Framework Partnership Agreement between Forus and the European Union
European Commission
(
Intergovernmental organization
)
#SDGAction33575
Description
In a context where progress remains too slow to achieve the SDGs by 2030, the robust operationalisation of SDGs 16 and 17 can unlock the potential to fully meet the 2030 objectives. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges to reach the SDG targets and put to the forefront the need for a multi-stakeholder effort to build back better. The inclusion of CSOs in these efforts and in the implementation of Agenda 2030 is essential. Through its FPA, Forus developed multilevel advocacy and supported its members’ work on the SDGs, with a focus on SDGs 16 & 17. Particular attention was put on strengthening the capacities of CSO platforms to represent a vibrant civil society voice.
Forus and its national and regional members, signatories to the EU FPA, worked jointly to develop and implement the project. Advocacy and capacity-development activities were co-designed and mutually reinforcing throughout. This strengthened the capacity of CSO platforms to convene civil society, to develop and coordinate joint messages and activities at different levels for strong advocacy reflecting the diversity and joint values in civil society, and to enable collective learning and peer exchange. It allowed for contextualized approaches and pooling of resources and knowledge. Embedding national organisations into a global network, promoting solidarity and horizontality, were key in a context of shrinking space and to unlock potential for innovation. It allowed for a coordinated push for the accelerated implementation of SDGs 16 and 17 as catalyzers for the full realization of the Agenda 2030. The project was carried out in several languages: mainly English, Spanish and French, but also Portuguese; with M&E and Learning activities built in throughout. Examples of activities: • Support to projects (subgrants) by Forus members at national and regional levels, with high adaptability to respective contexts and needs. Read about the work on SDGs in Spain, Senegal, Peru, India, Paraguay and Slovenia • Engagement with VNR processes, including CSO shadow reports • Publication of reports based on case studies, eg on SDG 16 and SDG 17 (analysing progress on commitments about capacity-building of CSOs for SDG implementation) • Advocacy on SDGs 16, 17, on UN HLPF Review process and enhanced CSO inclusion • Capacity-development events and webinars • Development of campaigns including #Unmute civil society campaign, A Space For Us podcast, multimedia campaign on enabling environment
The practice has shown significant impact in raising civil society’s voice on Agenda 2030 at global, regional and national level. Results include • Development and inclusion of policy asks (eg SDG 16 annual review) • Increased awareness about the importance of SDGs 16 & 17 for realizing Agenda 2030 • Increased inclusion of CSOs in SDG-related processes • Enhanced advocacy capacities of national and regional CSO platforms Output examples • Realizing the Potential of Goal 16 to promote and protect Civic Space • Are governments delivering on the Capacity Development of Civil Society to ensure a successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda? • The review of the HLPF as an opportunity to strengthen multi-stakeholder participation & improve SDG implementation • Progressing National SDGs Implementation • The Big Changes needed in Financing for Sustainable Development • Guidelines for CSO shadow reports monitoring the implementation of Agenda 2030 at national level • CSO Shadow Report from Nepal (2017)
Key enabling factors • The support to Forus and partnership with the EU through the FPA. This has provided access not only to financial resources but also opportunities to open spaces and engage in policy dialogue with EU institutions and delegations, as well as other organizations linked to the implementation of the SDGs. • The breadth of the Forus network spanning over 60 countries where members developed key messages and initiatives and engaged with decision-makers at various levels Key constraints • The impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and interlinked crises • Shrinking civic space • Shifts in political landscape • Heavy administrative workload
The Forus initiative on SDGs 16 & 17 was largely possible because it is a global network of members and partners from civil society and other sectors. The efforts need to be sustained over the coming years to full meet the initiative’s potential. The campaign itself was resource-intensive and was only made possible by the support of the EU Commission to Forus through its EU Framework Partnership Agreement. The sustainability of this initiative will depend on the availability of resources in the future. However, many lessons learned can be drawn from this initiative, which have the potential to be replicated in different contexts. For example, capacity has been significantly strengthened within various CSO platforms to enable further collaboration and engagement in SDG processes. Peer-exchanges have been very fruitful to disseminate learning, and alliances have been built which will sustain the collaborative work initiated through this practice.
See Forus website and links below for additional information: Example of webinar: Realizing the potential of Goal 16 to promote and protect civic space Examples of Campaigns - #unmute civil society campaign (see pictures) - A Space for Us podcast - Campaign on civic space for Human Rights Day Forus video on Framework Partnership Agreement Examples of articles: IPS News - If your civic space is closed, your Human Rights dissolve Open Global Rights - Realising the promise of SDG 16 to promote and protect civic space
COVID 19 had significant impacts and led to delays and redesigning of activities. The EC granted a No-Cost Extension to Forus, extending the timeline for implementation of activities at various levels. Forus innovated (podcasts, videos, online multi-lingual meetings) and adapted activities to digital formats or to respond to urgent needs arising due to the pandemic. Forus provided structural support to its members to support their adaption to the digital environment and other restrictions brought by the crisis. The focus on SDGs 16 and 17 resonate with Building Back Better efforts, which Forus is promoting. Forus created a “Covid-19 task force” to exchange experiences in crises responses, including in ensuring an enabling environment for CSOs and monitoring the effects on civic space.
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• 69 national & 7 regional CSO platforms, as well as their constituencies • CSO partners and allies • other stakeholders including decision-makers from governments, international institutions and philanthropic organisations Working with CSO platforms multiplies the beneficiaries, since results and lessons learnt are shared with other CSOs and actors at national and regional levels. Globally, Forus’ members represents more than 22,000 organisations.
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