Roles that International Non-governmental Organizations Play in Global Issues - Essay Example

Roles that International Non-governmental Organizations Play in Global Issues and the Role that Transnational Civil Society Play in Global Governance Introduction From ancient times, generations have witnessed various social movements fighting for human rights and other ethical concerns. These movements are triggered through various social bodies and organizations working as activists for such causes. However, due to complexities of issues seen today, such issues cannot be handled by a single entity. Held and Hervey, in their book, suggest that global issues can no longer be resolved in isolation by any single nation or organization; instead a collaborative effort is required by most of them in influential positions. Many reputable entities have played essential roles in tackling with such issues (96). This paper entails the roles played by various organizations to facilitate such movements and unravel root causes and solutions of global problems faced today. Global Issues There are various issues at global level that need to be addressed adequately by government and non-government enterprises. One of the major environmental concerns is of GHG emission from industrial activities. Another most talked about concerns recently emerging is that of drastic climatic changes across the globe due to various activities that leave environmental footprints. Next issue relates to the poor coordination between different institutions that have formed agreements or collaborative alliances for environmental goodwill. Further, there is an unequal capacity to make sound and effective decisions and uneven distribution of resources between less developed organizations and well developed ones and therefore wealthy enterprises are overburdened with responsibilities to overcome these obstacles (Held and Hervey 97-98). Keeping in view the devastating repercussions of these problems, it is of utmost importance that national governments as well as non-governmental bodies and pressure groups begin working thoroughly to find solutions thereof promptly and sustainably. Role of International Non-governmental Organizations National governments have always had the primary responsibility of devising solutions for problems faced on global level. However, many international non-governmental organizations were seen to emerge few decades ago that aimed at working towards the same goals on voluntary basis. They have always played a critical part in this regard by participating in agenda setting, devising of policies and incorporation of rules, guidelines and regulatory frameworks (Held and Hervey 96). As a matter of fact, in recent years, communities have begun to rely on them heavily for various social movements and fighting for humanitarian causes. With increasing expectations, these bodies have also enhanced their focus on formulating solutions for overcoming global obstacles and promoting global governance. However, many of these organizations have worked less and advertised their efforts more in order to create better reputation, attract more charitable donations and acknowledgment and restricting their flow to entitled beneficiaries (Holmen and Jirstrom 442-443). Nevertheless, most of such entities have strong ideologies and do not publicize their activities or notions; instead they play their part in resolving global issues and bringing peace to world. Many of them claim to be given official status and be legitimized in order to work more effectively towards their causes but considering the nature of their activities, there is not much substance in the question whether they need to be authorized or not. These operations need commitment and genuine concern for abolishment of some social or environmental evil. These organizations have worked hard to achieve many of their targets generating social benefits for masses but still need to show more dedication and work on their mandate, which becomes public image of such ventures. Role of Transnational Civil Society Apart from private and public society activists, recently much emphasis has been laid on transnational civil society intervening to play crucial role in dealing with global obstacles (Held and Hervey 96). This society refers to voluntary collective efforts made by non-governmental and non-profit organizations to attain shared goals and differs from regular non-governmental organizations in that it doesn’t have hidden incentives such as monetary benefits, fame or power etc. This society has played a pivotal part in putting Cold War to an end and materializing of various international mutual arrangements including 1987 Montreal Protocol and 1997 Ottawa Landmines Convention. Further, it also served in eradication of slavery and trading of slaves. This society came into being through technological developments, which made communications links stronger and distances shorter, and need of global economies to have such bodies that represent their interests and concerns (Davies 4). This society, however, has seen a declining trend in recent years due to various factors and therefore must be nourished and promoted by organizations pertaining to it in order to keep it running smoothly and growing to successfully eliminate global hindrances. Global governance has always substantially suffered due to ignorance and lack of interest by international governmental bodies such as International Monetary Fund, World Bank and World Trade Organization, since many of these organizations follow different principles and motives. Therefore presence of civil society fills the gaps by making such global concerns known and heard, including social, religious, political, cultural, economical, ethical and civil issues. Thereafter, it gains public support, pressure groups and other activists, forming lobby in persuading influential and legitimate bodies to take necessary measures. Role of this society is far more vital than those of regular international non-governmental organizations and therefore national governments should facilitate and promote their presence. Conclusion Kaldor in her book raises the question whether new age of globalization can manage to restore authenticity at national and international levels, while mitigating violence at transnational level through such multinational institutions. According to her, the connection between global governance and organizations’ legitimate authorities is very complicated (Kaldor 179). Therefore, the effort put by such entities must be backed up with their authoritative structures and must be aimed at enhancing global governance. It is essential to accept that these enterprises have always played significant role in finding solutions to global crisis. Therefore, it is high time that non-governmental and transnational organizations join hands and work on building stronger relationships and coordination amongst them to create synergetic effects and consequently resolve the mentioned global issues on permanent basis, making this global village a better place to live in. Works Cited Davies, Thomas, R. “The rise and fall of transnational civil society: The evolution of international non-governmental organizations since 1839” Working Papers on Transnational Politics CUTP/003, London. N. d. Web. 02 June 2013. Held, David, and Angus Hervey. "Democracy, climate change and global governance: Democratic agency and the policy menu ahead." The Governance of Climate Change (2011): 89-110. Print. Holmen, Hans, and Magnus Jirstrom. "Look Who's Talking! Second Thoughts about NGOs as Representing Civil Society." Journal of Asian and African Studies 44.4 (2009): 429-448. Print. Kaldor, Mary. New & Old Wars: [organized Violence in a Global Era]. Cambridge [u.a.]: Polity, 2007. Print. Read More