Building ecosystems to enable civil society to thrive

We know that civil society is critical to the delivery of just, equitable, and sustainable societies. In turn, civil society organisations need a robust ecosystem of support in order to thrive in this vital role. In 2024, INTRAC published our new strategic framework, outlining our vision of that ecosystem of support. Recent ODA cuts by several OECD countries – including the United States, the Netherlands, and the UK – amount to a radically changed context for this work. 

While some see in these developments an existential challenge, others view them as a historic opportunity. What is clear is that in a changed context, the sector’s path to building ecosystems of civil society support must change.  This has major implications, including on issues of funding, consultancy, learning, and the future of INGOs. Consequently, INTRAC has begun convening conversations on these topics.

On 14 May 2025, INTRAC convened a special online discussion on building ecosystems to enable civil society to thrive. Chaired by our Chief Executive Kate Newman, the event attracted well over 100 attendees. For 90 minutes, five members of INTRAC’s board of trustees shared their perspectives:

• Ashley Green-Thompson is the Director of ACT Ubumbano, a network of Southern African and European organisations working for economic, gender and environmental justice. 
• Natasha Jamal is Vice President, Social Impact at the Center for Inclusive Growth – Mastercard’s philanthropic hub. 
• Wanjiru Kanyiha is Network Coordinator for the Global Public Investment Network, where she leads the coordination and development of strategies, manages operations and systems. 
• Bijay Kumar is the Director of War Child in Afghanistan and a strong advocate of shifting power from the international system to community led capacities. 
• Sareta Thomas is a South Africa-based financial professional and independent consultant with over 22 years of international and national experience in the development sector.