Sustainable development and strengthening of civil society: a view from the Fund of the Americas-Chile

Abstract

The paper argues that the trajectory of the Americas Fund has validated it as a specialized institution in managing environmental issues in Chile, and that its mission springs from the commitment to two fundamental values: sustainable development and participatory democracy. The article then outlines the evaluation of their institutional policies and stresses its support for the creation and strengthening of capacities of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and grassroots organizations, through annual competitions as the main tool of corporate management. Then it delves into the concepts of sustainable development and civil society in relation to the new role taken by the liberal state. It also arises questions on public-private cooperation for sustainable development, and proposes new social policies and a 'new deal' with the third sector.