We are sharing two reports on civil society today.  Rajesh Tandon and a consortium of civil society organisations produced the first one, "Civil Society at a Crossroads"

The second report was carried out by the consultancy firm KMG for the World Social Forum with the idea of providing the global economic leaders a look in on civil society trends.

Those of you with more time on your hands or more direct need of the data might find it interesting to explore the different approaches to the topic undertaken.  Having followed the World Economic Forum discussions, it mood of the market seems to be one of relief that the worst aspects of the economic crisis, at least for those  in the commanding heights, are over.  Worth keeping in mind however is the continued stream of studies documenting the ever growing inequalities in the world.  What does it all mean for higher education?

As always we hope that your work continues to flourish and that you are well,

Rajesh Tandon and Budd Hall
Co-Chairs
UNESCO Chair in Community-Based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education

CIVIL SOCIETY AT A CROSSROADS

This Report, and a film related to it, is a product of a global study of trends, challenges and choices facing civil society in 16 countries around the world, including Europe. You will also find full texts of 22 stories on the same link.

Over the past two decades, civil society has experienced major shifts, and its actors find themselves at critical crossroads, which present difficult choices. The future of civil society will be shaped according to the choices its actors make today.

This study, carried out over a period of two years, was undertaken by a consortium of partners---CDRA (Southern Africa), EASUN (East Africa), ICD (Latin America), INTRAC (Europe), PSO (the Netherlands) and PRIA (Asia).

We would like to take forward further reflections on the findings, and implications arising from them, with civil society actors, policy-makers and donors. We hope that we can hear your comments on them, and ways in which you can share these further with your colleagues and partners.

Rajesh Tandon

THE FUTURE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY

What will civil society look like in 2030?  What are the implications of technological changes, market contexts, state structures for the role of civil society?  Prepared by KMG with contributions from experts in civil society including labour leaders, public servants, NGO leaders and others.