The United Nations once dealt only with Governments. By now we know that peace and prosperity cannot be achieved without partnerships involving Governments, international organizations, the business community and civil society. In today's world, we depend on each other."
~ Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General
Partnerships have become increasingly important to the way the UN conducts its business. Below are some of the entry points for civil society:
The Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Section of the Department of Public Information (DPI) at United Nations Headquarters serves as the liaison between the Department and NGO associated with DPI. These organizations disseminate information about the UN to their constituency, thereby building knowledge of and support for the Organization at the grassroots level. Currently, close to 1,400 NGOs from all regions of the world are associated with DPI. Take me here >>
NGO association and Liaison with DPI - Directory of NGOs Associated with DPI
WFUNA is associated with DPI and has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen our cooperation in Europe. With the closure of nine U.N. Information Centers (UNICs) in Europe, UNAs have committed to serving as focal points in Europe for the newly formed Regional United Nations Information Center (RUNIC), which is located in Brussels, Belgium. The decision came about at a meeting organized by the WFUNA - Geneva Office at which Shashi Tharoor, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, met with representatives of the UNAs of Belgium, Finland, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain, United Kingdom. The UNAs of Dominican Republic and Russian Federation observed the meeting.
The Economic and Social Council coordinates the work of the 14 UN specialized agencies, 10 functional commissions and five regional commissions; receives reports from 11 UN funds and programmes (click here for list of subsidiary bodies); and issues policy recommendations to the UN system and to Member States. Under the UN Charter , ECOSOC is responsible for promoting higher standards of living, full employment, and economic and social progress; identifying solutions to international economic, social and health problems; facilitating international cultural and educational cooperation; and encouraging universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. ECOSOC's purview extends to over 70 per cent of the human and financial resources of the entire UN system. Take me here >>
NGOs in Consultative Status with ECOSOC - NGOs in Consultative Status with ECOSOC
WFUNA has Category 1 Consultative Status with ECOSOC.
The United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service (NGLS) is a small inter-agency program with offices in Geneva and New York and a combined staff of ten. It was established in Geneva and New York in 1975 and 1976 respectively, with the aim of strengthening UN-NGO dialogue and cooperation in the fields of development education, information and policy advocacy on global sustainable development issues. Its current mission statement, adopted in 1998, emphasizes the broader UN development agenda. Take me here >>
In an address to The World Economic Forum on 31 January 1999, United Nation Secretary-General Kofi Annan challenged business leaders to join an international initiative – the Global Compact – that would bring companies together with UN agencies, labour and civil society to support nine principles in the areas of human rights, labour and the environment. The Global Compact’s operational phase was launched at UN Headquarters in New York on 26 July 2000. Take me here >>
Promoting strong corporate responsibility and fair business practices throughout the world
- Database of Companies or NGOs/Civil Society Organizations WFUNA has recently become an NGO participant in the Global Compact.
UNFIP serves as the interface between the United Nations Foundation (UNF) and the United Nations system. It promotes new UN partnerships and alliances with a variety of sources, including companies and foundations, as well as bilateral and multilateral donors, in furtherance of the Millennium Development Goals. Working with the Office of the Secretary-General and the Deputy Secretary-General, UNFIP facilitates partnerships with the private sector. Take me here >>
NGO Partnerships
The Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations is an independent, international, not-for-profit membership association of nongovernmental organizations that facilitates the participation of NGOs in United Nations debates and decisions. CONGO is most active in the major UN centers of New York, Geneva, and Vienna, but extends its work to all regions of the world. Since its founding in 1948, CONGO has worked to ensure that NGO voices are heard throughout the international arena. Take me here >>
WFUNA is on the Board of CONGO and enjoys a close working partnership on several initiatives.
ATHGO International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit NGO, based in the United States, whose mission is training, motivating, and inspiring future generations of international professionals to become decision-makers and diplomats with skills and vision to cope with the rapid changes and challenges of the 21st century. Established in 1999, ATHGO has been awarded consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the United Nations Department of Public Information for its role in educating young people in global human rights, democratic development, economic freedom, security, and other issues of a global dimension. Take me here>>
WFUNA is a partner of ATHGO International.
 The OneWorld network spans five continents and produces content in 11 different languages, published across its international site, regional editions, and thematic channels. Many of these are produced from the South to widen the participation of the world's poorest and most marginalised peoples in the global debate. From this page you can launch into all the OneWorld sites. Take me here >>
WFUNA is a partner of OneWorld.net.
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that supports human development globally by promoting volunteerism and by mobilizing volunteers. It is administered by UNDP and operates amidst growing recognition that volunteerism makes important contributions, economically and socially, to more cohesive societies by building trust and reciprocity among citizens. Every year some 5,000 UN Volunteers from more than 150 different nationalities actively support the programmes of the United Nations itself and almost all UN funds, programmes and specialized agencies.
WFUNA has a close working relationship with UN Volunteers, and uses its online volunteering services.
Mandat International
Mandat international is a non-governmental organisation based in Geneva that seeks to promote the participation of non-governmental delegation at international conferences, bring together different areas of activity of the international arena, and promote cooperation among NGOs. By helping
delegates in their daily procedures and by reducing their accomodation costs through the management of the Welcome Centre, they hope to establish more equity in the relations between the North and the South, and turn Geneva into a democratic forum that is accessible to all. Take me here >>
Women's Action for New Directions
WAND empowers women to act politically to reduce violence and militarism, and redirect excessive military resources toward unmet human and environmental needs.
For 25 years, WAND has been dedicated to women, power, peace.
Youth for Habitat
Youth for Habitat is an international youth network working in partnership with the United Nations. Its mission is to increase youth awareness for sustainable development and livable environment, and youth participation in decision making; to develop partnerships among youth; to enable youth to establish partnerships with governments, local authorities and the private sector; to follow up and increase the participation of youth in international youth-related events of the United Nations and the European Union; and to improve networking among youth groups and to develop training programmes.
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