Consultations of the Committee on Ngos with Ngos in Consultative Status with ECOSOC 22 June 2018 Compilation of Written Subm

Consultations of the Committee on NGOs with NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC 22 June 2018

Compilation of written submissions by NGOs

Contents

1. "Children of the World" - Regional Public Charitable Fund of Assistance to Cultural and Sports Development of Children and Young People, The ...... 9 2. ABAAD Resource Center for Gender Equality ...... 10 3. ACSA...... 12 4. AIM Education & Research Society ...... 14 5. AMFORHT ...... 16 6. ANAJA (L'Eternel a répondu) ...... 19 7. Action pour la promotion du développement ...... 20 8. Adaamasunle Foundation ...... 21 9. Afectividad y Sexualidad, Asociación Civil ...... 23 10. Afri-health Optonet Association ...... 25 11. Agewell Foundation ...... 26 12. Aid Organization ...... 28 13. Albert Kunstadter Family Foundation ...... 29 14. All China Women's Federation ...... 30 15. All India Shah Behram Baug Society (for Scientific and Educational Research) ...... 32 16. Arab NGO Network for Development ...... 35 17. Ashiana Collective Development Council ...... 37 18. Asian-Eurasian Human Rights Forum ...... 38 19. Asociacion Cubana de las Naciones Unidas (Cuban United Nations Association)...... 40 20. Asociación Cubana de Limitados Físico-Motores ...... 43 21. Asociacion de Pedagogos de Cuba ...... 45 22. Association "For Sustainable Human Development" ...... 48 23. Association Internationale Soufie Alawiyya ...... 49 24. Association Malienne de Savoir Construire (A.M.S.C.) ...... 51 25. Association for Citizen's Tolerance and Cooperation ...... 53 26. Association for Rural Area Social Modification, Improvement and Nestling...... 55 27. Association pour la Promotion de la Lutte Contre les Violences faites aux Femmes et la Participation au Développement de la Femme africaine ...... 60 28. Associação Brasileira dos Organizadores de Festivais de Folclore e Artes Populares ...... 62

29. Associação de Jovens Engajamundo ...... 63 30. BJD Reinsurance Consulting, LLC...... 65 31. Bahrain Young Ladies Association ...... 66 32. Beijing NGO Association for International Exchanges ...... 68 33. Biedrība "Donum Animus" ...... 70 34. Blessed Aid ...... 72 35. Board of Certified Safety Professionals ...... 75 36. Bäuerliche Erzeugergemeinschaft Schwäbisch Hall w.V...... 78 37. CIVICUS - World Alliance for Citizen Participation ...... 80 38. Center of Civil Initiatives Support ...... 84 39. Centre Africain de Recherche Industrielle (C.A.R.I.) ...... 86 40. Centre d’Education et de Développement pour les Enfants Mauriciens ...... 88 41. Centro UNESCO De Donostia-San Sebastián ...... 91 42. Child Care Consortium ...... 96 43. Child Foundation ...... 97 44. China Foundation for Peace and Development ...... 99 45. China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation ...... 101 46. Chinese Association for International Understanding ...... 102 47. Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries ...... 104 48. Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament, The ...... 105 49. City2000 Youth Action International ...... 107 50. Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd ...... 110 51. Connecting Gender for Development ...... 112 52. Corporación Red Nacional de Mujeres Comunales, Comunitarias, Indígenas y Campesinas de la República de Colombia ...... 113 53. Corporation of Opportunity and Jointly Action Opcion - OPCION CORPORATION .. 115 54. Creators Union of Arab ...... 117 55. Darüşşafaka Cemiyeti ...... 119 56. Department of Political Science and Public Administration of the University of Athens Alumni Association ...... 120 57. Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries...... 122

58. Dianova International...... 124 59. Drishti Foundation Trust ...... 126 60. ERGO - Európai Regionális Szervezet ...... 127 61. East Africa Consortium International ...... 128 62. Ecoforum of NGOs of Uzbekistan ...... 129 63. Edfu Foundation Inc...... 131 64. Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development...... 132 65. Equality Now ...... 133 66. Ethiopian Social Assistance Committee ...... 136 67. Euro Atlantic Diplomacy Society Association ...... 137 68. Excellent World Foundation LTD/GTE ...... 139 69. Family Africa ...... 141 70. Federacion Internacional de Asociaciones de Ayuda Social Ecologica y Cultural FIADASEC / International Federation of Associations for Social, Ecological and Cultural Help ...... 142 71. First Modern Agro. Tools - Common Initiative Group (FI.MO.AT.C.I.G) ...... 144 72. Fondation Mohammed VI pour la Recherche et la Sauvegarde de l'Arganier ...... 146 73. Fracarita International ...... 147 74. Freedom Now...... 149 75. Fundacion Educando ...... 152 76. Fundación Antonio Núñez Jiménez de la Naturaleza y el Hombre ...... 154 77. Fundación Argentina a las Naciones Camino a la Verdad ...... 155 78. Fundación Latinoamericana por los Derechos Humanos y el Desarrollo Social ...... 158 79. Fundación Luz María ...... 160 80. Fundación del Empresariado Chihuahuense AC ...... 162 81. Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue ...... 164 82. Giving Life Nature Volunteer ...... 167 83. Grameen Development & Poverty Alleviation Sangstha (GDPAS)...... 169 84. Great Africa Youth Empowerment & Development Initiative ...... 174 85. HOPE Worldwide, Ltd...... 175 86. HackerNest ...... 176

87. Hamraah Foundation ...... 178 88. Hape Development & Welfare Association ...... 179 89. Human Rights Sanrakshan Sansthaa ...... 183 90. Humanitarian Foundation of Canada ...... 184 91. Imam Ali’s Popular Students Relief Society ...... 186 92. Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Loreto Generalate ...... 189 93. Inter-Action Globale (I.A.G.) ...... 192 94. International Academy of Environmental Sanitation and Public Health ...... 194 95. International Association of Y's Men's Clubs ...... 199 96. International Center for Ethno-Religious Mediation, Inc...... 200 97. International Centre for Environmental Education and Community Development ...... 202 98. International Centre for Women and Child ...... 204 99. International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment ...... 208 100. International Council of Management Consulting Institutes, Inc...... 210 101. International Development Information Organization-DevNet ...... 212 102. International Federation of ACAT (Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture) . 214 103. International Movement for Advancement of Education Culture Social and Economic Development ...... 216 104. International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development ...... 220 105. International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists ...... 222 106. International Presentation Association ...... 223 107. International Service for Human Rights ...... 225 108. INT'L CENTRE FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT & CHILD DEV...... 227 109. International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics ...... 229 110. Isiziba Community Based Organisations of South Africa ...... 231 111. Kayan - Feminist Organization ...... 233 112. Kids First Fund ...... 235 113. Kikandwa Rural Communities Development Organization (KIRUCODO) ...... 237 114. KinderEnergy Inc...... 239 115. Kirkon Ulkomaanavun Säätiö ...... 240 116. League of Women Voters of the United States ...... 242

117. Lebanese American Renaissance Partnership, Inc...... 244 118. Les Enfants de Frankie...... 246 119. Malteser International e.V...... 247 120. Managing Committee of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences ...... 249 121. Mandala Transformation Foundation Inc...... 252 122. Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic, Inc...... 254 123. Mijoro Mandoroso (MI.MA) ...... 256 124. Movimiento Cubano por la Paz y la Soberania de los Pueblos ...... 258 125. National Council on Family Relations ...... 260 126. Nazra for Feminist Studies...... 262 127. Neighbourhood Environment Watch Foundation ...... 264 128. Newline Social Organization ...... 265 129. New Vision International ...... 267 130. Novant Health, Inc...... 269 131. O.N.G. ACHE Internacional ...... 271 132. OISCA International, South India Chapter ...... 275 133. Organisation internationale pour les pays les moins avancés (OIPMA) ...... 276 134. Organization for the Solidarity of the Peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America ...... 281 135. Patriotic Vision ...... 283 136. Peace Worldwide ...... 285 137. Persons with Disability Initiative, Nigeria ...... 286 138. Pleaders of Children and Elderly People at Risk "PEPAINGO" ...... 287 139. Pro-Biodiversity Conservationists in Uganda Limited ...... 290 140. Project 1948 Foundation ...... 291 141. Qatar Foundation for Social Work ...... 293 142. RADION International Foundation ...... 295 143. Reachout and Smile Initiative for Social Empowerment ...... 297 144. Réseau National Des Organisations Féminines Pour La Démocratie, La Décentralisation, Le Développement Durable Et Les Droits Humains Du Mali Ou Réseau Wassa ...... 299 145. Resource Institute of Social Education ...... 301 146. Romanian Independent Society of Human Rights ...... 302

147. STUF United Fund Inc...... 304 148. Safe Campaign LLC ...... 306 149. Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc...... 308 150. Scholars at Risk Network...... 310 151. Science of Spirituality, Inc...... 311 152. Sense International, India ...... 313 153. Sisters of Charity Federation ...... 315 154. Skyian Welfare Organization ...... 317 155. Social Action Forum for Manav Adhikar (SAFMA) ...... 319 156. Society for Human advancement and Disadvantaged Empowerment (SHADE) ...... 321 157. Society for Protection of Street & Working Children ...... 324 158. Somali Help-Age Association...... 326 159. Sonke Gender Justice Network ...... 327 160. Soroptimist International ...... 329 161. Sudanese Women’s Union ...... 332 162. Sulabh International Centre for Action Sociology...... 334 163. Support for Women in Agriculture and Environment (SWAGEN)...... 336 164. Takshila Education Inc ...... 337 165. Thalassaemia International Federation Limited ...... 338 166. The Institute for Conscious Global Change, Inc...... 340 167. The Red Elephant Foundation ...... 341 168. The Safe Campaign ...... 342 169. The Smile of the Child ...... 345 170. To Love Children Educational Foundation International Inc...... 348 171. Training for Women Network ...... 350 172. Trennungsväter e.V...... 352 173. Triglav Circle ...... 353 174. USA Mali Charitable Association of NYC ...... 354 175. Union for International Cancer Control ...... 355 176. United Nations Association of China ...... 357 177. United Zo Organization (USA) Inc...... 359

178. Vier Pfoten International - gemeinnützige Privatstiftung ...... 360 179. Women for Women's Human Rights - New Ways ...... 362 180. Women's Health and Education Center ...... 364 181. Women's International League for Peace and Freedom ...... 366 182. Women's Learning Partnership for Rights, Development, and Peace ...... 370 183. Women's Right to Education Programme ...... 372 184. Women's Voices Now Inc...... 374 185. Women's Welfare Centre ...... 375 186. World Federation of Engineering Organizations ...... 376 187. World Organization of former students of Catholic Education ...... 378 188. World Protection for Dogs and Cats in the Meat Trade ...... 380 189. World Youth Foundation ...... 383 190. Youth Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (YCSRR)...... 385 191. Youth Foundation of Bangladesh ...... 388 192. Youth Social Service Organization, Pulpally ...... 390 193. Youth of European Nationalities ...... 395 194. Zanjireh Omid International Charity Institute ...... 397 195. iuventum e.V...... 399

1. "Children of the World" - Regional Public Charitable Fund of Assistance to Cultural and Sports Development of Children and Young People, The

The contribution of NGOs to the work of ECOSOC will be extremely low if there is no contact of NGOs with ECOSOC. There is no feedback from ECOSOC. The existing contacts are of a general formal nature.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

All NGOs should be divided into groups: • global problems related to UN activities • regional problems with the solution of regional issues • in the areas of NGO activities

In ECOSOC, to consolidate these areas for specific curators.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

A global project is needed, which most NGOs can be interested in. There will be a desire to be together (Link to the booklet: http://chel-center.ru/wp-content/uploads/docs/oga- en.pdf)

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGOs can do much more with the proper structuring of ECOSOC and the establishment of close contacts with NGOs (Link to the booklet: http://chel-center.ru/wp- content/uploads/docs/oga-en.pdf)

2. ABAAD Resource Center for Gender Equality

Based on their extensive experience on the ground, NGOs may highly contribute to the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies by providing expert analysis on issues that are considered as priorities. They can influence the public through advocacy and help implement and monitor international agreements. NGOs also provide officials the opportunity to look to them for innovative ideas and information, coming from beyond the traditional bureaucratic channels. Furthermore, using their operational activities and technical expertise on particular topics, NGOs help advance UN goals and objectives in general. Finally, consultations with NGOs give the decisions of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies more credibility because, as put by the Former Secretary General Boutros Ghali, NGOs "are an indispensable part of the legitimacy".

That said, in order to allow NGOs to be recognized and to be influential in these processes, it’s crucial first of all to highlight their emerging significance in the international policy arena and emphasize their role as key drivers of inter-governmental negotiations.

Efficient modalities may include: • Strengthening the cooperation with NGOs across the entire UN system and in all areas of its work • Organizing an annual conference for NGOs specifically, to learn about the priorities of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies • Addressing north-south imbalances • Helping reduce the competition with businesses and other private sector organizations, toward which the UN is increasingly friendly • Providing full or partial sponsorships to NGO representatives in order for them attend and contribute in person • Increasing the visibility of NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC • Creating a user friendly platform for NGOs to connect with each other often • Sending regular news, updates and info on upcoming ECOSOC conferences

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Create a more simple procedure that’s accessible to all and, if needed, provide technical assistance.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

It goes without saying that some NGOs enjoy excellent access to meetings and good relations with UN officials and delegations, while others face restrictions. To increase participation of all NGOs in UN’s work, it’s useful to: • Create new working opportunities for countries from both classification to cooperate, exchange ideas and share best practices. • Address the discrepancy of southern and northern NGO representation at UN events and meetings, providing them equal opportunity to influence political outcomes. • Help bridge the gap between members states and NGOs by increasing NGOs’ capacity to participate effectively at the global level. • Establish an inclusive environment for NGOs working with grassroots constituencies, setting them on an equal footing with business organizations and governments that benefit from a prestigious relationship.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Establishing funds would significantly improve NGO participation, especially from Southern civil society, at important UN conferences and meetings. In addition to funds, providing financial support to Southern NGOs at the local level will put them in a better position to help the UN further global goals. This would also establish a strong implementation partnership, allowing NGOs working at the grassroots level to better connect with officials and decision-makers.

3. ACSA

Les modalités pouvant permettre aux ONG dotées du statut consultatif de contribuer efficacement à l’élaboration des politiques onusiennes sont entre autres : • Renforcer les capacités techniques des responsables principaux des ONG dotées du statut consultatif sur l’organisation, les missions, les attentes et les procédures des Nations Unies. Ces séances de renforcement des capacités qui doivent être assorties des attestations de formation peuvent être organisées par le comité chargé des ONG aussi bien à New York que dans les autres bureaux des Nations Unies afin de susciter la participation d’une grande partie des ONG dotées du statut consultatif. Au regard du grand nombre des ONG dotées du statut consultatif, ces séances de formation peuvent être organisées par vagues successives (déterminer le nombre des ONG pour chaque séance de façon à faire participer toutes les ONG dotées du statut consultatif). Ces ONG ainsi formées peuvent aisément et facilement contribuer à l’élaboration des politiques onusiennes. • Fournir une documentation complète en version électronique ou physique sur l’organisation, les missions, les attentes ainsi que les procédures des Nations Unies afin de familiariser les ONG dotées du statut consultatif avec les Nations Unies. • Faciliter autant que possible , la participation des ONG dotées du statut consultatif aux travaux des Nations Unies, par la couverture des frais liés aux visas, voyages , hébergements, nutritions ainsi qu’à la facilitation d’obtention du visa pour les principaux responsables des ONG dotées du statut consultatif invités aux travaux des Nations Unies. • Doter toutes les ONG ayant un statut consultatif d’une attestation ou document prouvant qu’elles ont un statut consultatif auprès des Nations Unies, cela va permettre à ces ONG d’être reconnues et d’accroitre leur influence tant au niveau local qu’au niveau des Nations Unies.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Pour mieux aider les ONG au cours du processus d’octroi du statut consultatif auprès de l’ECOSOC, il faut : • Alléger le processus d’octroi du statut consultatif par la réduction du nombre des pièces à fournir à l’instar du rapport d’audit, car certaines ONG n’ont pas une grande capacité financière pour être auditées. • Réduire le délai d’attente pour l’octroi du statut consultatif par l’ECOSOC.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Pour accroître la participation des ONG des pays en développement aux travaux des Nations Unies, il faut : • Faciliter l’octroi des visas aux ONG dotées du statut consultatif auprès de l’ECOSOC, • Couvrir les frais liés aux visas, aux voyages, à l’hébergement et nutrition des responsables principaux des ONG dotées du statut consultatif car la plupart n’ont pas des moyens financiers conséquents pouvant leur permettre de couvrir leur participation aux travaux de l’ONU.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Les ONG ayant obtenu le statut consultatif doivent : • Etre régulièrement connectées sur le site des Nations Unies et surtout celui de l’ECOSOC (Au moins 5 fois la semaine) • Etre régulièrement informées sur les événements à venir des Nations Unies afin de préparer leur participation à ces événements • Assouplir les conditions de participation aux travaux des Nations Unies en subventionnant la participation des responsables principaux des ONG dotés du statut consultatif.

4. AIM Education & Research Society

Based upon NGO contribution, UN ECOSOC has to identify NGO groups which is working in local, national or international level. Task-oriented and driven by people with a common interest, performing variety of service and humanitarian functions, bring citizen concerns to Governments, advocate and monitor policies through provision of information., organizing specific issues, such as human rights, environment or health and livelihood, provide analysis and expertise, serve as early warning mechanisms and help monitor and implement international agreements.

By providing more training’s, workshops and awareness to NGO’s. involving and hand holding of NGO’s.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Present online applying process is very good, little more awareness is to be created, involving more NGO’s to apply for consultative status.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

NGOs include an array of groups and institutions that are entirely or largely independent of government and characterized primarily by humanitarian or cooperative, rather than commercial objectives". According to a World Bank key document, the term NGO can be applied to any non-profit organization, which is entirely or largely independent from government and exists to serve humanitarian social or cultural interests either of their memberships or of social as a whole.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

It depends on the opportunity and support provided by UN ECO SOC, given opportunity to us we will prove to the satisfaction of the authorities.

NGOs provide much needed services to their respective communities, and thorough planning during the start-up process is crucial to develop an effective and professional organization that is able to meet the challenges faced by the world today.

Nongovernmental organizations have a long history of active involvement in the promotion of human well-being. In particular, NGOs provide important links between the community and government. They possess certain strengths and characteristics that enable them to function as effective and dynamic agents in this process. In addition, they have exhibited a special capacity to work within the community in response to expressed needs. They have a flexibility and freedom to respond in innovative and creative ways to a wide range of requests and situations.

5. AMFORHT

1 - About further contribution: • Each NGO should be able to facilitate the identification of potential partners for the work in what is needed for ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies. • Bringing the ECOSOC closer to Organisations with ECOSOC Consultative Status through the country-based UN ECOSOC Committee on NGOs would be a good option • The awareness and information about different topics could be classified and sent to all NGOs so they know they can contribute, and which partners they can find among the NGOs in order to participate actively. • The goal is that each NGO can create easily partnership with subsidiary bodies. • All different NGOs expertise constitute an opportunity to create a synergy and an exchange favoring the transmission of skills and know-how. The diversity of NGOs can be viewed as an asset and it can support the mission of ECOSOC as well as its subsidiary bodies. We can experience this approach as recently joined the Ecosoc Consultative Status, in order to contribute especially in our main field: Tourism and Hospitality Education. That’s why in our view, NGOs could be classified by interest or activity,on the Ecosoc platform, selecting for each the topic the NGO can be involved in. That would allow other NGOs or countries interested in the same topics to share ideas and projects. This way, information on news, events and meetings can be send more efficiently. • NGO’s do not often understand how they can participate to webinars - they need to be explained with instructions on how NGOs can be actively involved. • All information can appear in a user-friendly way (by email, app?), and communicated to all NGOs according to their expertise. • To facilitate participation of more NGOs, the decentralisation of meetings/ organisation of regular regional meetings looks obvious due to time for travel and expenses costs • To summarize, NGOs can deliver technical expertise on particular topics as needed by government officials as well as participate directly in operational activities. Interaction shall be facilitated.

