Cross-Sector Dialogue

ICNL fosters non-partisan, respectful, solutions-oriented dialogue between governments and civil society on proposed and existing laws. Discussions facilitated by ICNL are informed by international legal standards, model laws and practices, and evidence of impact from a wide range of countries.

ICNL facilitates multi-sector dialogue on potential reforms to the legal framework for social enterprise in Jamaica. (Photo: ICNL)
ICNL facilitates multi-sector dialogue on potential reforms to the legal framework for social enterprise in Jamaica. (Photo: ICNL)

Recent Examples

Jamaica

In June 2018, dozens of representatives of Jamaican civil society organizations, social enterprises, government agencies, businesses, and university research centers came together for ground-breaking dialogues. Participants discussed the current legal environment for CSOs, identified barriers to their registration and operations, and reached consensus on priority reforms. The dialogues were organized by ICNL and hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship Thinking and Practice at the University of the West Indies at Mona.

Colombia

In June 2018, Colombian civil society organizations, led by ICNL partner Fundación Foro Nacional por Colombia, met with senior government officials to present their recommendations for improving regulations on peaceful assembly. The recommendations were based on consultations with CSOs throughout Colombia as well as international law and best practices. The dialogue led to ongoing talks between civil society representatives and public authorities at the central and local levels.

Peru

In December 2018, Peruvian civil society organizations celebrated an important success. After several years of discussions with the government about the need for improved regulations on CSO registration and oversight, CSOs’sustained advocacy led to a supreme decree establishing simplified, streamlined measures for oversight and registration and eliminating onerous requirements. The effort was led by the Asociación Nacional de Centros de Investigación Promoción Social y Desarrollo.