NGOs and the Bretton Woods Institutions | NGOs and the World Trade Organization | NGOs and the European Union | NGOs and other International Institutions |
NGOs and the Bretton Woods Institutions
The following Section analyzes the impact of World Bank funding and "partnerships" with NGOs. It also looks at NGOs' interactions with and reactions to the IMF.NGO Involvement in the WTO: A Comparative Perspective (October 2008)
Peter Van den Bossche discusses the arguments for and against giving NGOs a larger role in WTO decision making. A more open dialogue with NGOs could possibly increase the legitimacy of the WTO, giving the organization a more democratic and transparent function. However, at the same time some NGOs lack legitimacy because they often advocate on single issues and may therefore not represent all of society’s interests. (Journal of International Economic Law
Civil Society Has Something to Say (October 27, 2008)
The 2008 Civil Society Development Forum (CSDF) in Geneva concludes that governments have the responsibility to solve the international financial crisis and the food crisis, but that they cannot do this without the help of civil society. This article urges governments to consult with NGOs. It argues that international financial institutions should not impose fixed ideas but use the knowledge that already exists in poor countries to formulate development plans. In the CSDF outcome document, NGOs also criticize the World Trade Organization and argues that its "role in negotiations on agricultural matters should be re-examined." (Inter Press Service)
Brief Observations on the Mechanisms for NGO Participation at the WTO (December 2006)
This piece from SUR – International Journal on Human Rights critically analyzes some of the institutional and external factors that limit NGO involvement in the World Trade Organization's (WTO) decision-making processes. The author argues that poorly-defined formal procedures for NGO participation pose a major obstacle to how effectively non-state actors can monitor WTO governance. In light of the growing influence and ever-changing profile of the NGO sector, the article highlights the rising demand for "permanent mechanisms" to make the WTO more representative of this "new reality."
Breaking out of the WTO Box (April 1, 2004)
In preparation for the UN Conference on Trade and Development in June 2004, NGOs drafted a proposal challenging the neo-liberal agenda of the WTO and suggested the UN as an alternative body to regulate global trade. (Utne)
WTO Mood at Cancun Worsened by NGOs- EU's Fischler (19 September, 2003)
Franz Fischler, Europe's farm chief served as top negotiator at the World Trade Organization's meeting in Cancun. In this AlertNet article Fischler portrays the poor countries' unity at Cancun as resulting from NGO mischief, insisting that "heavy NGO presence" influenced the meeting by creating a "mood of distrust."
WTO's Attack on Public Education (August 10, 2003)
World Trade Organization may include education in the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). Students worry that this would reduce public spending on post-secondary institutions and increase dependence on private funding, jeopardizing the affordability of degrees and making research a corporate commodity. (ZNet)
WTO Ignores Calls for Democratic, Inclusive Processes for Cancun (June 20, 2003)
Decrying a lack of transparency and undemocratic processes in the WTO, civil society and ministers from poor countries lobby the organization for open-ended consultations before Cancun. (ATTAC)
IMF, World Bank Join Forces with WTO (May 12, 2003)
Senior officials of the IMF, World Bank and WTO will meet in Geneva to synchronize their policies on developing nations. NGOs are concerned that the common agenda will make trade and development policy more inflexible, entrenching the organizations one-sided approach to development and widening the gap between the rich and poor. (Inter Press Service)
Rich Nations Continue to Wield Power in Global Bodies (May 6, 2003)
NGOs point out the undemocratic governance structures of the UN, WTO, IMF and World Bank. Despite professing to create an equitable global community, these institutions concentrate power among world's richest nations. (Inter Press Service)
Regional Consultation on the WTO/Trips Agreement and Access to Medicines: Appropriate Policy Responses (April 17-19, 2003)
A Regional Consultation in Sri Lanka on the TRIPS Agreement and Medicines Access strongly recommends that developing countries use the flexibilities in TRIPS to promote public health. This workshop also expresses appreciation for NGO campaigns against exclusive rights of patent-holding pharmaceutical companies. (Third World Net)
NGOs Say "No" to Investment Agreement at WTO (March 21, 2003)
