Strengthening Collaboration With CSOs in the Implementation of the NES – Guideline

This guideline is intended to guide government agencies to strengthen collaboration with CSOs in the implementation of the NES.

In most cases government and CSOs have shared aims. They both aim to improve the living conditions of citizens and sustain development. When done well, collaboration between government and CSO can be beneficial for both parties, enabling them to fulfil their mandates/objectives. Yet, it is often difficult to achieve effective collaboration for several reasons. For example, government and CSO institutional contexts and cultures can vary significantly, their power and influence within a country are also not comparable. The relationship can also be further complicated where each hold negative sentiment about the other and by the fact that government has a regulatory/oversight function towards CSO operating in the country. This guideline recognises this complexity and aims to offer government officials building NES practical guidance to enhance collaboration with CSOs in building different aspects of their evaluation systems.