Building institutional, economic and social capacities through discourse: the role of NGOs in the context of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia

This article is dedicated to consideration of the role and place of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the context of social investment. The main role of NGOs in social investment is that they are social invertors, which is a driving force behind the implementation of many necessary for society projects. The acuteness of the issue of Ukraine’s recovery leads to a growing demand for new effective methods of interaction between the state and the society, which social investments from NGOs can become. From this point, the study of the characteristics of NGOs as social investors becomes especially relevant. So, the scientific novelty of the presented article is the determination of the specifics of NGOs as social investors, and its purpose is the analysis of the role and place of NGOs in social investment, their opportunities in the course of social investment. The author has used the following methods of scientific research: analysis, comparison, generalization and induction, analogies, abstract logic method. It has been established that the specificity of NGOs as social investors includes a number of important characteristics, including: greater (compared to other social investors) closeness to the problem, greater flexibility during investment implementation, opportunity to make not only financial investments, ability to perform various roles during social investments implementation, use of diversified sources of financing. The main resources that non-governmental organizations can invest are financial resources, material resources, employees’ work, time spent by NGO employees on work within the scope of social investment, their experience, knowledge and skills, their emotional resources. To determine the role of NGOs in social investment, two parameters are taken into account: 1) the ratio of financial and other types of investments, 2) the nature of the organization’s activities. According to the ratio of financial and other types of investments, NGOs can perform the role of direct investor, which means taking all the costs associated with the investment upon themselves, transferring all the funds necessary to solve a certain problem directly to the target group; or the role of donor, i.e. transfer their resources not directly to the target group, but to other organizations (including NGOs); or the role of donor and recipient at the same time, which means investing not only one’s own but also donor resources. Foreign researchers have identified the main roles of non-governmental organizations according to the nature of the organization’s activities, which are: the role of an investor, the role of a co-founder, the role of a provider, and the role of an experimenter.

The role of (environmental) non-governmental organizations at the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and at the London Dumping Convention (LDC)

Iranian health nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) could play a variety of roles at many levels of Iran's health system, but their participation in the health sector is far from ideal. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify practical solutions for increasing the role and function of NGOs in the Iranian health system. This qualitative study was conducted between 2020 and 2021 in Tehran, Iran. The data for this study were gathered through 32 in-depth semi-structured interviews with 11 managers from the Ministry of Health as well as from Iran and Tehran universities of medical sciences and 21 Chief executive officers and directors of health NGOs. Data were analyzed by the content analysis approach using the MAXQDA 10 software. The facilitators for expanding the function and roles of NGOs in Iran's health system are classified into two groups of legal and structural mechanisms. "The existence of mandatory laws," "government support for NGOs," "the formulation of standard strategic planning and goals," "the establishment of a database and a network of NGOs," and "the establishment of independent organizational units as the connectors and coordinators of NGOs' affairs in the public sector" are the critical facilitators for the improvement of NGOs' roles in Iran's health system. According to the findings of this study, only limited measures and efforts have been made to improve NGOs' roles and participation in the Iranian health system; at the same time, NGOs' participation in the health sector is far from ideal. Iranian health NGOs are at the beginning of this route, and they would inevitably require various legislative and structural mechanisms to succeed.

Social and political scientists are involved in an extensive but inconclusive debate about the role of international nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) in European migration governance. The European Union (EU) and NGOs work under the assumption that NGOs are crucial to migration governance and yet the role of NGOs is not clear. The EU has invested time and money in its attempts to involve NGOs more actively in migration governance, but it does so without much knowledge of how ngos in the past have influenced migration governance, and thus with no idea if the current investments are worthwhile. In this article, which is the introduction to the special issue on this subject, we take a closer look at the NGOs involved in West European migration in the period from the 1860s until the present day in order to understand the changing role of NGOs in migration governance in Europe. Providing moral, logistical and expert authority in a purportedly impartial way, NGOs have added a dimension to migration governance that states cannot replicate. As a result, the number of NGOs has gradually increased and at times their influence has become significant. However, in providing a chronology of the involvement of NGOs in migration governance, we show that their influence on migration governance policies and practices has not been linear. During some windows of opportunity (e.g. in the immediate years following the First and Second World Wars and the Cold War), NGOs became more prominent and effective, while at other times (e.g. the 1930s), their importance waned. The presence and capacity of NGOs to contribute to migration governance depended on whether states, and increasingly after 1945, intergovernmental organisations such as the UN, needed them to further their own interests or to fulfil a role that they could not play.

