Feature Photo Credit: WWF
The 27th of February has became a historic day for the NGO community and it offers an opportunity for us all to reflect on the extraordinary impact of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the invaluable role they play in shaping positive change globally. Having had the privilege of working with two NGOs—Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) in Zimbabwe, and another working alongside the Department of Vocational Education and Training (DVET) at the Ministry of Education in Botswana—I witnessed firsthand the transformative power these organisations wield in addressing critical societal and environmental needs.
This article delves into the multifaceted world of NGOs, exploring their significance on World Non-Governmental Organisation Day. Through personal experiences and global perspectives, I aim to celebrate the tireless efforts of these organisations in making a difference and inspiring positive transformations on both local and international scales.
what is an ngo?
A non-governmental organisation (NGO) is a group that functions independently of any government. They are typically nonprofit entities, and many of them are active in humanitarianism or the social sciences: they can also include clubs and associations that provide services to their members and others. NGOs can also be lobby groups for corporations such as the World Economic Forum.
The term as it is used today was first introduced in 1945. While there is no fixed or formal definition for what NGOs are, they are generally defined as nonprofit entities that are independent of governmental influence—although they may receive government funding.
According to the UN Department of Global Communications, an NGO is:
The term NGO is used inconsistently, and is sometimes used synonymously with civil society organisation (CSO), which is any association founded by citizens. In some countries, NGOs are known as nonprofit organisations, however political parties and trade unions are sometimes considered as NGOs as well.
The World Bank identifies two broad groups of NGOs:
- Operational NGOs, which focus on the design and implementation of development projects
- Advocacy NGOs, which defend or promote a specific cause and seek to influence public policy
NGOs may also blend these activities, with operational NGOs incorporating campaigning techniques for field issues requiring policy changes, and advocacy NGOs, such as human-rights organizations, simultaneously offering programmes to assist individual victims they are advocating for.
ngo classifications
Orientation
NGOs are also classified by (1) orientation- entailing the type of activities an NGO undertakes, such as activities involving human rights, consumer protection, environmentalism, health, or development; and (2) level of operation, which indicates the scale at which an organisation works: local, regional, national, or international.
- Charity – often a top-down effort, with little participation or input from beneficiaries. They include NGOs directed at meeting the needs of disadvantaged people and groups.
- Service – includes NGOs that provide healthcare (including family planning) and education.
- Participatory – self-help projects with local involvement in the form of money, tools, land, materials, or labour
- Empowerment — aim to help poor people to understand the social, political, and economic factors affecting their lives, and to increase awareness of their power to control their lives. With maximum involvement by the beneficiaries, the NGOs are facilitators.
- Professional (trade) union (association) – a voluntary association or union of people with common interests including sports, culture, others, i.e. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, FIFA etc.
Level of operation
- Community-based organisations (CBOs) — popular initiatives which can raise the consciousness of the urban poor, helping them understand their right to services, and providing such services.
- City-wide organisations – include chambers of commerce and industry, coalitions of business, ethnic or educational groups, and community organisations.
- State NGOs — include state-level organisations, associations, and groups. Some state NGOs are guided by national and international NGOs.
- National NGOs — an NGO that exists in only one country; they are rare. These include national organisations such as YMCAs and YWCAs, professional associations, and similar groups.
- International NGOs range from secular agencies, such as Save the Children, to religious groups.
Activities
NGOs play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of individuals affected by natural disasters or confronting various challenges.
Serving as implementers, catalysts, and partners, these organisations strive to deliver essential goods and services promptly. Their efforts involve mobilising both financial and human resources to ensure effective aid distribution.
Beyond immediate relief, NGOs contribute significantly to driving societal change by advocating for policies benefiting marginalised communities. Collaborating with various entities, including government agencies, NGOs address complex challenges through a cooperative approach. A distinctive strength lies in their ability to operate at the grassroots level, establishing direct connections with communities. This facilitates a profound understanding of local issues, enabling tailored services to address the unique needs of each community.
