Julian
Parr says that you
have to be very sensitive on how much you challenge and how much
you assist countries to achieve MDGs. I think it is how you
approach... is about dialogue, about communication, it is
certainly not taking a dictatorial or accusatory attitude towards
any country or nature.
He continues to say the NGOs often get it badly wrong when they
want to be inclusive and genuine when representing the voices of
local communities. To get that authentic voice takes trust, takes
time, takes investment... and very often agencies don't have that
length of time to achieve the scope of goals they want to. The
challenge of listening and being inclusive of community voices
means that you have a much stronger solution to their problem...
and he genuinely believe that all communities can actually find
their own solution if you create the right space around them, the
enabling environment and create the resources to make change, they
can often come up with the right answers.
Do you think we need NGOs to support
development activities around the world?
A robust civil society is hugely important in terms of democratization and
hearing the voice of people. For civil society has a more inclusive
definition which is not just NGOs but also Media. The freedom of press in
India it's is major strength... and if you suppress the freedom of Media
you suppress development.
What are their Challenges?
NGOs are having the define their role in a new world order, especially
international NGOs. What is are role now? We cannot continue to deliver
services, for in doing so they undermine the role of the Government in
doing that. My own sense it that we are now moving more towards advocacy
and policies and that it the role we should be playing... we should be
arguing to governments like India that you should put more than just 1% of
the GDP into health.
What are their Challenges?
Is whether they have an authentic voice. NGOs are very good in claiming to
speak on behalf of people but they are not democratic institutions in
their own right.
I can say that, yes, we have some very robust programs on the ground, but
that is because I am saying it... if I had the same response from
Coca-Cola, BP, Shell or even the government, I will be very sceptical of
those figures and statistics. If we are going to hold other stakeholders
and other sectors into account then we ourselves have to be much more
transparent and honest about our own structure.
