State of Civil Society / From Rio+20 to Beyond 2015 Volunteerism, Role of civil society voice Africa to the Occupy Movement and citizen in intergovernmental protests, from those against austerity to civic engagement organisations those demanding fair elections.5 A late and the post-2015 2013 analysis (covering 87 countries and In 2013, civic engagement was again high- 90 percent of the world’s population) agenda lighted as an essential element for sustain- of 843 protests between 2006 and 2013 able development, as reflected clearly in notes the main grievances were economic United Nations Volunteers an array of publications and statements on justice and opposition to austerity, failure of developing a new development framework political representation and political systems, (UNV) building on the Millennium Development global justice and human rights.6 It noted Goals (MDGs).4 However, civil that the increase in the number society is now more diverse and diversity7 of protests A 2009 United Nations Conference on Trade than ever, ranging from are “a result of people’s and Development (UNCTAD)/Non-Governmen- organised groups to huge growing awareness that tal Liaison Service (NGLS) publication posed movements and vari- policy-making has not the question: “The UN and civil society: Who is ous forms of non-for- prioritized them.” missing and why does it matter?” The publica- mal mass action. This tion went on to call for the direct involvement of brings with it unpar- A changed civil society peoples’ movements to add to the existing con- alleled power and context was also illus- tributions of established civil society organisa- possibilities, but also trated by the findings of tions (CSOs) to the work of the United Nations.1 complexities. It makes the Civil Society at Cross- it harder to work with a roads research project, This contribution reflects on the evolving con- representative cross-sec- which found different forms text and importance of inclusive citizen engage- tion of civil society, but brings of organising among civil soci- ment for successful work in the multilateral with it opportunities for innova- ety players – reflected in different arena. It then focuses on opportunities that tive solutions that can potentially trans- forms of engagement, expression and inno- can be capitalised on and challenges that need form citizen-state relations. vation – requiring realigned relationships to be addressed to better include volunteer nationally and internationally as a result of groups as part of broader civil society efforts to A 2013 World Economic Forum report noted blurred North-South boundaries.8 Achieving achieve people-centred development through how “networked citizens have started to representativeness of civil society and citizen multilateral arenas, with a particular focus on change the interface and expectations of voice in governance processes is complex and the post-2015 process.2 This paper draws upon civil society empowerment.” It highlighted cannot simply rely on including organised civil the insights of 13 interviewees from CSOs, vol- different forms of citizen expression and society as a proxy.9 As the 2011 CIVICUS Civil unteer groups and intergovernmental organisa- participation over recent years, including Society Index (CSI) summary report noted: tions.3 uprisings in the Middle East and North “CSOs are in danger of being seen as urban, 163 State of Civil Society / From Rio+20 to Beyond 2015

elitist institutions, disconnected from their volunteerism can play, alongside broader civil nities. However there is some resistance on constituencies.”10 However, there are new and society efforts, to achieve people-centred the basis that volunteer groups don’t bring broader alliances that can also emerge with development. a separate policy angle new powers to influence change, for example, to the intergovernmen- the anti-corruption movement in India.11 However, perceptions tal process. They are from people in civil “In terms of also in a sense part of The importance of creating an enabling envi- society about the con- the work of all Major ronment that can respond to new forms of tributions of volunteers multilateral Groups.15 However, civic engagement in sustainable development and volunteer groups they are also a conduit is now widely acknowledged. The 2013 Report are mixed. As one inter- engagement, for decisions bringing of the UN Secretary-General on accelerating viewee reflected: community voice to progress for the MDGs and advancing beyond interviewees from the table and convey- 2015 said: “The world’s quest for dignity, “Volunteers provide ing back decisions also, peace, prosperity, justice, sustainability and an closeness to the issues CSOs and volunteer and in this way owner- end to poverty has reached an unprecedented and what’s going on. ship and accountability moment of urgency.”12 It acknowledged that However volunteering groups suggested at a community level is to achieve that: “People across the world are is a framework