The Operation of Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in a World of Corporate and Other Codes of Conduct

Over the past two decades the processes of democratization, economic liberalization and technological transformation have led to a dramatic growth in the number, diversity, reach and influence of civil society organizations and networks. These range from transnational coalitions, international non-governmental organizations and global trade unions, to millions of community-based initiatives, supported by unprecedented communications capacity via the Internet and global media. They include social and political movements, indigenous peoples’ groups, youth organizations, women’s groups, environmental, human rights and development organizations, consumer groups, faithbased initiatives, professional associations, trade and industry organizations, chambers of commerce, philanthropic foundations, universities, policy think-tanks, and scientific and research institutes. They operate individually and collectively at all levels of society and have an impact on many aspects of peoples’ lives, ranging from their political and civil rights and obligations, to economic, social and cultural rights and opportunities.

Dr Lester M. Salamon, Director of the Center for Civil Society Studies at Johns Hopkins University has argued that, “We seem to be in the midst of a 'global associational revolution' - a massive upsurge of organised voluntary private activity, of structured citizen action outside the boundaries of the market and the state, that I am convinced will prove to be as momentous a feature of the late 20th Century as the rise of the nation-state was of the late 19th Century.”