2- About modalities to contribute • Working closer to the UN Country Teams and Agencies appears a good way to work more efficiently. • NGO’s can be encouraged to give their views in different topics and themes they are directly concerned by; they can contribute locally, cooperate with other NGO’s on similar topics and send their feedback • NGO’s cannot always afford to attend the meetings physically; videos and digital communication should be increased

• During main events about Ecosoc matters, we suggest that a representative of ECOSOC or an NGO’s with long experience and contribution participate in more local initiatives and explain ECOSOC opportunities.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The system of getting one direct contact, by coptation, within ECOSOC or with experienced NGOs who know well the system would facilitate the getting the consultative status. The latest communication sent a few weeks ago is an improvement to get explanation.

But the second step is to explain from an experienced perspective in terms of actions needed and involvement.

The language barrier can be a restriction for different countries

Some videos and workshops could be set-up between different countries to clarify what is the process, what is needed and how to apply

Some NGOs could have a delegation in their country to organise these kind of information sessions

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

NGO’s shall be encouraged to join the ECOSOC’s network by highlighting the impact of this membership on their structures and countries. It is quite important to take in consideration the specificities of each NGO, the situation of their country, and especially their resources enabling them to strengthen the transition of their economy.

There are several ways and options: • NGO representatives could be included in different delegations to international conferences and could give advise to delegates • Some experts from NGOs could give advises to developing countries and help in the development of projects

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Some targeted sessions would be appreciated in order to give NGOs the opportunity to make presentations and give feedback, from the delivery of their consultative status, so that they feel integrated to the system from the beginning

The NGO’s organizing local or international events can invite all other NGOs interesting in similar topic to attend. The same way, a representative of the Ecosoc or NGO’s or UN countries team can participate in our events and discuss with our members about ECOSOC opportunities.

6. ANAJA (L'Eternel a répondu)

Idée géniale de la part de l’ONU d’avoir ouvert ses portes aux ONG et de vouloir donner une grande importance à sa relation avec ces dernières dans le contexte du processus des objectifs 2030. Les représentants des ONG en statuts consultatifs auprè de l’ONU sont en meme temps les représentants de l’ONU auprès de leur membres et de leurs populations bénéficiaires. Par le canal de leur bénéficiaires, ils peuvent bien non seulement faire connaitre les efforts faits par l’ONU en matière du bon evolution du monde mais aussi transmettre les messages, les décisions et les nouveaux comportements allant dans la réussite des objectifs de l’horizon 2030.

Le message de l’ONU à porter par ces représentants d’ONG en l’endroit des membres et des bénéficiaires de leur action doit être bien défini. Et c’est des missions qui doivent être soutenues économiquement par l’ONU et en retour les rapports de mission sur des points bien définis.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Dans la plupart des ONG, les membres sont des bénévoles mais s’efforcent de faire le don de soi au service du bonheur des autres. Les ONG ont énormément besoin du soutien financier pour participer à part entière aux évènements organisés par l’ONU par leur déplacement et voyage dans ce cadre.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Il est bien vrai que par manque de moyen, beaucoup d’ONG du sud ayant le statut consultatif ne prennent pas part aux évènements soit à New York ni Genève et à Vienne. Les ONG qui font l’effort de participation peuvent constituer des envoyés de l’ONU enves les ONG émanant du meme pays. Ensemble, ils vont pouvoir procéder à des meetings réguliers de sensibilisation où le messeage de l’ONU sera délivré. Meeting qui sera bien sûr terminé par un cocktail, condition de mobilisation de monde.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Les ONG peuvent accéder aux opportunités Onusiennes quand elles ont la possibilité d’assister aux grandes rencontres pour s’informer des grandes lignes d’orientation. La participation aux rencontres doit être reconnue et récompensée autrement.

7. Action pour la promotion du développement

According to our sight, NGO have to be strenghtened in such capabilities as eitheir financial or technical to perorm thein work in front partners or their own.

As for ECOSOC, the UN system has collaborate and agree consultations of local NGO accredited the make fluent exchange for the favor of each other.

The international community often takes on a coumpt the data from the government or their own system based in communities but we make sure if local NGOs who still leave among people supposed to know them well and incite them to show themselves their matter. But these NGOs are logistically and financially week to do so.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

NGOs in need of consultative statu have to refer to ones who got it already so that they can be lead in the way to obtain it.

Also, The UN NGO Branch could by sometimes explain the ‘‘new words’’ which seem ununderstandble after falling of NGO in searching of consultative status to any question

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

We think that many meetings as organized by the ECOSOC either in New York, Geneva and Vienna are the wormest time to give and receve skills, experience, expertise and so on. Reason why, NGOs which could not participate at these most important times as for financial matter can be supplied by UN through ECOSOC to reach these sites so that they can increase

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

We often are neglected by most of un system local agences while we are in need of their support.

ECOSOC can do its best to make ease access to, by general policies or other procedures related.

8. Adaamasunle Foundation

1) NGO’s can further contribute to ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies through the following channels: a. NGOs terms of reference can be categorized and structured in line with ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies objectives; i. Sensitization of public in the general domain of the NGO through campaigns, outreach, funfares, lectures, mobile phones applications; ii. General Advisory roles in respect of policies, programmes and plans of ECOSOC and its subsidiaries; iii. NGO’s can help publicize the problems and challenges of people not well represented in policy making; iv. ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies should allow NGOs with consultative status at regional / grassroot level to participate in their programmes at no cost. 2) The most efficient modalities which NGO’s can contribute to policy making are: a. Information/ Data gathering; b. Drafting policy statements; c. Consultation with appropriate stakeholders during policy making process 3) NGO’s can be recognized and be influential in the policy making processes through: a. Participation: i. This is the active involvement of NGO’s in the formulation of regulatory objectives, policies and approaches, or in the drafting of regulatory documents; b. Partnership: i. A more complex involvement of interested NGOs with similar objectives comes together to contribute ideas in the policy making process.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

1) How to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC: a. Checks and Balances: NGOs that have already been granted consultative status should be assigned to: i. Monitor by site visitation to confirm existence, and; ii. Report on the activities of NGOs vying for consultative status. b. Task: The upcoming NGOs should be given tasks to accomplish based on their terms of reference and objectives, then report back to the ECOSOC.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

1) Participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN’s work can be increased by : a. Accreditation process should be made easier and faster; b. Increase access to grants/funding; c. ECOSOC/UNNGO should evaluate performance/activities of NGOs with consultative status in line with their objectives regularly to know areas where support is required; d. Capacity building: ECOSOC/UNNGO should encourage interaction, and exchange of resource materials (technology, techniques, trainings, journals and magazines etc) between NGOs in developing countries and NGOs in economies in transition. e. There should an attorney appointed by country-based UN committee who will always be available to mediate into matter affecting NGOs with Consultative status and the Security agencies in their respective country.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

1) How NGOs can access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes: a. ECOSOC should be more concerned in the participation of NGOs with consultative status in the UN processes by releasing the ground pass badge early enough to resgitered participant (possibly delivered to NGO’s contact address) and make available a copy of the invitation letter to the US embassy in respective countries; b. ECOSOC/UNNGO should encourage NGOs with consultative status to submit their current projects or new contents so that ECOSOC/UNNGO can study to provide support through funding/grants and or provide linkages to other NGOs that have the means to partner on the contents or projects; c. There should be formal induction by the country-based UN committee on NGO, so they can have better understanding and how to access more opportunities available to them; d. There should be network or mobile application to connect NGOs at the country level.

9. Afectividad y Sexualidad, Asociación Civil

NGOs work in local contexts in direct contact with regional specificities, very often these circumstances are not seen or attended by governments and it’s even harder to be seen from an international perspective. At the same time, many NGOs generate impact indicators and generate data and qualitative information in order to analyse the problems they face identifying the main root of the problem.

To be able to transfer this information that NGOs gets form the field work on a local perspective in order to contribute to a global perspective, is the main contribution we can make. At the same time, the problems identified can only be solved by the international commitments made by UN by the governments. In other cases, NGOs might contribute with the know how to other countries with similar contexts to solve a similar problem. NGOs are a crucial link between local problems and global solutions. NGOs also contribute to create transparency in local and regional contexts to international commitments, as the SDGs.

In order to contribute with the United Nations policy-making, NGOs need to share the data collected, document the impact generated and share the good practices in their field of expertise, the more accurate the data and information is, the more sustainable will be the propositions. The problem is, NGOs usually don’t have the resources, technical and financial to systematize the information generated or to conduct research that could contribute letting the knowledge in an empiric state.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The process is clear in general, webinars or FAQ information are very helpful to clarify very specific doubts. It would also be helpful to know in advance in which session the dossier is going to be reviewed.

Some orientation about the specificities of the documentation required would be helpful too as regulations change in every country for the legal and economic requirements for the constitutions of an NGO.

Contact with other NGOs in the same country with the consultative status might be very helpful, a basic online training from ECOSOC to give basic orientation to other NGOs in order to solve questions could be a solution.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN’s work be increased?

Many organizations might not see the relevance of their participation as it could be very focused in a small specific geographical region and to one specific subject. Also, many organizations from developing countries don’t know that it is possible to apply for a consultative status.

As well, it is well known that professionalization of the 3rd sector is a problem that represents a big barrier for transparency, systematization and knowledge of the positive impact can NGO can have as a result. In this sense, many NGOs in developing countries and economies in transition don’t have the complete requirements to participate in the process to obtain the consultative status, financial statements for example.

In developing countries and countries with economies in transition, the language can be a barrier, in some cases the official languages of the United Nations are not completely understood by the representatives of the organizations. Help with translations and doubts could increase de participation.

Higher level of acknowledgment from the United Nations to the NGOs with consultative status facing the governments could be an incentive of participation.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

To have better access to the calendar of events, specially the alternative or parallel conferences organized during the ECOSOC sessions. That would increase the degree of participation and it help the NGOs working with the same theme to create links and share knowledge, in the case of SDGs is very important to share what others NGOs are approaching a specific goal.

10. Afri-health Optonet Association

UN Agencies and Institutions operating in each UN member-country or territory should hold regular/routine consultative meetings with in-country NGOs to discuss issues of the UN that require the participation and input/views of the NGO community and citizenry.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

More education should be made available to intending NGOs on what needs to be done to obtain a consultative status.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

By including them in their respective country delegations to UN activities, and/or by directly supporting them with funds. logistics and official invitation letter cced to respective in-country USA Embassies, to aid issuance of US visa

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Regular communication/information shall be sent to the NGOs about upcoming UN activities requiring their participation. In December of each year, the UN shall cause to be sent to each NGO, the programme of activities of the UN for the following year to aid planning and informed participation by the NGOs.

11. Agewell Foundation

NGOs in Consultative Status with the United Nations have gained rich experience, knowledge and expertise over the years, as they have implemented grass-root level programs in their respective areas. Such experience and knowledge may be different from academic knowledge. Sharing such experience, knowledge, expertise and skills can certainly make a difference.

Agewell Foundation can contribute to work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies in more than one way. Agewell Foundation has been conducting various research and advocacy activities for the needs & rights of older persons across India for last decade. Agewell Foundation can share research study findings with various stakeholders at United Nations and international level. These findings can be useful for policy makers, particularly in South-Asian Region.

The most efficient modalities for NGOs to contribute to the United Nations policy-making are as under; • Conducting Research activities • Organizing Advocacy initiatives • Sharing research findings at like-minded forums • Organizing workshops on various issues • Addressing emerging issues at national, international level • Developing innovative schemes/programs for target groups

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

NGOs could be provided with technical support in order to facilitating their interaction with other similar organizations and agencies at various level, national, international as well as United Nations. Many NGOs who have been doing commendable work in their respective fields, could also be supported financially for specific purposes like participating in seminars, conferences, workshops organized by ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies from time to time. This may be possible by inviting sponsors forums among the corporate and managing it’s through a pool for participation funds.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition can be facilitated by providing them technical and financial support. It is a well known fact that NGOs from developing countries have limited financial resources and they cannot afford international travelling, lodging and boarding costs in order to participate/attend conferences/seminars organized by ECOSOC, United Nations.

For increasing participation of NGOs in UN’s work, online interactive participatory programs can be organized. At the same time more networking opportunities for concerned NGOs and other stakeholders can be organized at United Nations and or online.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

So far accessing the available opportunities at United Nations largely depends on financial health of the particular organization. By setting up an online forum for participation, and creating webinar opportunities for participation or regular basis, NGOs can assess the opportunities given to them in UN processes.

12. Aid Organization

NGOs should be encouraged to participate in the activities of United Nations at local level for certain period of a year.

To achieve this, it is critical for United Nations Country Teams and Agencies to widely recognise Organizations with UN ECOSOC Consultative Status to enable them (the UN Country Teams and Agencies) function as country-based Economic and Social Council Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

That the NGO´s office in ECOSOC addresses invitations to all members encouraging submission of improved proposals of our environment according to our charisma or internal policies of each NGO

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

This recognition of Organizations with UN ECOSOC Consultative Status by the UN Country Teams and Agencies would pave way for their inclusion in the activities of UN Country Teams and Agencies; to enhance this, such Organizations should be formally inducted by the country-based UN Committee on NGOs.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Promote regional events in which success experiences can be shared or to expose regional problems and together build up solutions. Giving assessment on HOW we can deliver projects. We think many NGO´s are not skilled enough to prepare and submit projects.

13. Albert Kunstadter Family Foundation

they should be encouraged to share information they gain when working in the countries in which they have programs.

Should be more opportunities to share this information in informal meetings.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

there should be clear instructions for filling out the various questionnaires that are due during the process. The forms that are used by the UN are very different from most international organizations. There should be an email address to which one can send questions which will be answered within a certain time. there used to be an NGO Desk near the former cafeteria in the secretariat Building to which one could go for assistance and information. It would be helpful to have one again!

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Make the application process simpler. be sure to have email addresses to which one could go for assistance and further information.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Make the application forms less complicated for signing up for meetings. Why were Focal Points set up? They only add to the administrative work of the NGOs and are entirely unnecessary. Simplify, simplify simplify!

14. All China Women's Federation

NGOs have unique advantages in participating in and dealing with global issues and play an important role in advancing the work of the UN Economic and Social Council in terms of policies and actions. In the context of the 2030 sustainable development agenda, NGOs can make further contributions from the following aspects: First, NGOs give full play to their professional advantages, provide in-depth investigations and scientific analysis on the implementation of 2030 goals, and provide professional knowledge and advice for decision-making of the UN Economic and Social Council; Second, express and reflect the voice of different stakeholders and make them into decision-making considerations. Third, educate the public and publicize the UN’s new policies and information in order to support UN’s work. Fourth, carry out various forms of cooperation with the ECOSOC and jointly organize activities, using their local networks to help the implementation of UN projects and policies.

The most effective way for NGOs to influence the UN decision-making process is to participate in UN conferences and events, make voices, express their concerns, conduct dialogues with the UN and government agencies, and make policy recommendations.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

There are lots of required documents and strict deadline for NGOs to apply for the ECOSOC consultative status. The NGO Committee reviews a large number of applications each year. In order to improve the quality of the application documents, we recommend that the NGO Committee further develop online and face-to-face training for NGOs interested in applying for consultative status. On the one hand providing clear guidelines and time for application procedures on the website; on the other hand organizing training on the margins of NGO forums of a number of UN conferences (such as the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and the sessions of UN Commission on the Status of Women), providing explanations of resolution 1996/31 and guidance on the application procedures.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Para 6 and 7 of Resolution 1996/31 clearly stated that greater participation and involvement of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transitions are encouraged. At present, the quota for NGOs in consultative status to participate in UN

conferences is often given on a first-come-first-served basis. The time between e-mail notifications and registration deadlines is often relatively tight. Many NGOs from developing countries and at grassroot level could not attend the meeting due to the long distances, limited funding, and lack of time for visas application and preparation. Those who can actively participate in the meeting are usually more powerful non-governmental organizations from developed countries with representative offices in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, or NGOs from the United States and Europe. In order to improve this situation, we recommend that: 1. If possible, at the beginning of each year, make an announcement of the arrangements of UN meetings that intended to invite NGOs throughout the year on the website and through email to prepare NGOs for participation in advance; 2. Provide more participation and speaking opportunities for representatives from developing countries and countries in transition; 3. Consider providing travel support for delegates from developing countries and countries in transition.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

In accordance with resolution 1996/31, non-governmental organizations in general consultative status may propose items for the provisional agenda of commissions. NGOs in general and special consultative status may attend meetings, make oral statements and written statements, as well as participate in consultations and provide special studies at the invitation of the NGO Committee. We believe that NGOs that have obtained consultative status should make full use of the above forms, give full play to their professional advantages, conduct in-depth investigations and studies, and put forward positive and constructive recommendations. They may have dialogues and cooperation with the United Nations and government agencies to jointly promote implementation of the 2030 sustainable development agenda.

15. All India Shah Behram Baug Society (for Scientific and Educational Research)

our NGO - All India Shah Behram Baug Society (for Scientific & Educational Research) suggests following: • For each of 17 SDGs create an NGO WORKING COMMITTEE with one representative from all those NGOs interested in particular SDGs to suggest policy making contributions. These suggestions to be forwarded/submitted to ECOSOC together with credit line of NGO name for each suggestion. ECOSOC may then select from these suggested contributions and appoint some NGO representatives to co-ordinate with the United Nations policy making depts. • NGOs to submit half yearly report on work done by the NGO for any of the 17 SDGs with suggestions based on that NGO’s experience relating to any particular SDG, for improving performance for goal achievement through modification of future policy making relating to that goal. • For each of 17 SDGs create an NGO WORKING COMMITTEE with one representative from all those NGOs interested in particular SDGs to suggest policy making contributions. These suggestions to be forwarded/submitted to ECOSOC together with credit line of NGO name for each suggestion. ECOSOC may then select from these suggested contributions and appoint some of the NGO representatives to co-ordinate with the United Nations policy making departments for further action

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

our NGO - All India Shah Behram Baug Society (for Scientific & Educational Research) submits following views: • Many NGOs’ applying for consultative status are from countries outside USA. At time of application the NGO concerned persons are not aware of the actual ground realities and procedural steps required for each application; especially that the NGO should send its representative in person to the UN building in NY to pursue the application and be ready to answer questions that may be asked by the NGO selection working committee. It would be helpful to the applicant NGOs (i) to be properly informed in detail about all the procedures; so that they come prepared with all documents (including reports of work done by the concerned NGO )to support their application. Also (ii) sufficient advance time notice of the date of the meeting should be given to enable concerned representative of the NGO to make a long and costly trip to New York. (iii) for those NGOs needing support for their representatives to obtain USA visa to come to New York to attend the meeting, it

would be helpful for NGO Department to issue a dated letter signed by the Chief, NGO Branch, or other appropriate authorised person, on appropriate UN letter head paper for the applicant to produce , to the USA visa authority in their respective country, to obtain visitor’s visa to come to New York in time to attend the meeting. (iv)a separate section of the Indico registration system could be created for the use of the pending applications of NGOs so that these NGOs are not confused with those already having consultative status.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

our NGO - All India Shah Behram Baug Society (for Scientific & Educational Research) suggests following: • Suggest an OUTREACH PROGRAM. NGOs can be asked to report to the Chief, NGO Branch, or designated person of the UN NGO Branch, of the particular SDGs that the work of the NGO is concerned with; and inform in what ways the NGO can contribute and participate with the activity of the UN to accomplish that particular SDG. The Chief, NGO Branch, can then in reply suggest particular projects and the ways and means that the NGO can participate in, for any particular project. • NGOs’ to in turn report to the Chief, NGO Branch, the progress made by them in achieving that goal. • Other NGOs with similar goals can network in providing information, expertise and funding in different regions of the world (20) Use of skype, whatsapp and other comunication media and internet conferencing programs can be availed of to set up dialogue conference meetings • UN can also request Government funding to be given to an NGO to enable the NGO to function effectively for the furtherance of that particular project in any designated country. E.g. for health - rural area toilet blocks can be constructed; - infrastructure of solar panel electrification for rural areas can be developed as a project. There are numerous projects in which NGOs participation can be effectively increased.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

our NGO - All India Shah Behram Baug Society (for Scientific & Educational Research) makes following recommendations • Our NGO is finding the present Indico net method of communication and access the UN activities is difficult to maneuver technically. In addition to the UN website, it may be considered useful to create a separate website for the 17 SDGs. NGOs can then log in to those areas of activities relating to the SDGs connected with the NGO work. Also it would be useful to upload a list of NGO names with email addresses and contact details on the separate website. • Also it is necessary that sufficiently long notice of atleast 2-3 months be given for any particular programs for NGOs to send their representatives to attend. For

NGOs not having permanent representatives based in NY or Geneva, it becomes next to impossible to attend meetings at short notice even if the NGOs concerned are interested and can make positive and effective contribution at the meeting. • Alternative methods of participating in such meetings through simultaneously, having skype or other media communications programs properly monitored for effective interaction and participation would help increase the effective participation of NGOs to take part in UN processes.