that enhanced.” demanding more responsive governments and isn’t commonly used that the quality better governance and rights at all levels.”13 – it’s seen as unpaid This suggests there is work. This makes it of opportunities a need for more clarity The summary report from post-2015 harder to find common on the purpose and role consultations, “A Million Voices,” also purpose with other have been of volunteer groups. made citizen expectations clear: “The CSO groups, where the The terms volunteer- consultations have revealed a huge appetite language is deliber- mixed.” ing, volunteerism and and demand for involvement not only in the ately not used for polit- voluntary activities design of the development agenda, but also ical reasons. Because refer to a wide range in its future implementation.”14 of that the concepts of activities, including behind it need more explanation.” traditional forms of mutual aid and self-help, Civil society and the formal service delivery and other forms of need to recognise the Another interviewee in the multilateral arena civic participation, undertaken of free will, for role of volunteerism went further, saying: the general public good, and where monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.16 It is in this global context that we suggest there “We engage with organisations, not citizens; Within this conceptual framework, at least is a need to understand the constructive and that’s why we are glad to bring in the volun- four different types of volunteer activity can complementary role volunteer groups and teer voice to broaden the voice of commu- be identified: “mutual aid or self-help; service 164 State of Civil Society / From Rio+20 to Beyond 2015

to others; participation or civic engagement; workers to differentiate those we recruit to in June 2011 by CSO representatives from 70 and advocacy or campaigning”. 17 work in development on the basis that they countries explicitly recognised the contribu- receive a basic stipend and are not volunteers tion of volunteers to development effective- This clear breadth of volunteer work under- - and won’t be confused with stereotypes of ness. The Framework was later referenced mines suggestions that volunteerism is or volunteers.” in the Busan Partnership for Effective Devel- should be simply about service delivery and opment Cooperation, adopted by the Fourth shows volunteer work can also be oriented Partly in response to such attitudes, the term High-level Forum on Aid Effectiveness.22 towards achieving change, for example, volunteer involving organisations (VIOs) has through advocacy or social activism18 and been devised. It includes many groups, not Numerous volunteer groups were active in the through engagement in governance pro- all of which are within civil society, that organisation and content of the 2011 UN DPI/ cesses.19 The power of volunteer- actively engage volunteers in their NGO conference on the theme of “Sustaina- ism is related to its values of work, but do not consciously ble Societies, Responsive Citizens.” There was solidarity, reciprocity, social highlight volunteers as an some debate in this process about the extent inclusion, social cohe- explicit and visible part of to which volunteerism and volunteer groups sion, empowerment and their work. needed explicit recognition, as opposed to individual and societal implicit inclusion, as part of citizens’ and civil well-being.20 There are some recent society groups’ approaches to sustainable advances in recogni- development. This was particularly noticea- The engagement of tion of the role of vol- ble in the approach of environmental organ- volunteers in the work unteerism in CSO work, isations compared to more socially-oriented of civil society is more including in the Inter- organisations. It was therefore a leap forward frequently referred to as national Framework for that discussions and working together led to participation, mobilisation CSO Development Effective- a mutual understanding and recognition that or civic engagement than ness, the 2008-2011 CSI find- people volunteering their time in both kinds of volunteering. This partly reflects the ings, the 2011 UN Department of organisation form a fundamental base of cit- levels of professionalisation many CSOs have Public Information (DPI) Non-Governmen- izen engagement for sustainability. The final adopted over the last 20 years, partly in order tal Organizations (NGO) conference, the- out declaration was adopted by 1,300 civil society to maintain funding and credibility. However, comes of the Rio+20 sustainable development representatives.23 It demonstrated how a sub- it also corresponds to perceived negative summit and recognition of “volunteer groups” stantial conference preparation process, with stereotypes of volunteers as unprofessional, in post-2015 processes. diverse civil society representation, brought inexperienced and unqualified, even though about explicit recognition of the role of volun- there have been strong efforts to change The development of the International Frame- teerism in achieving sustainable societies. these misperceptions, particularly in the last work for CSO Development Effectiveness 10 years.21 As one agency explained when involved hundreds of civil society represent- Rio+20, held in 2012, offered a further exam- interviewed, “We use the term development atives and groups. The framework adopted ple. Volunteer groups worked in coalition 165 State of Civil Society / From Rio+20 to Beyond 2015

