policy-making concerning environment however, its authority and jurisdiction are independent from the influences and power of the government. . NGOs are not considered ”“as political’ parties. They have participation in political issues like human rights and environmental pollution, but they are not classified as an ‘organization that is part of the bureaucratic operation of the state. ‘An example of this is Transparency International (TI), an independent. think-tank focusing on the governmental. and democratic practices of bureaucracies in the world. This firm is known in examining corruption cases and accountability of political actors and key political organization. TI is not under the control of any government and its operation is not influenced nor directed by any political party. . NGOs perform their tasks not for the purpose! of generatino income or profit: They are described as non-profit and not-for-— ice forest , Qatar of Ithe move of Sisappointed their dismay andards. sector and nomic realm srency and 9 in public me known ‘Stand on an htrol of any ‘diction over A programs Interference WF) is very are critical agencies in Uthority and (ower of the They have ights and fed as an ofthe state. H (TI), an ental “and This firm is ntability of tunder the enced nor ‘generating fad not-for }@ Globalization in Contemporary World @ @¢-—— _ profit organization or entity. The existence and operating costs of NGOs rely on the members’ contribution and practice of ‘sponsorship from the private sector and entities that have interests in their causes. Meese aot a The World Economic Forum (WEF) outlined the following 2s of NGOs and CSOs: Watchdog. CSOs monitor the behavior of institutions, in the promotion of transparency and accountability. It monitors how institutions behave in terms of its programs that have national and public interest and are detrimental and beneficial to stakeholders. ‘Advocate. They initiate programs that could raise™public awareness of issues and challenges and advocating for change. (CSOs are known in articulating and publicizing issues that need public involvement especially matters requiring the initiative and ‘strong participation of the public. Service provider, These organizations are active in delivering services to meet societal needs including food and security, health and education as well as preparedness and disaster ‘management. Some organizations provide services and projects, that governments fail to deliver especially during critical period like emergency relief and assistance. Expert. They bring unique knowledge and_ experience to evaluate’ policy and strategy and identify solutions. CSOs are known as major primary provider of knowledge and expertise on various engagements like institutional reforms, enhancement of basic social services and its delivery, and economic ‘empowerment. Capacity ‘builder: Civil society provides services providing relevant training, education and capacity building to ‘communities. Its direct involvement in grassroots community has resulted to the development on the lives of the people where services on education, health, and training programs have implemented. 103,——+e@ @ Globalization in Contemporary World @ 6. ‘Incubator. CSOs act as an armory in developing solutions that requires long payback period. They have systematic and enhanced knowledge infrastructures that provide sustainable and substantial solutions to key problems. . Representative. They give power in’emphasizing rights of marginalized and voices of under-represented, CSOs a described as major voices in linking the interest) of marginalized and underprivileged» sectors of society ‘governments and concerned agencies. Gitizenship champion: CSOs are known in encouraging citize’ engagement and championing the rights of the minority. Empowering communities is an institutional concept used b CSOs in most of its programs which aim to uplift’and accelera community participation in advancing their rights. Solidarity supporter. They promote the ethical, just and humane: practices as part of promoting universal values geared towards ‘sustainability and balanced life of the many. CSOs encourage full support and commitments of primary stakeholders like government, private and public sectors in key issues. 10. Definer of standards. CSOs create and frame norms that will shape and make the activities of the people and societies. Thei practices and innovative programs are sometimes used benchmark and global standards in the implementation” projects. Since no organization, entity or government can solve globa problems, these roles of civil society are important in engaging other international actors. Civil society helps government agencies and other non-governmental bodies in framing ideal policies an strengthening networks for a more collaborative partnership of all stakeholders. (NGOs Relationship with the Government and Private Organizé The idea of independence among NGOs is a continuing challenge to some organizations. NGOs are not excused from the influences of the state especially under a authoritarian if not unstable 104citizen minority. used by ecelerate Shumane towards Incourage Iders like that will . Their used as tion of, global ing with ‘agencies ies and ip of all = bontinuing {from the [unstable ——++ © Globalization in Contemporary World @ @¢-—— democracies. There are NGOs that distance themselves from the influences of governments because of the belief that they are independent. There are also NGOs that have linkages and connections with governments. Their relationship with the government comes in many forms. NGOs need the support because they wanted to be recognized as a body promoting the interest of the minority and disadvantaged. There are cases that NGOs have funding support coming from the government which makes the ‘operation of the organization political in nature. The criticism for this is that NGOs exist because of profit generation coming from the ‘government budget. It was very controversial in the Philippines when ‘Some of its foliticianis and key government officials were accused of ‘using government funds in some favored and “ghosts” local NGOs. The public money was utilized in'some NGO projects, but