The Civil Society Initiative

Working to connect WHO with nongovernmental and civil society organizations

The Civil Society Initiative (CSI) fosters relations between WHO and nongovernmental and civil society organizations and is responsible for the administration of formal relations as set out in the Principles governing relations between WHO and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Counterparts at each WHO Regional Office serve in the same capacity. WHO country offices may also work with NGOs at the national level.

The objectives of WHO's relations with NGOs are to promote the policies, strategies and activities of WHO and, where appropriate, to collaborate with NGOs in jointly agreed activities to implement them. WHO may also seek to harmonize intersectoral interests among various sectoral bodies concerned in a country, regional or global setting.