16. Arab NGO Network for Development

Established as one of the six main organs of the UN System, ECOSOC serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues. Following the adoption of the Agenda 2030, the Council plays a key role towards achieving sustainable development, the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development a significant way to ensure monitoring the implementation of the Agenda and the SDGs. NGOs can further contribute to the work of ECOSOC, providing alternatives for achieving sustainable development. Whereas holding side events, directly participating and advocating at international meetings, NGOs can try to make their voices heard, present these alternatives; the Council should also engage in consultation with them on key issues of concern/encourage member states close coordination/collaboration with civil society. Taking a holistic approach to the Agenda 2030, but prioritizing the implementation the SDG16 should be at the center of initiatives developed in this regard to promote an inclusive, participatory approach.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

ECOSOC consultative status, now held by 4,045 NGOs should be considered as a networking and supporting opportunity among the organizations who have the status and the others who are trying to obtain this status. In this regard UN country offices should act as a reference point and ensure those new applicants to meet the organizations holding ECOSOC status. UN country offices can provide a channel for exchange of information/organize capacity building workshops in order to bring these diverse groups together. Whereas technical details of application can be clearly presented by UN, lessons- learnt and shared experiences among the groups can provide additional support.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

More and more, UN is promoting ‘partnership’ which is also within the context of the Agenda 2030 and the SDGs. Yet important to ensure is that this partnership does not remain solely with the private sector but is a genuine partnership ensuring different development actors? engagement. Thus, civil society and NGOs, as independent development partners should be the primary concern for UN and its agencies when promoting partnership, especially in developing countries, in-country work. This can enhance the role NGOs can play but also achieve better outcomes from UN projects/programmes implemented. Designing these projects in open and inclusive consultation with NGOs can contribute to address local needs and as well as sustainable outcomes with direct contribution by these

groups in their implementation. Allocation of UN funds, to support these groups work would also allow them to work more effectively and thus engage in further UN work.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

ECOSOC status provides credibility to NGOs and opens them channels for participation, holding side events, submitting reports/statements to the UN events. Unfortunately, all these channels would remain limited opportunities for NGOs, once they don’t have an enabling environment to operate freely, independently and efficiently. The restricted civic space limits their activities’ outcome, even if they hold an ECOSOC status. In this context, all UN agencies should acknowledge the roles that civil society plays and adopt a coherent approach to consult, cooperate in implementation of diverse UN actions. Provision of financial support, where access to funding is a challenge that several organizations face is also key to ensure that they can actually access the opportunities given to them. Particularly for Southern NGOs, once with consultative status, actual presence at UN summits/meetings is vital to ensure that their voices are heard, yet they remain restricted due to limited resources. This, in addition to financial support, requires procedural support in obtaining visa.

17. Ashiana Collective Development Council

NGO’s have consultative with ECOSOC through participation in conferences of un and their subsdisidery bodies and also make sure their invitantion thsose send from un amrican embassy must issue vsa to particepate the confrences i two time apply visa but amrican embassy was not issue visa ecosoc make sure paticipation of ngo those have consultative status because ngo wiht suport of un develope teier projects with the progress. Ngo activities at local level to compile their prograns and policies of un at there home place.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Provide the more infermation those NGOs hve consultative status with ECOSOC and NGO work at any develope country ECOSOC make share infermation with NGO do those project with the contribution of local NGO those have consultative status

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

In develope countries NGO have poor funding position to particepate in confrencess and those NGO.s had poor position compelete their project they have no funds without help of un local donors or local goverment suport

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Those NGO,s granted consultative status they good opertunities to discus there working area problems to discus their project with donor agencies and un susdisery bodies

18. Asian-Eurasian Human Rights Forum

When NGOs raise various issues at various fora of the UN, the purpose should be to contribute to the developmental projects and programmes of the ECOSOC. The concerned countries should not take it in negative sense rather should come out with suggestions how they will respond to the issues raised. It is of primary importance that the NGOs should be in close liaison with the governments of respective countries and official version of the situation which the NGOs intend to bring to the public domain.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

This is a very important question. Our NGOs experience of obtaining ECOSOC status is horrendous. For fourteen long years only one member country at the NGO Committee went on opposing grant of status to us and we were asked no fewer than a hundred questions during this long period of one and a half decade. The existing system is a living and sordid example of politicization of NGO Committee as far as grant of status is concerned. We suggest (a) the members of the NGO Committee perhaps 19) should have the right to ask only ONE question when considering the grant of status in a formal meeting. (b) A decision on the grant or rejection of applications for ECOSOC status to an aspirant NGO should be decided in not more than two sessions of the NGO Committee. (c) The member of the NGO Committee to whose country an application for status pertains should NOT repeat NOT have the right to ask any question. If he has one to ask, he can take it up within the session of the Committee. The right of asking questions will be with the other members of the Committee.

Note: As the world today is torn by political rivalries and animus, it should not be allowed to percolate down to the NGO Committees deliberations. The Chairperson of the Committee sessions should ensure that no application is dealt with underlying political motivation.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Concerned developing countries and countries with economies in transition should be persuaded by the ECOSOC to provide more funds through a budgetary process that could be utilized in raising more NGOs in such countries dealing with diversified issues of economic reconstruction. The Ministries of Social Welfare (or under a similar

nomenclature) need to take the issues to the public domain and encourage responses to appeals for framing more NGOs with specific objective not necessarily big ones. Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Major spadework, in this case, is to be done by the UN subsidiaries including the ECOSOC and its branches. The BGOs freshly granted status must have a comprehensive list before them of the UN bodies where they can send their representatives for participation, interaction and deliberations. A consolidated timetable of these deliberations has to be issued by the UN at the beginning of the year or whenever feasible. The UN shall have to contemplate raising of NGO Complexes in NY, Geneva and Paris. These will be UN managed hostels for the NGO representatives when they travel to participate in various functions and workshops of the UN subsidiaries. This is a big project but it is bound to give a strong boost to the improvement and productivity of NGO-ECOSOC relationship.

19. Asociacion Cubana de las Naciones Unidas (Cuban United Nations Association)

Question 1: How can NGOs further contribute to the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies? What are the most efficient modalities for NGOs to contribute to the United Nations policy-making, be recognized and be influential in these processes? 1. Se requiere un mayor flujo informativo entre la secretaría y las ONGs en relación con las sesiones de trabajo del ECOSOC y sus órganos subsidiarios, no basta con que la secretaría envíe mensajes a través del sistema de comunicación digital, sino que, además, remita mensajes electrónicos directos a los puntos de contacto de cada ONG.

2. La existencia de nuevas plataformas digitales para actualizar la información y la participación de las ONG en los escenarios de Naciones Unidas, resulta engorroso, en particular el Sistema INDICO, y en muchas ocasiones resulta imposible acceder al sistema digital por problemas varios que enfrentamos, en el caso particular de Cuba, se le adiciona las dificultades provocadas por la política de bloqueo que impone Estados Unidos a nuestro pueblo y afecta a todos los sectores de la sociedad, especialmente, el de la informática y las comunicaciones.

3. Consideramos que el conocimiento con tiempo suficiente de reuniones o procesos que se lleven a cabo en el ECOSOC y en sus órganos subsidiarios nos permitirá planificar nuestra participación en los mismos. Hoy las notificaciones son recibidas con poco tiempo de antelación lo cual limita la participación de ONG sin representación permanente en las diferentes sedes de la ONU.

4. La participación directa de nuestros representantes en las referidas reuniones y procesos se ha visto afectada por impedimentos que ha colocado el país anfitrión, en este caso Estados Unidos, para el otorgamiento de visas. La política hostil del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos hacia nuestro pueblo, se refleja también en la negativa, demora excesiva, viajes a terceros países para gestiones consulares o denegación de las visas para viajar a Nueva York.

5. Consideramos que la Secretaría de Naciones Unidas debe realizar gestiones directas con el país anfitrión con el fin de que sean eliminadas las trabas impuestas a los representantes de las ONGs cubanas con estatus consultivo y que además menoscaban el ejercicio pleno de nuestro estatus consultivo, acorde a la resolución 1996/31.

6. Naciones Unidas debiera explorar vías para llevar a cabo consultas abiertas e inclusivas, en particular aquellas que promuevan contribuciones de las organizaciones del sur. Las consultas electrónicas, como esta que ha sido circulada, son útiles y esperamos que tengan igual valor que las declaraciones realizadas en sala por representantes de ONGs que puedan viajar a Nueva York o tienen representación o su domicilio legal en dicha ciudad.

7. En relación con las modalidades, consideramos que las ONGs con estatus consultivo, se debe ampliar la participación en las reuniones y en particular en las reuniones con las ‘partes interesadas’ en los procesos. Este formato ayuda a que las opiniones y experticia de las ONGs sea aprovechada y tomada en cuenta por los Estados miembros.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

• Nuestra organización aplicó para obtener el estatus consultivo ante el ECOSOC y no enfrentó dificultades en el proceso. El estatus consultivo se concedió una vez que el Comité analizó nuestra solicitud, la que evidentemente, estuvo en regla con la resolución 1996/31.

• La ACNU y las organizaciones afiliadas exhortan a las ONGs que aplican para obtener el estatus consultivo, responder de manera clara y completa el cuestionario, así como observar las reglas de Naciones Unidas.

• A nuestro juicio, el Comité debiera promover una mayor participación de organizaciones de países en desarrollo para aplicar al estatus consultivo. Para ello la Secretaría debería jugar un papel principal, al tiempo que debiera facilitar y flexibilizar plazos para que estas organizaciones, habida cuenta de las dificultades de diversa índole que estas enfrentan, entre ellas técnicas, logísticas, administrativas y financieras.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

• Consideramos que Naciones Unidas debe aumentar su labor de divulgación de las actividades de la ONU y la Carta de Naciones Unidas.

• Debería existir un programa o fondo de financiamiento al que puedan acceder las ONG de los países del sur para poder asistir tanto a encuentros, talleres, seminarios, cursos, como a conferencias organizadas por el Sistema de Naciones Unidas

• Debe ser puesto en práctica que el envío de la documentación y contribuciones de las ONG se hagan en los 6 idiomas oficiales de la ONU y no de modo restrictivo en inglés y francés Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

• Consideramos como positivo que se establezca un programa de familiarización con las Naciones Unidas. • La información con suficiente tiempo de antelación es vital para realizar las gestiones pertinentes relativas a visados, financiamientos, arreglos logísticos, etc..

• Sería muy recomendable que la Secretaría realice contactos con las autoridades de los Estados Unidos como país anfitrión a fin de que permitan a los representantes de las ONGs con estatus consultivo de Cuba puedan viajar a Nueva York, mediante la facilitación de los visados.

• La Secretaría y los Estados Miembros deben tomar en cuenta que las ONGs con abundantes recursos financieros o representadas en Nueva York de manera permanente, con posibilidades para acceder permanentemente a los eventos convocados por ONU, no representan la totalidad de los miembros con estatus consultivo. Naciones Unidas debe alentar y buscar fórmulas, financieras si fuere preciso, para contar con una mayor presencia en sus eventos y conferencia de ONGs de países en desarrollo.

20. Asociación Cubana de Limitados Físico-Motores

Nuestra organización considera, que para contribuir al trabajo de ECOSOC y sus órganos subsidiarios, es necesario poseer información de manera oportuna por parte del consejo, que nos permita agilidad en el análisis de los temas a tratar. Puede exponer o rendir informe sobre buenas prácticas, generalizar su estrategia organizacional y el cumplimiento de sus objetivos y planes anuales. Notificar la información sobre planes anuales a largo y mediano plazo.

Consideramos que las modalidades más eficientes son a través de encuentros o participación presencial, utilizando el método de Talleres donde se expongan las buenas prácticas o los retos, y las escritas, para lo cual el país anfitrión debe revisar su sistemas de otorgamiento de visado y otras restricciones que limitan a los países del sur acceder a ellas, en el caso de Cuba, la mayor limitante es el Bloqueo Económico, Comercial y Financiero, impuesto por los Estados Unidos por más de 50 años, que dificulta la conectividad a Internet y limitan los recursos necesarios para lograr un trabajo más activo y eficiente de ofrecer respuesta o hacer consultas en línea.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Consideramos que se deben crear mecanismos menos complejos para el proceso de aplicación, que faciliten a las organizaciones de los países en desarrollo en el tema de las tecnologías de la informatización, el trabajo de llenado y envió de sus formularios, asimismo la obtención de documentos e informaciones, emitidas por el consejo, lo cual permitiría mayor posibilidad para la obtención del estatus consultivo.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Consideramos que para lograr incrementar la participación de las ONGs provenientes de los paises en desarrollo, es necesario ajustar los programas creados por ECOSOC a las posibilidades reales de estos que permitan equiparar sus oportunidades y financiar costos de viajes a los participantes.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

En nuestro caso consideramos para acceder a las oportunidades que son otorgadas para participar en los procesos de la ONU, es indispensable recibir con tiempo suficiente los planes de reuniones y otros documentos que sean de nuestra competencia, que permitan cumplir con los plazos estipulados, asimismo como miembros con estatus debe informarse a cada ONGs el Plan Anual con los temas y los espacios de participación.

21. Asociacion de Pedagogos de Cuba

Nuestra ONG, denominada Asociación de Pedagogos de Cuba con más de 40 mil asociados en el país, defiende desde la educación los derechos humanos de todas las personas (niños, adolescentes, jóvenes y adultos en cualquier período de sus vidas), entendiendo a la educación como un derecho a la que toda persona debe tener acceso. Proclamamos las ideas de una educación inclusiva sin distinción alguna de raza, color, sexo, idioma, religión, opinión política o de cualquier otra índole, origen nacional o social, posición económica, nacimiento o cualquier otra condición, tal y como se plantea en la Declaración Universal de los Derechos humanos. Desde esta posición podemos participar realizando nuestras contribuciones tanto por vía de internet como presencial sobre los aspectos esenciales que se discuten en las sesiones de Naciones Unidas y sus órganos subsidiarios. Una vía importante es la participación en diferentes eventos convocados donde podemos plantear nuestros criterios sobre temas como la igualdad de la mujer y equidad de género, el libre acceso de todas y todos al máximo desarrollo de sus potencialidades humanas, el debate actual sobre el cambio climático y sus efectos en diferentes países, la utilización de fuentes renovables de energía, la promoción de la salud, la lucha contra cualquier manifestación de discriminación, entre otras. Las modalidades más eficientes para que las ONGs puedan contribuir, ser reconocidas, e influenciar el proceso de fijación de políticas de las Naciones Unidas son las contribuciones directas, la generación de talleres y diferentes formas de debates de los temas prioritarios en nuestros países y en la región, la participación directa en foros nacionales e internacionales, así como el uso de las redes sociales como espacio de concientización y toma de posición de muchos en diferentes países. También es posible participar de forma más activa en la construcción de documentos que pueden enriquecerse con diferentes enfoques.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Desde nuestra ONG durante el proceso de obtención de carácter consultivo con ECOSOC, el que resulta un proceso complejo por los documentos a llenar y las evidencias del trabajo realizado por la organización, debe no solo asesorarse en e llenado del formulario, sino también en como disponer los documentos.

Un lugar particular lo tiene en informe de la gestión económica de la organización pues como en nuestro país existe una doble moneda y esto siempre a nivel internacional ocasiona dificultades. De la misma manera previa a la presentación de la documentación, son necesarios varios intercambios con aquellas organizaciones que ya han pasado el proceso y puedan trasmitir sus experiencias y vías concretas de cómo hacer más efectivo el trabajo. En este tiempo es esencial el poder contar con toda la documentación legal actualizada para que el proceso transcurra sin dificultades.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Una vía importante para incrementar la participación de ONGs provenientes de países en desarrollo es una mayor difusión a través de las redes sociales y una comunicación más directa con las organizaciones de la sociedad civil. En este sentido nuestra organización sufre las dificultades ocasionadas por el Bloqueo económico y financiero de Estados Unidos a Cuba por más de 50 años, donde nos hemos visto limitados a espacios de debate entre educadores de ambos países, a invitaciones a Eventos en el “país anfitrión”. Los aseguramientos a los eventos que se divulgan resultan muy caros y en ocasiones difíciles por las condiciones económicas de nuestros países, seria favorables encontrar vis para ayudar a financiar la participación en diversas actividades convocadas, como becas de los países con más recursos a los que tenemos menos.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Podemos acceder como ONG a las oportunidades que son otorgadas para participar en los procesos de la ONU de diferentes maneras, una radica en la utilización de vías on line, internet, las redes sociales, correos electrónicos. También la invitación a eventos que se realizan en nuestros países o cercanos a nosotros donde es posible participar con menor costo. De la misma manera, por ejemplo en el 37 periodo de Sesiones de la CEPAL que se desarrolló en Cuba, tuvimos la oportunidad de participar directamente y nutrirnos de las experiencias de diversos países del área. Además dando criterio sobre documentos en proceso de elaboración y aportando nuestras experiencias puede ser otra vía importante. Como organización de la sociedad civil cubana, tenemos derecho de acceso en condiciones de igualdad, a las funciones públicas del país tal y como lo plantea la declaración de los derechos humanos y en nuestros estatutos como Asociación esto se reconoce. Desde este

46 principio es importante conocer los periodos de cambios de mandato de los organismos internacionales y sus órganos subsidiarios para dar criterios y participar de alguna forma.

22. Association "For Sustainable Human Development"

To activate work at regional level, that will facilitate participating of NGOs in these processes and will promote efficiency.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

To bring over to this process NGOs that have this status already.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

It is desirable to recover the preparation and publication of Human Development Reports with active participation of NGOs.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

There is important, that NGOs participate in the discussion processes of the "Country United Nations Development Framework" (In our case ‘Armenia’ UN), it is necessary to attract NGOs also in the process of these programs implementation monitoring. This is especially important in the field of Agenda 2030, SDGs implementation, in order to the programs and projects did not remain on a paper, and were realized in practice.

