The World Bank recognizes the importance of working closely with civil society to fight against poverty and ensure economic growth and a sustainable social development. It has learned through three decades of interaction that the participation of CSOs in government development projects and programs can enhance their operational performance by contributing local knowledge, providing technical expertise, and leveraging social capital. Further, CSOs can bring innovative ideas and solutions, as well as participatory approaches, to solving local problems. In the past ten years in particular, the Bank has been collaborating very closely with a number of organizations with the help of local coordinators based in country offices and in Washington.

In Switzerland the World Bank's External Affairs helps maintain a close dialogue with the active CSOs through joint dialogue meetings, consultations and other events.