Over 50 NGOs call on governments to reject a WTO investment agreement at the Cancun negotiations in September 2003. The agreement restricts government's ability to regulate the actions of foreign multinational companies, causing concern that local communities will be exploited. (Third World Network)
NGOs and Experts Call For Rejection of WTO Agriculture Modalities Paper (February 24, 2003)
The WTO Committee on Agriculture considers a proposal for new agricultural trade agreements by the committee chairman, Stuart Harbinson. NGOs call on member states to reject the proposal, claiming it will consolidate the power of multinational agricultural firms at the expense of farmers in developing nations. (Third World Network)
150 NGOs Challenge Democracy Deficit at the WTO and Call for an End to Exclusive Meetings (November 14, 2002)
Over 150 NGOs criticize the "invitation only" WTO mini-ministerial in Sydney, where 25 WTO members from all regions will discuss pressing issues at an "unofficial meeting." NGOs argue that by building a consensus among select members, the group "de facto and illegally takes leadership of the organization." (Focus on the Global South)
WTO Boss Says Free Trade Talks Gathering Momentum (November 12, 2002)
WTO chief Supachai Panitchpakdi claims he will consider NGOs' concerns about the negative effects of privatizing water, healthcare, and education and liberalizing the financial sector. (Reuters)
NGOs Call on Trade Ministers to Reject Closed WTO Process (November 4, 2002)
As the 5th Ministerial nears, NGOs urge trade ministers to reject exclusive, "unofficial" meetings that include only a small portion of the member states. These meetings serve to build a consensus among the few, which is then presented as "a take-it-or-leave-it package" that often presses positions counter to development goals. (WTO Watch)
ASEAN Rejects US Call for NGO Access to WTO Dispute Process (September 17, 2002)
ASEAN diplomats reject the US proposal for WTO transparency, which would allow NGOs unrestricted access to dispute settlement panels and amicus curiae briefs. (Business Times)
European Civil Society Groups Launch Campaign on Global Trade and Investment Talks (September 13, 2002)
European NGOs call on governments to "fundamentally re-orient the rules of the trade system to promote poverty reduction and sustainable development and withdraw proposals for investment negotiations in the WTO." (Friends of the Earth)
Globalization's Bad Effects Discussed (September 12, 2002)
NGOs, labor groups, and businesses met to discuss ways for governments to mitigate globalization's negative impacts. They insisted that the WTO must consider this debate before commencing further negotiations on trade issues. (BusinessWorld)
NGOs Preparing for the World Social Forum (January 9, 2002)
NGO representatives meeting in Mali to plan for the World Social Forum recognize the need for international experts within African NGOs to allow them to play a constructive role in discussions with the World Trade Organization and International Monetary Fund. (Inter Press Service)
NGOs Urge Support for Pro-Public Health Interpretation of TRIPS (September 19, 2001)
The civil society is concerned about the TRIPS agreement, demanding its revision at the Doha Conference. Public health and human rights protection should carry more weight within the protection of intellectual property rights. (Third World Network).
NGOs Accuse WTO of Hidden Agenda Behind "Environment" Seminar (March 26, 2001)
What the WTO wants in reality is to gather Asian support for a new trade round. NGOs refuse to participate at the meeting (Deutsche Presse Agentur).
Civil Society Groups Spark Power Battle within WTO (November 24, 2000)
Member States fear the intrusion of NGOs in legal proceedings at the World Trade Organization, expressing disagreement with the Appellate Body's decision to allow NGO participation in the case opposing France and Canada at the WTO. (IPS news reports)
Giving the Public a Voice in the Protection of the Global Environment (Winter 2000/2001)
The author, who thinks that NGOs can address environmental cross-border issues better than states, calls for strengthening the role of NGOs in international institutions such as the European Court of Justice and the WTO and standardizing NGO access. (Colorado Journal of International Law and Policy)
In the Aftermath of Seattle: Backlash Reigns (October 3, 2000)
A critique of the "shut- it-down- strategy" stressing that "some form of multilateral economic governance is fundamentally important". Instead of condemning international institutions, protesters should focus on the US role in the development of a corporate-led globalization. (In Focus)
NGO Statement on the WTO High-Level Symposia (March 17- 18, 1999)
NGOs submit a statement to the WTO for consideration during the WTO High-Level Symposia on Trade and Environment (March 15 -16, 1999) and Trade and Development.
