What is the current situation regarding the creation of an enabling environment in which civil society can play its role (in different country types and at global scale)? How do Dutch organisations and the Dutch government contribute to this enabling environment?

What was discussed during the start of the dialogue?
Attention to diversity within states is important, the distinction between three types of countries (fragile states or states with high inequality, low income countries with non-dominant fragility and middle-income countries with non-dominant fragility) is restrictive since other non-economic factors are also relevant. The role of civil society in Vietnam for instance is more limited than in a low-income country such as Mali.
The private sector can put pressure on governments and thereby stimulate corporate social responsibility. They have a greater role to play regarding lobbying for more stringent regulation in different countries and at a global level, so that fair competition can take place with other corporations concerning issues such as upholding human rights and environmental agreements. How can you as a civil society organisation cooperate with the private sector and jointly lobby for such activities?
The Netherlands is a home base for many international organisations. Especially many human rights organisations are statutorily situated in the Netherlands because of the favourable climate for this type of organisation. In this regard we continue to set the right example, which is recognized by others.

Questions for the forum discussion
1. In concrete terms; how (and by whom) does the creation of an enabling environment in which civil society can fulfil its roles occur? What are the threats and opportunities?

2. What threats and opportunities do you see for cooperation with the private sector in lobbying for an enabling environment in other countries? What experiences do you have concerning this?

3. How can Dutch civil society organisations use the experiences from their own country for the creation of an enabling environment in other countries? What experiences do you have with this? What are the threats and opportunities?