Difference between revisions of "Partnering with the United Nations"
From NGO Handbook
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The first way for NGOs to enter into a working relationship with the United Nations is by attaining consultative status with ECOSOC. | The first way for NGOs to enter into a working relationship with the United Nations is by attaining consultative status with ECOSOC. | ||
| − | The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six organs of the United Nations | + | The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six organs of the United Nations and is composed of representatives from 54 Member States. Its primary areas of concern are sustainable development, social development, status of [[Women's NGOs|women]], populations and development, and [[Human Rights NGOs|human rights]]. Several programs, funds, and other bodies fall under the domain of ECOSOC, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations [[Childre's NGOs|Children’s]] Fund (UNICEF). |
| − | The relationship between NGOs and ECOSOC has been formalized in ECOSOC resolution 1296 (XLIV) of May 23, 1968, and more recently ECOSOC resolution 1996/31, which revised the arrangements for NGO consultation with this body and is the current basis for the partnership. NGOs that are active in the field of economic and social development, and whose activities are considered relevant to the work of ECOSOC, can apply for consultative status. | + | The relationship between NGOs and ECOSOC has been formalized in ECOSOC resolution 1296 (XLIV) of May 23, 1968, and more recently ECOSOC resolution 1996/31, which revised the arrangements for NGO consultation with this body and is the current basis for the [[Networking and Partnerships|partnership]]. NGOs that are active in the field of economic and social development, and whose activities are considered relevant to the work of ECOSOC, can apply for consultative status. |
| − | There are three categories | + | There are three categories, General, Special, and Roster, of consultative status with ECOSOC. “General consultative status” (formally “Category I”) is accorded to NGOs that are “concerned with most of the activities of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies and are closely involved with the economic and social life of the peoples and areas they represent.” These are generally large, international organizations that represent significant segments of societies in several countries. “Special consultative status” (formally “Category II”) is granted to NGOs that have special competence in one or a few of the fields of activity covered by ECOSOC. Other organizations that can make occasional, useful contributions to the work of the Council or its subsidiary bodies, or other United Nations bodies within their competence, shall be included in a list (as the “Roster”). Since the first NGOs were granted consultative status by ECOSOC in 1948, the number of NGOs with consultative status has risen to the current 2,143 organizations, and some 400 NGOs are accredited by the Commission on Sustainable Development, a subsidiary body. |
Each of these levels has different privileges and requirements. All may designate UN representatives to attend meetings, attend UN meetings, consult with officers from the Secretariat, and are invited to UN conferences. But only those General and Special Category NGOs can speak at ECOSOC subsidiary bodies’ meetings and circulate statements at ECOSCO meetings and subsidiary bodies meetings. Only General Category NGOs can propose items for ECOSOC’s agenda and speak at ECOSOC itself. Those in General and Special Status must submit quadrennial reports. | Each of these levels has different privileges and requirements. All may designate UN representatives to attend meetings, attend UN meetings, consult with officers from the Secretariat, and are invited to UN conferences. But only those General and Special Category NGOs can speak at ECOSOC subsidiary bodies’ meetings and circulate statements at ECOSCO meetings and subsidiary bodies meetings. Only General Category NGOs can propose items for ECOSOC’s agenda and speak at ECOSOC itself. Those in General and Special Status must submit quadrennial reports. | ||
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Among the stated requirements for consultative status with ECOSOC is that the NGO has a democratic and transparent decision-making mechanism and the authority to speak for its members through its authorized representatives. The NGO also must be in existence for at least two years before applying, and the basic resources of the organization are to be derived mainly from contributions of its membership, affiliates, or other components. ECOSOC resolution 1996/31 delineates these requirements in some detail. | Among the stated requirements for consultative status with ECOSOC is that the NGO has a democratic and transparent decision-making mechanism and the authority to speak for its members through its authorized representatives. The NGO also must be in existence for at least two years before applying, and the basic resources of the organization are to be derived mainly from contributions of its membership, affiliates, or other components. ECOSOC resolution 1996/31 delineates these requirements in some detail. | ||
| − | The application for consultative status is examined by the Committee on NGOs, which is composed of representatives from 19 Members States. The Committee recommends to ECOSOC which organization are to be granted one of the three categories of status, with the full ECOSOC making the final decision. | + | The application for consultative status is examined by the Committee on NGOs, which is composed of representatives from 19 Members States. The Committee recommends to ECOSOC which organization are to be granted one of the three categories of status, with the full ECOSOC making the final decision. |
==NGOs and DPI== | ==NGOs and DPI== | ||
Revision as of 10:58, 12 August 2008
In the recent half-century, we have seen the birth of a new civil society, where non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have dramatically increased in number, diversity, and influence, forging an effective middle ground between governments and corporations. NGOs are more and more impacting governmental and intergovernmental policies, providing voices for important causes and constituencies, offering analyses and expertise, and performing varied services and humanitarian functions.
Since its founding in 1945, the United Nations has maintained relations with NGOs, who represent the concerns of civil society throughout the world. These relationships have been formalized in a number of United Nations resolutions, which derive from the United Nations Charter itself. As stated in Article 71 of the Charter: “The Economic and Social Council may make suitable arrangements for consultation with non-governmental organizations which are concerned with matters within its competence.” Indeed, the preamble of the U.N. Charter begins “We, the peoples of the United Nations,” which has come to mean both Member States and civil society.
In essence, there are four primary ways in which NGOs partner with the United Nations.
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