Civil Society (CSOs) represent a range of constituencies affected by infrastructure projects and climate change and are a pillar of the principle of country ownership, outlined in the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness. For the Global Bank Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility to function effectively in recipient countries, Civil Society is a critical stakeholder, helping to set the investment approach and to involve communities in activities aimed at both mitigation and adaptation.
    
Civil Society Organizations are represented in the Global Bank Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility (“GBIPPF” or the “Facility) by a total of sixteen elected Observers - four on the GBIPPF Steering Committees and Sub-Committees and Working Groups. Civil Society observers are drawn from global and local or regional civil society organizations, with consideration given to equally distributed representation. Every observer represents a network of organizations operating in its geographic region and with similar interests. Civil Society Organizations might include endowments, foundations, think tanks, and groups that are active in the field.

Global Bank Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility is founded on the principles of stakeholder engagement, inclusivity and transparency. The involvement of observers on the GBIPPF Steering Committees and Sub-committees is essential in the expression of these principles. This central role is unique to the Global Bank Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility, where they are seen as vital in broadening perspectives, supporting transparency and accountability, and ensuring more targeted and effective action on the ground. Like all of the stakeholder groups – including the Multilateral Development Banks, the private sector, and Indigenous Peoples and local communities - Civil Society Organizations are involved at all levels of engagement in Global Bank Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility processes.