Global Standard for CSO Accountability A Reference Standard Date: 07 April 2016 By: Sorn Savoeun, Certification Officer

Background CSOs are key contributors to democracy & implementing the SDG agenda Civic space is shrinking in many parts of the world Resources for CSO work are decreasing Accountability practices of CSOs around the world should be improved

Against this background…. Nine well-established CSO accountability networks from Africa, Asia, Australia, North and South America and the Caribbean systematically cooperate for 3 years to learn and improve their standards and practices & agree on a collective standard for the core areas of CSO accountability globally … Project Objectives Improve accountability codes and practice Reduce transaction costs / use synergies Contribute to more enabling environment for CSOs

Project Partners Together Project Partners have 1,500 CSOs as members. Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Cooperation Committee for Cambodia (CCC) INGO Accountability Charter InterAction, USA NGO Quality Assurance Certification Mechanism (QuAM), Uganda Rendir Cuentas, Latin America and the Caribbean Viwango, Kenya Voluntary Action Network India (VANI) Balkan Civil Society Development Network (CSDN), Europe. Together Project Partners have 1,500 CSOs as members. They will be actively engaged in developing and implementing the Global Standard. Global Standard meeting in August 2014, Berlin

The Standard It is a “reference“ standard we seek to reflect in our standards and is open to others to use Covers CORE parameter of CSO accountability at a global level in simple language Is built on the overlap and experiences of existing 9 standards of the Project Partners Has considered other accountability initiatives such as the Istanbul Principles, Core Humanitarian Standard and also the SDGs

What have been happening? Meeting in Berlin, August 2014 Meeting in Paris, October 2014 Meeting in Phnom Penh, October 2015 Sharing among project partners constituencies Enduringly learning from each other through webinar, newsletter, websites,…

Unique features of the Standard Accountability approach is truly global Common frame for entire CSO sector Focus on global level / guidance notes allow for adaptation Provides credible sector voice

Key characteristics of accountable CSOs transparent / independent / inclusive / collaborative / responsible / sustainable Commitments Why is this important? 1. We respect and advance Human Rights by addressing discrimination, marginalisation and exclusion and by promoting the dignity of all human beings. Our work should address the needs of people who are not enjoying their full rights. Verifiable Indicators Our commitment to Human Rights requires that we act and speak out clearly against discrimination and violence against women and girls 2. We respect and advance the rights of women and girls and work towards their empowerment. When we lose the trust of the people, we lose the basis for our work. For their trust to grow, they need to have a voice when we make decisions that will affect their lives. 3. We involve and empower the people affected by our work, actively including them in decision making and strengthening their capacity for leadership. We will only be successful if we work well with other organisations and groups. They can help us with resources, skills and knowledge to reach our goals. 4. We invest in partnerships, alliances and networks for long term mutual benefit.

Verifiable Indicators Commitments Why is this important? Verifiable Indicators 5. We commit to engage in advocacy in a well evidenced manner and supported by affected people. We speak out for other people and raise awareness on issues that are important to them when they want us to. We need to fully understand these issues and not misrepresent facts. 6. We enable our staff to fulfill their tasks while being managed fairly and effectively. Our work depends on the abilities of our staff. They need proper training, care, resources and management to perfom well. 7. We ensure resources are acquired and managed transparently, effectively and responsibly. We are spending other people’s resources to improve people’s lives and the environment. We should raise and spend them responsibly 8. We ensure the efficient use of natural resources and minimise negative impact on the environment. The world's natural resources are fast disappearing, endangering our future and the future of our children

Verifiable Indicators Commitments Why is this important? Verifiable Indicators 9. We ensure our strategy, planning and design are adaptable and based on our experience and learning. Our organisations can only be effective if we constantly scan our environment, learn from our experiences and be honest about mistakes that we have made. 10. We communicate transparently, timely and accessibly: who we are, what we do and progress achieved including failures. We need to build trust with the people who are affected by our work and with those who give us money. Being open allows us to do that 11. We commit to govern our organization in an independent, responsible and effective way. When people understand how we come to decisions, they will trust us with their resources and with working towards improving their lives. 12. Our work contributes to sustainable positive change. To improve people's lives and the environment, we need to work for positive changes that are long lasting and durable.

Implementation Process Key Milestones 2015 Develop understanding of the overlaps in existing codes and decide on improvement plans for each of the Project Partners’ own code 2016 Develop collective Global Standard for CSO Accountability as global reference standard 2017 Roll out of Global Standard and market it to create a more enabling CSO environment

Group Discussion What are your core concerns and open issues needing immediate and gradual attention in the development of the Zero Draft? What do you expect to see in the next version of the Zero Draft? What will the standard be beneficial to CSOs in Cambodia? Do you have any comments/inputs to add on the draft in order for promoting CSOs in Cambodia?

Thanks for your attention!!!