Monitoring Policy Making at the United Nations |
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NGOs and the UN
Relations between NGOs and the UN
Given the diverse nature and large number of NGOs, relations between NGOs and the UN have at times been stormy. NGOs face a constant battle to be heard at the UN, and often must compete with businesses and other private sector organizations toward which the UN is increasingly friendly. While some NGOs enjoy excellent access to meetings and good relations with UN officials and delegations, governments sometimes react negatively to NGO advocacy and seek to restrict NGO opportunities. This section analyzes NGO relations with the UN in terms of role, contributions and the substance of participation.
Basic Info | NGOs and UN Main Bodies | Problematic NGOs | NGO Access at the UN
Cardoso Panel on UN-Civil Society | Links | Back to NGOs-UN Main Index
Response to Advisors’ Report to the President of the 60th General Assembly on the Relationship between Member States and NGOs (September 1, 2006)
In this statement, a group of NGOs, including Global Policy Forum, responds to the recommendations of Ambassadors Johan Lovald of Norway and Rezlan Jenie of Indonesia for boosting NGO participation at the General Assembly (GA). The text reflects on past NGO contributions to the work of the UN, reiterates calls for regular status with the GA and also conveys reservations about the use of the Cardoso report as a “basis for policy.” The NGOs request a formal and open process, instead of just hearings, to foster sustained dialogue between Member States and NGOs.
A group of NGOs, including Global Policy Forum, has submitted a letter to the General Assembly President calling for improved NGO access and participation at the UN. The list of ten recommendations includes access to the new Human Rights Council, Peacebuilding Commission and the General Assembly, as well as better support for NGLS and the appointment of a high-level person on NGO affairs in the Executive Office of the Secretary General. “The United Nations must strengthen and deepen its relations with NGOs in order to create a stronger, more effective and more legitimate organization.”
A comprehensive and critical report that reviews recent progress and problems of NGOs at the UN. Prepared as input to the second report of the Secretary General. Includes comments on GPF's report.Ahead of the Curve (April 22, 2008)
This article claims that the growing importance of transnational actors, such as NGOs and businesses, threatens to undermine the founding UN principle of “division of nation-states.” The author advises the UN to cooperate more closely with these organizations, in order maintain its moral and intellectual leadership. Otherwise, new actors, including governments, companies or NGOs may step in to fill the role the UN currently holds. (Harvard Political Review)Three Generations of UN-Civil Society Relations: A Quick Sketch (April 2004)
Since its creation in 1945, the UN has shifted from an inter-governmental organization, to one that joins governments, the corporate sector and civil society. Three generations of UN-Civil Society relations have emerged as a component of this process, amplifying decision-making possibilities for the next generation. (United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service)Geneva Hosts Revolutionary Summit (December 5, 2003)
The UN permits NGO participation at the World Summit on the Information Society. Yet NGO involvement is on a consultative basis and many criticize the insufficient role of NGOs in the UN initiative. (Swissinfo)UN System and Civil Society - an Inventory and Analysis of Practices (May 2003)
This Background Paper looks at the history of civil society’s engagement with the UN, exploring the ways in which the High Level Panel on UN-Civil Society can improve UN-civil society relations.Watchdog Organization Struggles to Decrease UN Bureaucracy (October 29, 2002)
The Digital Freedom Network looks at how UN bureaucracy makes it difficult for NGOs to work with the UN. Dr. Tan of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), a watchdog organization of the UN, claims that the UN is aware of the plight of NGOs and plans to tackle these problems.UN Civil Society Outreach Symposium (June 1, 2001)
This paper emphasizes the need to allow greater NGO participation in UN policy development. It addresses issues such as extending NGO consultative status to the General Assembly and increasing the ability of Southern NGOs operating at a grass-roots level to be heard at the UN. (Stanley Foundation)Creating Global Governance: The Role of NGOs in the UN (2000)
Using the Millennium Forum of May 2000 as a background, this study finds that difficulties arise as increasing numbers of NGOs participate in UN discussions. The author asserts the urgent need for coalition building if NGOs want to translate their grassroots achievements to the global level. (UNA Finland)The United Nations and Civil Society: The Role of NGOs (February 19-21, 1999)
This conference paper reports participants’ discussion on ways to work towards a “sustainable partnership” between the UN and NGOs. The paper also presents the main proposals in regards to NGO accreditation procedures and other NGO access issues. (Stanley Foundation)Another Role for an NGO: Financing a WHO Program (January 1997)
The financial contribution of the Rotary Club to a WHO Program highlights another side of the relationship between Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) and NGOs. (Transnational Associations)NGOs and the UN System Since the Rio Summit (1997)
The Rio Summit is often seen as a turning point in the relations between NGOs and the UN. While important improvements have occurred, as described in this paper, NGOs remain marginal actors in important decisions. (NGLS)Relationships Between International NGOs and the UN: A Research and Policy Paper (1995)
This paper, written in 1995, provides an interesting perspective on the earlier optimism surrounding the potential for expanded NGO role and participation in the UN System.A Selection of Speeches about the role of NGOs at the UN.
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