NGOs adopt diverse methods; some focus on advocacy, while others execute programmes and activities. For instance, Oxfam, dedicated to poverty alleviation, equips individuals with the necessary tools and skills for securing food and clean water. Organisations like the Forum for Fact-finding Documentation and Advocacy (FFDA) offer legal assistance to victims of human-rights abuses, while the Afghanistan Information Management Services provide specialized technical support for development activities carried out by other organisations, emphasising the importance of effective management techniques for project success.
Historical Evolution of International NGOs
The roots of international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) extend back to the late 18th century, with an estimated 1,083 NGOs in existence by 1914. These entities played pivotal roles in significant movements, notably anti-slavery and women’s suffrage, reaching their zenith during the 1932–1934 World Disarmament Conference.
The term “International NGO” became significant after the formation of the United Nations in 1945, with Article 71 of the UN Charter granting consultative status to non-governmental organisations. The formal definition was established in a 1950 resolution by the UN Economic and Social Council, defining it as any international organization not founded by a treaty.
The ebb and flow of international NGOs mirror contemporary events, thriving during periods of growth and receding in times of crisis. The United Nations accorded NGOs observer status at its assemblies, highlighting their significance.
The rapid expansion of the non-governmental sector, particularly in Western countries, resulted from the restructuring of the welfare state. Globalization accelerated after the fall of the communist system, aligning with the principles of the Washington Consensus.
international ngos in the 20th century
In the 20th century, the increasing relevance of NGOs countered the emphasis on capitalist interests by international treaties and organisations like the World Trade Organisation. NGOs redirected focus towards humanitarian issues, development aid, and sustainable development. The World Social Forum, an alternative to the World Economic Forum, exemplifies this shift.
The 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro marked a milestone, demonstrating the influential role of international NGOs in environmental issues and sustainable development. Transnational NGO networking has since become extensive, showcasing their enduring impact on global affairs.
global humanitarian ngos
Save the Children
Save the Children was established in 1919 and has a global presence in 120 countries. Based in London, this international NGO works to improve the lives of children through healthcare, education, emergency aid, economic development, and more. As a global movement, the NGO has 30 national member organizations around the world. Areas of focus include hunger, health, education, policy and advocacy, the climate crisis, and the war in Ukraine.
Oxfam International
Oxfam International is an anti-poverty organization that focuses on water and sanitation, gender justice, conflicts and disasters, and much more. Since 2015, the NGO has reached over 3 million people in Yemen with services like clean water, sanitation, hygiene, and cash for food. In Syria, where millions have been forcibly displaced since 2011, Oxfam works in eight of the 14 governorates focusing on clean water, hygiene kits, farmers, and more. Oxfam also has charity shops around the world (most are in the UK) that sell donated and fair-trade items.
Doctors without Borders
Based in France (where it’s known as Médecins Sans Frontières), Doctors without Borders is a medical NGO working in conflict zones, areas affected by natural disasters, and areas with endemic diseases. Their focuses include antibiotic resistance, maternal health, HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, vaccinations, mental health, and more. They use 14% of their income on fundraising, 85% on programs, and 1% on management and general admin.
World Vision
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian NGO focused on issues like poverty, education, child protection, disaster relief, economic empowerment, and clean water. Children are the NGO’s top priority. In 2022, World Vision helped 3.2 million kids through child sponsorship; assisted 31.1 million refugees and disaster survivors; and gave 3 million people clean water access.
International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee, which was originally founded in response to people fleeing Nazi Germany, helps refugees affected by humanitarian crises like disasters and conflict. Areas of focus include safety, health, economic well-being, empowerment, and education. As women and girls are among the most vulnerable, the NGO pays special attention to their needs. The IRC works in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States.
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is an advocacy NGO based in the UK. It claims to have more than ten million members and supporters. Its goal is to promote and protect human rights through awareness campaigns and mobilizing the public. Areas of focus include torture, the death penalty, police brutality, and climate justice.
CARE International
CARE International is an anti-poverty NGO that focuses on areas like gender equality, the right to health, climate justice, the right to food and clean water, and so on. Girls and women are a top priority. They use the Sustainable Development Goals as a guide for tracking progress.
