The Global Standard is a reference standard that captures a globally shared dynamic understanding of CSO Accountability. It was developed by nine Accountability Initiatives including BCSDN, based on their own existing accountability standards and practices. It was officially launched at the International Civil Society Week in Suva, Fiji in front of around 50 representatives of CSOs, donors and INGOs from all over the globe. The journey of the development of the Standard and its content was presented by Anabel Cruz, chair of CIVICUS and co-chair of Rendir Cuentas, one of the partners of the Standard.
BCSDN Executive Director Ilina Nesik, actively participated on the launch, during preparation on the project partners meeting in Sydney, Australia, but also as a panelist on the launch leading the discussion on the ways of operationalizing the Standard, presenting the possibilities for implementations shared by the partners. The Standard was presented as a mean to counter shrinking civic space and present a positive narrative about our sector, as an opportunity for improving existing Code of Conducts that networks already have or as a self-assessment tool for the sector. BCSDN led the discussion on how to use the standard as a capacity building tool. All discussions were fruitful and led towards gaining more insights of the ways of future work with the Standard. The next steps were also presented by Accountable Now the future host of the Standard and discussed at the event.
The next phase is foreseen as enlarging the initiative towards more networks and organizations that will be able to contribute to the dynamic accountability of the CSO sector. A fund will be open to which organizations could apply and regional focal points will also contribute to the geographical wide-spreading of the understanding and supporting of the dynamic accountability worldwide. BCSDN’s Ilina Nesik was also appointed as member of the Executive Committee of the initiative that will take on the role till the beginning of the next phase.
To get even more information and stay updated with the latest developments visit the website, follow our Twitter channel and like our Facebook page.