Achieving Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions at the Regional Level: The Partnership Between Regional Intergovernmental Organizations and Civil Society

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Civil Society Organizations ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Intergovernmental Organizations ◽  
Grassroots Organizations ◽  
Regional Organizations ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Indigenous Groups ◽  
Common Goals

The root causes of conflict and violence, such as injustice, inequalities and decline in the quality of democracies, rarely emerge and remain within the national borders of a single country: they increasingly spill over into surrounding regions, compelling a regional response. Regional action on peace, justice and inclusion should cut across social, economic and political agendas and be sustained through partnerships with those most impacted by conflict and inequalities, including local communities, grassroots organizations, and Indigenous groups. Aimed at key decision-makers and key stakeholders, including government agencies, regional organizations and civil society organizations, the purpose of the Policy Brief is to contribute to the ongoing conversation around the achievement of peace, justice, and strong institutions worldwide. The aspiration is that the recommendations and information included in this analysis will complement ongoing efforts, motivate collective action, inspire decision-making and promote multisectoral engagement to achieve common goals based on successful experiences and best practices such as those outlined in this brief.

scholarly journals Researchers Working With City Administrations: Reflecting on Transdisciplinary Collaboration Under Conditions of Shared Goals but Different Constraints

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Home ◽  
Nicole Bauer
Keyword(s):  
Common Good ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Working Relationships ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Mutual Awareness ◽  
Translational Ecology ◽  
Common Goals ◽  
Transdisciplinary Collaboration ◽  
Institutional Boundaries

Abstract Academics and city administrations generally agree that environmental management decisions should be science based, which suggests the value of collaboration between city officials and researchers. Such collaboration, termed “ecology with cities”, is an example of translational ecology that should integrate ecological and social sciences to inform decision-makers. However, there has been insufficient reflection on whether ecology with cities achieves the expected development of practical social-ecological knowledge for the common good. We addressed this gap by asking city officials and researchers, in Switzerland and with whom we have collaborated in the past, about their motivations for, and experiences with, transdisciplinary collaboration. The respondents reported largely overlapping goals and an awareness of the mutual benefits of accessing the skills and resources of the other group. However, the reflections also unearthed latent tensions related to insufficient mutual awareness of institutional boundaries and limitations. We conclude that researchers should try to include collaboration partners who have experience in translational ecology practice and should establish learning processes early in a collaboration. Building good working relationships with city administrations and establishing such processes would facilitate the creation of realistic mutual expectations in which institutional limitations are considered so that common goals of maintaining or improving the ecological quality of cities can be amicably reached.

The Political-Military Organizations and the Emergence of Mass-Based Grassroots Organizations

2019 ◽  
pp. 28-56
Author(s):  
Manal A. Jamal
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Relative Effectiveness ◽  
Grassroots Organizations ◽  
Donor Funding ◽  
Military Organizations ◽  
Democratic Development ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Impact

This chapter outlines how patterns of socio-political organizing diverged in the Palestinian and Salvadoran cases during the beginning of their respective conflicttopeace transitions. Departing from explanations that focus on the professionalization of mass-based organizations, the author explains how the domestic political contexts shaped the mediating role of Western donor funding. More specifically, the book argues the that “inclusivity” of political settlements (assessed by the extent of participation of major political groups and the degree of societal support) shaped the relative effectiveness of democracy promotion efforts and the impact of Western donor assistance on civil society and democratic development more generally. This chapter also explains how civil society is being addressed in the book and the methodology employed, which is a structured, focused comparison that is historically sensitive but conducive to generalizing across cases. It also explains how the quality of civil society and democratic development are assessed, and why the women’s sectors were chosen to examine these developments. It concludes with an outline of the remaining chapters of the book.

scholarly journals Civil Society Engagement and Policy Representation in Europe

2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (11) ◽  
pp. 1648-1676 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Rasmussen ◽  
Stefanie Reher
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Public Opinion ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
Policy Issue ◽  
Civil Society Organizations ◽  
Civic Culture ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Policy Representation ◽  
High Level

Since Tocqueville linked the quality of democracy in America to its vibrant civic culture, studies have explored the relationship between social capital and the quality of governance. Yet, few have examined the mechanisms between individual components of social capital and democracy in depth. This study focuses on the link between one component of social capital, civil society engagement, and the linkage between public opinion and policy. It argues that engagement in associations with an interest in the policy issue may stimulate correspondence between public opinion and policy through their ability to collect and disseminate information to policy makers and the public. The analysis of 20 specific policy issues from 30 European countries confirms these expectations: Issues that experience a high level of associational engagement display a stronger relationship between public opinion and policy. The findings underline the role civil society organizations can play in policy representation beyond engaging in interest advocacy.