ActionAid International
ActionAid is an international NGO working to end poverty, gender inequality, and injustice. It focuses on women, politics and economics, land and climate, and emergencies. Women’s rights are woven through all the NGO’s activities. Its head office is in South Africa, but it has hubs in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Action Against Hunger
Action Against Hunger focuses on ending world hunger and assisting malnourished children. Its solutions include treating malnutrition, strengthening food security, empowering parents and expanding clean water access.
Action Against Hunger also help communities respond to natural disasters and support people affected by conflict. Action Against Hunger works in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.
Anti-Slavery International
Anti-Slavery International was established in 1839, Anti-Slavery International has a global presence in 20+ countries; it was founded in the UK, and is the world’s oldest international human rights organization. It focuses on ending slavery in all its forms, including human trafficking, child slavery, and child marriage. Activities include working with survivors; supporting and promoting legal frameworks for ending slavery; and changing systems that allow exploitation.
Plan International
Plan International is a humanitarian and development NGO focused on children’s rights and gender equality. Areas of focus include quality education, protection from violence, sexual and reproductive health, emergencies, and youth empowerment.
GLOBAL NGO’s PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
WWF is the world’s largest conservation organization. It has over five million supporters worldwide, working in more than 100 countries. They support around 1,300 conservation and environmental projects. WWF is an international nongovernmental organization. It was founded in 1961. They also work in the field of wilderness preservation, and the reduction of human impact on the environment.
“Our mission is to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth”.
350.org
350.org is one of the largest global movements addressing the issue of climate change. Their goal is to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide to 350ppm from the current level of 400 ppm. Moreover, they work in almost every country in the world on campaigns like fighting coal power plants in India, stopping the Keystone XL pipeline in the U.S, and divesting public institutions everywhere from fossil fuels.
CharityNavigator.org tracks the honesty of nonprofit groups and rates them according to transparency. It gives 350 its highest score for accountability and conscientious use of funds.
Climate Foundation
Climate Foundation is dedicated to saving the earth through food security, ecosystem survival, and carbon balance. Recently, they’ve also won the million-dollar milestone XPRIZE for carbon removal. The award was funded by Elon Musk and the Musk Foundation. Their noteworthy projects range from marine permaculture to reversing coral bleaching to charvesting, (the burning of paddy fields), and more.
The nonprofit website also lists volunteer opportunities so people can come forward to learn more and help with their skills.
Greenpeace
Greenpeace, founded in 1971, is a non-governmental environmental organization operating in over 39 countries, with its international coordinating body based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Possessing a general consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, Greenpeace is a global movement dedicated to defending the natural world from destruction.
The organization utilises various methods, including direct action, lobbying, research, and ecotage, to address worldwide issues such as climate change, deforestation, overfishing, commercial whaling, genetic engineering, and anti-nuclear concerns. Greenpeace envisions a greener, healthier, and more peaceful planet capable of sustaining life for generations to come.
Notably, Greenpeace refuses funding from governments, corporations, or political parties. Instead, its work is solely supported by ordinary people, granting the organization the freedom to confront governments and corporations responsible for environmental harm and advocate for tangible change.
Greenpeace’s approach involves investigating, documenting, and exposing the root causes of environmental destruction. The organization actively lobbies, employs consumer pressure, and mobilizes the general public to bring about positive change. In addition, Greenpeace engages in peaceful direct action to safeguard the Earth and promote sustainable solutions for a green and peaceful future.
Rainforest Action Network
Rainforest Action Network is an environmental nonprofit based in San Francisco, California. They first gained national prominence with a grassroots organizing campaign that in 1987 succeeded in convincing Burger King to cancel $31 million worth of destructive Central American rainforest beef contracts.
RAN also pioneered the corporate campaigning model. They target the biggest players— like Home Depot, Citicorp, or Chevron. They make big statements— like dropping banners in Union Square or shutting down coal plants. Then, they try to bring the big corporate players to the boardrooms and start conversations.
Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth was founded in 1969 in San Francisco. It’s an international network of organizations with a meeting of representatives from four countries, namely the U.S., Sweden, the UK, and France. Moreover, the organization is highly decentralized. It is made up of autonomous organizations, with a shared analysis of the root causes of today’s most pressing environmental problems.
