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Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

UN Charter and NGOs

Non-governmental Organizations helped found the United Nations and have partnered with the UN ever since. The UN Charter has arrangements for UN consultations with NGOs described in the Economic and Social Council in Article 71.  The UN partners with civil society to advance its ideals and support its work over a wide range of fields, which is elaborated on in Economic and Social Council  Resolution 1996/31 (page 53).

The UN and Civil Society

Coalition for the International Criminal Court. Civil society organizations across countries working to strengthen international cooperation with the ICC.

Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations.  International membership association founded in 1948 that facilitates the participation of NGOs in United Nations decision-making.

The Global Compact. UN compact with businesses to address human rights, labor, the environment and corruption.

Global Center for the Responsibility to Protect. Created to transform the principle of the responsibility to protect into a guide for action in the face of mass atrocities.

International Peace Institute. Independent, international not-for-profit think tank dedicated to promoting the prevention and settlement of conflicts between and within states.

NGOs Associated with the UN Department of Public Information. Directory of NGOs affiliated with the UN Department of Public Information.

UN Economic and Social Council NGO Branch. Includes a listing of NGOs with consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

UN Democracy Fund. UN General Trust Fund to strengthen the voice of civil society in democratic processes around the world.

United Nations Foundation. Foundation from Ted Turner's gift to support UN causes and activities.

United Nations and Civil Society. Gateway site to elements of the UN involved in civil society partnerships.

United Nations Association of the United States of America.  Non-profit association working to support the UN and educate Americans about its purpose.

United Nations Civil Society Unit. Mandated to link the Organization with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) associated with the UN DPI. 

United Nations Fund for International Partnerships. UN liaison office for the United Nations Foundation and the private sector.

UN Office at Geneva, Civil Society. Resources for NGOs, includes a list of NGOs accredited at the UN Office in Geneva.

UNESCO: NGOs and Foundations. Includes information on UNESCO partnerships with NGOs within it's field of competence.

Sample Books