In recent years, there have been significant debates about the legitimacy of the ICC, in particular in countries which are, as ‘situation countries’, subject to investigative or prosecutorial activities of the Court. Perspectives from the Global South are critical against the hegemonic elements of this regime, perceived as an instrumentalisation of global human rights norms and Western imperialism. Yet, current debates about the legitimacy of international criminal justice have tended to neglect the hegemonic and counter-hegemonic capacities of non-state actors in affected communities. This chapter inquires into the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Uganda’s contested criminal justice processes. The chapter draws on semi-structured interviews with both domestic and international NGO staff, lawyers and victim representatives, as well as secondary sources. It also benefits from reflections based on the author’s experience as a legal practitioner in Uganda. Drawing on the theory of legitimacy, it illustrates how NGOs may perpetuate hegemonic structures of international criminal justice through the approaches that they take regarding the prosecution of international crimes at the ICC and the International Crimes Division (ICD) of Uganda. In turn, this asserts a form of sociological legitimacy of the courts in the eyes of the affected communities. On the other hand, the chapter also highlights a limited counter-hegemonic role of some domestic NGOs that prioritize domestic accountability mechanisms over international avenues. Ultimately, attention to NGOs as critical actors is essential if we are to sustain the counter-hegemonic debates in international criminal justice. The findings point to the increasing role of NGOs as key stakeholders in the future of the international criminal justice project.KeywordsInternational criminal justiceICCInternational crimesUgandaNon-governmental organisationsLegitimacy

Community Development (CD) is an approach aimed at improving the quality of life of the community. The approach for improvement can be achieved through a number of ways and organizations which includes, the Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) "a private organization that pursue activities to reduce suffering, promote the interest of the poor , protect the environment, provide basic social services or undertake community development". This paper discusses the role and contribution of NGOs towards development in Balochistan. NGOs have several projects, programs and roles which support people to bring development in communities. In addition, NGOs mobilize the communities to be self-dependent. The study includes interviews, document analysis and field studies with staffs and the beneficiaries of NGOs. The study helps the communities to find out their own problems and solve them according to their own local resources. Recommendations made as to the best practices of community development programs for NGOs to improve the living standard of people in province of Balochistan.

This paper examines the role of development NGOs (nongovernmental organizations) in furthering the political participation of the poor, with data from Bangladesh and Nepal. The topic is discussed from three aspects: the role of NGOs in prodemocracy movements, the issues raised by antiglobalization movements, and the extent of NGO involvement in local government elections. The paper draws on fieldwork conducted in two villages—one in Bangladesh and the other in Nepal. It is concluded that development NGOs tend to contribute more to elite interests than to the democratic political participation of the poor.

This article focuses on the work done by nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) in mental health (MH) in India and will illustrate in broad strokes the growth of NGOs in the MH sector. It describes the evolution of MH services over the years with specific emphasis on community MH activities undertaken by NGOs. The role of the MH NGO in bridging the MH gap and the activities that have been undertaken ranging from primary prevention work to tertiary care is discussed. The inherent strengths that the NGOs have in working with communities and their ability to provide holistic care and services beyond the medical model by involving a wide array of workers ranging from MH professionals to peer support providers is examined. The need for private–public partnership in MH is emphasized as the way forward along with leveraging digital technologies that has now come into sharp focus following the COVID pandemic.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in promoting family rights and supporting vulnerable families worldwide. These organizations focus on addressing various social issues, such as child labor, abuse, and exploitation, while advocating for policies that protect children’s rights. NGOs provide essential services like education, healthcare, and nutritional aid to marginalized families, enhancing their socioeconomic status. They also engage in capacity building, community empowerment, and policy influence to create sustainable change. By collaborating with governments, communities, and policymakers, NGOs help ensure that vulnerable families receive the support they need to thrive. The study on the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in promoting family rights and supporting vulnerable families revealed significant positive impacts. NGOs’ interventions in education, nutrition, and healthcare led to improved socioeconomic development outcomes for vulnerable families. The study found that NGOs’ education aid reduced financial burdens on families and improved learning experiences. Nutritional aid contributed to improved health and well-being, while health aid reduced financial burdens and improved access to healthcare. A statistically significant relationship was found between NGOs’ aid and the socioeconomic development of vulnerable families, indicating a strong correlation. Overall, the study highlights the crucial role NGOs play in supporting vulnerable families and promoting their socioeconomic development. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in promoting family rights and supporting vulnerable families. Their interventions in education, nutrition, and healthcare have a significant positive impact on socioeconomic development outcomes. By providing essential services and support, NGOs help alleviate poverty, improve health and well-being, and enhance access to education. The findings underscore the importance of NGOs’ work in empowering vulnerable families and promoting their socioeconomic development. Continued support and collaboration with NGOs are essential for ensuring the well-being and prosperity of vulnerable families and communities

