Civic Engagement in Europe & CIS

Civic Engagement

The United Nations defines civil society as associations of citizens (outside their families, friends and businesses) entered into voluntarily to advance their interests, ideas and ideologies. The term does not include profit-making activity (the private sector) or governing (the public sector). Of particular relevance to the United Nations are mass organizations (such as organizations of peasants, women or retired people), trade unions, professional associations, social movements, indigenous people's organizations, religious and spiritual organizations, academe and public benefit non-governmental organizations.

In Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the number of Civil Society Organizations has grown enormously over the past decade. But their quality and effectiveness can vary significantly. Some organizations are involved in policy negotiations at the highest level, while others remain at a nascent stage of development.

CSOs are facing both opportunities and challenges. In many countries in the region, Civil Society Organizations have little room to advocate for change and the environment in which they operate can be difficult. CSOs often have to work with restrictive governments. Donor organizations can also hinder CSOs. By financing intellectual fads or forcing unneeded partnerships, donors can displace good on-going efforts by entrenched CSOs. UNDP has attempted to build upon the success of CSOs by providing technical support and capacity development, undertaking an analysis of civil society organizations within specific countries, strengthening the ability of UNDP country offices to help citizens build relations with the state, and stressing the complementary role that civil society can play vis-à-vis the government.