Civil society development

Civil society has grown rapidly in China over the past few decades, in the form of charity organisations, non-profit organisations, public and private foundations, voluntary and community-based organisations. The government explicitly recognises the need for increased involvement of civil society organisations (CSOs) and inclusive public participation in its efforts to promote equitable development and social stability.

Improved laws and regulations for civil society organisations have gone some way towards promoting a favourable legal environment for CSOs, and capacity development programmes have strengthen the management and operational skills of CSOs, resulting in more professional and efficient organisations.

CSO development in China can be further strengthened by improving the policy and legal framework, enhance the perception of CSOs’ role in development among the general public, build government capacity to involve CSOs in policy making and public service delivery, and develop the institutional capacities of CSOs themselves.

UNDP China facilitates CSO participation in international fora, brings together CSOs and government stakeholders for dialogues, and engages CSOs to carry out project activities, and to participate in policy and programming consultations.

For example, UNDP works with CSOs to engage the government in policy dialogue on gender equity and follow-up on the CEDAW Committee recommendations. UNDP is also working with three key government institutions; the National People’s Congress Legal Affairs Commission, the Supreme People’s Court and the Ministry of Civil Affairs to promote civil society development and the rule of law through institutionalizing participatory processes for law making, improving the policy and legal environment of CSOs, and building government capacity to involve CSOs in policy and law-making processes.

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  • Governance for Equitable Development

  • Be There Be Heard


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