The United Nations and NGOs

The United Nations and NGOs

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been actively engaged with the United Nations (UN) since its inception in 1945. They work with the United Nations Secretariat, programmes, funds, and agencies in various ways, including consultation with Member States. NGOs contribute to numerous activities, including information dissemination, awareness raising, development education, policy advocacy, joint operational projects, and participation in intergovernmental processes, as well as providing services and technical expertise.

Article 71 of the United Nations Charter establishes the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and states the following:

"The Economic and Social Council may make suitable arrangements for consultation with non-governmental organizations which are concerned with matters within its competence. Such arrangements may be made with international organizations and, where appropriate, with national organizations after consultation with the Member of the United Nations concerned."

— United Nations Charter, Chapter X, Article 71

Article 71 of the UN Charter opened the door to provide suitable arrangements for consultation with NGOs. The consultative relationship with ECOSOC is today governed by ECOSOC resolution 1996/31, which outlines the eligibility requirements for consultative status, rights, and obligations of NGOs in consultative status, procedures for withdrawal or suspension of consultative status, the role and functions of the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs, and the responsibilities of the UN Secretariat in supporting this relationship. The United Nations has been working to strengthen cooperation with NGOs across the UN system in all areas of its work, resulting in the identification of new modalities to promote increased and more strategic participation of NGOs.

On 7 December 2022, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) adopted the recommendation of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to grant special consultative status to the Millennium Child Support Group. Consultative status for an organization enables it to engage in various ways with ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies, the Human Rights Council, and, under specific conditions, some meetings of the General Assembly and other intergovernmental bodies, as well as with the United Nations Secretariat.

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is the principal organ that coordinates the economic, social, environmental, and related work of the 14 United Nations specialized agencies, functional commissions, and five regional commissions. It serves as the central forum for discussing international economic, social, and environmental issues, and for formulating policy recommendations addressed to Member States and the United Nations system.

ECOSOC Consultative Status

ECOSOC remains the only main UN body with a formal framework for NGO participation. This accreditation framework benefits both the United Nations and the NGOs. As stated by resolution 1996/31 on the “Consultative relationship between the United Nations and non-governmental organizations.”

Consultative Arrangements

“Consultative arrangements are to be made, on the one hand, for the purpose of enabling the Council or one of its bodies to secure expert information or advice from organizations having special competence in the subjects for which consultative arrangements are made, and, on the other hand, to enable international, regional, sub-regional, and national organizations that represent important elements of public opinion to express their views.”

— ECOSOC resolution 1996/31, part II, paragraph 20

Advocacy and Rights Awareness

We are passionate about promoting the rights of marginalized women and children. Through our advocacy efforts, we seek to raise awareness about their specific needs, advocate for policy changes, and facilitate a stronger voice for their rights within society.

We firmly believe that by empowering marginalized women and children, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society. However, we cannot do it alone. With your support, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it the most.

The Role of NGOs in ECOSOC

While ECOSOC has the opportunity to avail itself of valuable and expert advice from NGOs, the Millennium Child Support Group and other NGOs also have the opportunity to express their views and influence the work of the Council. NGOs bring specialized competence, hands-on experience, and flexibility that are of great value to the UN. For instance, as an authorized NGO Representative, you are required to:

Provide expert analysis on issues directly from experience in the field;
Serve as an early warning agent;
Help monitor and implement international agreements;
Raise public awareness of relevant issues;
Play a major role in advancing United Nations goals and objectives; and
Contribute essential information at organizational events.

For more information, visit: ECOSOC NGO

Letter:

Exciting Opportunity as NGO Representative at the United Nations

Hello there,

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to share an exciting opportunity that has arisen within our organization, the Millennium Child Support Group, an NGO with special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 2022.

We are in search of passionate changemakers like yourself who can represent us at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) meetings. This is your chance to make a difference on a global stage and have direct access to the United Nations Headquarters in New York and the United Nations Offices at Geneva and Vienna.

Role Responsibilities:

The role involves:

Advocating for child rights and welfare
Liaising with other non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Supporting our mission, vision, and strategic direction at these significant international forums

We believe your passion for change can help shape policy decisions affecting children worldwide!

If you welcome this challenge with great enthusiasm or know of someone suitable for this role, we would love to hear back from you!

Please send us your resume along with a brief statement regarding why you're interested in becoming part of our team.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Cheers,

Godfrey Ato Parker (Mr.)

Chief Executive Officer

Millennium Child Support Group

+233-246-502504