NGOs Unwelcome at Forum (November 30, 1999)
Report from the World Trade Observer on the WTO-NGO symposium in Seattle. NGOs voiced criticism of the WTO and suggestions for change.
NGOs and the World Trade Organization
This section analyzes NGO activity on the WTO. NGOs have led the citizens around the world to challenge the economic policies of the World Trade Organization as well as the Organization's closed meetings and lack of accountability.NGO Involvement in the WTO: A Comparative Perspective (October 2008)
Peter Van den Bossche discusses the arguments for and against giving NGOs a larger role in WTO decision making. A more open dialogue with NGOs could possibly increase the legitimacy of the WTO, giving the organization a more democratic and transparent function. However, at the same time some NGOs lack legitimacy because they often advocate on single issues and may therefore not represent all of society’s interests. (Journal of International Economic Law)
Civil Society Has Something to Say (October 27, 2008)
The 2008 Civil Society Development Forum (CSDF) in Geneva concludes that governments have the responsibility to solve the international financial crisis and the food crisis, but that they cannot do this without the help of civil society. This article urges governments to consult with NGOs. It argues that international financial institutions should not impose fixed ideas but use the knowledge that already exists in poor countries to formulate development plans. In the CSDF outcome document, NGOs also criticize the World Trade Organization and argues that its "role in negotiations on agricultural matters should be re-examined." (Inter Press Service)
Brief Observations on the Mechanisms for NGO Participation at the WTO (December 2006)
This piece from SUR – International Journal on Human Rights critically analyzes some of the institutional and external factors that limit NGO involvement in the World Trade Organization's (WTO) decision-making processes. The author argues that poorly-defined formal procedures for NGO participation pose a major obstacle to how effectively non-state actors can monitor WTO governance. In light of the growing influence and ever-changing profile of the NGO sector, the article highlights the rising demand for "permanent mechanisms" to make the WTO more representative of this "new reality."
Breaking out of the WTO Box (April 1, 2004)
In preparation for the UN Conference on Trade and Development in June 2004, NGOs drafted a proposal challenging the neo-liberal agenda of the WTO and suggested the UN as an alternative body to regulate global trade. (Utne)
WTO Mood at Cancun Worsened by NGOs- EU's Fischler (19 September, 2003)
Franz Fischler, Europe's farm chief served as top negotiator at the World Trade Organization's meeting in Cancun. In this AlertNet article Fischler portrays the poor countries' unity at Cancun as resulting from NGO mischief, insisting that "heavy NGO presence" influenced the meeting by creating a "mood of distrust."
