|
|
Working with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) enables FAO to increase the effectiveness and quality of its work in agriculture and the fight against hunger. Through dialogue and consultation with CSOs, FAO ensures that its decision-making, policies and scientific research reflect the interests of all sectors of society.
CSOs work with FAO in a number of ways: in technical areas such as sustainable agriculture, gender and environment; in institutional areas such as representation and legislation and in capacity-building, advocacy and technical support.
FAO works closely with federations, associations and local groups representing farmers, fisherfolk and herders to ensure that the aspirations of the poor, the disadvantaged, the marginalized and the hungry are successfully voiced. FAO's work with Civil Society is also guided by major international initiatives, notably the UN Millennium Development Goals with ambitious targets for dramatically reducing hunger and poverty by 2015.
In its work with civil society, FAO collaborates with several other UN bodies. Notably, it exchanges information and coordinates with the United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service (NGLS), an inter-agency programme which aims at strengthening UN-civil society dialogue, cooperation and dynamic partnerships.
|
| What is Civil Society? |
Civil Society refers to all groups outside government such as community groups, non-governmental organizations, labour unions, Indigenous Peoples' organizations, charitable organizations, faith-based organizations, professional associations and foundations. Civil society expresses the interests of social groups and raises awareness of key issues in order to influence policy and decision-making. In recent decades, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have been successful in shaping global policy through advocacy campaigns and mobilization of people and resources.
|
|
