The Purpose of the International NGO/CBO Summit
Non Governmental organization forms the primary base in the implementation and promoting equity and representing the welfare of the ordinary citizens in the society. The International NGO/CBO summit which was held in March 2007 between the 26th and the 30th in New York was aimed at expanding the knowledge on the emerging issues affecting Non-Governmental Organizations and the limitations that they face in the course of carrying out their mandate. The presence of various NGOs in the summit indicated the commitment of the NGOs to voice their concerns concerning the people they represent. Most of the NGOs in the summit are sponsored according to the role they play in their respective area of operation. The importance of the presence of the NGOs is that they are the voice of those they represent. (Welch 2001)
Problem Discussed at the Summit
The summit addressed various issues in the modern world that shape the role of NGOs. It has occurred that some NGOs are perceived to overstep their mandate by either diverting from their primary objectives or taking sides. One accomplishment of the NGOs is that in recent times, they have addressed various issues such as environmental concerns and education a practice that has led to a more responsibility-oriented society (Rugendyke 2007). NGOs acts as role models hence their charitable practices influence other people to do likewise. Some of the problems that emerged are such government interference where some government has the wrong perception in the mandate of the NGO. Other problems include financial constraints and a lack of skilled personnel to carry out various practices.
In global governance, the NGOs can participate in community development practices to try and improve the living standards of the people. This can occur from the simple process of maintenance to facilitating systems that guide the code of conduct of the local society concerning their environment. To operate effectively, NGOs need technical and moral support from the individual governments hence it’s up to the government to play its part in assisting a development revolution brought by NGOs.
NGOs are the voice of the people in an environment where human rights may be violated (Donnelly 2007). Since the operations of most NGOs are at a local level, The NGOs understand the local people better hence can communicate to the government on issues affecting the local community. This, however, should not lead to political interference a move that would lead the people to have less trust in NGOs. The NGOs hence should facilitate the flow of information between the people and the government in the best way possible.
In global governance, NGOs are required to be transparent and exhibit the highest level of professionalism. Some NGOs are found to lack credibility in the course of carrying out their mandate. Regarding the amount of trust the local people bestow on these organizations, it is highly unethical for the NGOs to either overstep their mandate or underrepresent the same people they claim to represent (Bhose 2003). The key thing in this is that NGOs should be neutral and engage in fair practices that do not exhibit any bias or injustice whatsoever.
References
Bhose J.S. (2003) NGOs and Rural Development, New York: Concept Publishing Company.
Donnelly J, (2007), International Human Rights, New York: Westview Press.
Rugendyke, B. (2007), NGOs as Advocates for Development in a Globalizing World, New York: Taylor & Francis.
Welch, C.E. (2001), NGOs and Human Rights: promise and Performance, New York: University of Pennsylvania Press.