WTO's Attack on Public Education (August 10, 2003)
World Trade Organization may include education in the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). Students worry that this would reduce public spending on post-secondary institutions and increase dependence on private funding, jeopardizing the affordability of degrees and making research a corporate commodity. (ZNet)
WTO Ignores Calls for Democratic, Inclusive Processes for Cancun (June 20, 2003)
Decrying a lack of transparency and undemocratic processes in the WTO, civil society and ministers from poor countries lobby the organization for open-ended consultations before Cancun. (ATTAC)
IMF, World Bank Join Forces with WTO (May 12, 2003)
Senior officials of the IMF, World Bank and WTO will meet in Geneva to synchronize their policies on developing nations. NGOs are concerned that the common agenda will make trade and development policy more inflexible, entrenching the organizations one-sided approach to development and widening the gap between the rich and poor. (Inter Press Service)
Rich Nations Continue to Wield Power in Global Bodies (May 6, 2003)
NGOs point out the undemocratic governance structures of the UN, WTO, IMF and World Bank. Despite professing to create an equitable global community, these institutions concentrate power among world's richest nations. (Inter Press Service)
Regional Consultation on the WTO/Trips Agreement and Access to Medicines: Appropriate Policy Responses (April 17-19, 2003)
A Regional Consultation in Sri Lanka on the TRIPS Agreement and Medicines Access strongly recommends that developing countries use the flexibilities in TRIPS to promote public health. This workshop also expresses appreciation for NGO campaigns against exclusive rights of patent-holding pharmaceutical companies. (Third World Net)
NGOs Say "No" to Investment Agreement at WTO (March 21, 2003)
Over 50 NGOs call on governments to reject a WTO investment agreement at the Cancun negotiations in September 2003. The agreement restricts government's ability to regulate the actions of foreign multinational companies, causing concern that local communities will be exploited. (Third World Network)
NGOs and Experts Call For Rejection of WTO Agriculture Modalities Paper (February 24, 2003)
The WTO Committee on Agriculture considers a proposal for new agricultural trade agreements by the committee chairman, Stuart Harbinson. NGOs call on member states to reject the proposal, claiming it will consolidate the power of multinational agricultural firms at the expense of farmers in developing nations. (Third World Network)
150 NGOs Challenge Democracy Deficit at the WTO and Call for an End to Exclusive Meetings (November 14, 2002)
Over 150 NGOs criticize the "invitation only" WTO mini-ministerial in Sydney, where 25 WTO members from all regions will discuss pressing issues at an "unofficial meeting." NGOs argue that by building a consensus among select members, the group "de facto and illegally takes leadership of the organization." (Focus on the Global South)
WTO Boss Says Free Trade Talks Gathering Momentum (November 12, 2002)
WTO chief Supachai Panitchpakdi claims he will consider NGOs' concerns about the negative effects of privatizing water, healthcare, and education and liberalizing the financial sector. (Reuters)
NGOs Call on Trade Ministers to Reject Closed WTO Process (November 4, 2002)
As the 5th Ministerial nears, NGOs urge trade ministers to reject exclusive, "unofficial" meetings that include only a small portion of the member states. These meetings serve to build a consensus among the few, which is then presented as "a take-it-or-leave-it package" that often presses positions counter to development goals. (WTO Watch)
ASEAN Rejects US Call for NGO Access to WTO Dispute Process (September 17, 2002)
ASEAN diplomats reject the US proposal for WTO transparency, which would allow NGOs unrestricted access to dispute settlement panels and amicus curiae briefs. (Business Times)
European Civil Society Groups Launch Campaign on Global Trade and Investment Talks (September 13, 2002)
European NGOs call on governments to "fundamentally re-orient the rules of the trade system to promote poverty reduction and sustainable development and withdraw proposals for investment negotiations in the WTO." (Friends of the Earth)
Globalization's Bad Effects Discussed (September 12, 2002)
NGOs, labor groups, and businesses met to discuss ways for governments to mitigate globalization's negative impacts. They insisted that the WTO must consider this debate before commencing further negotiations on trade issues. (BusinessWorld)
NGOs Preparing for the World Social Forum (January 9, 2002)
NGO representatives meeting in Mali to plan for the World Social Forum recognize the need for international experts within African NGOs to allow them to play a constructive role in discussions with the World Trade Organization and International Monetary Fund. (Inter Press Service)
NGOs Urge Support for Pro-Public Health Interpretation of TRIPS (September 19, 2001)
The civil society is concerned about the TRIPS agreement, demanding its revision at the Doha Conference. Public health and human rights protection should carry more weight within the protection of intellectual property rights. (Third World Network).
NGOs Accuse WTO of Hidden Agenda Behind "Environment" Seminar (March 26, 2001)
What the WTO wants in reality is to gather Asian support for a new trade round. NGOs refuse to participate at the meeting (Deutsche Presse Agentur).
