Roles of NGOs and Civil Society in the Post-2015 Agendas:
A Critical Partnership

Abstract: This discussion explores the essential role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) in advancing the six major Post-2015 global agendas: the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Climate Change Agenda, Finance for Development (FfD), Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Humanitarian Agenda, and the Habitat (Urban) Agenda. It outlines the multifaceted contributions of civil society in advocacy, implementation, monitoring, and innovation, as well as their involvement in policy-making and public engagement. The conversation also examines how these contributions have been received by the United Nations and national governments, noting varying degrees of support, inclusion, and tension. Emphasis is placed on the critical importance of civil society in ensuring that global frameworks remain inclusive, localized, and accountable to the communities they aim to serve. Keywords: Post-2015 Agendas, civil society, NGOs, SDGs, climate change, governance, accountability, localization

	Hari Srinivas
	Post-2015 Series E-220

1.Introduction

The adoption of the Post-2015 development framework marked a turning point in global cooperation and sustainability efforts. Comprising six major agendas-the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Climate Change Agenda, Finance for Development (FfD), Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Humanitarian Agenda, and Habitat Agenda-this framework recognizes the complexity and interconnectedness of the world's challenges. These agendas go beyond government action and intergovernmental negotiations; they call for inclusive partnerships across all sectors of society.

In this context, the involvement of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) is not merely complementary, but essential. Civil society brings community-level insights, practical experience, moral authority, and an ability to bridge the gap between global goals and local realities. Their participation ensures that development is not only about economic growth or institutional reform, but also about justice, dignity, and sustainability for all.

Figure 1: Civil Society's Roles in the Post-2015 Agendas

As implementation of the Post-2015 agendas has progressed, the roles played by NGOs and CSOs have expanded significantly. They have advocated for marginalized groups, designed and delivered targeted programs, held decision-makers accountable, and introduced innovative practices. This document explores these roles in detail, examines how governments and the United Nations have responded to civil society's contributions, and reflects on why sustained engagement with civil society is critical to achieving the ambitions set forth in the Post-2015 era.

1. Advocacy and Agenda-Setting

NGOs and civil society organizations played a crucial role in shaping the Post-2015 Agendas, particularly during the negotiation and consultation phases that preceded the formal adoption of the SDGs and related frameworks. Through global campaigns, participatory consultations, and position papers, these actors helped define priorities such as human rights, inequality, environmental justice, and inclusive development.

Initiatives like "The World We Want" and networks such as CIVICUS and the Beyond 2015 coalition mobilized diverse stakeholders-including marginalized communities-to ensure that their voices influenced global goal-setting processes. As a result, many elements of the SDGs and related agendas reflect civil society's persistent advocacy and emphasis on equity and rights-based development.

2. Implementation at the Ground Level

Once the Post-2015 Agendas were adopted, civil society groups moved swiftly to translate global commitments into local action. NGOs often serve as vital intermediaries, particularly in regions where state capacity is limited or where governments lack reach or legitimacy. They implement programs tailored to local contexts, ranging from climate resilience projects and disaster preparedness to education, healthcare access, and slum upgrading.

NGO programmes and projects ensure that the principles of inclusion and sustainability are embedded in grassroots efforts. Civil society's participatory and community-centered approaches have been essential for achieving tangible outcomes, especially in areas like the Sendai Framework, SDG targets, and the Habitat Agenda.

3. Monitoring, Accountability, and Data

Civil society organizations also play a key role in tracking and assessing progress toward the Post-2015 goals. Through independent evaluations, shadow reports, and citizen-generated data, they provide alternative perspectives that often highlight gaps or blind spots in official reporting. Many networks have developed their own monitoring frameworks that align with, but also go beyond, government methodologies, focusing on qualitative insights and community feedback.

These efforts are particularly important in contexts where data is incomplete, unreliable, or politically manipulated. Initiatives such as Action for Sustainable Development have coordinated civil society input into national voluntary reviews (VNRs), bringing accountability and transparency into global discussions.