23. Association Internationale Soufie Alawiyya

Tout en demandant de garder les modalités actuelles de contribution des ONG par l’écrit et par l’intervention orale, AISA recommande, d’envisager en plus, les mesures suivantes : • Pour que les ONG contribuent davantage : o Mettre en place un système de questions/réponses simples, léger et spécifique, permettant de recueillir leurs contributions sur un nombre limité de sujets pertinents où l’apport des ONG peut être significatif et à haute valeur-ajoutée. • Pour accroitre l’influence des ONG sur le processus d’elaboration des politiques de l’ONU : o Toutes les ONG n’ayant pas le même poids, ni la même expertise technique, il conviendrait de cibler chaque fois que possible compte tenu de la nature des questions traitées, les ONG en fonction de leur expertise reconnue ou attendue. o Solliciter et interroger nommément et en particulier, certaines personnalités influentes ou dirigeantes d’un certain nombre d’ONG sur des questions spécifiques où leur contribution peut être utile ou remarquable, et chaque fois que possible, leur offrir l’occasion d’intervenir dans les débats de haut niveau en qualité de personne-ressource ou de consultant, ce qui accroitrait leur prestige et leur influence. o Des mécanismes d’intervention plus pratiques permettant aux ONG d’agir véritablement en tant que « conseillers » de l’ECOSOC doivent être définis. • Pour que la contribution des ONG soit mieux reconnue : o Etablir une cartographie des expertises et des compétences, afin de mieux solliciter leurs contributions spécifiques et de cibler les invitations faites aux ONG de participer aux travaux de l’ONU.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

• Alléger le questionnaire en ligne. • Permettre aux ONG de contacter facilement des référents (focal points) au sein des services administratifs de l’ECOSOC

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

• La participation des ONG aux travaux de l’ONU exige un effort financier relativement important pour la plupart des ONG des pays en développement, qui souvent ne disposent pas de moyens financiers suffisants pour participer à toutes les réunions de l’ONU. Il faut envisager une prise en charge partielle de leurs frais de participation aux réunions (notamment à New York) et/ou une aide à l’acquisition d’équipements bureautiques. • Faciliter l’accès à la formation des représentants de ces ONG (exemple : formation aux techniques de communication, à la mobilisation des ressources financières). • Inciter les principaux bailleurs de fonds multilatéraux à faciliter l’accès à leurs ressources aux ONG dotées du statut consultatif, et encourager de même les membres de l’ONU à accorder à ces ONG établies dans leur pays, des facilités matérielles et financières.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

• Désigner des représentants officiels permanents ou provisoires. • Être mieux informées des possibilités et des modalités de participation aux travaux de l’ONU. • Recevoir régulièrement des informations sur les activités de l’ECOSOC et de ses organes subsidiaires. • Recevoir directement des conseils de la part des services administratifs de l’ECOSOC, ou/et pouvoir rentrer en contact avec des référents désignés.

24. Association Malienne de Savoir Construire (A.M.S.C.)

Favoriser les échanges entre ONG dotés de statuts consultatif et ECOSOC 1- Volet formation des ONG dotés de statuts consultatif : Mieux formés les ONG dotées de statuts consultatif ESOCOC sur les thèmes de la solidarité, de la coopération internationale, développement durable ainsi que les relations entre les ONG et ECOSOC. Cette formation permettra aux ONG une meilleure assimilation aux activités de l’EOCOSC ainsi que de mieux connaitre leurs droits et devoirs pour être influentes. Tant qu’une ONG ne connait pas ses droits et devoirs, elle ne peut pas être influente.

2- En créant et fortifiant un réseau d’échange formel et informel entre les ONG dotés de statuts consultatif, de l’ECOSOC et ses organes subsidiaires dans le cadre de la mise en ‘uvre des objectifs de 2030. 3- En créant un site internet permettant aux ONG dotés de statut consultatif d’avoir une interface afin de publier ou informer L’ECOSOC et ses organes subsidiaires sur leurs activités.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Pour mieux aider les ONG au cours du processus d’octroi du statut consultatif il faut que : - L’ECOSOC cherche des volontaires parmi les ONG dotées de statut consultatif pour mieux informer et aider les nouveaux postulant au statut consultatif. - Mettre en réseau par pays les ONG bénéficiaires de statut consultatif ce qui permettra facilement de mieux informer et aider les nouvelles postulant au statut consultatif.

- Mettre en place un système de parrainage : Les ONG dotées de statut consultatif peuvent parrainer une ONG souhaitant postulée au statut consultatif (se charger d’informé et aider tout au long du processus d’octroi).

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

- On peut accroitre la participation des ONG de pays en développement et de pays aux économies en transition aux travaux de l’ONU par création d’une Bourse Partielle ou Totale (BOPARTO) permettant aux ONG de ses pays d’avoir une chance de participer aux travaux de l’ONU.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

- Les ONG peuvent saisir toutes les occasions de prendre part aux processus onusiens si le temps lui est accordé car dans la plupart des cas les ONG, on peu ou pas de temps pour prendre part aux processus onusiens (pendant les déclarations orales peu d’ONG arrive avoir le temps pour s’exprimer). Si les moyens financiers sont à la disposition des ONG, elles saisiront toutes occasions qui leur sont données.

25. Association for Citizen's Tolerance and Cooperation

ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies should introduce a competitive approach in addressing the 17 development goals of the Agenda 2030, which will guide the NGOs towards their needs and agendas. This approach must be accompanied by some kind of awards and public recognitions in order to liberate the creative energy and will of the NGOs. 2. It would be good for the ECOSOC to prepare a questionnaire for NGOs with consulting status, in which each organization would address each of the 17 quantifiable Goals of Agenda 2030 in a national context (meaning each in a specific context) and answer the responses with the elements for their successful implementation 3. NGOs with consulting status could propose a national list of priority lists of national programs and / or projects for each development objective, making any calls to support the Agenda 2030 more closely to the specific space 4. Effective modalities for NGOs to contribute to the United Nations policy-making could be the subject of an international NGO competition for the development of methodologies for contribution and impact on the decision-making process. This tactic would identify organizations to develop innovative inclusive strategies

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

1. Organizations of candidates for consultative status and those who already have that status should send an "accessible" product for obtaining that status (any specific research, for a specific developmental purpose, any media or other product, such as caricature, teaser , poster ...), with an innovative approach to Agenda 2030, be it nationally or internationally addressed product 2. If ECOSOC lacks mechanisms and sufficient staff, to consider these "affordable products", the former would be pointless 3. ECOSOC could thus get NGO lists, with a stated capacity and for what they would be useful 2. ECOSOC has to "get a human face" through a system of ECOSOC Commissioners to contact. The current approach is depersonalized, which is not good.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

1. Grants for this are the only opportunity and motivation. However, it is a "two-pointed knife". Grants would not function without the Regional Indebted Organizations for monitoring the implementation of such actions. 2. ECOSOC needs to organize regional debates to address the 17 development goals of certain regions in order to bring its action closer to the NGOs.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

1. Mandatory explanation of the organizations for certain issues of interest to the ECOSOC, in the phase of preparation of certain shelves papery 2. Participation of NGOs in ECOSOC surveys 3. Demonstration of the capacity of the ECOSOC to address the specific needs of certain regions, ie countries (for now ECOSOC addressed to the NGOs, depersonalized, general and unaddressed)

26. Association for Rural Area Social Modification, Improvement and Nestling

As a responsible member of ECOSOC, provided with Consultative Status, we are committed to United Nations for acceleration of its 17 Sustainable Goals. Hence, our activities under continuation are to ‘save the Lives and to save the Nature’ and projected to carry on in future, are the highest contributions to United Nations.

We are working for Livelihood empowerment of the poor Tribal people of Odisha State in India where the people are struggling for their existence due to Poverty, Hunger and Disasters. We have taken different strategies to provide Food Security, Health Security, Financial Security and Social Security by way of forming and strengthening their Community Organizations and Regional Networks which are the powerful weapons for self-protection and to fight against the Exploitation and Social Injustice. We have also created the transformational Leadership quality with some young Girls and Boys to make Lobby and Advocacy for their community and avail the welfare projects of the Government.

We are providing Medical service assistance to the people in distress, Distributing Vitamin- A, Albendazole tablets and Multi-vitamins for the pregnant and lactating women, Periodical Health Camp and awareness campaigns are being done on Contagious Diseases, specifically on Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Malaria Fever, taking a dynamic role at Regional level and National level for Care and Control of TB and lungs disease.

By means of our regular interactions, we have been able to sensitize the women mass in our area and bring a significant change against trafficking of women and abuse to Girl children and to fight against the Anti-social element.

Environmental degradation during these days is a Global Issue. Degradation of Forest and Environment, Extinction of Wildlife Animals, diminishing Biological diversity and Raise of Temperature are the acute problems. Hence, Intensive awareness programmes are being done to save the endangered species and trying for Restoration of Forest to save the lives of all wild Animals, Conservation of Nature, Biodiversity and Restoration of Environment.

Moreover, the following points are the most effective modalities for ECOSOC NGOs: 1. Community sector Partnership and making the people more closure to United Nations by reducing the gaps are the best modality for NGOs to contribute to the United Nations Policy-making, Reorganization and be influential in these processes. 2. Formation of intensive, informative and learning ‘Regional Networks’ of ECOSOC NGOs regularly updated on UN News to increase the strength of United Nations and allow them for collaborative work with like-minded

NGOs.

3. Developing and promoting the stake-holder communities residing in Forest area and Coastal area to get their support, because the World’s economy depends upon the Forest and Ocean.

As regards to Global Partnership, we are a life member of UNGC-India getting collaborative support to accelerate its 10 Universal Principles, as a member of the IUCN, Switzerland, working to save the Nature and Change the Climate, as a member of WWC, France provide Water Security for all and as a member of THE UNION, provide protection against Heart diseases which are the most precious contributions to United Nations.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Generally, a large number of NGOs do not have the basic knowledge on the Role, Concept and benefits of the United Nations. That is why; they do not apply for the consultative status with the Economic and Social Council. But, it is too easy to avail the ECOSOC Status as the United Nations is very flexible to offer this opportunity to potential NGOs who can work to accelerate the Aims and Objects of UN. Actually, this is the highest platform to maintain International Peace and Security. The United Nations came into being following to the devastation of the Second World War in 1945 with one central mission that is the maintenance of the primary responsibility of international peace and security. So, we take the pleasure to celebrate the UN day on 24th October every year. The major Aims and objects of the United Nations is to maintain international peace and security, to take effective and collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace, to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, to achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character, promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction.

Moreover, the United Nations system is to prevent war from happening, restoring security, protecting people and advancing human development, Human Rights, social progress, Tolerance, understanding, knowledge towards peoples and cultures. Everyone should feel protected, for which the United Nations is called ?One Family? where each and every person can work pleasantly and contributes to making other people secured, protected, loved and wanted, where people can live their lives in freedom, peace and where all the basic needs are fulfilled, to create an ideal world where each and every person has the opportunity to stay peacefully, be loved, grow in a protected shelter, secure a job for lively- hood management and establishment of a better word. The United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, a new agenda composed of 17 goals accepted internationally and a new challenge for the next 15 years, where we can all make a contribution and work towards poverty eradication, Hunger, Health care, Economic inclusion, promote the Education, sustainable use of natural resources and take care of the Planet where we live. 56

If the new NGOs will be aware of this fact, definitely they will be interested to avail Consultative status and come forward to work in collaboration with other NGOs and the United Nations. So, in order to increase our strength we should make them aware of the benefits of 2030 Agenda of United Nations for Sustainable Development, provide proper education and to assist them in the process of availing the consultative status from the ECOSOC. We will also have to act as pioneers to advise and activate them how to apply, what type of questionnaire to comply and what type of problems arise and how to solve.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Some of the NGOs in developing countries and countries under economic transition are working with the expedition of the United Nations and the other NGOs do not know the benefits and privileges of working with the United Nations. We have to spread the message and invite them to be involved with the activities of United Nations through printing me3dia and electronic media. They also need proper education to take part in the collaborative support of UN.

All the Governments are to be requested to aware them on the performance and events of the United Nations. They should know that the 17 sustainable goals launched by the United Nations are to bring peace, harmony amongst the countries and to fight against the Poverty and Hunger. They should be aware of the ECOSOC status provided by the United Nations and consultative relations to engage the NGOs with its activities and progress. They should know that to be eligible for consultative status, an NGO must have been in existence (officially registered with the appropriate government authorities as an NGO) for at least two years, must have an established headquarters, a democratically adopted constitution, authority to speak for its members, a representative structure, appropriate mechanisms of accountability and democratic and transparent decision-making processes.

They should be aware of the Rights and Privileges of an ECOSOC member of the United Nations to play three important roles like Sharing their research and expertise with the United Nations in the policy-making process, Working directly with UN Departments and Programs to assist in the implementation of solutions and Using their networks and local contacts, to amplify the work of the United Nations through disseminating information and bringing global access to remote or unknown areas.

They should also know that the NGOs play a crucial role in fighting individual violations of human rights either directly or by supporting particular test cases through relevant courts, offering direct assistance to those whose rights have been violated, lobbying for changes to national, regional or international law, helping to develop the substance of those laws, promoting knowledge and respect for human rights among the population as the contribution of NGOs is important not only in terms of the results that are achieved, for the optimism that people may feel about the defense of human rights in the world, but also in a very direct sense, tools that are available to be used by individuals and groups throughout the world. They are managed and coordinated as many organizations are by private 57

individuals, but they also draw a large part of their strength from other members of the community offering voluntary support to their cause. This fact gives them great significance for those individuals who would like to contribute to the improvement of human rights in the world.

These are the best practice to provide proper Education to NGOs not under ECOSOC Status and the best policy to obtain their participation of new ECOSOC NGOs and increase the works of the United Nations.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Once the consultative status is granted to some Organizations and provided with the opportunities, the NGOs should be more alert and more conscious about their positions. They should first know the United Nations that it is an Intergovernmental organization tasked to promote international cooperation and to create and maintain international order. The UN Charter has also sets out four main purposes: Maintaining worldwide peace and security, developing relations among nations, fostering cooperation between nations and to solve international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems for all its member-states.

All the NGO members having ECOSOC status have the responsibility to play a vital role to contribute to United Nations and pay honour to Universal Human Rights as mentioned below: 1. To take leadership at Regional level during riot situation or any conflict to bring peace and harmony among the people by controlling the incident. 2. To determine the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression and to inform the United Nations for their action and judgment. 3. To help the United Nations for promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction. 4. To implement and follow-up the dynamic projects like 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations for the greater interest of the planet. 5. To give suggestions to United Nations at the time of any exigency or as and when they need our support for prevention and removal of threats. 6. To highlight the works of the United Nations at National level and to make the United Nations familiar at grass-root level where the people do not know what is United Nations. 7. To submit the quadrennial report to United Nations in time so as to keep the membership active and to keep our status updated so as to maintain our own prestige and image as an ECOSOC member. 8. Taking maximum care of our people at Floods, Cyclones, Hurricanes, Tsunamis and natural resources like Forest, wildlife animals, natural habitats, environment and the most precious property ‘The Ocean’. 9. To work in collaboration with the Government on the welfare projects like Agriculture, Health care, Education and water sully to help our people. 58

10. To play an important role for social and economic growth of the people through UNDP (United Nations Development Programme). 11. To conduct the developmental activities at Regional level in collaboration with the like-minded NGOs interested to work with community participation and maintaining transparency at National level. 12. Taking intensive care of the people is an integral part of the ECOSOC NGOs for the growth of the knowledge and leadership quality of the people so as to make them self-supportive. 13. To make lobby and advocacy for the people in distress and where they are going to lose their human rights or facing any problem to acquire their rights. 14. To help new NGOs applying for availing the opportunity of ECOSOC status to United Nations and take collective measures to accelerate the aims of United Nations.

27. Association pour la Promotion de la Lutte Contre les Violences faites aux Femmes et la Participation au Développement de la Femme africaine

Les ONG dotées de statut consultatif auprès d’ECOSOC de chaque pays membre peuvent se constituer en groupe de travail en synergie, même avec les Gouvernements et selon un calendrier bien établi de concert avec les représentants des organes subsidiaires de l’ONU du pays.

Ainsi, les choix thématiques faisant l’objet d’une rencontre, d’une réflexion, ou encore des investigations à l’ONU, pourront tenir compte des résultats des travaux effectués sur place par le réseau pays.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

A côté des documents exigés aux ONG qui postulent pour le statut, une lettre d’approbation du réseau d’ONG à statut consultatif auprès d’ECOSOC de chaque pays faciliterait la tâche au comité face à la véracité des activités effectives de l’ONG postulant.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Pour accroitre la participation des pays en développement et pays aux économies en transition aux travaux de l’ONU, il est nécessaire d’accompagner le réseau d’ONG à statut consultatif auprès d’ECOSOC de chaque pays à travers leur renforcement technique, intellectuel, et financier ; bien programmé qui permettrait de booster les travaux sur place ; également accorder l’opportunité fiable à ces ONG d’assister en plus aux forums concernant les sujets et faits de société qu’organise l’ONU, il est conseillé pour cela de mieux structurer le réseau d’ONG à statut consultatif auprès d’ECOSOC de chaque pays afin qu’elles s’impliquent au mieux des travaux de l’ONU et de ses organes subsidiaires.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Exemple, informer ces ONG des organismes mondiaux qui financent les voyages pour les travaux onusiennes, des ONG à statut consultatif qui veulent prendre part aux conférences, travaux de l’ONU et qui sont bloquées par un manque de moyens financiers.

Mettre à disposition dans les ambassades, un fichier des ONG approuvées à participer à un événement à l’ONU afin que le système d’acquisition du visa ne soit pas compliqué. Tous les leaders des membres du réseau d’ONG à statut consultatif auprès d’ECOSOC par pays devraient être soutenus dans leur participation effective au processus onusienne, à travers également une politique interne à l’ONU.

Enfin, les ONG à statut consultatif auprès d’ECOSOC par pays peuvent planifier des événements similaires localement, sous les auspices du comité des ONGs du Conseil économique et social des Nations Unies.

28. Associação Brasileira dos Organizadores de Festivais de Folclore e Artes Populares

Abrasoffa believes that NGOs can contribute to the work of ECOSOC through the dissemination of activities carried out by the organization. To achieve this goal, Abrasoffa will hold a seminar in November 2018, in the city of Santos, Brazil. We will invite about 200 NGOs to participate in the event. Most of the invited NGOs develop projects to help communities in social vulnerability and are not familiar with ECOSOC’s work.

Abrasoffa believes that the most efficient way would be to participate and engage in the events and conferences promoted by ECOSOC, acting as a bilateral connection between the issues discussed in these events and the needs and hopes of the local communities where the NGOs are located.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Abrasoffa believes that a more intuitive website, which could clarify the main doubts of applying NGOs, would help in the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC. For example, having an FAQ with the most common questions would speed up the application process.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Abrasoffa believes that the best way to increase the NGOs participation is through the more effective dissemination of the ECOSOC’s work by NGOs that already have consultative status, using tools such as seminars, lectures, and social media.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Once most NGOs have scarce resources, promoting events farther in advance would help NGOs to financially plan to attend these events since many of them take place in New York and Geneva. In addition, an event dissemination in the main spoken languages of the NGOs would be helpful for them to access such opportunities.

