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Over the past decade, civil society has gained tremendous prominence as a key actor in fighting poverty, defending and promoting human rights and contributing to good governance at national and global levels. Despite the increased attention given to civil society as a core element in development and governance coupled with the growing attempts for more focused and coherent approaches to tackle the world’s challenges , the knowledge about the characteristics and roles of civil society is still extremely limited and erratic, particularly in and about civil societies of the Global South. A good knowledge base is crucial to inform the strategies and activities of civil society and of the national and international community in advancing good governance and meaningful democracy. Capacity can only be built effectively on the basis of a sound analysis of strengths and weaknesses. How It was recognized that national associations of NGOs/NPOs in countries around the world provide and give a collective voice for civil society in their countries and regions. They serve as key interlocutors with government and businesses, and help to create a strong enabling environment for civil society organisations, democracy, the rights of citizen action and participation. National associations also provide a range of services to civil society organisations to help them be more effective, to identify the financial and human resources they need to carry out their work, and to promote their capacity to work together for common purposes. Why The aim of the CIVICUS AGNA is to engage these national associations as well as CIVICUS members to foster greater co-operation across national and regional boundaries and to increase their ability to pursue mutual interests. This aim is based on the following identified needs:
When Based on this initial analysis, the CIVICUS Affinity Group of National Associations was conceptualized and subsequently announced in June 2003. The Affinity Group was launched at the CIVICUS World Assembly in Gaborone, Botswana in March 2004. At the CIVICUS Board of Directors Meeting the same year, it was agreed that one of the key purposes of CIVICUS should be the building of relationships that advance citizen participation and opens up spaces for civil society engagement. To this end, the continued development of the CIVICUS AGNA has as its main focus to foster greater co-operation between national associations across national and regional boundaries and the ability to pursue their mutual interests. What The CIVICUS AGNA has enjoyed many achievements since its establishment in 2004. Between 2004 – 2008, the Steering Committee of AGNA has acted according to the plan of action agreed in Botswana, created a web page for AGNA, recruited more organisations, had meetings on the issues of accountability and transparency, submitted funding proposals, commenced work on a capacity building resource-guide for national associations, held two general AGNA meetings, and organised a number of peer-learning events and workshops on issues relevant to national associations. Read more about AGNA’s history. From January until June 2006, Kristina Mänd, the former Executive Director of the Network of Estonian Nonprofit Organizations (NENO), a member of AGNA, worked as the Senior Advisor and coordinator of the AGNA in CIVICUS. In August 2006, Kristina Mänd was replaced by Diana Eltahawy as Coordinator of Civil Society Networks including CIVICUS AGNA. CIVICUS aims to further its mission and aims, which support the strengthening of its international citizens’ coalition, to improve the capacity of national associations globally (including the need to reverse the current understanding of capacity building characterized by a North to South flow of knowledge, information and experience sharing) and to support national network leaders. Join AGNA! |