Roughly half of the 75 member organizations call themselves “Friends of the Earth” in their own languages. Friends of the Earth also has a secretariat (based in Amsterdam, Netherlands) that provides support for the network and its agreed major campaigns.
GLOBAL FOOTPRINT Network
Global Footprint Network has its headquarters in Oakland, California. It was founded in 2003. They are an independent think tank originally based in the United States, Belgium, and Switzerland.
They launched their Ecological Footprint Explorer open data platform in 2017, making their most recent Footprint and biocapacity data for more than 200 countries available for free. Their individual Ecological Footprint Calculator currently draws almost 3 million users per year, for a cumulative 13 million since it was launched online in 2007.
So far, they’ve engaged with more than 70 countries on six continents, got more than 15 national governments to apply the metric, and partnered with more than 80 organizations on numerous projects.
Earth Day Network
Growing out of the first Earth Day, Earth Day Network is the world’s largest recruiter of the environmental movement. They work with more than 75,000 partners in nearly 192 countries. More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world.
Related – ABOUT EARTH DAY
Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance is a non-governmental organization working to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods. Based in New York City with offices throughout North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, it operates in more than 70 countries.
Moreover, they work with rural communities, businesses, and governments to advance sustainable economic development through training. The organization also promotes climate-smart land management, greenhouse gas mitigation policies, and technical assessments. In addition, they support national governments’ participation in climate policies and frameworks.
“EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY FOR OURALLIANCE OF FARMERS, FOREST COMMUNITIES, COMPANIES, AND CONSUMERS WORKING TO CREATE A WORLD WHERE PEOPLE AND NATURE THRIVE IN HARMONY.”
Natural Resources Defense Council
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a United States-based, international nonprofit environmental advocacy group. Headquartered in New York City, they also have offices in Washington, D.C.; San Francisco; Los Angeles; New Delhi, India; Chicago; Bozeman, Montana; and Beijing, China.
Their programmes focus on clean air, global warming, transportation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, electric-industry restructuring, and more. Their Save the Bees Initiative appeals to the President to take urgent action necessary to save the bee populations from further decline by banning bee-toxic neonics.
They also work on issues involving drinking water, chemical harm to the environment, and other environmental health threats with the goal of reducing the amounts of toxins released into the environment.
Earthjustice
Earthjustice is a nonprofit public interest organization based in the United States dedicated to litigating environmental issues. The headquarters are in San Francisco.
They represent their clients free of charge (thanks to the continued support of individuals and foundations). Moreover, they were awarded Charity Navigator’s top rating for the past ten consecutive years. This is an achievement attained by only 2% of charities.
The Climate Reality Project
The Climate Reality Project is a consolidation of two environmental groups, the Alliance for Climate Protection and the Climate Project. Both of them were founded by Al Gore. Among its activities, the Climate Reality Project hosts an annual event called 24 Hours of Reality. They also launched Reality Drop, a social media tool, in 2013.
Additionally, The Climate Reality Project gathers over 19,000 Climate Reality Leaders mobilizing communities in over 150 countries with branches in 10 critical nations and regions around the Earth. Moreover, there are 100 activist chapters (and growing) pushing for practical clean energy policies across the U.S.
Fairtrade International
Fairtrade International was established in 1997. They are an association of 3 Producer Networks, 19 National Fairtrade Organisations, and 8 Fairtrade Marketing Organisations. They promote and market the Fairtrade Certification Mark in their countries.
Since its beginning, Fairtrade has grown to represent over 1.65 million small-scale farmers and workers. Producers now co-own the Fairtrade system, shaping global strategy and running operations across three continents.
Fairtrade International has also developed a global work plan for climate change that focuses on supporting producers in adapting to climate change and helping them mitigate its impacts, including carbon reduction plans.
CONCLUSION
Hopefully this article has highlighted the significance of NGO Day, emphasizing the overwhelming number of NGOs working towards the common good, too numerous to mention individually. It underscores the diverse and impactful contributions of these organisations, recognising their collective efforts in various sectors.
If you would like to promote an NGO that is close to your heart – we would love to hear your story. Please feel free to comment in the box below.