| There has been a dramatic expansion in the size, scope, and capacity of civil society around the globe over the past decade, aided by the process of globalization and the expansion of democratic governance, telecommunications, and economic integration. As an illustrative example, the number of international NGOs was reported to have increased from 6000 in 1990 to 26,000 in 1999. CSOs have also become significant players in carying out international development assistance. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reported that CSOs were channeling some US$11-12 billion development aid annually to developing countries by the late 1990's.  Â
CSOs have also become important actors for delivery of social services and implementation of other development programs, as a complement to government action, especially in regions where government presence is weak such as in post-conflict situations. Â
CSOs’ influence on shaping global public policy has also emerged over the past two decades. This dynamism is exemplified by successful advocacy campaigns around such issues as banning of land mines, debt cancellation, and environmental protection which have mobilized thousands of supporters around the globe. A recent manifestation of the vibrancy of global civil society has been the World Social Forum which has been held annually since 2001 on different continents. The last WSF was held in Nairobi, Kenya in January 2007, and brought together some 50,000 CSO leaders to debate and propose more equitable and sustainable alternatives to current models of economic globalization.
The civil society sector is not only emerging as a clear societal actor in many parts of the world, it is also quite varied in its nature and composition. For this reason definitions of civil society vary considerably based on differing conceptual paradigms, historic origins, and country context. Â
The World Bank uses the term civil society to refer to the wide array of non-governmental and not-for-profit organizations that have a presence in public life, expressing the interests and values of their members or others, based on ethical, cultural, political, scientific, religious or philanthropic considerations. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) therefore refer to a wide of array of organizations: community groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), labor unions, indigenous groups, charitable organizations, faith-based organizations, professional associations, and foundations.
For more information on civil society:
Center for Civil Society / University of California, Los Angeles
Institute for Development Studies / University of Sussex
Institute for Policy Studies /John’s Hopkins University
Centre for Civil Society / London School of Economics
Civicus: World Alliance for Citizen’s Participation
One World Network
Development Gateway - Civil Society Page
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