it tuned ‘out in the investigation that these NGOs were used as “dummy’ or ‘medium of transferring the funds for the personal interests of government officials. Such practice was in total differences with the pronouncement of UN in the ethical roles of NGOs as partner for ‘community development. The partnership of NGOs with the private sector could be described as a love-hate relationship. There are private entities that have provided key logistical and monetary support to. same NGQs. The private sector is a major partner in designing program’ and implementing activities that are important to the goals"oftan NGO. Funds from a private donor are considered the'blood of spme NGOs jn partnering with the grassroot community. HoWéwer, there ‘are ‘explanations that some private organizations are using ofily!NIGOs to hide and deceive the public from the abuses and unjust practices ‘of the organization's operation. The daily business activities of firm and industry make serious and potential damage on biodiversity. Corporate Social Responsibility or'GSR is often been perceived as ‘company's strategy to deceive the public and evade binding fegulations (Champion and Gendron, 2004; Bled 2008). Some mining companies in countries like the Philippines and Brazil provide financial assistance and incentives to some NGOs as well as local ‘community. This norm leads to creating a new image on the real impacts and effects of mining operation to the environment. NGOs that have partnership with corporations tend to lessen thei frustration and anger towards the malpractices of the organization.——+@ @ Globalization in Cowremporany Wonld @ @+-—— ‘There are private corporations that have healthy relationship. with NGOs. HSBC, an international firm, is a donor of WWF in its project on protecting sea wildlife in Southeast Asia. The aid received is used for research on the sustainability of animals and incentives for its manpower in the region. In 2.2017 report published by NGO Advisor, a Geneva-based media organization, a list was provided bearing the top ten (10) NGOs in the world. The list satisfies a set of qualitative criteria which includes effectiveness, impact, efficiency, transparency and accountability, sustainability, strategic and financial management, and peer review. BRAC took the top sport for three consecutive years. Name of NGO Engagement and Sectoral Focus Health, Economic Empowerment, Education, Gender Issues, Community Building, Emergency = Crisis, Children & Youth, Law and Justice, Sanitation, Water, Refugees Dhaka, Bangladesh Doctors Without | Geneva, Switzerland | Emergency- Crisis, Borders Health Danish” Refugee | Copenhagen, Children and youth, Council Denmark. Demining, Emergency- Crisis, Human Rights, Refugees Skoll Foundation | California, USA | Economic Empowermentd incentives Geneva-based top ten (10) criteria which Parency and management, toral Focus (Economic | ferment, fon, Gender feammunity 3, Emergen Tehicron &” law and Sanitation, Refugees Aey- Crisis, land youth, | 2 y- Crisis, tights, © Clobalizarion in Contemporary World @ @e-— Virgina, USA Economic ‘empowerment New York, USA. Economic Empowerment, Social Justice ‘Oregon, USA ‘Community building; Emergenoy- Crisis and Refugees Economic. Empowerment, Health, Inclusion Lyon, France Nairobi, Kenya Economic: Empowerment, Emergency-Crisis, Refugees linois, USA Anti-violence, | Children and Youth, | Community Building Table 6.1. Top 10 NGOs in the World. Source: NGO Advisor Ue eu Ca eR oeE Transnational Nongovernmental Organizations are onal not-for-profit organizations that are independent and not controlled by governments. TNGOs operate as an extension the private life of the state transcending from domestic to ational affairs. Liberalists see TNGOs as a product of global of states and organizations. This phenomenon is closely ted with the trends and developments in technology as an ant component linking institutions and economies worldwide. ‘the other hand, realists are skeptical on the role and operation of . Activities of NGOs are described as extension of ental policies that favor the few and the interest of a single .. For instance, the operations of Multinational Corporations put much worries and doubts on the effect of its economic {0 the national interest of the country. 107——+e@ @ Globalization in Contemporary World @ @*-—— INGOs are seen very active in the domesticaffairs) in Coiintries under democracy. Democratic states do not only recognize the operation of NGOs but promote as well its involvement in the acceleration and delivery of its services. ftionational Corporations (MNCs) and Transnational Corporations are the modem versions of global commercial enterprises) Powerful organizations and firms like Google, T Val Mart, and Samsung continuously generating pr ata large scale. MNCs are companies that have global approach to markets and production with huge investment in production facilities located in different countries. Liberalists described this approach as a way of directly competing local industry and domestic brands leading to the decline of operation. Giant firms owned by the world’s biggest corporations have the advantage in terms of technology, production, logistics, and sustaining the market, These firms have penetrated the market earning billions of dollars for its sales. The idea of néoliberalism is identified as the main point off disagreement between governments and NGOs around the worid. This system of promoting excessive private decision-making and ‘economic freedom hampers societies that do not have the necessary resources to go with the trend and practice. Capitalist countries have often the greatest number of NGOs that are very keen on the actions and decisions of the private sector specifically capitalists and the central or national government as the main economic manager. The widening gap’ between the rich and poor is a: major opposition of economic NGOs. In its study, Oxfam blamed rising inequality on aggressive wage restraint, tax dodging and the ‘squeezing of producers by companies, adding that businesses were too focused on delivering ever-higher returns to wealthy owners and top executives; It added that the world's 62 richest