Global Citizenship Timeline

NGOs, Sustainability and Internationalisation

Global citizenship continued to increase in popularity and as the movement gained more traction the increase of internationalisation and involvement of civil society organisations exemplify the 80s as one of the movement’s most successful periods. In the following years this idea would come to fruition through the establishment of institutions like the Dutch Peace Council (1982), an increase in the activity of civil society organisations in the promotion of international cooperation and global citizenship, and the publication of texts like the Brundtland Report. The 1980s show a pattern of increasing popularity for global citizenship and international cooperation leading up to the fall of the Berlin Wall which opened the way for even more openness and cooperation to follow in later decades.

Growing role of civil society organisations  

The 1980s witnessed a surge in activism related to global citizenship and international cooperation, as Civil society organisations like Novib (now known as Oxfam Novib), ICCO (Interchurch Organisation for Development Cooperation) and Amnesty International saw significant growth. This rise in activism was fuelled, in part, by critical responses to government decisions such as the increasing influence of business and trade in development aid, Dutch arms trade, and the South Africa Policy (read more in the 70+ Jaar OS timeline here). This criticism along with a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of global issues (such as poverty, environmental degradation, and armed conflict) led to more and more civil initiatives to promote global citizenship. The increasing availability of new communication technologies, such as satellite television and the internet, along with the strong tradition of civil society activism in the Netherlands created the perfect circumstances for these activist initiatives to develop into organisations and institutions. 

The following civil society organisations were involved in the promotion of global citizenship during the 1980s:  

  1. Novib (now known as Oxfam Novib). Founded in the 1950s, this Dutch NGO saw significant growth in the 1980s as it expanded its work to promote development, poverty reduction, and social justice worldwide. 
  2. Greenpeace Netherlands. This branch of the global environmental organisation was founded in the early 1980s and played an active role in promoting environmental sustainability, as well as combating climate change. 
  3. Amnesty International Netherlands. This branch of the global human rights organisation was founded in the 1960s and saw significant growth in the 1980s, with a growing number of people becoming involved in its campaigns to protect human rights and promote social justice. 
  4. Pax Christi Netherlands. This Dutch peace organisation was founded in the 1940s and played an active role in promoting peace and conflict resolution in the 1980s, especially through its campaigns to reduce the global arms race and promote disarmament. 
  5. Cordaid (formerly known as Memisa). This Dutch Catholic development organisation was founded in the 1910s and saw significant growth in the 1980s as well, as it expanded its work to promote sustainable development and poverty reduction in developing countries (like Indonesia, Sudan and Bangladesh). 
  6. ICCO (Interchurch Organization for Development Cooperation). This Dutch NGO was founded in the 1960s and saw significant growth in the 1980s, as it expanded its work to promote sustainable development and poverty reduction in developing countries (like Kenya, India and Ethiopia). 
  7. Hivos (Humanist Institute for Cooperation with Developing Countries). This Dutch NGO was founded in the 1960s and saw significant growth in the 1980s, as it expanded its work to promote sustainable development and social justice in developing countries. 

 

Sustainable Development (Brundtland Report)  

In 1987, the Brundtland Report was published by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), which would become a milestone in the history of sustainable development. The report defined sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." The Dutch government played an instrumental role in the creation of this document and the WCED as a whole. They not only advocated for its existence but also provided financial support and hosting several of its meetings, including the final meeting of the commission in Amsterdam in 1987. It was during this meeting that the report was finalised and adopted. One of the commissioners of the WCED was Dutch minister Jan Pronk. 

In the same year, the Tinbergen Institute was founded as an institute for research and education in economics, econometrics and finance, named after Jan Tinbergen. Jointly led by the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam the University of Amsterdam, and the Erasmus University Rotterdam, today it is a high-quality research institute. Read more here.  

 

International Year of Peace  

The year 1986 was designated by the United Nations as the International Year of Peace. This initiative aimed to raise global awareness about peace and non-violence. In the Netherlands, the year witnessed various activities such as peace rallies, where thousands of individuals gathered in cities like Amsterdam and The Hague to advocate for peace. Peace conferences and forums were organised as well, bringing together scholars, activists, and policymakers to discuss strategies for conflict resolution. Educational programs were implemented, promoting peace education in schools and universities. Cultural events and exhibitions showcased the importance of peace and unity in society. These activities throughout the International Year of Peace emphasised the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation in establishing a peaceful world. The year served as a catalyst for renewed efforts in the Netherlands and beyond, inspiring individuals and organisations to actively promote peace, conflict resolution, and disarmament on a global scale. 

 

Fair Trade 

The Max Havelaar Foundation was founded in May 1988 and brought the fair trade movement into Dutch supermarkets. This is the predecessor of what would grow into the largest international fair-trade organisation: Fair Trade International. The first coffee with the Max Havelaar label was introduced in supermarkets on the 15th of November 1988. Coffee was the first fair trade product introduced in supermarkets. By doing this, activists got a new audience and much bigger revenues. The 1980s can, therefore, be seen as a breakthrough from a rather marginal to a broader movement. To read more about the fair trade movement and the Max Havelaar Foundation, browse through our fair trade timeline here. 

 

Sources and further reading:

Brundtland Report