4. Policy Innovation and Capacity Building

NGOs and CSOs have frequently acted as incubators of policy innovation, piloting new approaches to social, environmental, and economic challenges. These grassroots experiments often serve as proof-of-concept models that governments and donors can scale up.

In addition to service delivery, civil society groups invest heavily in local capacity building-training communities, local officials, and other stakeholders in areas such as disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, urban resilience, and financial literacy. Their work not only addresses immediate needs but also strengthens long-term institutional and community capacities aligned with the goals of the Post-2015 Agendas.

2.Reception and Opinions from the UN and National Governments

While civil society has emerged as a key actor in the implementation of the Post-2015 Agendas, its relationship with multilateral institutions and national governments has been complex and evolving. Both the United Nations and individual governments have recognized the contributions of NGOs and CSOs, but the degree of engagement, inclusion, and support has varied significantly.

This section explores how civil society's role has been acknowledged, facilitated, or constrained within global and national frameworks, highlighting both the opportunities for partnership and the underlying tensions that shape this dynamic.

1. United Nations

   The United Nations has consistently emphasized the value of civil society engagement in the Post-2015 process, recognizing NGOs and CSOs as key partners in achieving the 2030 Agenda and other global commitments.

   Mechanisms such as the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) include space for civil society input and participation, reflecting the UN's intention to foster inclusive and participatory global governance. The Major Groups and other Stakeholders (MGoS) system institutionalizes this engagement by providing structured avenues for civil society voices to be heard. However, despite these formal inclusions, many organizations-especially those from the Global South-continue to express concerns about being sidelined or inadequately represented in key deliberations, pointing to persistent power asymmetries and limited access to decision-making platforms.

2. National Governments

   The relationship between national governments and civil society in the context of the Post-2015 Agendas varies widely across countries and regions. In some contexts, governments have embraced NGOs and CSOs as valuable development partners, integrating them into national SDG implementation plans, data collection efforts, and policy consultations.

   Countries with strong traditions of participatory governance-such as those in Scandinavia or certain parts of Latin America and Africa-have generally maintained open channels of collaboration. Conversely, in more restrictive political environments, governments have expressed distrust toward civil society actors, particularly international NGOs, viewing them as external agents or politically motivated critics. In such cases, civic space is often constrained through legal, bureaucratic, or financial means.

3. Localization Partnerships

   In many countries, both national and subnational governments have turned to civil society as essential partners in the localization of the Post-2015 Agendas. NGOs contribute by contextualizing global goals within local realities, mobilizing community-level actors, and aligning programs with national development strategies.

   This is particularly evident in areas like urban development (Habitat Agenda), disaster resilience (Sendai), and education and health (SDGs), where civil society organizations bring practical knowledge and deep-rooted community ties. Through these collaborations, civil society helps to translate high-level commitments into on-the-ground change, often with greater speed and adaptability than formal government channels.

4. Concerns and Tensions

   Despite their contributions, civil society actors are sometimes perceived by governments as duplicating state functions, pursuing donor-driven agendas, or being overly critical of official policies. This has led to instances of friction, especially where governments feel threatened by the independence or influence of NGOs. Tensions are more pronounced in politically sensitive areas such as human rights, corruption, or environmental activism.

   Nevertheless, even in such environments, civil society continues to operate-sometimes creatively or under-the-radar-to advance the principles and goals embedded in the Post-2015 Agendas. The ongoing challenge lies in balancing autonomy with collaboration, ensuring mutual trust and constructive engagement between governments and civil society.

3.Why Involve NGOs and Civil Society Organizations?

The involvement of NGOs and CSOs in the Post-2015 Agendas is indispensable for multiple reasons. These organizations have the networks and relationships needed to reach the grassroots and engage marginalized populations. They serve as vital conduits for community voices, ensuring that global development frameworks are inclusive and responsive. In humanitarian settings or fragile states, NGOs are often the most visible and trusted actors providing essential services.