29. Associação de Jovens Engajamundo

Engajamundo’s view is that NGOs can be a local arm to fulfill UN goals related to each organization. A better understanding of what organizations are doing to the territorialization of the SDGs, for example, is a good way to move forward. We can do that by creating spaces of greater interaction between organizations and the UN through national and international conferences where all the organizations with ECOSOC status will be gathered to think about joint actions, demand policies, and to increase their contact with the UN.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The biggest obstacle for us during our process to obtain ECOSOC status was to deliver all the necessary documents, especially related to certified translation, we had difficulties in translating our documents because we are Portuguese speakers. In our view, ECOSOC should provide consultants to help in certified translation to all organizations that are applying to ECOSOC status, with a special attention to those that don’t speak any of the official UN languages.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

First of all is to support organizations in translations processes. Beyond that, we think that ECOSOC should create different parameters of valuation to organizations from developing countries and countries with economies in transition. In some cases, it’s really unfair to organizations from developing countries and countries with economies in transition to fulfill every information needed to obtain ECOSOC status, just because it’s really difficult to have a good impact valuation, due to fund resources and distinct social realities.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Looking Engajamundo’s reality, after obtaining the consultative status, we would like to know more about how ECOSOC works, and how can we be involved in the UN decision- making processes, for that, a course to all new ECOSOC members would be a good initiative. Furthermore, we strongly support that UN, through ECOSOC, creates spaces that we can be in contact with others ECOSOC organizations worldwide. Also, create a

63 special fund that organizations with ECOSOC status can access is essential; fundraising is a big challenge for us and sometimes we have to choose between doing our actions with young people all over Brazil or go to UN processes, and, for various reasons, we usually choose to keep doing our actions and not be present in UN spaces.

30. BJD Reinsurance Consulting, LLC

Allowing additional space (time and conference rooms) for meetings, round tables and side events. During UN events (commissions, forums...) giving access to all of the full list of participants in order to facilitate and acomodate connections, discussions, meetings. Making access to side-events easier allowing extra time in the agenda in order to organize and structure the events with full preparation (speakers, agenda, participants, invited guests...).

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Sharing their projects with other NGOs in order to engage in support and partnerships.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Partnering with accredited NGOs, developing local and regional networks of NGOs interconnecting through broadcasted events and with sound and video means for meetings and other events.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Giving access to an integrated platform with the updated agenda of all events (commissions, forums, conferences, meetings...) for NGOs reactions and contributions.

31. Bahrain Young Ladies Association

1. To be commit to gender equality and women's empowerment. To intensify efforts to close the persistent implementation gaps between commitments and women's daily lives and realities; between women's rights in the law and their enjoyment of those rights in practice; and between existing empowerment policies and strategies and women's actual well-being and security. 2. Dramatically advance their efforts in every sphere by working with and for women and young people, as one of the opportunities to shape the world of tomorrow by the work they make today. 3. Actively involved in organizing and demanding political freedoms and dignity. 4. End violence against women, protect women's human rights, and participate with other partners in order to legislate reforms to end discrimination and increase the number of women in political office and public life. 5. Join the calls for democracy. 6. Work to achieve full parity in the assemblies and bodies that are shaping the future of their country. 7. Their contribution should makes clear that democracy will remain incomplete as long as half of the population (i.e. Women) does not enjoy full and equal participation and citizenship rights. 8. Work toward empowering poor families and the economic support of female breadwinner. 9. Work with partners concerned to apply the 17 Sustainable development (SDGs), especially 1,5,8,10 and 16. 10. Join global calls for legal empowerment in order to strengthen the capacity of all women to exercise their rights, either as individuals or as members of a community. To ensure that law is not confined to books or courtrooms, but rather is available and meaningful to ordinary woman.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

During the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC, an NGO may receive questions from the Committee and these questions should be answered in short time. Even the NGO try its best to deliver its replies to the committee during the session period, but unfortunately, all efforts fail because nothing reach the committee and make the NGO frustrated with the bureaucracy and the heavy administrative requirements that result in the

end to lose interest and withdraw its application to obtain the consultative status with ECOSOC or taking so long time to get it. So, we suggest to facilitate procedures and to support the Secretary of the NGOs' Committee with more employees to handle efficiently the work load in the prober time. This will encourage more NGOs to apply for the consultative status.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

It is important to NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition to increase its participate in UN's work. The UN system should maintain a flexible approach in its relations and cooperation with NGOs. The UN system may organize several conferences or workshops to address the best ways these NGOs participate in its work, by taking the led of informing NGOs about the conference, and managed funds to finance NGO participation.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

• At certain UN events they can organize their own side events. • Once they granted their consultative status they can network with other NGOs, with whom they can form partnerships. • NGOs needs to do lobbying and alliances with other partnerships to advocacy and advocacy work to promote further their priority goals.

32. Beijing NGO Association for International Exchanges

The greater participation of NGOs in developing countries in the meetings of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and its subsidiary bodies, as well as its related projects, is conducive to the implementation of the sustainable development goals of the United Nations and the construction of a shared future for mankind.

In response to the initiative, practice, and participation of the United Nations related undertakings for sustainable development goals, the NGOs provide good cases and suggestions to the United Nations related issues. They can supplement and support the important social functions of government agencies and international organizations from the grass-roots level, as well as the 2030 sustainable development agenda and global governance. It lays a good foundation for public opinion.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

At present, the NGO Branch of the UNECOSOC has disseminates relevant regulations, procedures, lectures on application for consultative status. Non-governmental organizations with consultative status receive relevant information through seminars, online meetings, question answering by the official web site of the ECOSOC, and makes full use of the United Nations Electronic Information System to communicate and provide assistance and for NGOs. We felt that has been very successful and helpful in our consultative status application process.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

NGOs in developing countries and countries with transitional economies lack resources in terms of personnel, funds, projects, etc., if active and representative NGOs are given guidance and support according to their characteristics when it comes to participating in UN conferences and carrying out activities on the UN platform, and are assisted more to share resources in various fields through networking, with special policies and support provided to NGOs in developing countries and countries with transitional economies, such as conference information release, use of conference facility and facilities services, they will have better chance and access to the participation of work related to the objectives and goals of United Nations.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

First of all, NGOs can understand the relevant processes through the UN platform and carry out research in the field of their own activities by paying attention to the meetings in various fields of the UN, and strengthen their own capacity building.

Secondly, NGOs can establish contacts with UNECOSOC and its affiliated institutions, other international organizations as well as INGOs that cooperate with the UN, build an exchange and cooperation network, and promote the common development of NGOs among various countries.

Thirdly, NGOs can promote international exchanges and cooperation, win more opportunities and support for exchanges on the UN platform for sustainable development. Fourthly, NGOs can contribute to the realization of the goal of international cooperation through active participation in relevant United Nations conferences and decision-making processes.

33. Biedrība "Donum Animus"

NGOs have wide expertise regarding the topics within ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies covering almost all geographical regions of the globe. NGO I represent has a long lasting expertise in numerous fields related with sustainable development. We would be glad to receive detailed information about ongoing and future activities in advance in order to submit our recommendations/ comments and make a registration to attend event.

Unfortunately, at the moment, there is available information max 2-3 month ahead and thus it makes time planning a real challenge, especially, if we would like to attend events and to plan our travel according to our budget and exper availability limitations. For example, we would like to prepare our comments/ recommendations related to our expertise area, unfortunately it is very challenging to navigate in website in order to find the right option for comment/ recommendation submission.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Our process of obtaining consultative status within ECOSOC required a lot of effort from our staff members to fill all the requested information. Meanwhile the process itself was smooth.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Providing funding opportunities and more detailed information about ongoing and future events allowing to NGOs visit events presenting and sharing exeprtise on issues discussed improving networking and quality of committee work as well building better communication with non governmental sector.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Non Governmental Organisation I represent would like to be more active in UN processes, unfortunately we have not find participation process very easy and also there is not so many opportunities to share our expertise as well to take part at different events mostly because the application period is too short and available only few months before scheduled event.

It is too short time to purchase tickets and book accommodation especially for small non profit/ non governmental organisations withh limited budget and human capital- experts.

34. Blessed Aid

Voici les réponses de Blessed Aid à la Question 1.

Les ONG peuvent davantage contribuer aux travaux de l’ECOSOC et de ses organes subsidiaires : • En prenant part active et non seulement par voix consultative, aux grandes décisions qui sont ou seront prises par les représentants des Etats membres de l’ONU étant donné qu’un grand nombre de dirigeants de ces pays sont ceux qui constitueraient un frein au travail des ONG surtout celles militant pour la promotion et défense des droits de l’homme ; • Que cette participation à ces travaux, permette à ces ONG de faire des consultations directes avec les Etats membres de l’ONU et ainsi devenir l’intermédiaire entre les personnes affectées par les conflits à travers le monde et ces Etats ; • Qu’il faille aussi assoupir les mesures d’octroi d’accréditation aux ONG demanderesses du statut consultatif et aussi que l’ONU accompagne les ONG dans l’octroi, dans leurs pays respectifs, des documents nécessaires à présenter en vue d’une accréditation.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Les réponses de Blessed Aid à la Question 2.

Ce qui convient de faire mieux est : • Il serait important de donner de l’occasion aux ONG d’exprimer leur point de vue sur un point donné qui concerne ce processus. L’ONG peut, par exemple, s’exprimer sur un des points qui peuvent bloquer l’octroi de son statut consultatif ; • Que l’ONU intervienne souvent et influe de toutes les prérogatives qui lui sont dévolues pour empêcher à certains Etats membres qui peuvent vouloir refuser que le statut consultatif soit octroyé à une ONG pour l’une ou l’autre raison ; • Qu’une étude minutieuse soit faite par l’ECOSOC dans le but d’éviter qu’un statut consultatif soit octroyé à une ONG qui fait des activités en lien avec le terrorisme et/ou qui aurait une collaboration présumée avec celui-ci, et si l’information s’avérée vraie, que l’ONG citée puisse jouir du droit de répondre aux allégations portées contre elle avant que l’ECOSOC ne puisse prendre toute décision finale.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Les réponses de Blessed Aid à la Question 3.

Nous savons bien que les ONG ont leurs forces et sans doute leurs limites. Cependant, en termes des forces, les ONG seraient particulièrement bien placées pour participer aux programmes de lutte contre la pauvreté et autres secteurs de la vie. Elles devraient coopérer en jouant un rôle important dans la politique extérieure surtout en matière d’aide destinée en priorité aux pays pauvres.

Il est certainement vrai que certaines ONG peinent à dépasser un niveau très local, mais d’autres surtout les grandes ONG peuvent toucher de dizaines de milliers de personnes dans les zones en conflits dans les domaines de la santé, de l’éducation et du développement rural.

Concrètement, ces ONG peuvent accroitre leur participation en mettant en ‘uvre des activités tendant à la réalisation des objectifs du développement durable. Il s’agit, par exemple, de la sensibilisation, de l’accès à l’information aux nombreux membres des communautés, de l’implémentation des projets liés à la réduction de la pauvreté, de lutte contre le réchauffement climatique, de lutte contre l’analphabétisme, de l’accès à la justice et au respect des droits de l’homme, de l’accès à l’eau potable et lutte contre les maladies épidémiologiques, d’accès à l’éducation de base et citoyenne, etc. ?

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Les réponses de Blessed Aid à la Question 4.

Une fois le statut consultatif octroyé, il serait plus qu’un important :

• Que ces ONG participent activement aux travaux du comité non pas comme seulement avec voix consultative mais avec droit à la parole car les ONG jouent un rôle très important dans la réalisation des objectifs du millénaire pour le développement durable ; • Que ces ONG aient la possibilité, selon leur champ de compétence, de participer directement aux discussions intergouvernementales et de donner leurs avis pendant les plénières ; • Que ces ONG aient la possibilité d’être accréditées temporairement et reçoivent les moyens nécessaires pour participer aux conférences et d’autres événements organisés par l’ONU et y mener un travail de lobbying en faveur de personnes affectées par les conflits et autres calamités naturelles ;

• Que l’ONU finance directement ces ONG à travers certains projets spécifiques mais aussi que l’ONU en soit un interlocuteur clef auprès de gouvernements de pays afin de faciliter le travail de ces ONG,

• Que ces ONG usent de leurs expériences pour fournir à l’ONU toutes les alertes issues de leur travail de terrain et qu’elles mettent en ‘uvre tous les instruments nationaux et internationaux relatifs au maintien de la paix au monde, aux droits de l’homme, etc. ?

35. Board of Certified Safety Professionals

1. Provide training and resources on UN policy-making processes, with attention to opportunities within these processes for NGO engagement In order to contribute meaningfully to the United Nations policy-making and be engaged in policy-making processes, NGOs need to have a thorough understanding of; a. what these processes are; b. how they work; c. where in the process NGOs have the opportunity/expectation to participate; and d. how NGOs can/are expected to participate.

It would be very useful if the Committee on NGOs, or their staff representatives, could provide a customized resource to NGOs on this topic, such as a recorded training module that is offered to new and existing NGOs in Consultative Status, a webinar, or even a reference guide. Whatever the medium, it is important that all NGOs are provided with uniform information that is easily accessible and customized to the role we serve (or have the potential to serve) to the UN.

2. Create opportunities for NGOs to take leadership NGO engagement with ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies is largely limited to participation in UN-organized events. ‘Participation’ is passive and doesn’t allow for NGOs to stand out and be recognized for their individual contributions. To increase NGO recognition and influence in UN processes, NGOs need opportunities to take leadership in UN events and initiatives, such as: a. involving NGOs in setting meeting/event agendas; b. developing a mechanism by which NGOs can submit ideas for conferences/events/task forces/committees/etc. to be hosted by ECOSOC and/or its subsidiaries; c. allowing NGOs to take the lead in meetings and conferences involving ECOSOC and its subsidiary members; and d. creating a platform for NGOs to develop small group committees/task forces on issues that are mutually beneficial to both ECOSOC and civil society.

3. Connect NGOs in Consultative Status with similar missions NGOs can maximize the impact of their contributions to the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies through collaboration and partnership. NGOs with similar missions, visions, and areas of work could easily develop joint initiatives that support the achievement of ECOSOC priorities. However, for NGOs to collaborate,

they must first know about other like-minded NGOs in the ECOSOC network.

ECOSOC should create a platform exclusively for NGOs in Consultative Status that will facilitate networking and collaboration on target ECOSOC initiatives, and provide a forum for the sharing of best practices and information. Such a platform should be able to sort and identify NGOs by their industry/area of interest/stakeholders/etc. and facilitate connections between like-minded NGOs. This platform could also serve to connect NGOs with contacts throughout the UN network on areas of mutual interest, thus increasing the recognition and influence of NGOs throughout the UN.

4. Promote the work of NGOs ECOSOC should recognize the contributions of NGOs to the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiaries across through communications to its vast network of stakeholders. This can be done through a newsletter (or other type of regular communication), social media, and/or a blog that allows NGOs to share their stories and impact.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

ECOSOC should have a staff person serve as a designated point of contact for NGOs applying for consultative status. The point of contact would be able to answer questions about the application process, the benefits of obtaining Consultative Status, and expectations for NGOs etc. At present, NGOs do not have any technical or human resources support from ECOSOC when applying for consultative status.

ECOSOC should consider providing case studies or testimonials from existing NGOs, providing insight on what they did while in consultative status (in more detail than what is provided on sample quadrennial reports) and why they think being an NGO in consultative status is valuable. Perhaps ECOSOC could also develop a partnership or mentorship network in which new NGOs in consultative status have the option of connecting with a ‘veteran’ NGO in consultative status. This would not only help new NGOs but also improve communications between and amongst NGOs.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Developing countries/countries in transition often have unique challenges limiting their participation, such as weak communications infrastructure, lacking accessibility to reliable internet, and constrained financial resources. Thus, the UN must first consider how it can/will help NGOs overcome such challenges as a pre-requisite to soliciting the NGOs’ increased participation in the UN’s work.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGOs need regular and ongoing support, communication, and direct engagement with the staff/members from the Committee on NGOs that are responsible for maintaining and developing relationships with NGOs in Consultative Status.

As stated in response to the first question, in order to access opportunities to take part in UN processes, NGOs need to have uniform, baseline knowledge on what the processes are; how they work; where in these processes NGOs have the opportunity/expectation to participate; and how NGOs can/are expected to participate. Closely related to these requirements is access to a knowledgeable, qualified representative from ECOSOC that can answer NGO questions about UN processes, opportunities that are relevant and applicable to a given NGO, and how to participate.

ECOSOC should have a staff person serve as a designated point of contact for NGOs in Consultative Status. At present, there is no way to contact the UN as an NGO in Consultative Status outside of the messaging service on CSO.net, and that messaging service is antiquated, and responses are rarely timely.

Speaking of CSO.net, ECOSOC should streamline and harmonize all information relevant to NGOs into one central location on a singular website. It’s not clear why the UN created CSO.net and NGObranch.net, as it seems like the functions of both could be maintained in one location. Also, information for NGOs such as publications, instructions, relevant events, and ECOSOC initiatives for which NGOs could possibly participate are listed across multiple websites and, often times, the information provided is outdated or inconsistent. For example, instructions for completing the Quadrennial report were saved in no less than three separate places across two websites, and the instructions for word count maximums was inconsistent between PDF downloads publicly available on CSO.net (400 words max) vs. the instructions on the report template itself behind the profile login on CSO.net (700 words max).

36. Bäuerliche Erzeugergemeinschaft Schwäbisch Hall w.V.

In order to reach the Millenium goals transnational efforts and the mobilization of the global civil society are essential. NGOs should be key partners in creating democratic participation in UN-decisions with their expertise and indigenous knowledge concerning local conditions on grass root level. Local and international NGOs are combining local, national and global matters, will create worldwide awareness of UN-Policies and add to the transparency and publicity of political decisions. They will also act as a counterbalance concerning the influence of multinational companies.

The contribution of NGOS and their participation in UN-decisions should be formally legalized. We suggest:

1. Creation of an internet-platform inside ECOSOC for NGOs with consultative status serving the following purposes o Maintaining a database of NGOs with their profile including information about their expertize, projects and activities o Identifying NGO groups and experts for special topics o Promoting topic-oriented contacts and cooperation between NGOS, especially from North to South and South-South o Collecting information and statements of NGOs on specific topics o Organizing and supporting working-groups in order to compile joint statements in preparation for UN-sessions

2. Establishment of a NGO-Council inside the UN which o Assembles representatives of worldwide NGOs with consultative status o Creates a Board of Members by election and creates expert-groups for core issues and goals o Works in close cooperation with representatives of the UN-administration o Coordinates the process of opinion making as well as the development and formulation of joint statements in preparation of UN-Sessions o Organizes trainings for NGOs in order to enable them to use this structures o Helps to spread information about the possibilities for NGOs to participate in UN-processes and -decisions

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The actual support seems to be sufficient from our view.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

• Aiming at an equal global share of NGO-organizations from North and South • Enforcing cooperation between NGOs from South and North • Creating a pool for financial support of NGOs from developing countries out of UN budget and fees • Offering information, training and support for the application of NGOs to get consultative status

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

• Establish of a Code of consultations with NGOs beyond the call for written and oral statements • Guarantee an adequate share of NGOs in expert-groups in the earliest phases of preparation of UN-sessions • Avoid to place statements of NGOs in the last days of a session, when representatives of states are already no longer present • Give feedback for NGOs after the process of consultations : which proposals have been taken into account, how have they influenced decisions and which are the next steps

Rudolf Bühler CEO Bäuerliche Erzeugergemeinschaft Schwäbisch Hall Farmers Association Schwäbisch Hall

37. CIVICUS - World Alliance for Citizen Participation

The incorporation of civil society voices within the United Nations has enjoyed a relatively positive trajectory. However, it has become clear that much more could and should be done to improve civil society influence on policy issues. Civil society in ECOSOC has little space to impact on policy and limited scope to affect policy direction. The onus is still primarily placed on CSOs to try to engage in policy discussions or just to have a seat at the table. Access to UN decision-making hubs simply isn’t good enough. A common frustration among civil society is that NGO participation rights are severely limited in ECOSOC by its Rules of Procedure, with each subsidiary body having its own rules of engagement. NGOs are thereby limited from meaningful engagement in many important intergovernmental discussions, with NGO participation relegated to ‘side events? or to making short statements at the end of long meetings. Similarly, civil society actors note that navigating the numerous accreditation and consultation processes requires a considerable commitment of time and resources.

