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Civil Society

Civil society - those associations are at the heart of education, development and democracy. Civil society organisations (CSOs) include community groups, labour unions, teacher unions, professional associations, faith-based organisations and parts of the media and academia.

CCL Fair 2004They operate at all levels, from the village and community through to national and international levels.

Core Information

  1. Statement of commitment to civil society participation in the Commonwealth
  2. How to get involved
  3. Ministerial meetings
  4. Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings
  5. Civil society consultations
  6. Focus Groups
  7. The Commonwealth Foundation
  8. Accreditation to the Commonwealth
  9. Funding for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)
  10. Commonwealth Professional Associations and Organisations

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are organised, self-governing, voluntary and non-profit distributing. They often work in partnership with governments, for example, in carrying out public services under contract. Some CSOs are involved in commercial activities, but what differentiates them from their corporate counterparts is the fact that profit generated through their work is used to further their social objectives and interests.

A vibrant civil society is important for good governance and democratic society. While in the past CSOs and NGOs in particular, were deemed necessary for meeting development goals, they have more recently been recognised for playing a central role in deepening democratic processes as well.

The Commonwealth Secretariat works with the Commonwealth Foundation to assist in the strengthening of CSOs across the Commonwealth. There are many ways in which such strengthening can occur - from supporting policy research and policy analysis, advocacy, negotiation, information technology to fundraising and constituency building. In all these ways, CSOs come to be stronger and have greater impact on all social and political developments.

Many Commonwealth Civil Society organisations have websites and appear in our 'Commonwealth Family' section.