Civil society organizations (CSOs) range from think tanks and research institutes to professional associations, human rights groups, philanthropic bodies, trade unions, community- and faith-based organizations, and so on. They all play an important role in the society and contribute to the consolidation of democracy because they help establish a responsive state. In turn, a responsive state is held accountable not only for the normal procedures of competitive democracy but also for cooperation with diverse interest groups in formulating and executing public policies. Provided that they remain independent from the state, CSOs bring more legitimacy to the policymaking process by making it more representative, transparent, open, and inclusive.
Vanesa Weyrauch, Director of the Civil Society Influence Program at CIPPEC, Argentina, discusses the role of civil society in good governance in her CIPE Development Institute presentation (free registration required). She says:
- “A responsive state needs to include diverse groups in the formulation, execution, and implementation of public policies. We can only build a responsive state if we have a good and strong civil society.”
You can learn more about CIPE Development Institute here.
Published Date: March 23, 2009