scholarly journals Transformation of Swedish CSOs Using the Strengths of Purpose and Empathy

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. p264
Author(s):  
Johanna Hallin ◽  
Nathalie Ahlstedt Mantel
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Appreciative Inquiry ◽  
Target Group ◽  
Civil Society Organizations ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Political Climate ◽  
The Public ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
New Challenges ◽  
New Strategies

Civil society organizations in Sweden are facing new challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing context. Demographical changes, a new political climate and a broad professionalization of the sector demand a transformational shift in business. In the project Tailwind, four leading CSOs in Sweden develop new strategies and policies to navigate the new landscape. The project explores the question of how these organizations will have to transform to be able to thrive in the future. Using positive psychology and appreciative inquiry as a method for this piece of research, key insights found include: the CSOs need to draw on the strengths of the organization when strategically developing the operations, to build their operations on empathic meetings with the target group, and to step up to claim an expert position in the public eye, sharing knowledge and insight with decision-makers about the needs of the target group.

scholarly journals Development of Civil Society, the UE Policies in Albania

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 399
Author(s):  
Sokol Pacukaj
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
European Integration ◽  
Public Support ◽  
Civil Society Organizations ◽  
Significant Progress ◽  
Quality Of Democracy ◽  
Current State

The present study analyzes the current state of the civil society in Albania and theeuropean union policies concerning the integration of Albania in UE. Despite the countryin recent years has made significant progress towards achieving some of the requirementsneeded in order to proceed towards European integration, further improvements areneeded in many areas. Among them, the development of civil society is one of the mostcomplex and urgent. Greater participation of civil society organizations in public lifeactually improves the quality of democracy and helps to strengthen public support for EUmembership.

Strengthening Performance of Civil Society Through Dialogue and Critical Thinking in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 1494-1515
Author(s):  
Essien Essien
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
Contemporary Literature ◽  
Civil Society Organizations ◽  
Problem Statement ◽  
Success Story ◽  
Policy Engagement

This chapter discusses dialogue and critical thinking as a tool for civil society's performance and achievements in contemporary societies. The problem statement raises the need for knowledge of what dialogue and critical thinking is, as well as the competence in how to employ and apply its tools in policy engagement. Drawing upon extensive contemporary literature on civil society and policy engagement, this study examines how to enhance the performance of civil society organizations through the paradigm of dialogue and critical thinking. Findings reveal that critical thinking and dialogue is crucial in the success story of civil society organizations, just as the quality of the work accomplished is contingent upon the quality of the ideas, critical thinking and analysis of the problems to be solved. This chapter therefore, has a significant implications for cumulative research on the nexus between critical thinking and dialogue in Civil Society in contemporary societies

Strengthening Performance of Civil Society Through Dialogue and Critical Thinking in Nigeria

2018 ◽  
pp. 82-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Essien Essien
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
Contemporary Literature ◽  
Civil Society Organizations ◽  
Problem Statement ◽  
Success Story ◽  
Policy Engagement

This chapter discusses dialogue and critical thinking as a tool for civil society's performance and achievements in contemporary societies. The problem statement raises the need for knowledge of what dialogue and critical thinking is, as well as the competence in how to employ and apply its tools in policy engagement. Drawing upon extensive contemporary literature on civil society and policy engagement, this study examines how to enhance the performance of civil society organizations through the paradigm of dialogue and critical thinking. Findings reveal that critical thinking and dialogue is crucial in the success story of civil society organizations, just as the quality of the work accomplished is contingent upon the quality of the ideas, critical thinking and analysis of the problems to be solved. This chapter therefore, has a significant implications for cumulative research on the nexus between critical thinking and dialogue in Civil Society in contemporary societies

scholarly journals Circular Designing and Green Growth: Insights on Future of Sustainability

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-117
Author(s):  
Pooran Chandra Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Policy Implementation ◽  
Civil Society Organizations ◽  
Manufacturing Processes ◽  
Green Growth ◽  
Product Price ◽  
New Era ◽  
Price Point ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Responsible Consumption