the Rio+20 outcome document. This has provided heightened recognition alongside the nine Major Groups that have provided avenues for civil society engagement in The 2010 MDG Summit The declaration of the 64th The RIO+20 outcome document The UNGA resolution that sets sustainable development processes since commits to include broader DPI/NGO conference of underscores that sustainable devel- up the organisation of the High civil society stakeholder 1,300 NGO representatives, opment requires the meaningful Level Political Forum (HLPF) 1992. See the growing recent recognition constituency including: ...vol- underlines the necessity to involvement and active participation explicitly recognises volunteer of volunteerism and volunteer groups in untary associations and foun- incorporate citizen engage- of all major groups...as well as other groups as relevant stakehold- dations...to enhance their ment and volunteering in stakeholders...including volunteer ers with whom member states Graphic 1: Recent Volunteerism Milestones. role in national development all plans for sustainable groups. (A/66/750). will interact in their discussion development and human about implementing sustaina- efforts as well as their contri- The report of the Secretary-General well-being (A/66/750). ble development bution to the achievement of to the 67th UNGA highlights how vol- These recent positive steps should under- the Millennium Development (A/Res/67/290). The 10th Anniversary of unteering can significantly contribute Goals by 2015 score that advocacy is part of volunteer- the international year of to the attainment of the MDGs, faster The report of the Secre- (A/Res/65/1). volunteers (IYV +10) provides social cohesion and enhance social tary-General to the 68th UNGA ism: “volunteers have supported action on an opportunity for UNV inclusion, life skills, employability, mentions volunteer groups as a scale that would not have been possible to mobilise a wide range resilience and community well-being. a separate constituency to take of stakeholders and UN Volunteerism should be an integral into account when implement- without their involvement, and education partners around volunteering part of the post-2015 development ing the transformative actions and awareness campaigns gain a reach that and civic participation, for- framework (A/67/153). of the post-2015 development mulating recommendations The UNGA resolution “integrating agenda (A/68/202). would be impossible if it were not for volun- for its further integration volunteering in the next decade” The final report of the consul- tary contributions of time, skill and energy, into policies and legislation, requests the Secretary-General to tations on the post-2015 devel- 25 which inspire resolution (A/ report to the General Assembly at its opment agenda, “A million to achieved broad-based social change.” It’s Res/66/67). 70th session (in 2015), on ...a plan of voices”, contains numerous action to be developed by (UNV) to references to the relevance of also important to note here that non-formal integrate volunteering in peace and volunteerism for the post-2015 voluntary action, where people act “…either development in the next decade and framework. beyond... (A/Res/67/138). as individuals or in groups, on either a peri- Recent Volunteerism Milestones odic or ongoing basis”26 should be seen as with like-minded groups, building on a very allowed organisations and individuals to reg- part of the civil society spectrum; the 2008- successful Volunteer Action Counts cam- ister their voluntary effort, which totalled 64 2011 CSI findings reported that non-formal paign. The campaign was organised by volun- million actions. The UN Secretary-General, action was the most common and preferred teer groups, with the United Nations Volun- in his report back to the UN General Assem- method for volunteering.27 teers (UNV) programme, in partnership with bly, explicitly referred to the power of those the Stakeholder Forum and Zero Footprint,24 64 million volunteer actions for sustainable Volunteer involving and with strong participation by many vol- development. organisations in unteer involving organisations, such as the multilateral processes International Federation of Red Cross and Red This active volunteer engagement and Crescent Societies (IFRC), the World Organi- coalition building, along with commitments In 2012, the annual meeting of international zation of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and by governments convinced of the volunteer cooperation organisations (IVCOs) the volunteer coordinating organisation of contribution of volunteers, achieved an in Ottawa, Canada addressed the issue of the response to the 2011 Japan tsunami. It explicit reference to “volunteer groups” in how volunteer groups could engage with 166 State of Civil Society/From Rio+20 to Beyond 2015

