Mapping the expectations of the Dutch strategic partnerships for lobby and advocacy

Abstract

In 2016, The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs started a new and highly innovative policy programme entitled 'Dialogue and Dissent. Strategic Partnerships for Lobby and Advocacy'. In this programme, the Ministry, NGOs and their partners in low- and lower-middle income partners are to work together as partners in lobby and advocacy and in the development of lobby and advocacy capacity of civil society organisations in low- and lower-middle income countries. The research report charts the expectations around the partnerships among those involved, points out challenges and possible ways forward. For this research, the team conducted interviews with NGO staff and Ministry staff (including Royal Netherlands Embassy staff), and a survey of several hundred partner organisations in low and lower-middle income countries.