Civil Society Groups Spark Power Battle within WTO (November 24, 2000)
Member States fear the intrusion of NGOs in legal proceedings at the World Trade Organization, expressing disagreement with the Appellate Body's decision to allow NGO participation in the case opposing France and Canada at the WTO. (IPS news reports)
Giving the Public a Voice in the Protection of the Global Environment (Winter 2000/2001)
The author, who thinks that NGOs can address environmental cross-border issues better than states, calls for strengthening the role of NGOs in international institutions such as the European Court of Justice and the WTO and standardizing NGO access. (Colorado Journal of International Law and Policy)
In the Aftermath of Seattle: Backlash Reigns (October 3, 2000)
A critique of the "shut- it-down- strategy" stressing that "some form of multilateral economic governance is fundamentally important". Instead of condemning international institutions, protesters should focus on the US role in the development of a corporate-led globalization. (In Focus)
NGO Statement on the WTO High-Level Symposia (March 17- 18, 1999)
NGOs submit a statement to the WTO for consideration during the WTO High-Level Symposia on Trade and Environment (March 15 -16, 1999) and Trade and Development.
NGOs Unwelcome at Forum (November 30, 1999)
Report from the World Trade Observer on the WTO-NGO symposium in Seattle. NGOs voiced criticism of the WTO and suggestions for change.
NGOs and the European Union
The European Union has a supranational governance structure, which means it is able to make decisions without the unanimous agreement of national governments. To address the criticism concerning its democratic deficit, the different EU institutions have included NGOs in the policy making process. With their expertise and representative member base, NGOs can provide valuable input and help legitimize the decision-making process within the EU. NGOs have played an important role in developing European policy. Since the early 1990's, they have built coalitions with national and regional governments, industry, other interest groups and members of the European parliament as well as the European Commission. Lobbying generally favors big NGOs with enough resources to provide robust facts and scientifically based evidence in their advocacy work. The EU consults with NGOs in different ways, for instance through green papers (discussion papers), white papers (official proposals), communications, advisory committees and ad hoc consultations. The EU commission has allocated more than 1 billion Euros annually in support of NGO projects and there are over 15 000 lobbyists and 2 600 special interest groups in Brussels.
EU and Civil Society: The Case of NGOs and Humanitarian Intervention (July 2009)
Despite the European Union's growing awareness of NGOs, the regional body does not have the same open dialogue with NGOs as the UN does. Consequently, NGOs have strengthened their cooperation in the hope of having stronger relations with the Union. This paper shows the historical development of the EU's increasing engagement with NGOs, and it emphasizes the important knowledge NGOs can provide in its decision-making bodies. (European University Institute)
EU: Corporate Lobbying Grows (December 22, 2004)
Campaigners and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) urge the European Commission to "curb the excessive influence" of murky and influential corporate lobbying in Brussels. The NGO coalition calls for advocacy legislation based on transparency and accountability, under which lobby groups, corporations and public relations firms would have to report openly about their agenda and financing. (IPS Terraviva)
Commission Keen to Draw More on Organized Civil Society (December 11, 2002)
The European Commission considers adopting standards for outside consultation, which would include input from organized civil society. Religious communities and NGOs have proposed specific frameworks for dialogue with the Commission, but "the Commission believes these proposals go beyond general principles and minimum applicable standards on consultation." (European Union Online)
European Civil Society Coming of Age (May 2002)
This paper discusses the evolving definition of civil society, ways for NGOs to participate democratically in policy-making, and the importance of NGO transparency and accountability. It also looks at NGOs' attempts to create a system of formal representation within the European Union and their varying degrees of success. (The Platform of European Social NGOs)
Listening To Civil Society: What Relationship Between the European Commission and NGOs? (June 2001)
The European Citizen Action Service (ECAS) fears that the European Commission may become overwhelmed by the number of NGOs requesting involvement in discussions at the highest level. Civil society would be damaged if the Commission were to withdraw from some activities or only liase with a few, large NGOs, due to a simple lack of staff.