well as increased networking within and Formal voluntary action Non-formal voluntary action outside of VIOs. Secondly, there has also been resistance from within the broader family of CSOs – who tend to take volunteerism as such Participatory governance for granted and rather focus on their specific niche/political sectors and not on the very Active citizenship conditions for people’s participation and inter- • Implies rights and responsibilities not captured by “volunteerism” human relations, including volunteering.” • Includes voluntary action outside of state process (eg. In community) Thus, there are challenges both within Approaches aimed at helping citizens engage in processes and outside VIOs. Further challenges for of public deliberation and decision-making volunteer groups can be resource issues and a lack of focus on multilateral level issues. As another interviewee commented, “We Volunteerism focus more on advocacy in our headquarters • Facilitates and enables social action and in the specific countries where we work • Empowers individuals and communities than [sic] the global level.” Such engagement • Connects stakeholders and helps mutual accountablility also requires being able to demonstrate • Fosters depth and diversity of participation evidence of the substantive and distinctive • Enables potentioal for mass advocacy policy contribution of volunteer groups and • Builds and utilises social capital for improved governance volunteerism at the local level. The Benefits of Volunteerism post-2015 processes to encourage voluntary Volunteer groups have faced challenges in It is not easy to develop an evidence base, but civic engagement as a more explicit part of engaging in multilateral processes. One VIO this is crucial for effective policy engagement the new development framework. This led interviewee explained: by civil society,29 and work needs to be done to a declaration on volunteerism in the post- here with intergovernmental bodies, as rec- 2015 context, which was shared with the UN “Firstly, there have been barriers within the ognised for example by the Organisation for system to advocate for a role for volunteer community of VIOs itself, partly through a Economic Co-operation and Development groups. Similarly, a September 2013 volunteer lack of awareness and recognition of the (OECD) report, Better Policies for Develop- stakeholders meeting in New York led to the importance of engaging more strongly in ment. It points out the need to complement formation of a task force28 involving a broader multilateral processes, and partly through standard economic measures with other coalition of volunteer groups, which led to a resource shortness to engage effectively indicators covering dimensions of well-being first-ever intervention on behalf of volunteer as a collective. These have to be overcome and societal progress, such as income ine- groups at the 2013 General Assembly High through internal policy development and qualities and many important services that Level Event on the MDGs. strategy work, strengthened resources as households produce at home, including vol- 167 State of Civil Society / From Rio+20 to Beyond 2015

unteer activities.30 The development of such suggested that the quality of opportunities UN consultation with civil society is based on non-monetary measures will be important has been mixed. As one volunteer group Article 71 of the 1945 UN charter.34 In 2004, for developing a credible and accounta- interviewee said: the Cardoso High Level Panel on UN-Civil ble post-2015 framework with useful indi- Society Relations recommended that the cators. Volunteer groups are increasingly “There are not overt barriers at multilat- UN become more outward-looking, focusing investing in this area to better document eral levels. Historically, governments and on convening and facilitating work with civil their substantive contributions. The Inter- multilaterals have supported volunteer- society. It suggested that the UN embrace a national Labour Organisation (ILO) made ism. This support has often led to people plurality of constituencies to connect local an important contribution to standardising from the volunteering world taking key operational work with global goals, and measurement of volunteer work through roles in international engagement. How- ensure that these reflect local realities.35 As its Manual on the Measurement of ever, I think that governments highlighted by a range of interviews for this Volunteer Work.31 The manual and multilaterals still see paper, civil society and volunteer groups are provides a standardised set civil society generally, and seen as groups that can strongly engage a