The movement in sustainability and green growth approaches are not new though its application and broad basing its outcome on business is a growing phenomenon. It involves a set of key stakeholders including, but not limited to, the sovereign governments, businesses and civil society organizations to be able to orchestrate a fine balance between policy, implementation approaches and its review and reporting, including transparency for purposes of gauging uptick and progression of stated mandates. In this day and age, more than anything else, consumer pressure on manufacturers of the products is leading a sort of momentum, witnessing a new era of corresponding public policy with civil society holding any ultra-virus actions to account in quest to safeguarding the interest of consumers stands more nuanced. In this context, the issues of responsible outsourcing, traceability, supply chain management and its bearing on green growth and clean ecosystems will only help the manufacturing processes improve its efficiency and overall outcomes. These outcomes are expected to arrive at an equilibrium product price point, ensure traceability and set standards for fairness in quest for responsible consumption.

scholarly journals Researchers working with city administrations: Reflecting on transdisciplinary collaboration under conditions of shared goals but different constraints

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Home ◽  
Nicole Bauer
Keyword(s):  
Common Good ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Working Relationships ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Mutual Awareness ◽  
Translational Ecology ◽  
Common Goals ◽  
Transdisciplinary Collaboration ◽  
Institutional Boundaries

AbstractAcademics and city administrations generally agree that environmental management decisions should be science based, which suggests the value of collaboration between city officials and researchers. Such collaboration, termed “ecology with cities”, is an example of translational ecology that should integrate ecological and social sciences to inform decision-makers. However, there has been insufficient reflection on whether ecology with cities achieves the expected development of practical social-ecological knowledge for the common good. We addressed this gap by asking city officials and researchers, in Switzerland and with whom we have collaborated in the past, about their motivations for, and experiences with, transdisciplinary collaboration. The respondents reported largely overlapping goals and an awareness of the mutual benefits of accessing the skills and resources of the other group. However, the reflections also unearthed latent tensions related to insufficient mutual awareness of institutional boundaries and limitations. We conclude that researchers should try to include collaboration partners who have experience in translational ecology practice and should establish learning processes early in a collaboration. Building good working relationships with city administrations and establishing such processes would facilitate the creation of realistic mutual expectations in which institutional limitations are considered so that common goals of maintaining or improving the ecological quality of cities can be amicably reached.

Quality assurance governance and implementation in cancer pathology: A national survey of Canada.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (31_suppl) ◽  
pp. 73-73
Author(s):  
Gunita Mitera ◽  
John Srigley ◽  
Laurette Geldenhuys ◽  
Martin Trotter ◽  
Fergall Magee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Feedback Mechanism ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Electronic Survey ◽  
Cancer Pathology ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Large Institution ◽  
Quality Programs ◽  
Survey Results

73 Background: Robust quality assurance (QA) programs incorporating both technical and interpretive aspects of QA are integral to accurate pathology diagnosis and quality of care a cancer patient receives. Programs and governance addressing technical pathology quality have been well developed in Canada and internationally. The extent of interpretive pathology QA implementation across Canada remains unknown. The objective of this study was to document the current landscape for pathology QA in Canada. Methods: An environmental scan was conducted to determine the types and extent of current large institution and provincial-level pathology QA programs in place across Canada. An electronic survey was administered to key stakeholders and senior decision makers in cancer pathology. Targeted interviews were conducted with pathology leaders in each province to verify survey results, deliberate and resolve ambiguous responses. Results were presented to all survey respondents as a feedback mechanism. Results: 9/10 provinces currently have a professional group representing pathologists. 10/10 provinces currently have a technical QA program. Of these, 2/10 provinces are governed through Accreditation Canada, 3/10 provinces are governed through the Ontario Laboratory Accreditation Program and the remaining 5/10 provinces are governed by separate provincially-led programs. For interpretive pathology QA, 2/10 provinces have a coordinated provincial interpretive QA program, 5/10 provinces do not have provincial coordination, and have plans to implement one, and 3/10 provinces do not have a provincially coordinated interpretive QA program in place, nor are they planning to develop one. Conclusions: This is the first study to document the provincial landscape for pathology QA in Canada. Large pan-Canadian variations remain for level of integration and future plans to develop and integrate interpretive pathology QA programs within provinces. Next steps should include the development of a pan-Canadian recommendations framework for interpretive pathology QA to help guide senior decision-makers in implementing such quality programs provincially.

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