Introduction

The SUN principles of engagement outline the key foundation for ways of working between and within multiple stakeholder groups of the SUN movement. They also form the basis of  this working note on enabling good governance in civil society alliances[1]. In particular, the principles of transparency, inclusiveness, rights based approaches, mutual accountability and continuous communication are key to constructive and vibrant Civil Society Alliances (CSAs). These principles are also key foundations of good governance. This working document will attempt to respond to the following questions:

 

• What are good governance practices for civil society alliances / platforms, coalitions or networks of CSOs (hereafter referred to as alliances)?

• Why is good governance relevant and important for civil society alliances when contributing to SUN movement efforts?

• How can good governance be incorporated into civil society alliance activities and provide the foundation to drive successful shared actions?

• What resources are available to assist?

 

This guidance note does not present a detailed guide to setting up a CSA but will instead focus on where governance fits into this process. For further information on setting up a CSA the reader should consult the Guidance Note on Establishing a Civil Society Alliance in a SUN Country which is available on the SUN movement website.

 

Civil society alliances represent a in advocating for improvements to nutrition at a national and international level. This involves holding government to account for their responsibilities as a duty bearer and their commitments to improving the nutrition status of their populations. Civil society is a key broker in enabling everyone to work towards scaling up nutrition.

Civil society should be a partner and as such hold itself to the same high standards of governance which are expected of businesses, governments and other actors with power in the global SUN movement. Civil Society can support national multi-stakeholder, multi-sectoral and multi-level efforts; ensure grassroots realities inspire and drive the development of programmes, policies and strategies; contribute to multi-stakeholder, coordinated implementation of national plans and ensure sustainability by fostering and building ownership at all levels.

 

Civil society is vital to the realisation of good governance and accountability in relation to nutrition. This can be clearly realised through attention to international mechanisms and structures for supporting populations in demanding and realising their right to food. Participation of the most marginalised, poorest and those whose right to food is being violated is the basis for accountability.

If Civil Society is well organised, coordinated and aligned with transparent and clear institutional structures it is more likely to be viewed as a strong, valid stakeholder in national multi-stakeholder, multi-sectoral and multi-level efforts. It is also more likely to be effective in enabling change within society and developing the strong foundations required to support participation and equality for all in the future.

As civil society alliances, we know that we are an important stakeholder in support of scaling up nutrition efforts at every scale from local communities to national governments. Examples of the crucial contribution that civil society alliances are making can be found in Annex 2.

 

 

 

[1] SUN Principles of engagement reference. For further information on the SUN principles of engagement: http://scalingupnutrition.org/principles-of-engagement