of measures of volunteer- volunteering in particu- plurality of constituencies and link the local ing for country labour lar, as amateur (so not to the global. The importance and complex- force surveys. What is serious) and suppli- ity of providing the UN with direct input increasingly important cant (only after the from people’s movements and people at the is to pursue comple- money), rather than margins requires volunteer groups to build mentary work by CSOs, equal partners.” carefully on lessons learned in this area.36 volunteer groups and multilateral/intergov- There is, however, Following on from Rio+20, the UN General ernmental bodies to pro- increasing recognition Assembly agreed to “establish a univer- mote and build on tools and of the substantive sal, intergovernmental, high-level political experience like the ILO manual contribution that volunteer forum, building on the strengths, experi- and civil society measures like the groups make. This is reflected in ences, resources and inclusive participation CIVICUS CSI. These can enhance participa- the “MY World” survey for the post-2015 modalities of the Commission on Sustaina- tory processes, ownership, engagement, sus- process, which collected the views of more ble Development, and subsequently replac- tainability and multiple accountabilities. than 1.5 million people32 through online, ing the Commission.”37 The high-level polit- mobile and offline outreach, and particularly ical forum (HLPF) will provide “political Volunteer groups and through strong voluntary civic engagement leadership, guidance and recommendations intergovernmental all over the world. Substantive recognition is for sustainable development,”38 and it will organisations also evident in key recent documents ranging probably be the home of the Sustainable from national post-2015 reports to those Development Goals (SDGs) after they are In terms of multilateral engagement, inter- by the Sustainable Development Solutions agreed upon by UN member states. “Volun- viewees from CSOs and volunteer groups Network and others.33 teer groups” were explicitly recognised as a 168 State of Civil Society/From Rio+20 to Beyond 2015

relevant stakeholder in the HLPF. They have holders, 18 percent of respondents high- volunteer groups make a contribution in the same rights as the other historic constit- lighted UNEP, 10 percent UNDP and 8 percent bringing voices from the local level but not uencies of the Major Groups, with a recog- the UN Commission on Sustainable Devel- making a substantive contribution to the nised voice in the process of monitoring the opment as having the most effective civil debate… Volunteer groups have done well implementation of the future SDGs.39 society interactions,43 suggesting that these to take advantage of recent opportunities, are arenas to explore for examples of prac- e.g. with the HLPF modalities and special A 2013 study on Strengthening Public Par- tice.44 Some particularly valued examples of reference to volunteer groups alongside ticipation at the UN noted the achieve- positive interaction have also been observed Major Groups. This reflects more openness ments and challenges of the Major Groups in mechanisms that provide some opportu- on the part of member states. Volunteer system.40 The report drew on past reviews to nity for participation alongside governments groups have taken up this space, but this has highlight the “dangers and advantages of the in discussions, drafting groups and govern- to be taken up as a long-term presence and professionalization of multi-stakeholder dia- ance, for example, the International Con- commitment.” logues.” It highlighted interest from a range ference on Chemicals Management (ICCM), of other groups, including people with disa- the Committee on World Food Security and Opportunities and bilities and volunteer groups and said, “Vol- its Civil Society Mechanism, or the ILO with challenges for unteers are asking for their contributions on its tripartite governance system where rep- volunteer groups the ground and to the implementation of the resentatives of governments, employers and sustainable development agenda to be rec- workers participate on equal terms.45 The fact It can be seen that there is growing recogni- ognized, and are keen to be able to engage that a diversity of volunteer groups engage tion of the contribution of volunteer groups fully in the process.”41 at different levels, from non-formal and com- to sustainable development, though there munity-based organisations to national and remains a need to improve the understand- In the context of the emerging experience international levels, suggests that there are ing of this amongst some. Volunteerism is with the HLPF, it is worth considering how many possibilities for engagement that could gradually being understood not just for its current examples and suggestions of good be explored. role in helping to deliver, but also for the practice in civil society interaction with substantive and distinctive contribution