African Union Non-Governmental Actors: These are main structures of the society outside government and public administration. These structures are born out of the will of the citizens, their objective being the promotion of an issue or defending a general or specific interest. They are independent of the State. For their participation, non-governmental actors may be selected on the basis of criteria taking into account, in particular: - Diversity (to ensure representation of the different families of non-state actors). - The need to ensure representation of actors considered as marginal (women and disabled persons in particular). - Representation of the different levels: collective and consortium.... - Visibility and accessibility of the organizations selected (because they have a functional headquarters, equipped with telephone and/or Internet, etc... facilities). - Comparative advantage in a determined area of activity. Not for Profit Sector That part of the economy where organizations are for non-profit and non-governmental. This sector is also called the third sector, in reference to the private sector and the public sector, or the Civic sector emphasizing the sector's relationship to civil society. It includes NonGovernmental Organizations, Community Based Organizations, Umbrella bodies, faith based organizations, apex bodies and other related organizations. Organization A person or group of people intentionally organized to accomplish an overall, common goal or set of goals which can be for profit or not-for profit, they can be incorporated or nonincorporated, and can be established in the public, private or not-for-profit sectors. Parastatals Quasi-governmental organizations, corporate entities or agencies that are treated by national laws and regulations to be under the guidance of the government, but also separate and autonomous from the government. While the entity may receive some revenue from charging customers for its services, these organizations are often partially or majorly funded by the government. They are usually considered highly important to the smooth running of society, and are sometimes propped up with cash infusions in times of crisis to help surmount situations that would bankrupt a normal privately-owned business. They may also possess law-enforcement authority, usually related to their functions. They pursue purely non-financial objectives. They should be distinguished from State Owned Enterprises that have a distinct legal form and are established usually by government to operate in commercial affairs xi