KAMPALA PRINCIPLE 3:CSOs_SUBP 3.A

Sub-principle 3.A

Support and participate in inclusive dialogue and consultation

 

Why is it important?

 

International CSOs

Local CSOs

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) stress the need to work in partnerships, adopt cross-sectoral approaches and focus on localised, context-based approaches while targeting the bottom of the pyramid. Developing inclusive partnerships is complex due to the disparity of contexts, the diversity and lived experiences of the different partners, and the inherent power imbalances that exist. For international CSOs, it is important to ensure that the design stage of any project lays the groundwork for strong working relationships and for generating the insights needed to develop successful interventions. This includes developing mechanisms and bringing best practice experiences to ensure inclusive dialogue and consultations where community-led engagement is a key part of the partnership and space is given to reflection and feedback in the partnership. The SDGs stress the need to work in partnerships, adopt cross-sectoral approaches and focus on localised, context-based approaches while targeting the bottom of the pyramid. Developing inclusive partnerships is complex due to the disparity of contexts, the diversity and lived experiences of the different partners, and the inherent power imbalances that exist. Domestic CSOs are not just partners or subcontractors for other stakeholders, they are key stakeholders in dialogue and consultations. The work of civil society has a powerful impact on the inclusion of marginalised groups, social cohesion, and the equity and sustainability of policies and programmes.
 

Colour code:

Yellow = implementation role

Orange = watchdog role

Black = implementation and watchdog role

Self-reflection questions
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International CSOs

Local CSOs

  • Are all stakeholders consulted and represented in public-private dialogues? How are local communities involved in the process?
  • Has the partnerships made a commitment to regular inclusive dialogue and do you know what this entails? Are you or your country affiliates part of the consultations?
  • Are there codes of conduct, agreement on terminology and conflict resolution mechanisms in place for these dialogues and consultations? 
  • Have active listening processes with beneficiaries and co-creators been set up? Are all members of the community and stakeholders able to be involved in the consultations? 
  • Are you aware of the principle of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC)? Have you ensured that partners, especially the private sector, have policies and processes in place on FPIC?
  • Are all stakeholders consulted and represented in public-private dialogues? How are local communities involved in the process?
  • Has the partnership made a commitment to regular inclusive dialogue and do you know what this entails? Are you able to be part of the consultations? 
  • Are there codes of conduct, agreement on terminology and conflict resolution mechanisms in place for these dialogues and consultations? 
  • Are all members of the community and stakeholders able to be involved in the consultations? 
  • Are you aware of the principle of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC)? Does the PSE project have policies and processes in place on FPIC?

Actions to consider
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International CSOs

Local CSOs

  • If present in the country, participate in regular consultations organised by the national government. 
  • Support the participation of those CSOs for which capacity is a challenge to meaningfully engage.
  • Organise regular consultations among CSOs and with other development actors (development partners, CSOs, private sector, local administrations, etc.) to discuss priorities and challenges in PSE, when relevant.
  • Ensure engagement is early, often with time for reflection and feedback to ensure impact.
  • Participate in regular consultations organised by national governments and development partners. 

 

Pitfalls to avoid
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International CSOs Local CSOs

      DON’T…

  • Set up infrequent discussions with local communities that assigns more time to telling them what is happening with little to no time for them to express their opinions and be heard.  
  • Assume that communication is clear and understood by all partners.

      DON’T…

  • Set up infrequent discussions with local communities that assigns more time to telling them what is happening with little to no time for them to express their opinions and be heard.  
  • Assume that communication is clear and understood by all partners.

COUNTRY-LEVEL EXAMPLES

Empowering smallholders for organic nutmeg Indonesia. Run by the Interchurch Organisation for Development Cooperation (ICCO), the project has a multi-sector partnership which consists of ICCO Cooperation South East Asia and Horti Chain Center, supported by the Indonesian Netherlands Association and Financial Access. Supporting partners in the private sector are: AgriPro Tridaya Nusantara in Jakarta, Multi Rempah BV in Manado, Indonesia and LenersanPoortman in the Netherlands. 


A structured platform for CSOs and private sector engagement has been established (the Private Sector and Civil Society Initiative) in Uganda. It aims to build sustainable partnerships and amplify the voices of both actors. Partnerships between CSOs and the private sector are increasing with the private sector seeing the importance of playing a role in improving social conditions. Nevertheless, CSOs also compete with the private sector over resources and grants and more efforts are needed to promote collaboration. Development partners are increasingly looking to support what they referred to as triangular relationships involving CSOs, the private sector and the development partner. 

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