NGOs and Civil Society

One of the most significant trends in international development over the past decade has been the remarkable growth of civil society around the world.  During this time, the World Bank’s collaboration with civil society organizations (CSO) has also increased dramatically.

CSO involvement in Bank-funded projects has risen steadily, from around 20 percent of all projects in 1990 to some 70 percent in 2003.   

Experience has shown that CSOs participation improves the outcomes of projects and programs by contributing local knowledge, bringing innovative ideas and solutions to development challenges, amplifying the voice of the poor, and providing technical expertise. 

World Bank - Civil Society Consultations in India

The World Bank’s New Delhi office welcomes the opportunity to work with civil society and has stepped up its engagement with civil society organizations in the country. A series of consultations have been held with a broad range of CSOs on a number of compelling development issues:

Wide-ranging consultations were held with representations of civil society on five major issues that are the key pillars of the Government's 11^th Five Year Plan - Agricultural Growth, Service Delivery and Infrastructure Development, Health and Education, and Inclusive Growth. These consultations were held in New Delhi between  29 August to 3 September, 2007. 

Strengthening environmental institutions to enable them to better tackle the growing environmental challenges was discussed on 7 July 2006, in New Delhi.

To help poor women’s producer organizations to access global markets, consultations with women's grassroots organizations were supported on 21 August 2006, in New Delhi. 

To improve the employment prospects of poor rural youth, discussions were held on 25 August 2006 in New Delhi on what's needed to train them in the skills demanded by the changing market.

The challenges of resettling and rehabilitating the urban poor affected by development projects were discussed on 4 September 2006 in New Delhi with organizations that have extensive experience in the matter.

Development Marketplace

As part of its efforts to promote development and reduce poverty across the world, the World Bank funds innovative ideas from among the people to address compelling development challenges. 

Global Development Marketplace 2007 

For its Global Development Marketplace 2007 (DM 2007), the World Bank is calling for proposals for improving results in Health, Nutrition and Poplulation for the poor. It is looking for creative proposals for small-scale development projects that deliver results and have the potential to be expanded or replicated.  More

India Development Marketplace 2007

In early 2007, the World Bank's New Delhi Office called for innovative proposals for Grassroots Initiatives for Management and Protection of Natural Resources. In May 2007, the winners of the contest were announced. Winners

Five Indian proposals win in Global Development Marketplace 2006

The 30 winners of the Development Marketplace 2006 included five projects from India. They will share a US$5 million grant for initiatives to provide clean water, hygienic sanitation, and access to energy to communities in need. More