One of the problems in agriculture is the institutional problem of farmers who are not supportive. Non-Governmental Organizations can take a role in strengthening farmer groups, especially people in agricultural areas such as Humbang Hasundutan District. The purpose of this research is expected to provide in-depth information to describe and analyze activities conducted by Mercy Corps Indonesia in strengthening farmer group institutions. Research on the role of non-governmental organizations in instutional strengthening farmer group. This research uses qualitative methods. Researchers function as data collectors and analyzers related to the role of Mercy Corps Indonesia's non-governmental organizations in institutional strengthening farmer groups in Sinambela village at Humbang Hasundutan District. The results of this research were concluded several things, such as 1) Mercy Corps Indonesia Non-Governmental Organizations take a role in group strengthening farmers in Sinambela village, among them was through Livehood activities such as outreach activities, field meetings, making GAP (Good Demostration Practices) demonstration plots and strengthening the organization of farmer groups in Sinambela village. 2) Saolan and Haluaon farmer groups are slowly starting to strengthen from the dimension of organizational, human resources, finance, infrastructure and cooperation.

Over the past two decades, the role of non government organizations (NGOs) in economic development has received increasing attention. Current development literature claims that NGOs have more positive characteristics than government organizations (GOs). Moreover, common people, donor agencies and governments have come to expect better performances from NGOs. Yet, there are few systematic evaluations of their general activities and even fewer of their programs, which are aimed at women. This study aims, in part, to fill this gap.The study evaluates the performance of NGOs' economic development programs for women beneficiaries in compare to GO's economic development program. To identify the extent of effectiveness of NGO programs the study compares the performances of the economic development programs of NGOs with those of government organizations (GOs). The evaluation process includes a case study.The evaluation is conducted with the help of a case study of the economic development programs of two NGOs and two GOs in two separate districts in the state of West Bengal in India. A semi-structured questionnaire survey of a sample of women, directly affected by the NGOs' and Gas' activities was used as the main method of gathering data. As well, group discussions were held with the beneficiaries and staff of the organizations was interviewed. In addition, organizational documents relevant to the program were examined.The study finds that the effectiveness for women beneficiaries of the NGOs' economic development programs is greater than that of the GOs' programs. A larger proportion of women from the NGOs' programs gained economic benefits than those from the GOs' programs. A large number of women are employed after completing the NGOs' programs. The NGO programs also lead to higher wage rates and less working hours for the women. The NGOs' women beneficiaries also develop better savings habits than those from the GOs. Moreover, the study finds the social impact of the NGOs' programs on its women beneficiaries is stronger than the GOs' programs. A larger proportion of the NGOs recipients has business knowledge and market links than the GOs' women. In addition, participation in the intra-family decision making process and mobility outside the home is better for the NGOs' women beneficiaries.Further, it is found that the economic benefits of the NGOs' programs reach the poorer sections of the society better than the GOs' programs. However, the study also finds that the benefits of the programs of both types of organization fail to reach the 'very poor' section of women. As well, women beneficiaries from better socio-economic backgrounds obtain higher benefits than the women beneficiaries from relatively lower socio-economic backgrounds. The case study finds that the greater success of the NGOs' economic development programs is due to a high level of participation of beneficiaries in the development process and high member accountability of the program implementing organization.The thesis concludes by suggesting the ways for NGOs to make their economic development programs more successful. The thesis argues that a simplified micro credit program and a skill-training program with better marketing networks may free women beneficiaries from the exploitation of middlemen traders and local moneylenders. It is also suggested that cooperation and partnership with government organizations in order to access raw materials at cheaper rates and marketing outlets for selling products is needed.However, the thesis points out that there needs to be overall economic growth within an area for the success of any NGO's program. If good infrastructural facilities including road, transport and electricity are available, and if local market demand for produced goods increases then an NGO's economic development programs will be more successful.

