Non-Governmental and Civil Affairs

In light of the growing role of unofficial, non-state actors in the conduct of contemporary international relations, the Cultural Services established the Office of Non-Governmental and Civil Affairs to cooperate with the many American non-governmental organizations devoted to humanitarian, health, environmental, and developmental issues facing, not just our two nations, but the wider world.

The mandate of the Office of Non-Governmental and Civil Affairs is to sustain a productive dialogue between the French government and major American NGOs (non-governmental organizations) such as CARE, the Sierra Club, the Bill Gates Foundation, and the Bill Clinton Foundation. The office tries to help NGOs on both sides of the Atlantic find enthusiastic and civilian participation partners in the other country, and provides particular support to French NGOs seeking funding from American foundations. The Office also sponsors and promotes attendance at conferences, forums, debates and more on a variety of critical subjects and issues. Finally, the Office fosters collaborative projects between local authorities in both countries. More information: link.