Civil society organizations have never had a more meaningful role in global governance. They play an important part in a wide range of transnational issues from human rights and climate change to the application of biotechnology. Exercising this role in global affairs depends on NGOs continuing to enjoy a high level of trust – a trust which is fragile and subject to many imponderables. But there are several things they can do to ensure and maintain their credibility: they can address the question of duplication in the sector; they can learn to make the most of their strengths; above all, they can ensure that they don’t leave the question of accountability for others to resolve.