that multilateral arenas can be acted on and Volunteer groups should find ways forward volunteer groups can make in multilateral enhanced. Many people surveyed on post- and use the multiple arenas and new arenas. While there are still some challenges, 2015 accountability mechanisms proposed opportunities to build coalitions and gain the HLPF provides a positive entry point for a system of multiple accountability involving traction. As one interviewee in the multilateral volunteer groups to complement the work of all stakeholders, and to include governments, arena stated: others, such as the Major Groups and other civil society, donors and the private sector, stakeholders. along with all beneficiaries, particularly “The view from outside is that civil society those from marginalised groups.42 organisations with presence in multilateral The challenge for volunteer groups is to estab- arenas are often very specialised and with lish themselves as a broad and inclusive constit- In a recent survey of major groups and stake- strong knowledge on some issues. They see uency that can relate to all volunteer involving 169 State of Civil Society / From Rio+20 to Beyond 2015

organisations at the global, national and local volunteer groups offer benefits for collabora- Appendix 1. Interviewees for paper levels, as well as the formal and non-formal tion to strengthen the participation, voice and Anita Nayar, Chief, Office in New York, arenas. By doing so, they can offer connection representation of civil society. The challenge and Kathryn (Katie) Tobin, Associate to grassroots realities and make it easier for for CSOs is to see the benefits of accountability, Communications Officer, United Nations people in CSOs to recognise volunteer groups reach and action from engaging more strongly Non-Governmental Liaison Service as a key form of civic participation for sustaina- with volunteer groups at every level. (UN-NGLS) ble development. In turn, greater engagement with volunteers would allow CSOs to take on The challenge in multilateral arenas is to find Anush Aghabalyan, Senior Advocacy and address critiques of disconnect between genuine spaces for participatory governance Coordinator, World Association of Girl organised civil society and citizens, counter- that “promote greater democratic engagement Guides and Girl Scouts balance reliance on external funders, and by enabling citizens to play an active role in strengthen direct connections with citizens.46 the decision-making process.”47 The post-2015 Barbara Hogan, Director, International process provides a valuable framework to con- Volunteering, CUSO International Volunteer groups can now be seen as part of solidate this space in structure and in practice, a broader movement to build on the Major building on citizens’ engagement with partici- Chantal Line Carpentier, Sustainable Groups process. As one interviewee from the patory processes and consultations to date and Development Officer and Major Groups multilateral arena noted: the emerging recognition of volunteer groups. Programme Coordinator, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Division for “Last year volunteer groups were advocating United Nations Sustainable Development for engagement but not so many others. Now Volunteers (UNV) others – energy, climate change, trade and Cristina Diez, Main representative to the UN, finance groups – are bubbling up and they can The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) pro- International Movement ATD Fourth World help [Major] Groups think about how to be gramme is the UN organisation that promotes more visible and accountable. All groups need volunteerism to support peace and develop- Jake Bharier to be accountable to wider groups and people ment worldwide. Volunteerism can transform are searching for ways to create and invest in the pace and nature of development, and it Katie Turner, Global Research and Advocacy improving and changing the process. Groups benefits both society at large and the indi- Advisor, Volunteering for Development, and have to come together to help define that. vidual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace Kate Cotton, Global Advisor, Volunteering for Then we can find common cause.” and development by advocating for volun- Development, Innovations and Partnerships, teerism globally, encouraging partners to VSO International There are challenges and opportunities for integrate volunteerism into development CSOs to engage more successfully with volun- programming and mobilizing volunteers. Mandeep Tiwana, Head of Policy and teer groups and volunteerism in both formal Research, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen and non-formal settings. The diversity of vol- UNV is administered by the United Nations Participation unteerism and the substantive contribution of Development Programme (UNDP). 170 State of Civil Society/From Rio+20 to Beyond 2015