Research completed by CIVICUS shows that civil society actors want greater regional and local outreach by the UN, moving away from centralised, headquarters-based engagement, particularly in light of ongoing visa challenges. Many CSOs see outreach based within their geographic locale as far more effective and meaningful. Therefore, a need to strengthen networks of civil society actors working towards a common thematic goal is viewed by civil society as a key to improving civil society engagement in the future. In essence, the UN at all levels needs to include and amplify civil society voices. CSO outcomes from regional consultations are rarely visible which can be demoralising for civil society. Overarching needs from CSOs include decentralised engagement strategies, a focus on the need for regional civil society interlocutors, and more tangible outcomes from consultations.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

CIVICUS is concerned that the modalities around current accreditation processes lack transparency and efficiency, and place undue burdens on certain types of NGOs. CIVICUS is particularly worried that some actions by the Committee have not only unduly delayed applications but have also amounted to reprisals against NGOs seeking to cooperate with the UN. There are several measures that the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs should implement to ensure that the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC is efficient, fair and transparent for all NGOs.

Importantly, clear guidelines explaining the grounds on which applications for

accreditation are assessed are required. The current lack of guidelines makes the process for obtaining consultative status unfairly more arduous on some NGOs. Members of the Committee currently use procedural tactics such as repetitive questioning to delay applications. These tactics disproportionately affect NGOs that work on particular human rights concerns such as those of LGBTQI individuals.

The lack of guidelines also contributes to the lack of geographical representation among accredited NGOs since NGOs with limited resources and without direct access to UN headquarters are more likely to be discouraged by an opaque and lengthy application process.

The current procedures that delay NGOs from responding to questions, and even serious allegations, immediately or within a reasonable time frame should also be changed. NGOs should have the option to be able to respond to questions immediately, including via video conferencing facilities.

CIVICUS explicitly opposes any actions by the Committee that serve to constrain or limit the civic freedoms of organisations seeking accreditation. For example, the Committee has recently denied some applicants the opportunity to defend themselves against accusations of terrorist sympathies. In some cases, such actions by the Committee and/or its members have constituted apparent reprisals against NGOs highlighting sensitive human rights concerns and seeking to cooperate with the UN.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Based on inputs from more than 450 civil society actors, the three main priorities for civil society actors that engage with the UN are: Greater focus on local or regional outreach, Greater focus on identifying appropriate interlocutors to reach different types of CSOs Decentralised CSO outreach strategies. For detailed findings of this research refer to the 2014 CIVICUS State of Civil Society IGO Scorecard Report: https://www.civicus.org/index.php/igo-scorecard. As of May 2018 regional representation among the 5262 NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC remains heavily weighted towards organisations registered in Europe (1540) and North America (1253) versus organisations in Asia (932), Africa (840), Latin America (273) and Oceania (273) (source: http://esango.un.org/).

However even once organisations gain consultative status, they face additional barriers including: The location of UN headquarters, with Nairobi the only location in the Global South The location of ECOSOC and ECOSOC subsidiary meetings, primarily at UN headquarters in New York.

Although regional consultations provide additional avenues for CSOs from different 81

regions to participate in the lead up to major UN events, the UN should endeavour to hold more major meetings, including for example CSW, in locations outside of North America and Europe. The 2015 Financing for Development Conference held in Addis Ababa is one of only a few recent examples of major UN meetings held outside of Europe and North America.

CIVICUS is particularly alarmed by US visa restrictions that continue to prevent the participation of civil society delegates in ECOSOC and ECOSOC subsidiary meetings. Delegates for the 2018 Commission on the Status of Women who were denied visas reported questions focusing on unrelated issues such as their marital status, rather than the purpose of their visit, and were denied visas despite having appropriate invitation letters and in some cases fellowships and financial assistance from international organisations. These denials contravene the terms of sections 11 and 13 of the United Nations Headquarters Agreement (1947) which recognises that "(4) representatives of non- governmental organizations recognized by the United Nations for the purpose of consultation under Article 71 of the Charter, or (5) other persons invited to the headquarters? among the groups that ‘shall be granted without charge and as promptly as possible."

ECOSOC should also ensure that interlocutor organisations, such as alliances and networks of CSOs, with genuine constituencies in the Global South, are prioritised both for cooperation with the UN, since these organisations can provide avenues for smaller grassroots national and local NGOs to participate. ECOSOC should take up instances of visa denials for civil society representatives with relevant state authorities.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

After accreditation NGOs generally need a prolonged presence at a UN hub to sustain influence. This is expensive and unfair to NGOs who may not be able to afford dedicated outreach staff. Moreover, the UN needs to ensure that they promote diversity in the range of civil society actors they engage with. Thus, decentralising outreach strategies and encouraging the participation of civil society members that are geographically removed from decision-making hubs is critical. Essentially, this would involve empowering UN country and regional offices to take control of civil society engagement and holding them responsible for proactively engaging with a wide spectrum of CSOs.

Further, UN agencies and departments need to do more to mainstream civil society outreach, beyond focal points, so that all staff are encouraged to proactively engage civil society. In many cases a formal civil society engagement policy may be appropriate. This will allow for enshrined commitments for civil society engagement, institutionalisation of a culture of civil society outreach and empowerment of focal points to distill professional experiences and build capacity of staff within IGOs. Moreover, it will encourage the dissemination of best practice regarding civil society engagement. Notably, the UN and Member States need to place emphasis on institutional resources for civil society engagement. This means allocating more funding for civil society engagement at all levels and championing advocates for civil society reform both internally and

82 externally, as well as allocating more resources for building a greater awareness of mechanisms available to civil society and building the capacity of civil society to engage more effectively with the UN system.

It is critical that member States and the UN system take the lead in global efforts to create an enabling environment for civil society and support effective partnerships in line with Agenda 2030 commitments. The ECOSOC and in particular the Committee on NGOs must back up their commitment to civil society by not turning a blind eye to attacks on civil society actors in countries where they operate. States elected to the NGO Committee should demonstrate commitment to modeling enabling environments for NGOs domestically.

38. Center of Civil Initiatives Support

To assess the activities of ECOSOC in the Central Asian region and the Caucasus region, the CISC intends, starting August 1, 2018, to conduct online surveys on the evaluation of the activities of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies among interested state, public organizations and NGOs, with the final question at the end of the questionnaire : "Your proposal to improve the interaction of ECOSOC with NGOs". The results of the online survey will be highlighted on the website of the Center of civil initiatives support and provided to the NGO Committee.

The work on the distribution of ECOSOC documents in English among interested organizations, including national and regional NGOs, is difficult, due to the lack of knowledge of English and the lack of funds to pay for interpreter services. On CISC’ website opened a special information section on ECOSOC, and translates the main ECOSOC materials into the state language, which leads to a delay in the dissemination of information on the activities of ECOSOC. The provision of important decisions for consideration by ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies in Russian would help NGOs in the region to actively contribute to the United Nations policy-making, be recognized and be influential in these processes.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The CISC will create a permanent constructive dialogue with the UN representative in Uzbekistan and its agencies for the organization of an information site on the basis of the CISC’ site where it will be possible to present all information on the activities of ECOSOC and its committees, as well as the conditions and process for obtaining the ECOSOC’s Consultative status, live-conference and a round table on enhancing cooperation between NGOs and ECOSOC and its Committees.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

The countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus related to the countries with economies in transition, and the Center of civil initiatives support plans information, education and educational cooperation to enhance the capacity of NGOs in the active interaction of NGOs and ECOSOC and its agencies.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Representatives of the CISC, since April 2016, are actively participating in the General Assembly’s session on socio-economic development and the annual meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women. In order to enhance the interaction of NGOs with ECOSOC and its Committees, it is necessary to facilitate the representation of the UN in Uzbekistan in order to present the conditions for the online broadcasting of the NGO Committee meeting starting June 20, 2018.

39. Centre Africain de Recherche Industrielle (C.A.R.I.)

By Consultative status only. We need to see suggestions from Ngos to be heard and include as General Assembly resolutions to which all heads of states and government must commit to implemente. Notre souhait est de voir que les propositions soumises par les ONG soient entendues et considérées comme résolution de l’AG, auxquelles tous les chefs d’Etat et de gouvernement membre de l’ONU doivent respecter. Les bonnes modalités ne sont que le statut consultatif accordé aux ong entreprenantes et efficaces sur terrain. A l’heur actuelle, le nombre des ONG en consultation avec le Conseil Economique est très élevé et le conseil ne peur capitaliser ses relations pour obtenir des meilleures conrtibutions.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Il n’est pas question d’alléger les conditions d’obtention du statut consultatif. Les renforcer serait aussi mieux. afin de ne pas avoir un trop grand nombre pour rien. Mieux vaut un nombre limité des ONG, mais qui travaillent bien. Pour le moment, ‘ONU ne donne par de l’argent aux ONG. Donc on ne va pas regretter même si on n’a pas le statut consultatif. Ce qui compte c’est la contribution au travail de l’ONU. les résultats et dans les matières qui concernent l’Organisation.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Difficile à suggérer car les ONGs des pays en transitions et dans les pays en développement sont limitées en moyens financiers. On ne saura par aussi demander à l’ONU d’appuyer financièrement ces ongs vu le nombre combien croissant des ONG. Mais si le Conseil économique estime que ces appuis existent et les ong peuvent en bénéficier, qu’il lance un appel à soumission. En ce qui est de la participation aux événements, nous suggerons que le Conseil à travers l’AG, demande aux USA et à la Suisse de ne pas refuser le visa aux quelques membres des ONGs des pays en développement et en transition porteurs des invitations de l’ONU car ils sont aussi membres. I est curieux, très curieux de se voir refuser le visa sur présentation d’une invitation de l’ONU. c’est impensable.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Si le statut es accordé, l’ONG doit avoir des capacités nécessaires (c’est une condition d’ailleurs d’obtenir le statut) pour travailler et savoir à quel moment on nous demande de faire quoi. Il faut que l’ONG soit connecté à Internet pendant tout le temps du travail, aie des experts bilingues pour traduire les consultation en langue de travail en vue de réagir au moment opportun. Pour cela, nous pouvons demander au Conseil Economique et Social de fournir un renforcement institutionnel aux ONG des pays en développement et en transition.

40. Centre d’Education et de Développement pour les Enfants Mauriciens

ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies provide a huge platform for NGOs in consultative status to have a say on matters relevant to the United Nations initiatives and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In view of achieving these international targets, ECOSOC creates opportunities for the sharing and enrichment of knowledge and competences among NGOs and other bodies. Many NGOs around the world possess considerable experience and expertise in working for the welfare and empowerment of different target groups including vulnerable adults and children, homeless people, persons with disabilities, deprived communities among others. NGOs are undoubtedly valuable resources in furthering the work of ECOSOC and it is important to facilitate their contributions to the United Nations policy-making.

The Centre for the Education and the Development of Mauritian Children (CEDEM) believes that the following modalities could potentially improve NGOs’ input and influence in the processes of the United Nations:

(1) Sending more regular emails/e-newsletters to NGOs with regards to news and activities of ECOSOC; (2) Requesting regular written submissions and feedback from NGOs on questions relevant to their various fields of expertise and the goals of ECOSOC; (3) Allowing for submissions and feedback to be shared in different media such as audio, podcasts, videos, or secured social networking platforms; (4) Improving the visibility of NGOs that are in consultative status on the ECOSOC website, perhaps through a dedicated webpage for these NGOs and links to their organisational websites; and (5) Providing full or partial sponsorships to delegates from NGOs in consultative status (especially those from developing countries and economies in transition) to attend and contribute in person to ECOSOC committees.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

In CEDEM’s view, there was adequate information provided on the ECOSOC’s website and guides during the application process for consultative status. However, initially there were some difficulties to understand the application timeframe and processes involved at the level of the approving committees. In terms of better support, more guided videos on the use of the application platform could have been helpful. Along with obtaining help via email, a live web chat facility might be useful if NGOs have spontaneous questions during

the application stage. It could have been interesting for NGOs to receive face-to-face help on ECOSOC matters from United Nations representatives based in their respective countries.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

CEDEM believes that it is more and more important that NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition are made aware about applying for consultative status with ECOSOC. Although the strategy of asking NGOs who are already in consultative status to spread the news locally is good, CEDEM thinks that this information must also be publicised in other ways such as through the Press, local events organised by UN representatives or through the relevant embassies in these countries. Other ways of improving participation could involve actions such as:

1) Identifying regions or countries that have little visibility and participation in UN’s work and sending ECOSOC representatives to sensitise NGOs at these locations; 2) Decentralising the organisation of ECOSOC and UN events in different regions of the world, for example, sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Ocean, South Asia, among others, to improve access and participation in person; 3) Providing full or partial sponsorships to enable NGO delegates from these countries to attend events at UN’s headquarters; and 4) Setting up ECOSOC/UN hubs equipped with video-conferencing facilities for NGOs who cannot afford travelling to participate in conferences.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The achievement of a consultative status is in itself as a milestone for NGOs, through which they can have a voice that impact on international laws. However, lack of resources can hinder many NGOs from participating in these events. It is therefore very important that ECOSOC and the UN implement strategies that can increase the involvement of NGOs and help them foster a sense of ownership to UN goals and the MDGs. According to CEDEM, access to opportunities could be improved through the following possible ways:

1) Sending regular emails about ECOSOC conferences and activities; 2) Emailing updated news on ECOSOC’s activities and prompting for feedback from NGOs in consultative status; 3) Circulating final reports and feedback summaries to all registered NGOs; 4) Providing more support on how to register for events on the ECOSOC online platforms; 5) Emailing reminders to NGOs in consultative status about the requirements of the quadrennial report; 6) Empowering NGOs on effective report writing within ECOSOC;

7) Offering face-to-face or web-based training to registered NGOs on the workings of ECOSOC and on how to make the most of their membership opportunities; 8) Providing partial or full sponsorships to selected NGO representatives to attend ECOSOC events; and 9) Creating a support group for all NGOs in consultative status of a particular country or region to allow for the sharing of ideas and to facilitate the ECOSOC applications of prospective NGOs.

41. Centro UNESCO De Donostia-San Sebastián

3(II) E/REV.2 (21/06/1946): ‘1. La organización deberá ocuparse en asuntos que sean de la competencia del Consejo Económico y Social en lo concerniente a las cuestiones económicas, sociales, culturales, educativas, sanitarias y otros asuntos conexos de carácter internacional’.

884 (XXXIV) E/3671 (16/07/1962): ‘El Consejo Económico y Social, 2. Expresa la esperanza de que las ONG nacionales e internacionales reconocidas como entidades consultivas sigan esforzándose constantemente en sus actividades por fomentar la igualdad de condiciones económicas de trabajo para hombres y mujeres ... 3. Recomienda a las ONG reconocidas como entidades consultivas, y en especial las ONG femeninas, que colaboren en todo lo posible con los gobiernos en el desarrollo de la educación ... 4. Insta a las ONG femeninas reconocidas como entidades consultivas a que colaboren con el Secretario General, estimulando a la opinión pública respecto de los programas de las Naciones Unidas que contribuyen al adelanto de la mujer y complementando los esfuerzos de las Naciones Unidas en el plano nacional e internacional...’.

A/RES/1678/(XVI) (18/12/1961): ‘8. Expresa su aprecio a las organizaciones no gubernamentales por su participación en los esfuerzos para promover la labor del Fondo (UNICEF) en los países en desarrollo...’.

888 (XXXIV) E/3671 (24/07/1962): ‘10. Invita a las ONG reconocidas como entidades consultivas a que presenten comentarios y observaciones objetivos sobre la situación en materia de derechos humanos, a fin de ayudar a la Comisión...’.

Anexo. E/3753 (1963): ‘7. Se propone que las ONG ... a) Hagan de la Declaración Universal de Derechos Humanos o de algunos artículos de la misma, según convenga, el tema de sus conferencias ...; b) Organicen actos conmemorativos ...; c) Impriman y distribuyan el texto de la Declaración ...; d) A ser posible, confieran recompensas para honrar a las personas que se hayan distinguido en el campo de los derechos humanos; e) Organicen proyectos comunales ..., desfiles de niños y enarbolamiento de la bandera de las Naciones Unidas en los edificios escolares y comerciales; f) Alienten a las comunidades locales a preparar una lista de preguntas con miras a investigar y sondear la opinión pública respecto de la eficacia con que las comunidades están fomentando la aplicación de los principios de la Declaración’.

A/RES/3164/(XXVIII) (14/12/1973): ‘... Recabar de las ONG reconocidas como entidades consultivas del ECOSOC, así como de las ONG que tengan interés especial en materia de descolonización, su apoyo para la divulgación de la información pertinente’.

1782(LIV) E/5367 (18/05/1973): ‘2. Invita a las ONG que están especialmente interesadas en la eliminación del racismo y la discriminación racial y que actúan de buena fe y sin motivos políticos a que intensifiquen sus esfuerzos...’.

1987/5 (26/05/1987) E/1987/87: ‘6. Invita a las organizaciones no gubernamentales reconocidas como entidades consultivas por el Consejo a que le presenten exposiciones por escrito que puedan coadyuvar al cabal y universal reconocimiento y realización de los derechos estipulados en el Pacto Internacional de Derechos Económicos, Sociales y Culturales...’.

A/RES/66/288 (27/07/2012): ‘53. Observamos las valiosas contribuciones que pueden hacer y hacen las ONG a la promoción del desarrollo sostenible...’.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Facilitar contactos para observar, explorar y conocer proyectos, programas y planes a plazos de gobiernos, agencias del sistema de las naciones y organizaciones relacionadas con las finalidades y objetivos del sistema de las Naciones Unidas:

A/RES/51/242 (15/09/1997): ‘15. ... La existencia de una cooperación y un diálogo apropiados entre el sistema de las Naciones Unidas y las ONG podría contribuir a que los esfuerzos de esas organizaciones guardaran conformidad y se coordinaran debidamente con las actividades y objetivos de las Naciones Unidas...’.

1989/108 (27/07/1989), E/1989/89: ‘4. Insta a los gobiernos y a las organizaciones no gubernamentales a que coordinen sus esfuerzos con la OMS...’.

771(XXX) E/3422 (25/07/1960): ‘2. Invita a la UNESCO y a otros organismos especializados competentes a que promuevan, en la medida de lo posible, la preparación y ejecución de programas de educación extraescolar, y que prevean la plena participación de la mujer en tales programas’.

A/RES/34/114. (14/12/1979): ‘2. Pide al Director Ejecutivo del HABITAT que emprenda la preparación de un informe bienal ... sobre las cuestiones siguientes: b) Actividades y colaboración entre el Centro y las organizaciones no gubernamentales...’.

A/RES/59/174 (20/12/2004): ‘4. Pide al Coordinador que desempeñe su mandato en plena cooperación y consulta con los gobiernos, el Foro Permanente para las Cuestiones Indígenas y otros órganos y mecanismos pertinentes del sistema de las Naciones Unidas, la Oficina del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos, otros miembros del Grupo de Apoyo Interinstitucional sobre Cuestiones Indígenas y organizaciones indígenas y no gubernamentales’.

