Research Objective: This study aimed to explain the role of NGOs in promoting good governance in Iran. The research focuses on institutional capacity, social capital, and network governance as the main dimensions of the role of NGOs and attempts to provide policy solutions for institutional and social capacity building.

Research Methodology: The research was conducted with a qualitative approach and based on comparative policy analysis. The statistical population includes Iran's macro development documents (such as the 1404 Vision Document and the Seventh Development Plan) as well as the comparative experiences of three selected countries (Türkiye, Indonesia, and Tunisia). Data were collected through document analysis, official reports, and scientific studies and analyzed by examining institutional theories, social capital, and social networks.

Findings: Studies show that despite the quantitative growth of civil society organizations in Iran and the emphasis of development documents on civil participation, their institutional position has not been established. Centralization, lack of comprehensive supportive law, limited financial resources, and security concerns are the main challenges. In contrast, selected countries have been able to provide the basis for effective participation of civil society organizations in participatory governance by implementing legal reforms, establishing consultative institutions, and strengthening transparency mechanisms.

Conclusion: The research shows that promoting good governance in Iran requires a change in approach from an instrumental to an institutional view of the NGOs. Legal, institutional, and social capacity building, increasing internal transparency, bottom-up accountability, and institutionalizing civic participation in the policy-making process are among the most important suggested solutions.