Global Environmental Policy Module 1 NGOs and Communities

Global Environmental Policy - Module 1: NGOs and Communities - Global Environmental Policies and NGOs and Communities

Class Matrix Module 1: Global Environmental Policy Governments Business and Industry NGOs and Communities Today Module 2: National Environmental Policy Module 3: Local Environmental Policy

NGOs and Sustainability Local Citizens NGOs Global Environment

What are NGOs? • set up around shared and common ideas/problems • non-governmental, and is not part of the local or prefectural government • self-governing, that is, it is not externally controlled • voluntary in its activities and in its membership.

NGOs or NPOs? • NGO and NPO both stand for what it is not … • “NGO” stands for Non Governmental Organization, and focuses on organizational character: not the government) • “NPO” stands for Non Profit Organization, and focuses on its economic character: not a private firm

Why are NGOs important? NGOs/NPOs are important as a link between the community that they serve, and international organizations and the UN. They help to collect important problems and other topics to UN meetings, and also help in distributing environmental information to the communities they serve.

Why are NGOs important? Problems, ideas, monitoring, opinion etc. United Nations NGO/NPO Policies, programmes, campaigns, information Community

What are the advantages of NGOs? • They are flexible, and can try different ideas. • They can be innovative and can use different methods of work. • They have good links with communities. • They can communicate with different groups. • Many NGOs/NPOs have experienced staff on different issues.

What are the advantages of NGOs? Internal aspects • Professionalism • Knowledge and awareness • Vision development External aspects • Participation • Partnership • Networking

NGOs in Developing Countries? • NGOs work mostly on poverty issues – with very poor people • Projects in education, health, skill development, housing, finance etc. • Help in areas where local government is weak • Keep a check on government action

NGOs in Developing Countries? NGOs may be of two types: Work with and for governments on broad development topics and projects National, provincial or local governments Work ‘against’ governments in campaigning and advocating change in public systems

NGOs and United Nations? • Participate in and help prepare for UN Meetings • Provide a ‘voice’ for developing countries and communities at the UN • Help develop international policies of UN, including technical expertise • Help in distributing information at the local level • Organize meetings and training on international policies at the local level

NGOs and United Nations? Major Groups in the UN • • • Business and Industry The UN defines Children and Youth NGOs broadly as Farmers “major groups” Indigenous Peoples Local Authorities NGOs Scientific & Technological Community Women Workers and Trade Unions http: //sustainabledevelopment. un. org/majorgroups. html

NGOs and United Nations? • UN-wide example: NGO Branch The NGO Branch is the focal point within the United Nations for Non. Governmental Organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) http: //esango. un. org/

NGOs and United Nations? • UN-wide example: NGLS The Non-governmental Liaison Service The United Nations Non. Governmental Liaison Service (UNNGLS) is an inter-agency programme. Its aim is to promote and develop constructive relations between the United Nations and civil society organizations. http: //www. un-ngls. org/

NGOs and United Nations? • UN-wide example: The UN Stakeholder Forum The United Nations Stakeholder Forum is an international organization working to advance sustainable development and promote democracy at a global level. http: //www. stakeholderforum. org/

International NGOs Major International NGOs working on Environment and Sustainable Development • Greenpeace • Oxfam • Friends of Earth • Worldwide Fund for Nature etc …

NGOs and United Nations? • Every UN agency (eg: UNDP), multi-lateral bank (eg. Asian Development Bank) or bilateral agency (eg. JICA) has a sepcial department dealing directly and specially with NGOs. • These partnerships work on a strategic, programmatic and project levels.

NGOs and United Nations – Example #1 UN NGO African Cities Energy Network Meeting Network

NGOs and United Nations – Example #2 Environmental Technology Centre, Murdoch University, Australia UN University Online E-Learning Book

More info on NGOs See the NGO Café at: http: //www. gdrc. org/ngo/

Next session Module 1: Global Environmental Policy Governments Business and Industry NPOs and Communities Module 2: National Environmental Policy Next … Module 3: Local Environmental Policy

Class Communication … Resources, websites, ideas, notes will be available online: www. gdrc. info/gep/ Send me an email anytime! Hari Srinivas hari. srinivas@kwansei. ac. jp IMPORTANT: When you send an email, please always put “[GEP]” in the subject line!