The aim of the following article is to show the role of the 3rd sector in the development of the modern state and present special relations between three main forces—state, market and civil participation via non-governmental organizations (NGO). The recent crisis as well as the ongoing social and economic movements along with changes generated by globalization has clearly shown that market and state are no longer the only main creators of reality. NGOs are the one that gain more and more power, not only on social field but also on political and economic ground. The author poses a research question on the role of NGOs in modern state. The article states the hypothesis that the role of civil participation is a vital factor for smart development of the modern societies and is essential for the economic and political sphere. Firstly, I analyse the role of NGO as a balancing factor between the state and the market letting society to express its opinion. Latter, the author discusses the changing role of NGO, more power that is taken by civil movements and its growing influence nowadays. The article sums up the role of NGOs emphasizing that their input is necessary for the proper functioning of the modern state in new globalized reality

Urban communities' adaptation to extreme heat necessitates robust adaptive capacities to reduce vulnerability. In China's newly urbanized areas, distinctive institutional and social contexts shape community-based adaptation capacities, yet their formation and functions remain understudied. This research investigates these capacities across three types of urban communities—commercial, rural-to-urban, and hybrid—in a temperate Chinese city experiencing increased heat risks. Through field investigation of representative communities developed during China's rapid urbanization over the past three decades, we reveal that residents' committees—mass autonomous organizations backed by local governments—serve as pivotal actors in community-based adaptation through planning, resource allocation, and collaboration coordination. The grid management system established and maintained by these committees for top-down governance enhances institutional capacities and facilitates internal networking, leading to comparable institutional capacity levels across community types. Social capacities, however, differ significantly, primarily influenced by the legacy of social capital from original rural communities. Rural-to-urban and hybrid communities maintain modified versions of these social networks, enabling collective actions such as mutual aid, while commercial communities rely predominantly on individual capacities. These social capacities complement and reinforce institutional capacities through bottom-up processes. Although specific heat adaptation plans are lacking, these newly-urbanized communities leverage their general institutional and social capacities to address intensifying extreme heat challenges. This study demonstrates how the interplay between institutional and social capacities shapes community resilience to climate challenges in China's unique urbanization context.

The development of cooperation on asylum and migration matters in the European Union (EU) has often been explained as the result of ‘venue-shopping’, that is, the move by national policy-makers to a new EU policy venue in order to circumvent domestic obstacles. However, focusing on the case of asylum, recent literature has argued that, contrary to expectations, the move to the EU policy venue has actually resulted in a rise in asylum standards overall. This can be explained by a series of treaty changes that have resulted in the increasing ‘communautarisation’ and ‘judicialisation’ of the EU asylum policy venue. This article seeks to further contribute to these debates by examining the hitherto neglected role of refugee-assisting non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in this process. It argues that, contrary to the expectation that venue-shopping to the EU level would enable policy-makers to free themselves from NGO monitoring, NGOs have actually increasingly organised their advocacy work at the EU level in recent years. The treaty changes to the EU asylum policy venue have also increased advocacy opportunities for NGOs, which have enabled them to exercise a significant level of influence over the EU asylum policy-making process, especially at the policy drafting stage. It can be concluded that the current configuration of the EU asylum policy venue offers more opportunities for NGOs to exercise their influence on the development of the EU asylum policy than ever before.

In the wake of debate on the ‘New Policy Agenda’ of good governance and the increasing prominence of Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) in public service delivery, serious questions are being asked about the role of NGOs in development, their accountability, their relationships with donors, with the state and with their beneficiaries. As southern NGOs receive increasing amounts of funding from donors and northern NGOs, their profile is being raised, prompting government response. The nature of legislative responses of governments to increasingly high profile NGO communities range from open hostility and suspicion, to indifference. National legislative frameworks are neglected in the literature, yet they may profoundly influence the accountability, legitimacy, organisation and vision of local NGOs as well as the way northern NGOs can operate in a country. The article illustrates the potential for conflict over legislation on NGOs but also important opportunities and benefits, maintaining that legislation is necessary, because it can act as a catalyst to spark and focus debate on the role of NGOs, the extent to which they legitimately represent civil society, to whom they are accountable and how they can be protected. Open, balanced negotiation between stakeholders is necessary to avoid conflict and focus discourse on NGO and government roles and accountability. Governments, donors and NGOs each have a role to play in shaping NGO legitimacy, ensuring their upwards and downwards accountability.