NGOS IN CONSULTATIVE STATUS WITH ECOSOC ACCREDITED TO
UNITED NATIONS OFFICE AT VIENNA
UNITED NATIONS OFFICE AT VIENNA
'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
Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General
In recognition of the important work performed by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the United Nations enshrined in its Charter provisions for consultations and the development of relations with NGOs.
An NGO liaison function was established at the United Nations Office at Vienna in 1979 to register NGOs in keeping with guidelines established by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), thereby enabling participation in meetings held under the auspices of the United Nations. Such participation serves as an important avenue to have the views and concerns of civil society reflected and addressed in the deliberations and decisions of the United Nations intergovernmental machinery.