Relations with civil society

This chapter examines and analyzes the evolving relationship of the Group of Twenty (G20) with not-for-profit civil society organizations (CSOs) and coalitions. It begins with a clarification of the concept of civil society, followed by a brief history of civil society involvement with the G7/G8 and the G20. Next, it surveys the kinds of CSOs that interact with the G20; identifies modes of this interaction; and considers the motivations for, and range of, civil society engagement with the G20. The chapter also examines the question of civil society's influence on the G20 and whether and how civil society and G20 governments have benefited from their engagement. Finally, the chapter reviews factors helping or hindering civil society influence on the G20, and concludes that mutual benefits accrue from this interaction; that civil society has had some positive impact on G20 processes, accountability and agenda emphasis (if not on agenda-setting); and that official G20 acknowledgement of civil society does not necessarily indicate major impact on G20 outcomes. Thus, civil society's influence has not yet reached its full potential.