This is a report of the workshop titled Global Standard for Civil Society Accountability: Reinforcing Legitimacy and Sustainability of the Third Sector in West Africa. The third sector is recognized for its critical role in promoting good governance and upholding democracy around the world. Across West Africa, civil society’s crucial functions have included among others holding national governments accountable and ensuring that citizens are given the voice that they deserve. While the growing influence of civil society as a driver of change is noteworthy, there is also the urgent need for the sector to continue to build trust and legitimacy which can only be attained when civil society organizations respond to and address questions of their own legitimacy and accountability.
