The World Bank has been working to strengthen its engagement with civil society since 1981, when its first operational policy note on relations with civil society organizations (CSOs) was approved by it’s Board of Directors. Our engagement is underscored by a Partnership Charter that reinforces our vision of the partner we aspire to be.
Civil society plays a critical role in advancing development and tackling the most pressing global challenges. We value the significant contributions that CSOs bring to the table, and actively engage with them to ensure our projects and policies benefit from their insights and expertise. An environment where CSOs are heard and influence the development agenda improves outcomes for people, communities, and whole societies.
From headquarters to country offices, the World Bank interacts daily with CSOs throughout the world, in multiple ways.
- Advocacy: CSOs help generate public awareness and advance advocacy targets around shared priorities such as health, education, social inclusion, climate change, and accountability to name a few.
- Consultation: An essential part of the Bank's country engagement model, CSOs frequently provide input through consultations – time-limited engagements through which interested and impacted parties can share their input and perspectives on a proposed area of our work. Consulting with beneficiaries throughout the project cycle is embedded within the Environmental and Social Framework and Citizen Engagement Framework. A recent example is the extensive feedback provided by CSOs on the Bank’s Evolution Process. In addition, we seek civil society feedback while designing our Country Partnership Framework that frames the Bank’s engagement in client countries.
- Information: Accessible and accurate information is an integral part of the Bank's policy on openness and transparency. CSOs can access a wealth of information via the project and operations portal. In addition, we proactively share information with CSOs via monthly newsletters and calls, giving them an opportunity to discuss current priorities, report launches, or opportunities for engagement. Our latest Knowledge Compact also aims to foster high-value knowledge partnerships and build strong knowledge networks with stakeholders including CSOs. The Bank’s commitment to sharing information is also underscored by its open access to research, its Open Knowledge Repository, and Access to Information portal.
- Policy: Policy dialogue with CSOs takes place frequently at both the country and global levels. In addition, twice a year, CSOs convene at the Annual and Spring Meetings to take part in the Civil Society Policy Forum (CSPF). The CSPF provides an open space for CSOs and other stakeholders to dialogue and exchange views with the Bank and IMF staff, their peers, government delegations, and other stakeholders on a wide range of topics. During the CSPF, Bank Group colleagues often organize bilateral meetings with CSO executives, roundtables, and discussions with select stakeholder groups to discuss various institutional initiatives and priorities.
- Partnership: CSOs often partner with the Bank to enhance collaboration on a particular development topic, sector, or initiative. Our partnership with civil society is built upon the recognition that CSOs often have closer contact on the ground and offer valuable insights, perspectives, and support that differ from other stakeholders.
- Operations: We partner with CSOs across the world to deliver essential services. When there is operational collaboration, CSOs receive financial support for project implementation through contracts with governments or international organizations that we support in line with our operating model. Our projects encourage governments to actively collaborate with CSOs, as we believe CSOs can enhance development projects through their local knowledge, technical expertise, and social capital. In some cases, CSOs lead in implementing development projects or provide key services monitoring project outcomes. Their role as emergency responders is especially important in areas where governments and international financial institutions either cannot operate or struggle to reach ultra-poor communities, such as in fragile or conflict-affected areas.
- Funding: The World Bank’s Global Partnership for Social Accountability (GPSA) has supported 50 projects in 34 countries operating in areas such as health, education, social protection, water, public financial management, and fragile/conflict contexts. As the GPSA sunsets, we expect a successor trust fund to build on this work; more information will come on this soon. Other trust funds and programs, such as the Japan Social Development Fund, may provide support to CSOs.
We know that CSOs care deeply about accountability. The Accountability Mechanism, Grievance Redress Service, and Integrity Vice Presidency are ways in which the Bank seeks to ensure our work benefits people and communities in the countries where we work.
