Karachi, April 7, 2004: Civil society organizations have an impressive history of substantial contribution in the socio-economic and political development in the country and gradually there are more new opportunities for NGOs, this was stated by the Mr Douglas C. Rohn, Consul General, US Consulate, Karachi, while speaking at the launch workshop of NGO Institutional Management and Certification Program (IMCP) here on Wednesday.

This two-year program is being implemented by the NGORC with technical support from AKF, jointly funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Aga Khan Foundation USA.

Highlighting the role of NGOs in the development of civil society organizations, Mr Rohn emphasized that this program will help to create a new cadre of civil society organizations and NGOs those can work with USAID and other donors for poverty alleviation. Many NGOs have gained local and international recognition because of their commendable work in different sectors. Yet, few organizations needs support to enhance the management capacities of their organization for the optimum utilization of the resources and services delivery for the marginalized sections of the society.

He also appreciated the efforts of Aga Khan Foundation for the civil society strengthening and socio-economic development in Pakistan. He also hoped that many NGOs will get benefit from this program through different interventions of NGORC. Appreciating the role of NGOs in development, Mr Rohn mentioned the contribution and acknowledgement of civil society organizations and NGOs in the recent poverty reduction strategy paper.

Earlier, Mr Akbarali Abdul Aziz Pesnani, Convener, AKDN forum for Pakistan highlighted the role and programs of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in socio-economic development of Pakistan. Highlighting the size and challenges of the NGO sector, Mr Pesnani said that according to a recent study, there are approximately 45,000 active nonprofit organizations in Pakistan. Despite such a large number, the NGO sector in the country is still nascent. The majority of the NGOs are small, community-based organizations. However, a significant number of NGOs are graduating to a higher level of professionalism. They are not only realizing the need for institutionalizing processes and systems, but are making notable strides in their organizational development and management processes.

Mr Qadeer Baig, Deputy Director NGORC explained about the IMCP program, its features and objectives. He also highlighted the role of NGOs in the socio-economic development of Pakistan, being the important segment of civil society and as it has the potential to contribute to civil society enhancement in Pakistan. He emphasized that many NGOs in Pakistan need to enhance their management capacity and access to resources, in order to scale up their operations. This program aims to strengthen and increase the competitive base of Pakistani NGOs to meet the requirements for a direct USAID award; assist NGOs in meeting the requirements necessary for certification as a non-profit organization (NPO) by the government of Pakistan.

Ms Kanwal Bokharey, Program Officer, Civil Society Strengthening Program, AKF (P) on behalf of AKF,P shared the approach and philosophy of AKF and also briefed about the different initiatives of AKF (P) in the field of heath, education, rural development and civil society strengthening in Pakistan by focusing on institutional strengthening and development. She also emphasized that government, donor agencies and other organizations need to do more for the creation of an enabling environment for civil society organizations in Pakistan.

While briefing about the program approach, Mr Baig said that NGORC will provide training, consulting and information support to potential NGOs working at national level to meet required ‘NGO management standards’ for a direct USAID award in Pakistan. This increased capacity and systemization will enhance credibility and effectiveness of partner NGOs which in turn will help generate greater resource flow from international donors and local philanthropy.

Mr Shadab Fariduddin, Coordinator, Development Management Education Program (DME) NGORC presented an overview of NGO Management Standards and briefed about its features and areas for interventions.

The workshop was attended by representatives of more than 40 NGOs from Balochistan, interior Sindh and Karachi. Participants shared their views on the program and its features. Participants also appreciated the program and showed their willingness for the long-term institutional partnership for this program.

They also emphasized the need of organizing such workshops/ forums for developing strategies and processes for enhancing management capacities of NGOs, and for developing a broad based understanding of partnerships.

Participants also hoped that this initiative of AKF and USAID will bring a long-term institutional change in the social development paradigm of Pakistan by the strengthening of Civil Society Organization in different fields. Furthermore, it will increase the options of local philanthropy and also attract multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors in Pakistan.