The Added Values of a Civil Society Network Organization in Advancing the UN’s SDG 16 Plus: Findings from Kean MPA Program’s Capstone Seminar
Principal Investigator:
Bok Gyo Jeong
Co-PIs:
Marcus Reimers, Sakinah Thomas, Ahmed Zaky, Affan Shafqat, Luis Torres Bonilla, Tyree Thomas
Abstract:
This exploratory research examines the added values of civil society network organizations in advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16). The study employs qualitative interviews with leaders from five civil society organizations (one civil society network organization and its four member organizations). These interviews focus on the added value of membership-driven organizational networks, their contributions to SDG 16, and the emerging trends that affect these networks' added values. Furthermore, the study identifies the challenges and opportunities for civil society networks in advancing SDG 16 and proposes recommendations for enhancing their effectiveness and impact.
Description of Research:
This paper focuses on the distinctive role of civil society networks in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16). Utilizing the perspective of one particular civil society network organization and its four member organizations, this study seeks to collect feedback, pinpoint contributions, examine trends, and provide recommendations to strengthen the impact of these networks in achieving SDG 16 Plus.
The research was developed and conducted as a component of the Master of Public Administration’s Capstone Seminar during the Fall of 2023. The project was undertaken in collaboration with a civil society network organization dedicated to SDG 16 Plus. The executive director of this organization selected key member organizations within their network. Interviews were conducted with four leaders from these member organizations, as well as with the executive director of the umbrella network organization. Students participating in the Capstone Project engaged in multiple brainstorming sessions to discuss the benefits of network civil society organizations and conducted interviews with leaders from five affiliated civil society organizations.
The methodology of this study encompasses a comprehensive literature review, interviews with civil society organizations, brainstorming sessions conducted virtually, and content analysis of publicly available videos, reports, and meeting minutes.
The findings of this research provide significant insights into the functions and contributions of civil society networks in furthering the global policy agenda of SDG 16 Plus. It also presents an opportunity to examine the challenges and prospects facing stakeholders in the SDG implementation process and to put forward recommendations aimed at enhancing their effectiveness and impact.