Civil Society and International Development Cooperation

The international development cooperation agenda has evolved dramatically in recent years. The wave of democratization that followed the end of the Cold War offered citizens a new opportunity for expression and freedom of association, thus encouraging the development of civil society around the world. At a time when cooperation is no longer the exclusive domain of States, a more significant role is being played by ngo’s, the private sector, foundations and other organisms focused on international development cooperation. These new actors are gradually becoming integrated and are gaining ground in the debate over the most important international matters, giving them an increasing and more forceful involvement and influence in international bodies such as the un, the oecd and G20. In this article, Rogelio Granguillhome analyzes how civil society organizations participate in the international development cooperation agenda and the role they play within the framework of the United Nations. He also provides an analysis of civil society organizations and international cooperation in Mexico.