Compromise Payment Marks End Of Commission-NGO Dispute (May 9, 2001)
The European Commission and CLONG (the umbrella group of development NGOs) signed a compromise to settle their four-month dispute over the outcome of an audit process. (Europe Information Service)
NGO Liaison Committee Forced to Disband (February 2, 2001)
An audit report of the Liaison Committee of European NGOs to the EU finds no evidence of fraud. However, the policy of EU development officials is "zero tolerance" for alleged financial discrepancies, thus is forcing the Committee to disband (InterPress Service).
The Commission and NGOs: Building a Stronger Partnership (April 15, 2000)
This paper highlights and describes the relationship between the European Commission and NGOs, while maintaining that some improvements should be made to render it even stronger. (European Commission)
Report on EC-NGO Consultation in Brussels (1999)
MS-Danish Association for International Co-operation's brief notes on meeting held on January 27th 1999. Provides insight into the European Commission's relationship with civil society.
NGOs and other International Institutions
Tied Aid Debate Tests Donor Ambitions Before Busan Summit (November 1, 2011)
The 4th High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness that will be held in Busan, South Korea in late November will look at the controversial “tied aid” requirements, where donors insist aid is spent on goods and services provided by companies based in their own countries. The European Network on Debt and Development has report that $20-$25 billion of aid is given in this form and fails to improve developing countries’ economies, reduces the purchasing power of aid distributors, and increases the risk of unsuitable aid programs. (Guardian)
Civil Society Urges G20 to Focus on Rights at Financial and Climate Negotiations (October 28, 2011)
Ahead of the upcoming G20 Summit in France, a group of NGOs, including CIVICUS, DAWN, and the Center for Economic and Social Rights, have prepared a statement urging G20 leaders to remember human rights when debating financial regulation and climate change. The statement calls on leaders to take measures which requires all parties to take responsibility and acknowledge universal human rights. (Social Watch)
Carving Out a New Aid Order at Busan (October 4, 2011)
In this IPS Terraviva interview, the director of IBON International Tony Tujan suggests the possibility of an “aid revolution” at the upcoming Busan high level forum on Aid Effectiveness. Tujan argues that with the rise of South-South cooperation amongst emerging powers such as China, India and Brazil, there will be a crucial opportunity to stop the continuation of a “Northern-dominated aid architecture.”
NGOs Must Play Key Role in Rio+20 Summit on Sustainable Development (August 26, 2011)
In this IPS Terraviva interview, Michael Renner of the Worldwatch Institute emphasizes the important role of NGOs in the lead up to the Rio+ 20 conference in Brazil 2012. Renner highlights that NGOs need to hold governments accountable for not following through on commitments to sustainable development. According to Renner, “if the public cannot hold governments and corporations accountable, then commitments may never properly be translated into action.” Renner correctly identifies the need for a strong grassroots presence that advocates for and represents a non-governmental perspective at global conferences.
Islamic Civil Society Organizations Form Humanitarian Forum (October 29, 2005)
Since 9/11, Western governments and civil society have increasingly scrutinized Islamic NGOs. As a result, a British-based Islamic NGO has convened an ongoing five-year forum for NGOs based in the Middle East. In this forum, Muslim organizations will collaborate, and learn world standards for civil society that they would otherwise not be informed of, since distrust from other NGOs often blocks vital lines of communication. (Yemen Observer)
African Civil Society and the African Union: Time for Self-Organization? (June 16, 2005)
At the 2005 African Union (AU) Heads of State Summit, the AU opted, without explanation, not to sponsor a parallel civil society summit for African NGOs. Pambazuka questions why "at a time when rock musicians and pop stars across the West can claim to have influence on the future of Africa," African NGOs have been silenced on the issues most pertinent to their existence. In order to deflect the risk of obsolescence, African NGOs must organize quickly to coordinate their own, independent meeting.
NGOs and the OECD (June 2003)
This article says that the OECD takes an interest in increasing its engagement with civil society. The article also describes the mechanisms within the OECD that NGOs can use for advocacy. (BOND)
