In paragraph 61 (a) of its resolution 1996/31 on the consultative relations between the United Nations (UN) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the Economic and Social Council stated that the Committee on NGOs would be responsible for regular monitoring of the evolving relationship between NGOs and the UN. It further decided that with a view to fulfilling this responsibility, the Committee shall hold, before each of its sessions, and at any other times as necessary, consultations with organizations in consultative status to discuss questions of interest to the Committee or to the organizations relating to the relationship transmitted to the President of the Economic and Social Council  (ECOSOC) between the NGOs and the UN, and that a report on such consultations shall be transmitted to the Council for appropriate action.

 

The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations convened its first consultations with NGOs in consultative status with the ECOSOC on 22 June 2018. The report of the consultations was transmitted to the President of the ECOSOC.

 

It is proposed that the Committee convene consultations with NGOs in consultative status during its 2022 cycle, in line with the requirements of ECOSOC resolution 1996/31, based on the arrangements adopted by the Committee during the 2018 consultations. The World Eco-Design Conference (WEDC) was invited to participant in the consultation and submitted the written statement. The discussions focus on how to increase the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN’s work, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes, etc.

 

We suggest that the UN shall constantly expand the liaison mechanism between the NGOs and the UN system, explore more new channels for dialogues, enhance the general advantages of developing countries and countries with economies in transition, reconcile the disputing parties with each other, amplify their voices, increase the visibility of their demands and appeals, and enhance the overall influence of these countries in the UN. The NGOs shall play a full role in promoting and participating in UN affairs/conferences in their specialized areas, and come forward to make suggestions by submitting written inputs. In the process of policy making, the UN shall actively receive and consider the suggestions, research achievements and information on special subjects from the NGOs, which will make the decisions more efficient and comprehensive.