Difference between revisions of "Partnering with the United Nations"
From NGO Handbook
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NGOs may also apply for association with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI). These are NGOs that are committed to conducting effective [[NGO Information Management|information]] programs with their constituents and the broader community about UN activities, and which have an established record of continuity of work for at least three years. Over 1,500 NGOs with information programs on issues of interest to the United Nations are associated with DPI. | NGOs may also apply for association with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI). These are NGOs that are committed to conducting effective [[NGO Information Management|information]] programs with their constituents and the broader community about UN activities, and which have an established record of continuity of work for at least three years. Over 1,500 NGOs with information programs on issues of interest to the United Nations are associated with DPI. | ||
| − | The DPI/NGO Section at the United Nations provides a number of services to its associated organizations. DPI assists those NGOs with access to general information | + | The DPI/NGO Section at the United Nations provides a number of services to its associated organizations. DPI assists those NGOs with access to general information and practical information concerning the complexity of the intergovernmental process, thereby increasing the effectiveness of NGOs in their area of specialization. DPI organizes an annual NGO/DPI conference and conducts weekly briefings on varies global issues for the NGO community at UN Headquarters. DPI also provides ground passes which grant access to all “open” meetings of the UN bodies and to the libraries and other meetings and to other services and publications. |
| − | To become associated with DPI, an NGO should send an official letter expressing such interest from its headquarters to the Chief of the NGO Section, Department of Public Information (Room S-1070L, United Nations, New York, NY 10017). The letter should state the reasons why the organization seeks such affiliation and briefly describe its programs, and should be accompanied by at least six samples of recent informational materials relevant to the Untied nations. A complete application, which can be obtained on the UN website (UN.ORG) should be provided within six months. It must | + | To become associated with DPI, an NGO should send an official letter expressing such interest from its headquarters to the Chief of the NGO Section, Department of Public Information (Room S-1070L, United Nations, New York, NY 10017). The letter should state the reasons why the organization seeks such affiliation and briefly describe its programs, and should be accompanied by at least six samples of recent informational materials relevant to the Untied nations. A complete application, which can be obtained on the UN website (UN.ORG) should be provided within six months. It must: |
| + | *Be of recognized national or international standing | ||
| + | *Operate solely on a not-for-profit basis with [[How to obtain tax-exempt status|tax-exempt status]] | ||
| + | *Provide an audited annual financial statement conducted by a qualified, independent accountant | ||
| + | *Have a demonstrated interest in UN issues and proven ability to conduct effective information programs about UN activities | ||
| + | *Have statutes/bylaws providing for a transparent process of taking decisions, elections of officers, and members of the Board of [[The Primary Responsibilities of an NGO Executive Director|Directors]]. | ||
| + | The DPI committee on Non-Governmental Organizations reviews applications. | ||
DPI NGOs have a representative mechanism available in the UN system. There is an 18-member DPI/NGO Executive Committee that is elected by the DPI/NGO community to act in an advisory and liaison capacity to channel information and to represent the interest of NGOS associated with DPI. This Committee is made up of NGOs from different parts of the world whose representatives in New York are elected for a period of two years. WANGO Secretary General Taj Hamad previously has served on this committee. | DPI NGOs have a representative mechanism available in the UN system. There is an 18-member DPI/NGO Executive Committee that is elected by the DPI/NGO community to act in an advisory and liaison capacity to channel information and to represent the interest of NGOS associated with DPI. This Committee is made up of NGOs from different parts of the world whose representatives in New York are elected for a period of two years. WANGO Secretary General Taj Hamad previously has served on this committee. | ||
Revision as of 11:38, 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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