Mark Lister, Chief Executive, Progressio 1 N McKeon, Strengthening Dialogue: UN Experience with Small Society Index summary report: 2008-2011, CIVICUS, 2011, availa- Farmer Organizations and In¬digenous Peoples, UNCTAD/NGLS, ble at: https://civicus.org/downloads/CSIReportSummary.pdf‎. 2009, available at: http://www.un-ngls.org/IMG/pdf_complete. Nita Kapoor, Director General FK Norway/ pdf. 11B Pratt, Civil Society at a Crossroads: The impacts of political changes over the past two years in 2013 State of Civil Society, Fredskorpset, Chair, The International 2Post-2015 refers to the process led by the UN to help define the CIVICUS, 2013, available at: http://socs.civicus.org/?p=3835. Forum for Volunteering in Development future global development framework to succeed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). 12A Life of Dignity For All: Accelerating Progress Towards the Mil- lennium Development Goals and Advancing the United Nations 3See appendix for list of interviewees. Development Agenda Beyond 2015, United Nations General Xavier Longan, Programme Analyst, UN Assembly, 2013, Report of the Secretary-General, available at: Millennium Campaign 4Please see the following resources for information on the http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/pdf/A%20Life%20of%20 new development framework: A Million Voices: The World We Dignity%20for%20All.pdf. Want. A Sustainable Future with Dignity for All, United Nations Development Group, 2013, available at: http://www.undg.org/ 13Ibid, pg 11. docs/13183/f_UNDG_MillionVoices_Web_full.pdf; B Burns, J Howard et al., Work With Us: How People and Organisations can 14A Million Voices: The World We Want. A Sustainable Future Catalyse Sustainable Change, Institute of Development Studies, with Dignity for All, United Nations Development Group, 2013, 2013, available at: http://www.participate2015.org/wp-content/ available at: http://www.undg.org/docs/13183/f_UNDG_Million- uploads/2013/09/Work-with-us_How-people-and-organisa- Voices_Web_full.pdf. tions-can-catalyse-sustainable-change-FINAL.pdf; Civil Society Consultation for the High-level Panel of Eminent Persons on the 15Agenda 21 from the 1992 Earth Summit designated nine sectors Post-2015 Development Agenda, NGLS, 2013, available at: http:// of society as key channels for citizens to organise and participate www.worldwewant2015.org/NGLSconsultation; and The Future in global efforts for sustainable development through the UN, Role of Civil Society, World Economic Forum, 2013, available at: officially called “Major Groups,” The groups are: Business and http://www.weforum.org/reports/future-role-civil-society. Industry; Children and Youth; Farmers; Indigenous Peoples; Local Authorities; NGOs; Scientific and Technological Community; 5 The Future Role of Civil Society, World Economic Forum, 2013, Women; and Workers and Trade Unions. available at: http://www.weforum.org/reports/future-role-civ- il-society. 16Recommendations on Support for Volunteering, Resolution Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, UN Doc A/ 6World Protests 2006-2013 - Executive Summary, Initiative for RES/56/38, 10 January 2002, available at: http://www.unv.org/ Policy Dialogue and Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung, 2013, available fileadmin/docdb/pdf/2007/N0147881.pdf. at: http://policydialogue.org/files/publications/World_Pro- tests_2006-2013-Executive_Summary.pdf. 17Volunteering and Social Development, A Background Paper for Discussion at an Expert Group Meeting New York, 29-30 Novem- 7It highlighted a diversity of people who may not previously have ber, 1999, United Nations Volunteers (UNV), available at: http:// been considered likely to protest, drawn from the middle class, mirror.undp.org/capacity/cases/insights/volunteering.pdf. young and old people and other social groups. 18Broadening Civic Space through voluntary action: lessons from 8Civil Society @ Crossroads: Shifts, Challenges, Options, Participa- 2011, CIVICUS and United Nations Volunteers, 2011, available at: tory Research in Asia et al., 2012, available at: http://www.intrac. https://civicus.org/images/stories/resources/2011%20volunteer- org/data/files/resources/757/Civil-society-at-a-Crossroads-Glob- ism%20publication.pdf. al-Synthesis-Report.pdf. 19Above fn 17. 9K Biekart and A Fowler, A Civic Agency Perspective on Change, (2012), Development 55(2), 181; Bridging the gaps: Citizens, 20State of the World’s Volunteerism Report: Universal Values for organisations and dissociation: Civil Society Index summary re- Global Wellbeing, United Nations Volunteers, 2011, available at: port: 2008-2011, CIVICUS, 2011, available at: https://civicus.org/ http://unv.org. downloads/CSIReportSummary.pdf. 21Ibid. 10Bridging the gaps: Citizens, organisations and dissociation: Civil

