The world changes when society chooses to change it - part one
- Editorial Team SDG17
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Published on 6 August 2026 at 01:47 GMT
By Editorial Team SDG17
Throughout much of history, social progress has largely been attributed to governments, major institutions and economic development. A closer look, however, reveals that many of the achievements now taken for granted were born far from the corridors of power. They emerged because ordinary citizens decided to organise themselves and respond to problems that no one else appeared willing—or able—to address with sufficient urgency.
The abolition of slavery, the expansion of education, the protection of nature, the advancement of women’s rights, the fight against disease, humanitarian assistance during armed conflicts and the promotion of the rights of people with disabilities are just a few examples of changes that were driven, at least in part, by civic action. Some of these initiatives eventually evolved into large international organisations, while others remained small local associations. What they all shared was a simple conviction: that society itself has the power to change the course of history.
That principle remains just as relevant today. In a world shaped by climate change, biodiversity loss, social inequalities, migration, technological transformation and geopolitical tensions, the role of civil society has become one of the defining factors in building sustainable solutions. Not because it replaces governments or the private sector, but because it contributes something that few other actors can offer: close engagement with communities, the ability to mobilise people and an extraordinary diversity of perspectives.
This vision would later inspire the creation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The seventeen goals are not merely a governmental agenda; they provide a common framework through which public authorities, businesses, universities, media organisations, foundations, non-governmental organisations and millions of citizens can work towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
From philanthropy to a global movement
Although mutual support has existed throughout human history, the organisations now recognised as non-governmental organisations began to take shape during the nineteenth century.
The Industrial Revolution transformed societies across Europe and North America. It generated unprecedented economic growth but also widespread poverty, labour exploitation, child labour and severe public health challenges. At a time when public institutions were still limited in their capacity to respond, citizens, religious groups, scientists, educators and philanthropists began establishing organisations to address needs that governments were unable to meet.
Many of these early organisations focused on improving working conditions, reducing poverty, expanding access to education and promoting social reform. At the same time, movements dedicated to protecting the natural environment began to emerge, laying the foundations of what would later become the global conservation movement.
One of the most significant milestones came with the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1863. Its creation demonstrated that an independent organisation could play a decisive humanitarian role during armed conflicts while operating under the principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence.
During the twentieth century, particularly after the two World Wars, the number of non-governmental organisations expanded dramatically. The establishment of the United Nations in 1945 marked an important turning point by recognising the value of civil society within the international system. Article 71 of the United Nations Charter provided the legal basis for formal cooperation between the organisation and non-governmental organisations through consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Today, more than 6,400 organisations hold consultative status with ECOSOC, allowing them to contribute expertise, participate in discussions and help shape international policy in areas ranging from human rights and sustainable development to humanitarian assistance and environmental protection.
Since then, non-governmental organisations have evolved from peripheral actors into recognised partners of international institutions, governments, universities and research centres around the world.
A movement too diverse to count precisely
One of the questions most frequently asked is how many non-governmental organisations currently exist worldwide. Surprisingly, there is no definitive answer.
There is no single global register covering every civil society organisation. Each country applies its own legal definitions, registration systems and reporting requirements. Moreover, thousands of organisations operate only at local level, while new groups are created and others cease to exist every year.
For this reason, any global estimate should be treated with caution.
Researchers generally agree that there are several million civil society organisations operating worldwide. One widely cited range places the total at between roughly four and ten million organisations. However, this range should be regarded as indicative rather than definitive, reflecting the absence of a comprehensive international database rather than statistical uncertainty alone.
Far from diminishing the significance of the sector, this diversity illustrates its extraordinary reach. Under the broad umbrella of civil society are neighbourhood associations with only a handful of volunteers, community foundations, humanitarian organisations, environmental groups, professional associations, research institutes and international organisations operating across more than one hundred countries.
Taken together, they represent one of the largest organised expressions of civic participation in human history.
An impact that extends beyond social action
Non-governmental organisations are often viewed exclusively through the lens of charity or humanitarian assistance. Yet their contribution also has a substantial economic dimension.
Civil society organisations employ millions of people worldwide in areas including international development, education, healthcare, scientific research, environmental conservation, culture, emergency response and social services.
Alongside this paid workforce stands an even larger and more difficult contribution to quantify: volunteering.
According to estimates published by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, hundreds of millions of people undertake volunteer work every year, both through formal organisations and informal community initiatives. If this contribution were measured as paid employment, it would represent the equivalent of millions of full-time jobs.
Research led over several decades by Johns Hopkins University has likewise demonstrated that the non-profit sector constitutes a significant component of many national economies, contributing not only to employment but also to innovation, service delivery and social resilience.
This perspective challenges a common misconception. Civil society organisations do far more than distribute aid. They generate knowledge, create skilled employment, foster innovation, strengthen democratic participation and develop practical solutions that often influence public policy and inspire wider social change.
Further information:
The information presented in this article has been developed using publicly available data, reports and historical documentation from the following primary sources:
United Nations – Sustainable Development Goals
Official information on the 2030 Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global progress towards their implementation.
United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) – The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024
The official annual assessment of global progress towards achieving the SDGs.
The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024
United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Information on consultative status and the relationship between the United Nations and non-governmental organisations.
ECOSOC – NGO Consultative Status
International Labour Organization (ILO) and United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
Global research and estimates on volunteering and its social and economic contribution.
UN Volunteers – Knowledge Portal
Johns Hopkins University – Center for Civil Society Studies
Long-standing international research into the economic impact and development of the non-profit and civil society sector.
