The Open Forum – Towards Principles of CSO Development Effectiveness Background to the Open Forum Objectives: What does the OF seek to achieve? Process: How will it achieve its objectives? How does labour fit into the OF?

Open Forum launched in Paris in 2008 Governance structure: Global Facilitation Committee (GFG) – 25 representatives of networks, platforms, and international NGOs; political direction, oversight and liaison with Better Aid Consortium – 6 CSOs ; responsible for operational and administrative support; facilitators of national and regional consultations Time-bound initiative: September 2009 to October 2011 OF origins can be traced to critique of the Paris Declaration, and Rejection of applicability of Paris principles to civil society organizations

Open Forum Objective: INTERNATIONAL FRAMEWORK ON CIVIL SOCIETY DEVELOPMENT EFFECTIVENESS * based on a shared vision of development effectiveness * take account of diversity among CSOs globally * explore partnerships and relationships among CSOs COMPONENTS: * principles of CSO development effectiveness * guidelines on application of principles * accountability mechanisms

* Aims to address internal and external factors that effect CSO effectiveness * Seeks to achieve negotiated agreement on minimum standards for enabling conditions for CSOs to be effective, by the next HLF in 2011 * Attempts to build on recognition of CSO as independent development actors achieved in Accra

How will OF achieve its objectives? * multi-stakeholder engagement with governments and donors, but CSO-led process * conceived a open, inclusive and participatory process to reach global consensus *outreach activities and awareness raising by participating platforms and organizations * 50 national consultations in 6 regions (Africa, Asia, Americas, Asia, Europe, North America-Pacific) * 4 thematic consultations: trade unions, women, CSOs in conflict zones, and rural/urban marginalized poor

* National and thematic consultations are key to broaden participation in OF, and to provide legitimacy to the process and its outcomes * Toolkit produced to help ensure consistency and structure in complex process taking place in limited time frame * Outcomes of consultations go to 1st Global Assembly, Montreal, in August 2010 which adopts draft International Framework on CSO Development Effectiveness * Additional round of consultations to build consensus in 2010/2011 * Framework is finalized at 2 nd Global Assembly in early 2011, Prior to HLF 4 in Korea * Secured and pledged funding for OF = 1.6 m Euros

Opportunity for Labour? * Limited engagement of trade unions to date * Trade unions are actors in development and OF offers opportunities for mutual interaction and learning with CSOs on implications of changing aid modalities * Trade unions bring unique perspective that can enrich OF process * International Framework likely to become reference point shaping donor/government relations with civil society in aid effectiveness agenda * Opportunity to make trade union development cooperation more responsive, more democratic, and more collaborative

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