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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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,…

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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?

13. Thanks for your attention!!!