Updated 17 November 2009

On 5 November 2009, The World Federation, represented by the Vice President Munawer Rattansey and the NGO manager Imran Janmohamed, attended the BOND Annual Conference and the Annual General Meeting 2009 held at Kings Fund, London, UK. The Conference was the largest ever, attended by over 220 delegates representing more than 146 organisations. The theme of the conference was “Uniting force for the strength, influence, and effectiveness of UK international development organisations”. Many probing and difficult questions were asked at the sessions and “much insightful and thoughtful reflection” was shared on key issues and areas of common concern.

The Conference began with a welcome address by the Chair of the BOND Board, Anna Feuchtwang from EveryChild. She gave an overview of the agenda and thanked all delegates for their presence to the Annual BOND event. The Chair gave a brief introduction to the next session, an exciting political ‘Question Time' style discussions to observe the stances of the 3 main parties on issues relating to international development.

This session was moderated by Rajan Datar, a BBC Presenter and Reporter. The objective of the session was to address the concerns and questions by BOND members, in light of the dramatically changing economic environment and the upcoming 2010 UK General Election. The high-profile panel included:

• Douglas Alexander, The UK’s Secretary of State for International Development (Labour Party)
• Andrew Mitchell, The UK’s Shadow Secretary of State for International Development (Conservative Party); and
• Michael Moore, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for International Development.

The questions focused on market regulation, tax havens, climate change, 0.7 % GDP law, sustainable development, IMF and World Bank restructuring, party approach to the NGO sector and party policies on international development. The moderator ensured that the politicians presented their views in an open and transparent manner, avoiding “cheap party politics”. The session concluded by a vote of thanks to the panel by the Chair for their presence at the Conference.

After a quick break, the next session on the agenda was the Annual General Meeting 2009. This meeting was presided over by the Vice Chair of the BOND Board, Paul Valentin from Christian Aid. The minutes of the AGM 2008 was reviewed by the Conference, and with no matters arising, the minutes were proposed and adopted unanimously. The Treasurer of the Board, Ian Barry from CAB International gave an overview of the 2008-2009 financial statements. He highlighted the increase in BOND’s income by 13 % sourced primary from subscriptions. The financial statements and the auditors were then unanimous adopted. A resolution relating to small changes to BOND’s Articles and Memorandum of Associations were also adopted by the members.

This was followed by an overview of the BOND’s activities for the past year and its plans for the upcoming year, by the Chair of Board, Anna Feuchtwang. She highlighted some of the BOND key achievement in 2008, which include:

• increased cross sector influence from donors such as the UK Department of international Development (DFID) to campaigning drives;
• increased training courses – 37 courses were attended by 558 participants generating an income of £124,000;
• strengthening membership and networks to ensure consistent and engaging; and
• Strengthening of the BOND secretariat staff to ensure serves it members.

For the next year, the Chair informed the delegates that BOND will focus on evaluating its governance structures, reviewing its strategy for 2006-2011, reviewing its statement of principles, and focusing on the development of a new 3 year programme on NGO effectiveness.

The delegates at the Conference then broke up for lunch for an hour. Muslim members of BOND had specially requested a room to conduct their daily prayers. The World Federation delegation and other Muslim delegates proceeded to perform their prayers in Jamaat.

The afternoon of the conference focused on development policy and practice. This began with a panel discussion by recognised NGO leaders on “the changing role of Northern NGOs working in international development from the perspective of the South”. This session was moderated by Prof. Lawrence Haddad, Director of the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex.

The key note speaker was Dr Rajesh Tandon, the Director and founder of Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA). Dr. Tandon is an acclaimed leader of participatory research and development. In his presentation to the delegates, Dr Tandon highlighted the new realities of the Asian continent. He stated that 1/3 of global GDP came from Asia and 2/3 of the population was found in Asia. With positive growth of 9.5 % in China and 6.5 % in India (2008), while the Western countries had negative growth, a new theory of change should be prevalent. In his vision, a 360° thinking was needed. This would enable the Northern countries and NGOs (The North - developed countries) to reflect on their past way of working. Acknowledging that in the past, funds, technology and knowledge are only transferred from North to South (The South - developing countries), Dr Tandon posed the question, “Do Northern NGOs have the capacity to accept knowledge and funds from the South?” He suggested that the excesses of the UK consumerism does not make it greener or efficient if is has a green policy, and suggested that organisations such as IMF should scrutinise policies in countries such as USA in the same way as it does other smaller and poorer countries.

With these remarks, the other members of the panel gave their thoughts and views on the NGO development. This panel included:

• Ramesh Singh, CEO ActionAid, International
• Christine Allen, Director, PROGRESSIO
• Tashmin Khamis, Director, Child to Child Trust 

Several questions were asked to the panel who answered them eloquently. Some of the issues discussed were on the accountability, effectiveness, inequality, financial crises, climate change and lack of funding.

The Board Chair finished the session by thanking the panel for their frank and open views. Ms Feuchtwang then thanked all the delegates for attending the Conference, before they were divided into six parallel sessions in separate rooms. The purpose of this session was to stimulate thought and action on key strategic issues facing the sector. 

The World Federation attended “the NGO effectiveness: the participation challenge”. This session aimed at the quality of the relationships and partnerships among and between NGOs to effective development organisations. This session provided a chance for members to shape a key pillar of the BOND Effectiveness Programme by contributing practical ideas and recommendations, and suggestions how it can address members' needs in relation to strengthening participation and relationships with partners and/or beneficiaries, and improving practice and sharing learning.

The session was open by the Chair of the BOND Quality Group, Alex Jacobs of Keystone, who gave an overview of the activities of the Group for the past one year. He also gave an insight of the NGO Effectiveness Programme 2009 – 2012.

Dr Rajesh Tandon then gave his views and thoughts, which included:

• Partnership is the cornerstone for any NGO/organisation and the building of relationship based on different competencies and goals is essential for these organisations; 
• “commitment to relationships made earlier” is important for organisations to be successful so that relationships built are not lost; and 
• Visibility in other organisations ‘sphere of influence’ is critical to ensure all organisations have a collective and global approach to development.

This was followed by a small group discussion to address four questions on issues such as strengthening relationship between Northern NGOs and Southern NGOs, importance of this and barriers that prevent the strengthening of ties. The session concluded with a summary and thank you by Mr Jacobs to the delegates present in this session. 

The Vice President of The World Federation, Munawer Rattansey said, “It was very encouraging to see so many charities committed to assisting the less fortunate individuals around the world.  The issue of climate control is not given enough attention in the West, and the efforts of these charities to address this issue which ultimately effects those in the poorest regions is truly commendable.  This is an excellent example of what The World Federation should be striving towards going forward.”

The NGO manager Imran Janmohamed said, “This was an excellent opportunity to liaise and engage with hundreds of NGO’s who are working in various fields.  The ability to discuss their various goals was enlightening and learning about the agenda for NGOs in the upcoming UK elections gave great insight into what to expect.  The World Federation is eager to continue with this work’

For further information email ngo@world-federation.org