Principles for Norad’s Support to Civil Society in the South

Foreword
These principles highlight important challenges we face in the struggle against poverty, civil society organisations' contribution to development and the preconditions for their success. Within the existing political framework, these principles will constitute the foundation for Norad's support to civil society organisations in the years to come.

The document describes the various causes underlying poverty and lack of development. It also underscores the social forces that must be mobilised both in the North and the South in order to achieve the desired changes. Norad will strive, together with Norwegian and international partners, for greater impact on conditions that promote development and against factors that hinder such development.

This work is demanding, complicated and long-term. Plans and visions mean little if they do not translate into results. Therefore, Norad will increase further the requirements to all partners to document the achievement of their goals. All development activities must originate from the context of poor people in the South - and must be justified by the results for the poor living there.

Poul Engberg-Pedersen
Director, Norad
May 2009