A/RES/54/161 (17/12/1999): ‘18. Pide a la OACDH que prosiga la ejecución del proyecto ’Ayuda conjunta a las comunidades’ y considere otros medios adecuados para 92

apoyar las actividades de educación en la esfera de los derechos humanos, incluidas las realizadas por ONG’.

A/RES/66/168 (19/12/2011): ‘16. Recomienda que los Estados, las Naciones Unidas y otras instancias, entre ellas las ONG y los órganos y grupos basados en la religión o las creencias, en sus esfuerzos por promover la libertad de religión o de creencias, aseguren la difusión más amplia posible del texto de la Declaración sobre la eliminación de todas las formas de intolerancia y discriminación fundadas en la religión o las convicciones...’.

A/RES/60/167 (16/12/2005): ‘13. Exhorta a los Estados, las organizaciones internacionales y los organismos de las Naciones Unidas, e invita a la sociedad civil, incluidas las ONG, a que reconozcan y fomenten el respeto de la diversidad cultural con miras a promover los objetivos de paz...’.

A/RES/59/114 (10/12/2004): ‘10. Invita ... a las ONG interesadas a que sigan proporcionando datos pertinentes sobre las dosis, los efectos y los peligros de las diversas fuentes de radiación...’.

A/RES/62/272 (5/09/2008): ‘6. Alienta a las ONG y a la sociedad civil a que se comprometan, según proceda, a determinar cómo incrementar los esfuerzos para aplicar la Estrategia [contra el terrorismo]...’.

A/RES/56/5 (5/11/2001): ‘?7. Alienta a la sociedad civil, incluidas las ONG, a que continúe y fortalezca sus actividades para promover los objetivos del Decenio [de una cultura de paz y no violencia]...’.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

2003/12 (21 de julio de 2003), E/2003/99: ‘5. Alienta a los órganos pertinentes de las Naciones Unidas, de conformidad con las resoluciones de la Asamblea General, 56/510, de 23 de julio de 2002, y 57/229, a que sigan promoviendo y apoyando la activa participación de la sociedad civil, incluidas las ONG interesadas, en el proceso iniciado por la Asamblea General en su resolución 56/168, y pide al Secretario General que dé amplia difusión en la comunidad de ONG sobre toda la información disponible acerca de los procedimientos de acreditación y acerca de las medidas de apoyo y las modalidades para participar en la labor del Comité Especial; 6. Invita a los gobiernos, a la sociedad civil y el sector privado a que hagan aportaciones al fondo de contribuciones voluntarias establecido por la Asamblea General para facilitar la participación de las ONG y de expertos de países en desarrollo, en particular de los menos adelantados, en la labor del Comité Especial’.

1739(LIV) E/5367 (4/05/1973): ‘6. Recomienda a los gobiernos la conveniencia de que tengan en cuenta las contribuciones prácticas, así como las experiencias y la competencia de sus ONG nacionales, cuando elaboren los programas de sus países para el desarrollo

económico y social y sus propuestas de proyectos para los que se solicita la asistencia del sistema de las Naciones Unidas...’.

A/RES/1943/(XVIII) (11/12/1963): ‘a) La importancia de lograr contactos más estrechos entre los pueblos y las ONG de los países desarrollados y los países en desarrollo, para asegurar una mejor comprensión entre ellos...’.

A/RES/40/205 (17/12/1985): ‘1. Exhorta a los gobiernos de los países menos adelantados y a los donantes a que fomenten la participación activa de la población local, tanto hombres como mujeres, a través de entidades no gubernamentales...’.

A/RES/38/58 (13/12/1983): ‘Convencida de que la difusión mundial de información exacta y detallada y la función que cumplen las instituciones y las ONG siguen siendo de vital importancia para crear una mayor conciencia de los derechos inalienables del pueblo palestino a la libre determinación y al establecimiento de un Estado palestino soberano e independiente, y para promover el apoyo a dichos derechos’.

A/RES/49/161 (23/12/1994): ‘Teniendo en cuenta la importante función que las ONG desempeñan en todas las actividades en pro del adelanto de la mujer y el hecho de que algunas de estas organizaciones, en especial las de los países en desarrollo, no han sido reconocidas como entidades consultivas por el Consejo Económico y Social...’.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Además de lo contenido en los Arreglos para la Celebración de Consultas con las Organizaciones No Gubernamentales (Relación Consultiva entre las Naciones Unidas y las Organizaciones No Gubernamentales 1996/31 (25/07/1996), E/1996/96):

1988/4 (24/05/1988), A/RES/E/1988/88: ‘16. Invita a las ONG reconocidas como entidades consultivas por el Consejo a que presenten al Comité exposiciones por escrito que puedan contribuir al reconocimiento y la realización plenos y universales de los derechos enunciados en el Pacto, pide al Secretario General que distribuya oportunamente esas exposiciones al Comité y agradece a las organizaciones que presentaron exposiciones por escrito para su examen por el Comité en su segundo período de sesiones’.

A/RES/57/212 (18/12/2002): ‘19. Acoge con beneplácito, en este contexto, las iniciativas encaminadas a incluir a representantes de la sociedad civil, las ONG, la infancia y la juventud en las delegaciones nacionales participantes en conferencias y cumbres mundiales y en otras reuniones, así como la labor de las ONG y los organismos intergubernamentales en las reuniones paralelas de ONG y juveniles...’.

A/RES/61/183 (20/12/2006): ‘Teniendo presente la importante función que desempeña la sociedad civil, incluidas las ONG, en la lucha contra el problema de la droga, 9. Alienta a los Estados a que consideren la posibilidad de consultar y colaborar con la sociedad civil, incluidas las ONG, en la formulación, puesta en marcha y evaluación de políticas y 94 programas, en particular los relacionados con la reducción de la demanda y la prevención del uso indebido de drogas, así como la posibilidad de cooperar con la sociedad civil, incluidas las ONG, en programas de desarrollo alternativo’.

1988/30 (26/05/1988), E/1987/87: ‘15. Recomienda a los gobiernos que hagan todos los esfuerzos posibles por apoyar las actividades de las ONG femeninas que trabajan para mejorar la condición jurídica y social de la mujer, de conformidad con las Estrategias de Nairobi orientadas hacia el futuro y la Convención sobre la eliminación de todas las formas de discriminación contra la mujer; 16. Exhorta a los gobiernos a garantizar efectivamente la participación de la mujer y de las ONG femeninas en los procesos de adopción de decisiones en todos los planos con objeto de lograr un mejoramiento duradero en el bienestar de las sociedades’.

1989/37 (24/05/1989), E/1989/89: ‘9. Pide al Secretario General que, habida cuenta del párrafo 7 de la resolución 43/98 de la Asamblea General, de 8 de diciembre de 1988, promueva y apoye la creación de organizaciones nacionales eficaces de impedidos y que, sobre esa base, preste asistencia para la formación de redes de mujeres impedidas y refuerce el movimiento de autoayuda de estas mujeres, haciendo uso de las ONG competentes’

1989/38 (24/05/1989), E/1989/89: ‘5. Insta a los gobiernos a que, en colaboración con las ONG interesadas, realicen más actividades en favor de las mujeres de edad, teniendo más en cuenta las necesidades especiales de estas’.

A/RES/53/116 (9/12/1998): ‘10. Alienta a los gobiernos a que, en cooperación con las ONG, organicen campañas destinadas a aclarar las oportunidades, las limitaciones y los derechos en el caso de migración a fin de que las mujeres puedan adoptar decisiones con conocimiento de causa y no se conviertan en víctimas de la trata; 11. Alienta también a los gobiernos a que intensifiquen la colaboración con las ONG para desarrollar y ejecutar programas eficaces de asesoramiento, capacitación y reinserción en la sociedad de las víctimas de la trata y programas que ofrezcan albergues y servicios de ayuda a las víctimas o a las posibles víctimas’.

42. Child Care Consortium

ECOSOC and Subsidiary bodies to be easy and need to send their questions simply via e- mail to NGO are in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, and take their concern report or analysis accordingly. Don’t make so much complicated web pages for NGOs to reach who keeps quiet because of complicated procedures and weak economic position within them

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

ECOSOC and Subsidiary bodies must identify NGO and educate the UN MDGs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC and approve later.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

ECOSOC and Subsidiary bodies must identify NGO’s knowledge on UN’s work on UN MDGs to increase UN’s work by awarding honorarium.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The only opportunities of promoting UN MDGs must be given NGOs to take part in UN processes

43. Child Foundation

• Information that has been placed in the ECOSOC website for the introduction of this organization and its subdivisions, is not enough for the introduction and drawing the participation of NGOs in the actions of these institutions. Measures should be adopted for NGOs to recognise these institutions and playing a role in these institutions in a better way.

• Facilitation of more space for the participation of NGOs and giving them credentials. For example NGOs cannot take part in the UPR working groups, whereas participation in these procedures is very important for NGOs. Also the security environment in some meetings where policies are set, including the Human Rights Council, is in such way that NGOs cannot have effective exchanges with State Representatives. The meeting with thematic and country special rapporteur process is very difficult and time consuming for NGOs. The number of NGOs who are allowed to take part in interactive dialogue with Rapporteurs is very limited. The participation and registration of NGOs for reading oral statements in the Human Rights Council has turned into a competition and is a very ambiguous process.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

• Holding education workshop on “How to Acquire Consultative Status from ECOSOC”, by ECOSOC NGOs Committee experts.

• Being accessible to provide expertise consultations to NGOs applicants for consultative statues during the states of acquiring the status. For example, allocation of a telephone line to provide NGOs with advice and consultations, because sending questions and receiving answers via email is very time consuming.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

• Facilitation of methods of seeing and hearing the recommendations of NGOs of these types of countries in international conferences.

• Provision of funds to NGOs and or making them partners in UN projects.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The opportunities given to NGOs be introduced better and more transparent. For example via holding online short term education courses, in video formats etc.

44. China Foundation for Peace and Development

Besides attending UN conferences, NGOs can be assigned to take part in the preparation work, theme planning and documents drafting to present their own understanding and ideas about the relevant issues.

NGOs shall also be encouraged to establish formal contact or cooperation relations with UN bodies which facilitates the closer mutual exchanges and make it more possible and legitimate for NGOs to jointly hold international meetings with UN bodies focusing on the themes of common interests or organize side meetings, parallel meetings and panel sessions of UN conferences to actively discuss the given topics, collect information and issue statements on the UN platform.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

UN may arrange training courses and experience sharing meetings, inviting NGOs which have already obtained consultative status with ECOSOC, so as to, on the one hand, enhance theirs competitiveness in professional fields and capability in participating in the international affairs and UN agenda, on the other hand, illustrate the application procedures and review process relating to the obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC. Meanwhile, UN shall make efforts to attract more NGOs in particular from developing countries to recognize and understand the importance of consultative status with ECOSOC.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Properly increase the proportion of chances and quotas of developing countries and countries with economies in transition for participation. Give them more opportunities to address opinions on UN platform.

UN may listen to more views and advices from these countries in holding activities in fields of rural development, poverty eliminating, disaster relief, etc. which are of close interests of these countries.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Encourage NGOs with consultative status to hold more parallel and side meetings in support of UN conferences. Set representing offices in UN or dispatch delegates to work with UN as well as send volunteers or staff from NGOs to work in UN. By doing so, NGOs can understand UN agenda and process more profoundly and help promote the UN goals, enhance daily contact and communication with the UN, closely observe and participate in UN events, and build bridges between UN and people in home countries.

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45. China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation

ECOSOC helps the NGOs in developing countries to summarize their best practice and provide more opportunity for them to share their experience.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The consensus of member countries should be insisted in for the approval process of granting the consultative status with ECOSOC to the NGO.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

ECOSOC conducts capacity building program on how to effectively participate in UN’s work for NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

ECOSOC provides fund support to NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition to attend the UN’s events.

ECOSOC carries out special study on the best practices of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition and share them with the international society.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

ECOSOC diversifies the ways for NGOs to participate in the United Nations policy- making by using modern communication means such as video, internet etc..

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46. Chinese Association for International Understanding

Recent years have seen frequent interactions between NGOs and UN, which has played a positive role for the sound development of global issues and the reform of global governance. Efforts should be exerted to push NGOs to make further contribution to UN ECOSOC and the affiliated organizations. We suggest UN and NGOs strengthening regular interactions through on-line platforms and instant messaging systems, and maintaining contact through program cooperation.

The most effective way is that the policy recommendations proposed by NGOs can be accepted by UN resolutions.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

We suggest UN publishing a guidebook for NGOs applying for the consultative status, such as FAQs for NGOs Applying for the Consultative Status, and opening an e-mailbox for the technical questions in the process of application.

We also suggest stepping up the process for NGOs applying for a consultative status and reducing the waiting time.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

To improve the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN’s work, we suggest that UN should: a. Offer some favorable treatments for NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in applying UN’s consultative status, so that more NGOs from such countries can apply and acquire the consultative status. b. UN should listen more to NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in promoting 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and take their suggestions and comments seriously. c. UN should encourage more NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition to apply for the program funding, and give priority to NGOs from such countries in terms of cooperation.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

UN should offer more opportunities to NGOs and encourage them to take part in UN events and processes to express their views and requests. For example, NGOs can submit reports or host side events at the platform of UN, and make people’s contribution and solutions to UN processes. NGOs can also cooperate with UN in implementing the resolutions, promoting UN processes in specific areas and regions, and provide oversight for certain programs.

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47. Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

A regular and effective communication system between ECOSOC and NGOs in consultative status, which promotes ideas exchanging and best practices sharing, is consequential for robust NGO participation in and contribution to ECOSOC. ECOSOC has built a good online platform for such communication. We suggest that more information and details be provided through this platform especially on the opportunities for NGO participation. Monthly newsletter and correspondence through emails are also useful ways of communication.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

ECOSOC could provide more detailed instructions to help the NGOs to obtain consultative status.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Considering the large number of NGOs and topics, we suggest a point of contact designated at ECOSOC for each region/country and each major topic for NGO participation. This can bolster NGOs’ relations with UN and allow them to make more focused and long-term contribution to the work of ECOSOC. This is especially important for NGOs in developing countries as they need more support. Annual meetings for NGOs in consultative status could be carried out according to regions and topics.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGOs in general consultative status and some in special consultative status should be given more opportunity and better access to become core members of relevant committees and mechanisms in ECOSOC and conferences of major issues, so that they can have in-depth participation and can better mobilize other NGOs in the same region and field to take part in UN processes.

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48. Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament, The

As the largest Chinese peace NGO in consultative status with ECOSOC, the Chinese People’s Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD) responds actively to the UN calls, and has successively hosted observance of the International Day of Peace over the past years, co-sponsored the annual event International Week of Science and Peace together with other Chinese NGOs since 1989, and attended NPT Review Conferences. Through these activities, the CPAPD contributes to amplifying the voice of NGO and expanding the influence of UN among Chinese people.

In addition, the CPAPD conducts research on peace, security and conflict prevention in the light of the UN concerns and China’s own national conditions, and share results with NGOs from developed countries like the US and the UK as well as developing countries like those in Southeast Asia and Africa.

The CPAPD believes, the most effective ways for NGOs to contribute to the UN policy- making include, but are not limited to the following: • give full play to NGOs in terms of consultation, research and suggestion and submitting report on policy recommendation to the UN on specific issue; • provide first-hand references for UN decision-making after field inspection and study; • communicate and exchange views with friendly and partner organizations and share research results, thus jointly providing intellectual support; • expand the range of audiences of UN decisions and increase their social influence by taking the advantage of being close to local people.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The CPAPD believes, NGOs should be fully aware of the application process and get timely assistance in the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC. Therefore, the CPAPD suggests that the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations and other UN subsidiary bodies properly help NGOs, especially those from developing countries, giving them instructions about application procedure and material preparations; and/or invite NGOs which prepare to apply for consultative status to visit UN and its subsidiary bodies.

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Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

The CPAPD supports the expansion of developing countries? representation and voice in international affairs.

First of all, the UN should give more support to the NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition both economically and politically for attending its activities, encourage them to walk onto the international arena and make their voice heard. Second, the UN offices in developing countries should communicate more with local NGOs and conduct activities such as professional know-how and work skill training programs.

Third, the UN agencies should consider hiring more staff and managers from these countries and organizations.

Fourth, when there are NGO meetings in parallel with significant UN events, should more NGOs from these countries be invited to attend the meetings.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The CPAPD believes NGOs in consultative status can take part in UN processes from the following aspects: • First of all, NGOs can establish cooperation mechanisms with UN agencies, and build collaborative platforms for global governance so as to make up for defects of sovereign countries, governmental agencies and transnational corporations. • Second, NGOs with expertise can help UN agencies to broaden sources of information and gain more substantial policy advices through participating in consultation meetings, organizing parallel panels, submitting policy reports, and conducting dialogues. • Third, NGOs can actively support the UN sustainable development agenda, provide public goods, and establish a constructive partnership with the UN and governments. • Fourth, under the support of the UN, NGOs with similar standpoints can form cooperative alliance, and propose common advocacies, thus increasing the influence of UN initiatives.

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49. City2000 Youth Action International

Much of the UN’s regional, national and international policy design, implementation, and success can be attributed to work done by NGOs.

• Promotes All-Inclusiveness

NGOs serve as a direct link to far-reaching communities and provide first- hand information on activities in rural and secluded areas, where governmental agencies often fail to venture. Armed with this relationship with community opinion leaders, CBO’s, and majority of the people, NGOs are able to serve as a feedback tool to intergovernmental agencies and sovereign governing bodies as to what happens locally to help engineer practical policies that promote broad participation, further stimulating growth and development.

• Environmental Sustainability/Health Promotion

Civil society groups provide expertise on health and environmental issues. Through their involvement with local communities, they identify environmental risks that may result in various health issues for the community. In those situations, Civil society groups educate on these issues, as well as spur along conversation about possible health interventional approaches needed for these communities. In addition to being health industry consultants for impoverished communities, civil society groups also educate communities on the importance of hygiene and environmental cleanliness to their health.

• Support for Poverty Alleviation/Education

Additionally, civil society groups such as NGOs have been at the forefront of the fight against poverty in various developed and underdeveloped communities. Much of their activity has been focused on providing assistance in development of hard and soft skills. In various places of the world, this has been observed in the form of small-scale employable developmental schemes, poverty alleviation projects, and the administration of microloan programs to help people of these communities set up small businesses.

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• Promotion of Conflict Resolution/Humanitarian Relief

Since NGOs understand some of the factors that contribute to local and regional conflicts due to their operative interactions with communities at the grassroots level, they also frequently serve as advisory groups or on advisory boards to propose conflict-ending solutions to bring peace to war- ravaged communities. Resulting conflicts and the refugee crisis that typically are caused by them are largely avoided.

• Advocacy for Human Rights

Civil society groups also serve as a system of checks and balances in the areas where human rights abuses have become a matter of concern. In that NGOs have served as field-based experts in areas of women, children and generally human abuses. Moreover, this has assisted to create platforms for workers’ rights where concerns of workers are expressed freely without any possible fear.

Civil society entities such as NGOs and other types of groups play a vital role in solving and advocating for solutions to issues regionally, nationally and on the world stage. NGOs can facilitate the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiaries in the areas of: • Research and Development • Conflict Resolutions/Abatement of Refugee Crises-Socioeconomic Developmental Schemes • Human Rights Formulations/Plans/Goals/Implementation -Health & Environment • Abridgment of Government and Civil Community Gap

Direct participation in intergovernmental proceedings and deliberative processes should become a matter of consideration and duly implemented.

