This 4-day event (20th-23rd August) was a microcosm of civil society itself. Its 700 participants quite faithfully reflected the geographic, demographic and issue diversity of the associational world.

The plenary sessions had interesting speakers – though there was an emphasis on informing the audience about global concerns rather than discussing roles and challenges for civil society in tackling those concerns. The declared World Assembly (WA) theme was ‘Acting Together for a Just World’, but ‘Why the World is Unjust’ might have been more appropriate.

Before the WA, those close to CIVICUS were asking two questions: how will the new Secretary General, Ingrid Srinath, compare with CIVICUS’s former head, Kumi Naidoo, and what will the Montreal venue be like compared with Glasgow (this is the first of three WAs in Canada, the previous three having been held in Scotland). On the first question, Ingrid clearly showed that she has her own strengths and did not attempt to emulate Kumi’s oratory and political passion. CIVICUS members went away confident that their organization was in good hands, and pleased too that there has been a relatively smooth transition to a largely new board. Following the WA, the Civicus Board elected David Bonbright of Keystone as its new chair.

On the second question, the general response was ‘not really as good’. The facilities were fine, if rather cavernous, but there was not the impressive support structure that Scotland had provided.

Perhaps the most powerful theme running through the assembly was the political backlash we seem to be facing, with governments becoming increasingly hostile to CSOs. Visa problems represent just the tip of the iceberg; the WA heard countless examples of activists – especially human rights defenders – being jailed on trumped-up charges, beaten up or killed, and dozens of examples were shared of repressive new laws or policies being introduced that make life harder for civil society advocates. Specific solidarity campaigns were launched calling for the release of detained activists, and there was discussion about how CSOs and more liberal governments could work more closely together to protect civil society.

Perhaps the most salutary note was sounded by Kumi Naidoo. He noted that CSOs now have a seat at the table in a wide array of high-level places, but wondered whether changes are made as a result. He warned that access to power shouldn’t be confused with real influence.

John Clark is a principal of The Policy Practice and an independent development consultant. Prior to 2009 he was at the World Bank as head of its civil society programme and then as lead social scientist for East Asia.

For more information visit www.civicusassembly.org

This article first appeared in the September issue of Alliance Magazine and is re-published with their kind permission. To read more visit Alliance Magazine.