billionaires were as wealthy as half the world’s population. rea jered as vanguard against the abuses of capitalists and organizations that negatively affect the environment: NGOs usually lobby to influence decision-makers, international organizations and governments. They undertake 108Fansnational commercial gle, Toyota, rating profit @pproach to jon facilities (pproach as Stic brands ‘the world’s echnology, lfims have les. ln point of ithe world, laking and Recessary tries have he actions ‘and the r. | a major ted rising land the Ses were ers and Tes were > Binst the fect the Uonake © Globalizarion in Conremponany World @ @e-— fous actions like research, fundraising, publicity and challenging ies and legislatures that are detrimental to the ecology and ironment. Greenpeace and World Wildlife Fund (WWE) are two the most) prominent environmental NGOs. Activities and ments of these organizations are described as assertive and ‘nfiuential. They operate in almost all countries especially those that environmental concerns. Greenpeace is known for its fearless and expression on the neglect of key institutions in damaging is, Shipments of toxic products, and forest degradation in areas Brazil. WWF on one hand is the world’s largest multinational tion organization. The central role of international environmental organizations governance takes in many forms. Esty (1998; 2002), Charnovitz 17), and Gemmill and Bamidele-Izu (2004) pointed out ways and ‘on how environmental groups can participate in global mance: |. Expert advice and analysis. NGOs can contribute in global ‘environmental decision making through providing éxpertise anid knowledge in dealing with ecological problems. Politicians and government bodies can seek advices form various environmental groups on matters that will affect environmental policies and actions. 2. Intellectual competition to governments. Environmental NGOs are sometimes more analytically equipped and ready than ‘governments in responding problems and environmental issues. Mobilization of public opinion. NGOs are known active mobilizers in informing the public and can influence the public's decision- making, Representation of the voiceless. NGOs are considered as the frontline of representing parties affected by a more powerful body. They represent communities and areas that are adversely affected by problems brought by the damage of the environment Monitoring and assessments. NGOs perform best when it comes to monitoring and assessing policies and agreements in international level. They examine and strengthen global decisions agreed and framed by governments, 109——+0@ @ Globalization in Contemporary World @ 6. Legitimization of global scale decision-making. The available of technical expertise of NGOs are considerably an ideal source or reference of decisions by parties and governments. The various environmental groups in the world have the sufficient understanding in delivering timely and relevant responses to number of environmental problems. OTP on cutee ecard The adoption of UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 which centers on the promotion of political participation-and freedom, entitlements and access to adequate food, shelter, clothing, and health care provided a more pronounced obligation of. the state to its citizens. This adoption was followed by the resurgence ‘of other bodies and conventions such as women's and children’s: rights, discrimination and abuse. Under UNs management, the organization has the right to act issues concerning human rights violation, For instance, cases of abuses in Kosovo, Somalia, and Cambodia were recognized as security issues where violation of human rights and security of the people are regarded as integral part of national and global security. The presence of NGOs in providing support to cases relating to human rights are important in a way that these groups have active monitoring and aid in protecting the rights of the minorities, marginalized and underprivileged. Amnesty International or Al is one of the world’s most famous and active human rights NGOs operating in different countries worldwide. Al maintains its global prestige and integrity of not accepting money and donations from governments and political organizations/parties. It is known in focusing key advocacies and causes on judicial and justice system reform, abolition of death penalty, protecting the rights of migrants and refugees as well as protection to human rights defenders, and promoting the rights of marginalized communities and indigenous peoples. ‘The world is in a period of uncertainties and.complexities and civil society groups are challenged by the different trends, opportunities and threats. The operation of civil society might be in a different trajectory in the future nonetheless, its role would be the ‘same in terms of its importance in partnering with other agencies and 0}@ Globalization in Contemporary World World Economic Forum listed down the four critical | ‘and driving forces on the future of civil society: Mex, This is an era characterized by national and nal conflicts. An increasing role of government will be seen a reat strong security controls over other major institutions 1 oxen Sand mdustries. NGOs will expect a limited ffnot lack jing coming from key donors and partners. ranisparency Blurred. Economic globalization wil continue to as the primary face of state relations. The period 2020-2030 ved in dealing global issues where governments and actively be partnered combating these problems. breakthroughs under the radar of fourth Fal revolution is expected to be a force in botheconomic ‘and social development. Turbulence and Trust Deficits. Sigrificant tension wight Soo Loser pnysical conflcts will happen among partners and eet within interest groups and citizens will be challenged nt by the lack of volatile funding. An intense and visils pation of citizens in various activities is to be experienced at privatized World, Nebliberalism norm and the'emerging power of vation is geen to be more influential. Inequality wil be. at save where divide would be a serious threat to societies {governments are weak and dependent on the resources ofa ‘powerful entity and government.