| A delicate balance is needed
What role do nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play in the UN system? Representatives from universities, research institutes, NGOs, the UN Secretariat, and a UN mission recently gathered to discuss the issue as part of the Stanley Foundation's fortieth Strategy for Peace Conference. Participants discussed a broad range of topics including the role NGOs play at UN headquarters and in the field, as well as the desired future of NGOs in the UN system.
Historical Perspective
Conference participants agreed it would be difficult to assess the desired future of NGOs without considering the evolution of NGOs. "For part of the group, this meant emphasizing the recent growth and development of the roles of NGOs. From this viewpoint, NGOs have become more complex and involved members of global governance," according to the report issued following the event. But other group members stressed NGOs have always played an important role in the world. "They cited, for example, the vital role played by NGOs at the founding of the United Nations as well as their often forgotten presence at the League of Nations."
The NGO Impact
Most conference participants agreed that NGOs play an important role in shaping international decision making. Several even stated NGO involvement could improve UN decision making. "...Better input leads to better output. Even if NGOs are unable to vote at international organizations and conferences, they can still play an important role in monitoring what occurs at these meetings and also work to influence the agenda and policy outcomes." The group also dealt with concerns that NGO representatives should not participate on government-sponsored delegations. "NGOs have expertise on particular issues and can be particularly valuable to small countries that lack the time or money to develop such knowledge on their own while dealing with a wide range of global issues."
NGOs and Democratization
Part of the conference discussion focused on the role NGOs play in global politics, more specifically, the role they play in promoting democracy. Several group members felt NGOs are tools of democracy because they provide access to international decision making. "NGOs help to make other international actors more transparent and accountable," according to the conference report. But other group members challenged that notion. One participant argued NGOs are "self-selecting groups" with their own agendas. In addition, "Members of the group observed that there was a discrepancy between the influence of NGOs entrenched at UN headquarters and less prosperous NGOs from developing countries and the grassroots."
How They Rate
Group members felt it was important to note that not all NGOs are the same. "Many group members questioned the legitimacy of government-organized nongovernmental organizations. The fear was that governments were adapting to the impact of NGOs by working to create their own quasi-independent organizations."
Participants also discussed the growing influence of business groups on NGOs and the United Nations. Some felt business groups cannot and should not be integrated at the United Nations. Others argued business groups are part of the political process and, therefore, should be included. Participants also discussed how the United Nations should go about giving NGOs consultative status beyond the roles currently allowed. One participant "...raised the concern that the national NGOs gaining access to the United Nations were most often from the developed world, especially the United States, instead of NGOs from less developed countries."
Too Much Success?
Participants noted success is not always a good thing. Several felt successful NGOs are facing political backlash. "A major concern among some participants was the feeling that political backlash was leading to a decreased level of access for NGOs that had already gained consultative status." Several participants used their personal experiences to emphasize this point. "One complaint was that the debate over the role of NGOs was being misfocused on representation and accreditation at the expense of the more important issue of participation," according to the report.
Forging a Better Relationship
The conference included a long discussion on ways to improve the NGO-UN relationship. "Issues that must be dealt with for creating more productive connections include legal, political, professional, and organizational needs." Participants also stressed the United Nations must recognize the delicate balance of working with a variety of NGOs. "It was...pointed out that many UN officers are not well prepared to deal with NGOs.... One member of the group encouraged both NGOs and the United Nations to do a better job coordinating themselves so that when problems were identified it would be easier to pursue quick and viable solutions."
Despite the varying perspectives outlined at the conference, participants did agree on one important issue: "...the relationship between NGOs and the UN system is an important aspect of global governance." The group also agreed that despite improving dialogue, the debate over the role NGOs play in the UN system will continue as global governance becomes the driving force in international politics.
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