Towards more effective poverty alleviation and development?

April 15, 2011  -  Exploring why, when and how to partner with business to contribute to sustainable change. That was the topic of the learning event ‘Civil Society - Business Cooperation in the South.'

‘Civil Society - Business Cooperation in the South’ was organized by PSO in close collaboration with ICCO, Centre for Development Innovation (WUR/CDI), the Partnership Resource Centre (PrC) and civil society organisations (CSOs) from India, South Africa, Peru and Kenya.

During this event, some seventy participants discussed the challenges and opportunities that arise when the two different societal sectors enter into a cooperative relationship. It turns out that a) knowing who you are, b) being explicit about the joint objective of your collaboration, and c) understanding each other’s role are core conditions for success.

When deciding to partner, CSOs and businesses should prepare themselves for a bumpy ride. Authentic partnerships between CSOs and business require hard work from both sides on mutual understanding, respect, trust and endurance. But when it works out, cooperation seems to be rewarding.

More material:

• Watch our videoregistration on YouTube
• Read our impression of the event
• Download the reports, cases and presentations