Strategy note on VANI's international Activities :

In the era of globalization where the world is becoming one big market and economic boundaries of countries are dissolving, it becomes essential to coordinate efforts at an international level especially because most countries are facing similar problems viz. poverty, unemployment, terrorism, HIV/AIDS, illiteracy, gender inequality etc. There is an urgent need to share knowledge, expertise and experiences with networks/NGOs in other countries so that we all benefit from it and which will in turn lead to a positive effect on development programmes across the globe.

VANI is the largest apex body of voluntary organisations with 19 Network Federations, 322 Organisations and 42 Individuals as its members. It has a strong base of 2500 Voluntary organizations, spread out in almost all states of India. VANI has also become coordinating agency for strengthening national similar national networks in Asia. The partnerships of such national networks are now spread in the countries of South Asia, South-East Asia and far East Asia.

Since the past over 21 years, VANI has strived to be a platform for National and global advocacy. It main purpose is articulating the voice of Voluntary sector at National and Global level. VANI also facilitates state level advocacy on issues and policies confronting the development sector in India.  VANI also plays the role of supporting coordination and action to support and promote voluntary action in the country. It worked as a catalyst between central and state governments, bilateral and multilaterals on the one hand and Indian voluntary sector on the other. It represents the sector's concerns and issues through advocacy, networking and sensitizing the government, media, and public. Through years VANI has achieved recognition not only at the national level but internationally as well. The opinion and views of VANI are valued and recognised by almost all stakeholders.  The outreach of VANI is at local, national and global level.

VANI's main motive is articulating the voice of voluntary sector on the concerning issues, through research, educational events and cross learning's.  Attempts are being made to work at state, national and global level through forming and strengthening networks and linking with existing networks.

Overarching Strategies of VANI:

1. Knowledge Building
2. Policy Advocacy
3. Convening and Strengthening Networks
4. Information dissemination
5. Capacity Building
6. Synergy with other national and international networks

International partners of VANI

VANI has a large national and international network of various organisations :

ABONG

Founded in 1991, the Associação Brasileira de Organizações Não Governamentais (ABONG) is a national network of 270 Brazilian NGOs, which acts as their representative in relations to the Brazilian government. In 2003 ABONG formed a partnership with VANI for the purpose of creating a cross-continental network of national NGOs that represent the global concerns of all

ACCIÓN - Association of Chilean Non-Governmental Organisations

ACCIÓN is the national federation of Chilean NGOs, created in 1993 with more than 60 NGO members, working on defense and the promotion of the human rights, social integration, environmental decontamination, participation of the citizens, women's rights, prevention of the consumption of drugs, local development, popular education, the integration of the rural and indigenous world, etc..

CONGAD

Created in 1982, the Conseil des ONG d'Appui au Développement (CONGAD) is a national network of 150 Sénégalaises NGOs, as well as several foreign and international NGO partners. In 2003, CONGAD began a partnership with VANI to form a coalition of national network NGO's throughout the world to address the concerns that NGOs face on an international level

COORDINATION SUD

Coordination SUD was set up in 1994 to bring together French international solidarity organizations. It is a federation of around 120 NGOs working in the field of emergency relief and development, whose aim is to facilitate NGO relations with their contacts, partners, and national and international organizations. The organization believes that a coordinated effort amongst international NGOs is vital in addressing the needs of the voluntary sector, which is why it began a partnership with VANI in 2003. This partnership is to create a worldwide network of national NGO networks that can work together in representing the NGO sector to multilateral agencies.

INTRAC - The International NGO Training and Research Centre

INTRAC is a non-profit organisation working in the international development and relief sector. It supports non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) around the world by helping to explore policy issues, and by strengthening management and organisational effectiveness.

Non Governmental Diplomacy

A. In collaboration with Coordination SUD, VANI has also started a debate on “Non- Government Diplomacy Initiative”. The six thematic issues are identified around which groups are going to be constituted. VANI will facilitate these groups and each group will have leader among the members of VANI. Similar groups are being constituted at global levels. The themes are as follows :

1. Access to Water and Sanitation
2. Development Financing
3. Climate Change
4. Regulation of Agriculture Market
5. Conflict Prevention and Resolution
6. Fight against social exclusion and inequalities

 B. Building networks across Asia and Asia Pacific :
VANI also works towards increasing and strengthening the national network of Voluntary Organisations across the Asian region.