The role of NGOs

The rise of NGOs has been one of the most striking and hopeful developments in societal structure in the past decades. The gradually increasing accommodation for civil society worldwide has given them room to grow. The seeming inability of governments to solve complex, modern problems such as poverty and environmental degradation has provoked them, and the spread of literacy and cheap electronic communication has nurtured them.

What is remarkable about non-profit NGOs is that they wield power despite their seeming lack of it. They have no army or police force, no power to tax or regulate or to ratify binding international accords.

The for-profit sector dwarfs them financially. NGOs' source of strength is far less tangible: it lies in education, in its many forms. Many NGOs are supported by foundations and individual donors, and motivated by the knowledge that there are gaps in our social structure. Many work to educate the public and persuade policy-makers about the need for action. This suggests that the fundamental challenge in building a sustainable society is one of education.

The message they are sending is important: it matters what people think and feel, what they do as voters, consumers, resource managers, governmental officials, international diplomats and employees.