Obstacles to Measuring Progress In Arab Civil Society
Mehrunisa Qayyum reports on how the lack of reliable social and economic data hinders the measurement of progress in Arab civil society.
Over 696 civil society groups from 14 Arab countries stood with the Arab revolutions in Egypt & Tunisia. From Jan. 15-17, Abu Dhabi will host The World Future Energy Summit and the International Water Summit. Global leaders in policy, environment, technology and business will discuss renewable energy and the environment — issues that directly impact Arab civil society.
But what discussions will produce an opportunity for Arab civil society organizations to weigh in on holding businesses and government accountable to the vocalized goals? Moreover, is there any way for civil society organizations to push back and be counted?
Umbrella groups, like RAED, represent a network of Arab non-governmental organizations, including more than 200 NGOs from Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Sudan, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. RAED earned consultative status with the ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council of the UN). These represent many voices, so is it safe to assume that they wield the power to produce positive impact — and receive the attention that they deserve?
After attending the World Bank Forum for Civil Society Organizations, the most pronounced criticism from CSOs in the MENA region is that the success of countries and economic performance has been restricted to measuring the growth of GDP. Research institutes, like Social Enterprise London, track British social enterprises globally.