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22Busan Partnership Agreement for Effective Development Cooper- tions Network, 2013, available at:http://unsdsn.org/files/2013/11/ society-intergovernmental organisation engagement has sought ation, OECD and UNDP, 2011, available at: http://www.oecd.org/ An-Action-Agenda-for-Sustainable-Development.pdf; and United to measure IGO engagement with a wider cross-section of civil dataoecd/54/15/49650173.pdf. Nations Ageing in the 21st Century: A Celebration and a Challenge, society. United National Population Fund and HelpAge International, 2013 23Declaration adopted at the 64th annual Conference of the De- at available at: http://unfpa.org/ageingreport/. 45Preliminary report of the Survey on Models and Mechanisms of partment of Public Information for Non-Governmental Organiza- Civil Society Participation in UNEP, United Nations Environment tions, Sustainable societies; responsive citizens, Bonn, Germany, 34The Economic and Social Council may make suitable arrange- Programme and Non-Government Liaison Service, February 2013, 3-5 September 2011, UN Doc A/66/750, available at: http://www. ments for consultation with non-governmental organisations which available at: http://www.unep.org/civil-society/Portals/24105/ un.org/wcm/webdav/site/dpingorelations/shared/Final%20Decla- are concerned with matters within its competence. Such arrange- documents/GMGSF/GMGSF%2014/Survey_Report_12Feb2013.pdf. ration/BonnEng.pdf. ments may be made with international organisations and, where appropriate, with national organisations after consultation with the 46Above fn 18. 24Stakeholder Forum is an international organisation working to concerned member of the United Nations. Article 45, Charter of advance sustainable development and promote democracy at a the United Nations, 1945, available at: https://treaties.un.org/doc/ 47B Burns, J Howard, et al., Work With Us: How People and Organi- global level. Zerofootprint is a cleantech software and services publication/ctc/uncharter.pdf. sations can Catalyse Sustainable Change, Institute of Development company that makes environmental impact measurable, visible Studies, 2013, available at: http://www.participate2015.org/ and manageable for corporations, governments, institutions and 35We the peoples: civil society, the United Nations and global wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Work-with-us_How-people-and-or- individuals. governance: Report of the Panel of Eminent Persons on United ganisations-can-catalyse-sustainable-change-FINAL.pdf. Nations – Civil Society Relations, United Nations General Assem- 25Volunteering and Social Activism: Pathways for participation bly, UN Doc A/58/817, 11 June 2004, available at: http://www. in human development, International Association for Voluntary globalpolicy.org/images/pdfs/0611report.pdf. Effort (IAVE), CIVICUS and United Nations Volunteers (UNV), 2008, available at: www.civicus.org/new/media/VolunteerismandSocia- 36Above fn 1. lActivism.pdf. 37The future we want, Resolution adopted by the General Assembly 26Above fn 18. on 27 July 2012, UN Doc A/RES/66/288, available at: http://www. un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/66/288&Lang=E. 27Above fn 10. 38Format and organizational aspects of the high-level political 28Members of the task force include the International Forum on forum on sustainable development, Draft resolution submitted by Development Service, International Association for Voluntary Effort the President of the General Assembly, UN Doc A/67/L.72, 27 June (IAVE), World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGS), 2013, available at: http://csonet.org/content/documents/A67L72. World Alliance of YMCAs, VSO International, Volunteer Service pdf. Abroad (VSA), World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and CUSO International. 39Above fn 12.

29J Court et al., Policy Engagement: How civil society can be more 40B Adams and L Pingeot, Strengthening Public Participation at the effective, Overseas Development Institute, 2006, available at: UN for Sustainable Development: Study for UN DESA/DSD Major http://www.odi.org.uk/sites/odi.org.uk/files/odi-assets/publica- Groups Programme, June 2013, available at: http://sustainablede- tions-opinion-files/200.pdf. velopment.un.org/getWSDoc.php?id=795.

30Better Policies for Development, Recommendations for Policy 41Ibid. Coherence, OECD, 2011, available at: http://www.oecd.org/ pcd/48110465.pdf. 42Civil Society Consultation for the High-level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, Non Government 31Manual on the Measurement of Volunteer Work, International Liaison Service, 2013, available at: http://www.worldwewant2015. Labour Organisation, 2011, available at: http://www.ilo.org/global/ org/NGLSconsultation. publications/books/WCMS_167639/lang--en/index.htm. 43Ibid. 32MY World analytics available at http://data.myworld2015.org/. 44This survey is limited in scope because it focuses on non-govern- 33Above fn 14; An Action Agenda for Sustainable Development: Re- mental organisations (NGOs) in consultative status with the United port for the UN Secretary General, Sustainable Development Solu- Nations Economic and Social Council. The CIVICUS scorecard of civil

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