Moreover, civil society adds value through innovation, agility, and localized knowledge. Their ability to test new approaches, fill institutional gaps, and build local capacities complements governmental and multilateral efforts. As watchdogs, they also play a crucial role in transparency and accountability, making sure that commitments made under the six agendas are honored and that results are scrutinized through a critical lens.

Civil society sustains momentum and legitimacy for the Post-2015 agendas. By raising awareness, educating the public, and mobilizing political will, NGOs and CSOs ensure that these frameworks do not remain abstract or elite-driven. Their continued involvement enhances ownership and trust-two pillars without which no global agenda can truly succeed. To meet the ambitions of the Post-2015 framework by 2030 and beyond, full and active engagement with civil society is not optional-it is fundamental.

Involving NGOs and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the six Post-2015 Agendas-Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Climate Change Agenda, Finance for Development (FfD), Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Humanitarian Agenda, and the Habitat (Urban) Agenda-is critical for several interrelated reasons:

Key Role	Description
1. Reach and Access to the Grassroots	NGOs and CSOs often have deep, trusted connections with communities, especially in remote, marginalized, or conflict-affected areas where governments and international agencies have limited presence. Their involvement ensures that these communities are not left behind and that interventions are tailored to local realities.
2. Amplifying Voices of the Marginalized	Civil society acts as a channel for vulnerable and underrepresented groups-such as women, youth, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous peoples-to engage with and influence policy. This is vital to ensure that the six agendas remain inclusive, rights-based, and equitable.
3. Innovation and Flexibility	NGOs and CSOs are often more agile than governments, able to pilot new ideas and approaches quickly. They serve as testing grounds for innovation in service delivery, technology, community organization, and sustainable practices, which can then be scaled by larger actors.
4. Accountability and Transparency	Civil society plays a watchdog role, holding governments, corporations, and international bodies accountable for their commitments. Through shadow reports, citizen monitoring, and advocacy campaigns, they ensure that progress under each agenda is not just reported, but verified and critiqued.
5. Bridging Global Goals and Local Action	The success of the Post-2015 agendas depends on effective localization. NGOs and CSOs act as translators of global frameworks-like the SDGs or Sendai-into actionable, community-based strategies that resonate with local cultures, needs, and priorities.
6. Policy Input and Participatory Governance	Civil society contributes to more democratic and participatory policy-making. Their evidence-based research, field experience, and community feedback help shape more responsive and context-specific policies across the six agendas.
7. Rapid Response and Humanitarian Support	In humanitarian contexts, including disasters and conflicts, NGOs and CSOs are often the first responders. Their logistical networks, local knowledge, and community trust enable them to act swiftly, complementing formal humanitarian mechanisms.
8. Sustaining Political Will and Public Engagement	Civil society helps keep public attention and political momentum alive around the agendas. Through awareness campaigns, education, and mobilization, they engage citizens in long-term transformation efforts, making the goals part of everyday discourse and behavior.

4.Strengthening Civic Partnerships for a Sustainable Future

As the world moves toward the 2030 deadline for achieving the Post-2015 Agendas, the role of civil society remains more vital than ever. NGOs and CSOs bring a unique combination of grassroots insight, policy innovation, and moral legitimacy to the global development landscape. Their ability to localize global goals, represent marginalized voices, and hold power to account ensures that progress is not only measured by statistics, but also by the lived experiences of people and communities. Recognizing and reinforcing these contributions is essential to maintaining the integrity and inclusiveness of the global agenda.

Looking forward, a renewed commitment to civic space, trust-building, and genuine collaboration between governments, the UN system, and civil society will be key. This means going beyond token participation to enabling co-creation, co-delivery, and co-accountability. As global challenges?from climate shocks to inequality?continue to intensify, the strength of our response will depend on the strength of our partnerships. Empowering civil society is not just a strategic choice?it is a prerequisite for a resilient, just, and sustainable future.