NGO Participation in Decision-Making: Lessons from HungaryNilda Bullain
ECNL
This presentation is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) within the framework of Moldova Civil Society Strengthening Program. The contents are the responsibility of ECNL and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
Overview
Forms and mechanisms for participation in Hungary
Lessons learned (?)
Parliament
Civil Office„lobby list” of NGOs information services
Committee meetings Public hearings
Government Economic and Social Council
Provides opinions of national policies 3 employers, 3 employees, 3 civil society, 3 academia
representatives National Council on Sustainability
Expert council advising on economic policies (think-tanks)
National Development Agency Consultation in programming financial allocations (by
law) Government Strategy on Civil Society
Prescribes mandatory development of cooperation strategies to Ministries
Ministries
Institutionalized mechanisms, e.g.:Council on the ElderlyTask Force on Job CreationCouncil on DisabilitiesCommittee on Youth Social Advisory Forum on Official Development
Assistance ...
Ministries
Cooperation elaborated in strategies, e.g. Regular collaboration with NGOs representing their
stakeholders (e.g. HAND – MFA, Federation of Nonprofit Human Services Providers – MoLSA),
NGO databases, information services, funding schemes, promotional opportunities etc.
Long-term working relationships (partnerships) with select NGOs
Funds with Civil Society Participation
National Cultural Fund
National Employment Fund
National Civil Fund fully delegated decision-making
decision-makers elected by NGOs
Regional and local level Regional Development
Monitoring Committees Capital
Council CommitteesBudapest Civil CouncilDistrict Civil Roundtables
Major citiesCivil roundtables, Civil councils
Funding instruments and Strategic partnerships at all levels
„Alternative” forms
Future search workshops Community outreach Citizen’s juries Conditioned tenders Internet tools Policy partnerships ...
Learning points/dilemmas
Participation = institutionalization = cooptation? European vs US/UK advocacy models Designated vs bottom-up umbrella bodies Funding of participation mechanisms
Participation: citizens or NGOs?
Conflict of interest issues
Election or nomination of NGO representatives?