Furthermore, more official structures for engagement must be put in place for civil society groups within the UN’s system to facilitate their effective policy implementation and development.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

We wish to first of all commend the already established procedures and mechanisms to aid NGOs in the process towards obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC.

We submit the following recommendations for consideration to provide better support: • The period between submission of application and consideration for recommendation can be reduced with the NGOs having submitted all necessary and required information in a timely manner.

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• There can be at least a special session organized by the Committee of NGOs. This Committee should ensure that NGOs who have applied to ECOSOC but are confronted with challenges are invited to attend this session so their problems are discussed and equally addressed. It will provide a learning experience for NGOs and this can facilitate the process towards obtaining consultative status. • Communication from time of submission of application and wait-time should be frequent. Long absence in communication breeds uncertainty and that leaves NGOs discouraged and uninterested. The result is abandonment of follow-up to application.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

NGOs from developing countries especially the indigenous ones and those found at grassroots levels face one underlying challenge: limited funding.

Inasmuch as the NGOs are determined and willing to contribute significantly to the work of the UN, limited funding poses a serious drawback. An emergency fund set aside by UN can support these NGOs with a stipend on a case by case and needs-based situation to get the best out of these NGOs.

The UN can also facilitate the networking process for these NGOs by organizing sessions that can enable interactions with funding agencies as well as build their capacities for a better participatory process.

Lodging becomes expensive once they arrive at the UN headquarters. UN if possible should be able to assist in the area of affordable lodging for these NGOs.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGOs can best access these opportunities by ensuring regular attendance of important sessions of the Committee of NGOs and ECOSOC as well as making contributions to processes.

Ready availability of information and resources should facilitate accessibility.

NGOs in developing countries are not properly funded and attending sessions can be quite tasking financially. Furthermore the processes of acquiring visas from foreign missions can be a daunting experience. These and others impinges on smooth accessibility.

Notwithstanding, UN can assist these organizations on a needs basis.

Access can also be through the electronic media and joint statements with other NGOs

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50. Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd

NGO’s could better contribute to the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies if there was a relationship of true partnership and mutual trust existing within the processes between member states and the interested NGO’s. A best example of this was seen in the lead up to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development during the open working group process. While we acknowledge the role of intergovernmental processes, the exclusion of NGO’s from observing these processes does not build trusting partnerships. Modalities leading to true dialogue and consensus should be the goal. Often these processes are frustrated by time constraints within which an outcome document must be negotiated. The goal must be continual working towards a global community where human rights are respected and peace and prosperity promoted for all. Respecting, understanding and reconciling differences must take precedence. A modality to deepen insight of the work of NGO’s could be through active participation of multiple member states in joint side events.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

A webinar outlining the process of application, requirements etc would be helpful The team presenting the webinar would include recently approved NGO’s who could share an understanding from the NGO perspective.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Participation of NGO’s from developing countries and countries with economies in transition is best begun at the national level. The Voluntary National Reviews (VNR’s) would be a good place to start culminating with the presentation at the High Level Political Forum in New York. Ensuring their engagement and collaboration is essential to the realization of the 2030 Agenda. If change is to happen then budget allocations have to be made differently and be inclusive of NGO’s. Again the notion of true partnership and trust is critical.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Accessing the opportunities given to NGO’s is fraught with many obstacles - while the annual grounds pass does allow for attendance at meetings, voice at these meeting is not guaranteed. Pre-registration for Commissions and other events can be onerous especially if one is from a developing country or a country with an economy in transition and this begins with application for a visa for the respective country - USA, Switzerland or Austria. What is the actual impact/outcome of coming to New York for a 3 minute oral statement if it is not integrated into the deliberations and duly influence the topic being deliberated. If the intergovernmental process was more open to engage NGO’s as partners in policy matters then it might well be that the NGO representative engage meaningfully throughout the debate.

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51. Connecting Gender for Development

Submitting statements remains a very efficient modality.Additional submissions could be taken via video conferencing for NGOs unable send in representatives

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

No comment.I think the process was very easy to follow and transparency for us

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Funds to attend meetings remain a big challenge.In addition to which an orientation on how to participate could be held annually and could be virtual to encourage participation from NGOs in developing and transition countries.

There is also the issue of designating a representation where location phone numbers are required/ this could be optional as must representatives wouldn’t have a local number in New York, Geneva until they have participated severally. This would therefore enable new participating organizations to designate representation.For a new group how to begin to participate is daunting.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The current process of sending mails should continue.

Additionally for new NGOs, they could be invited specifically to some sessions/meetings etc to enable them get started.Part sponsorship could be introduced to enable groups such as mine to attend meetings as funds have hindered us even though we always desire to send a representation.

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52. Corporación Red Nacional de Mujeres Comunales, Comunitarias, Indígenas y Campesinas de la República de Colombia

Accessing more participation and strengthening of NGOs that are only working without support, nor do they give us alternatives to participate in activities at the National and International levels, even if we have the resources to attend the processes, in many cases we have not been able to attend lack of timely information. In our case I am a woman with advanced studies and I never have the opportunity to participate in the discussions of the projects and work to be done in the communities.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

We are already making a big contribution to the NGOs, because we have become the right hand to execute the actions of the United Nations agencies, only that we are not taken into account to participate more actively and the scarce resources we have for the processes do not they allow to do more work. We NGOs are currently responsible for helping vulnerable communities, we train, guide, inform, support the processes, assist them in their most common problems, and because that has given us to be beneficiaries of the Consultative Status, but more Our approach to you and lack more institutional and economic support to do our work.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

It can be increased very easily, closer to the NGOs that work in rural areas and serve communities. It is good that we start to approach through the process of Social Cohesion. which consists of the work of the State, the Companies and the organized Civil Society. Everyone is willing to participate, help and work together but we have to make the approaches. In this way, we fully increase everyone’s access to the benefits of the organization and the improvement of the quality of life of vulnerable populations in the world.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Through financing to reach more people and work the objectives of the entity in an easy and comfortable way. It is very great to have the Consultative Status and a great benefit for those who can attend the events and can socialize their experiences, but if the Status does not contain more than a right to participate in events and with that we do not develop projects, we need more strengthening.

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53. Corporation of Opportunity and Jointly Action Opcion - OPCION CORPORATION

Politically, there should be more clearly a space for NGO participation, such as a commission of civil society that has a more structured and constant participation in the different instances, for example. Regarding the information channels, it would be desirable to have a platform that clusters all the information required from the countries, as this information is very dispersed. Moreover, in relation to how the information is sent, one of the most effective means would be the transmission of written information and physical presence during the corresponding sessions. However, we also believe that the use of technologies should be encouraged to enable communication without physical presence (via streaming, Skype, etc) and generate platforms where you can upload required information from countries with standardized formats.

On the other hand, it would be advisable for NGOs to participate as thematic or country coalitions. Like the United Nations, it would be preferable to rely on people who have relations with certain countries in order to have a counterpart where communication is more fluid, rapid and continuous over time.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

As the Opcion Corporation, we believe that during the process of obtaining consultative status, there should be a contact, email or person who guides, supervises and/or clears any doubts during that period.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

For many NGOs from countries possessing the aforementioned characteristics, it is very difficult to travel to the different sessions and events of the UN. Thus, the creation of friendly platforms should be encouraged in order to have a more fluid and constant communication over time, either through written or oral means. Finally, having advisors or known counterparts from the UN, would facilitate this task.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Once the consultative status is granted, there should be an easier way to find in one place all the requirements of the UN towards civil society and the events to be held where our presence and opinion as an NGO would be important.

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54. Creators Union of Arab

As the community is the core nucleus in the composition of any country, the focus should be on the culture of this community in all fields in order to achieve the public interest of the country & identify its identity, whether social, economic or environmental .. Etc. Hence the role of NGOs in shaping the community’s conscience and public culture Through awareness campaigns, workshops and Purposeful initiatives that would be best supported by governments to ensure the success of their mission and to achieve their goal and the public interest ,Accordingly, we believe that there should be an annual plan of action within the UN General Plan for NGOs in line with the activities of each organization, including a timetable for achieving specific goals agreed upon during the meetings in which they were put forward, posing and discussing negatives and avoiding them in the future. As for the most effective way to contribute to UN policy-making, we propose that a specific number of seats be set for NGOs at all meetings & these seats have the right to vote on resolutions more effectively, as well as the possibility of an executive office consisting of a number of representatives NGOs of UN to share the concerns of them with the ECOSOC

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

We propose that each organization with 7 persons who can obtain annual pass be allowed to obtain a diplomatic passport throughout the term of membership ... and to include the name of the organization in consultative status with ECOSOC at the US Embassy and other countries where meetings of ECOSOC will held to facilitate Obtaining a visa for other members of the organization, youth for example, to attend some events, as well as expediting the process of responding to projects submitted by NGOs.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

As for the increased participation of NGOs in developing and transition countries, Logistical, service and material support could be allocated and the participation of those organizations in the implementation of their projects in line with the objectives of the UN and greater opportunities for their participation in UN meetings by incurring the costs of a number of their representatives for effective attendance and participation ... We propose the work of a fund in the ECOSOC, It has criteria for selecting organizations that would like to attend UN meetings and can not afford the attendance. This fund will contribute and thus have more opportunities to participate.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

We suggest that there be support in any form of moral, logistical, informational or other images of all NGO activities throughout the term of the consultative status to suit the general objectives of the UN and make available a page on your website to the NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC to exchange and share their activities more easily.

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55. Darüşşafaka Cemiyeti

NGOs can promote the United Nations of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in their own countries in order to influence other NGOs to participate. They can use social media campaigns and press releases to make a call for a greater participation. Most of the NGOs do not have the opportunity to travel for a meetings in US so a volunteer system can solve this representatives issue. Volunteers who live in New York can attend the meetings on behalf of the NGOs.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

An advisor from every candidates’ country can be matched with the NGO . In that case NGO can ask every urgent question, A guideline may not be sufficient for understanding the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

ECOSOC can create an online platform in order to collect all the information of the NGO’s so that NGO’s also can connect and ask each other about the similar problems. This online platform provides information for all kinds of issues including how to participate to the events, how to preaper an oral speech etc. In that sense NGO’s can feel more secure when attending to the events.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Even though the web site is updated we believe that it is not that user-friendly for NGO’s who has newly accepted as the consultative status. It would be more useful if the system can send us newsletters and a short video for the guidance for registration, written submissions and oral presentation.

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56. Department of Political Science and Public Administration of the University of Athens Alumni Association

Engagement and interaction between civil society and international organizations is more than necessary nowadays for the promotion of the concerned organizations’ goals. The institution of consultative status of NGOs is of paramount importance for the UN system, as it constitutes the most official channel of communication between civil society on the one hand and ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies on the other. Hence, it is deemed as the most crucial and useful form of ‘bottom-up’ policy-making, since thousands of organizations covering the whole wide spectrum of ECOSOC’s mandate are awarded that status. Via the said status, the NGOs can contribute to the work of ECOSOC by enhancing the visibility and underpinning the importance of the issues they deal with. That can be achieved through the submission of written contributions on the agenda topics of ECOSOC by the NGOs, as well as giving them the floor for making such statements. NGOs should also make proposals, regardless the already set agenda, in order to shape the coming topics. Those are the most efficient ways by which NGOs can maybe affect the sessions of ECOSOC and help promote and achieve its values and goals respectively. Moreover, the organ itself could ask accredited NGOs to provide their knowhow and expertise through proposals of written or oral form, or even conduct of official reports, depending the topics under discussion, in order to better support its work.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Overall, the procedure for obtaining the consultative status was smooth and the support for queries was quick and to the point. However, since there are different provisions in each country’s legal system for establishing NGOs, the only thing that could be done is a by country list of the official documents needed for the consultative status, in a correspondence of English and the languages of eligible countries, thus making it easier for each NGO to prepare all the relevant paperwork.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Developing countries and countries with economies in transition may face severer economic and social issues than the developed ones. So, the active involvement of NGOs from those countries in the UN policy-making is a necessity, as their feedback would be valuable. The participation of NGOs from the said countries would be possibly increased by sending an open invitation-call to institutions (such as universities, colleges or

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foundations), even central governments. Those institutions or entities could disseminate the call effectively. The call should be also disseminated through the United Nations Information Centres, if it is not already done, in order to achieve maximum outreach. Also, trans and intranational NGO networks could be set up, between bordering countries, for the exchange of UN and ECOSOC-related practices. NGOs of developed, developing countries or countries with economies in transition that have already been awarded the consultative status or that have a strong voice in their respective countries, as carriers of experience, could become an example for other NGOs of the same or of adjacent countries and give them impetus for applying.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

When the consultative status is finally granted, NGOs should stay updated on the issues of ECOSOC in order to be able to contribute to its work. Lack of resources, though, more often than not, hampers NGOs’ involvement, due to their inability to be present and take part in the sessions. Through a screening process, based on the NGOs’ potential or proven contribution to a matter at stake, some NGOs could be selected and have their expenses covered by private foundations or, better, by ECOSOC itself, in order to attend sessions. A selective meritocratic stipend by country or by region could prove to be a strong motive for NGOs to be more actively engaged in the organ’s work. In comparison with a written contribution, a live participation in the sessions would surely enhance the feeling of the NGOs’ that their ‘voice’ is heard and, consequently, make them and other NGOs more eager to contribute.

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57. Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries

Being on the front lines of issues pertaining to human security and development, NGOs tend to have a good idea of what works and what doesn’t. That’s why it is important that the UN gets their input periodically.

Face-to-face interactions work. Surveys work as well, NGOs should feel free to sometimes give unsolicited but evidence- based suggestions to the UN.

Human beings - and by extension human institutions - love recognition. So, what if there is an annual CSO-NET Awards recognizing NGOs that are notable in their contributions and collaborations with UN agencies?

And what if there’s an official badge NGOs can place on their websites to show their consultative status?

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The process of gaining the consultative status is long, and may negatively impact the interest and enthusiasm of especially small organizations that are burdened with the basic need of survival.

So, the duration should be reduced to maximum of 6 months.

A sensitization campaign (through webinars, seminars, etc) should be conducted on the requirements and procedures.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

First, given the way things work in most developing countries, it is possible that many NGOs there believe they have to go through intermediaries and, perhaps, pay exorbitant consultancy fees to get consultancy status. This has to be tackled through sensitization.

Second, ECOSOC should offer interested NGOs the option of registering via phone, email and mail.

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Third, ECOSOC should offer training/fellowship grants that will serve as much-needed encouragement to participate.

Fourth, relevant face-to-face events should be livestreamed for the benefit of those who may not be able to attend (due to things like visa.restrictions, monetary challenges, etc)

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGOs in consultative status should regularly access the CSO-NET website and look out for relevant email updates.

They should avail themselves of training and consultative programs.

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58. Dianova International

• Give more room to CoNGO, Major Groups and other large civil society representative bodies: NGOs can have a meaningful and influential role through the coordinated representation via NGO platforms, such as the Conference of NGOs (CoNGO) and its Substantive Committees and the Major Groups. If such platforms have official means and effective channels to continuously engage with the UN in the different thematic areas, civil society representatives can have a stronger voice at the international level. This by no means is meant to be interpreted so that individual representation of NGOs is restricted.

• Include NGOs in official negotiations: NGOs need to be part of the official discussions. It is not unusual in negotiations that the participation from civil society is restricted to ?hearing of civil society? for example, but not as part of the discussion itself. This must change. NGOs can provide valuable expertise and field experience for the discussions and the negotiations would often benefit from having the voices of the people on the table. Besides, this would be another way to ensure that NGOs messages come across to member states.

• Make fund available for the participation of grassroots: citizen participation is a necessary instrument to create effective policies. The voices of the most affected persons need to be included in policy-making processes. The fund available for civil society participation must be consistent throughout the different ECOSOC-led processes.

• Open access to conference rooms to NGOs: Another important way of influencing policy-making is done through events. For this reason, one way of increasing NGOs inputs would be to facilitate access of NGOs to meeting rooms at the UN. A middle ground could be to grant large NGO representative bodies such as CoNGO and Major Groups the right to rent conference rooms inside the UN without the need of sponsorship from a member state or UN agency.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

• The informative webinar conducted this year was very helpful for NGOs seeking the consultative status. Perhaps hosting a couple of those in the months leading up to the deadline could be helpful.

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• Leverage networks of NGOs to help spread the word with links to the ECOSOC status process in website/social media channels that can be reached by organizations that are not used to working at the UN level.

• It is important to reach out as far as possible to bring more local voices to the UN. In this sense, it is important that there is enough and clear information available about the importance and benefits of getting ECOSOC status, with long deadlines set ahead of time.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

• Ensure the use of technologies to enable remote participation to follow meetings and events, but also to provide inputs via online meeting rooms.

• Increase online consultative processes and ensure that these written contributions get to member states.

• Use ECOSOC’s official channels to provide information on the work of the NGO’s platforms represented in ECOSOC as one way of increasing access and enabling coordinated efforts for organizations without access to the UN headquarters.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

• By creating or joining NGOs platforms to strengthen our collective voices for coordinated advocacy efforts (written and oral statements, events, campaigns, etc.)

• By taking opportunities to dialogue with member states in events and negotiations whenever such spaces are made available for NGOs.

• By reaching out to organizations in the field to make sure the content advocated at the UN reflects the needs of the people most affected by the issues discussed in this forum.

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59. Drishti Foundation Trust

As per opinion of Drishti Foundation Trust,NGOs working on grassroot level can contribute positively and effectively to the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies. As we know geographically and socially each country or region has their own thrust areas on various issues and these organisations first can help ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies to identify the real issues of that particular region and that will help to decide our POA the same.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

We feel there should be more detail information and communication required through various other mediums rather than the online medium.

As we know there are this locations in some regions where accessibility of internet services is not available and because of that ECOSOC is loosing the opportunity to take those NGOs on board and we feel such NGOs are really creating changes in the life of the people.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

We feel there should be more detail information and communication required through various other mediums rather than the online medium.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

As mentioned above we should more focus on skill up gradation of these NGOs or need to work on knowledge transformation with these organisation.

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60. ERGO - Európai Regionális Szervezet

no comment

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

It would be a great help to have a really USER FRIENDLY website. It would be easier to review our position before submitting the application for ECOSOC status.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

no comment

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

First it would be really useful to get a comprehensive "welcome" pack: to see how a new member could effectively be involved in the work of UN processes. It would be useful to know some "best practice" like to submit a case study is equals like a written statement or contribution. A user-friendly website would be a bonus with a much easier navigation on it. A monthly newsletter would and can help to be kept informed about the upcoming events and programs. ECOSOC should he it’s own linkedin page which could be followed and shared would help to keep on track with events and share content.

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61. East Africa Consortium International

NGOs can further contribute to the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies with The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), is holding consultations with organizations in consultative status with ECOSOC to discuss questions of interest to the Committee or to the organizations relating to the relationship between the NGOs and the United Nations in line with paragraph 61 (a) of ECOSOC resolution 1996/31.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

During the process of obtaining in consultative status with ECOSOC our organization can do better and support to NGOs to obtain the process of ECOSOC and how they can work with it for and also we can initiate in participating meetings.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

The participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN’s work be increased in the process or a period of changing from one state to another condition.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Consultations of the Committee with NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC About the evolving relationship between the NGOs and the United Nations

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62. Ecoforum of NGOs of Uzbekistan

NGOs are a vivid manifestation of the activity of civil society, which has recently sought to play an increasingly important role in shaping national and international priorities, in facilitating the development of various kinds of documents on various issues, including those considered in the UN and other international forums. As a result, NGOs now act not only as disseminators of information or sources of services, but increasingly claim to be active participants in policy development and preparation of multilateral agreements, declarations regulating relations in various fields of human activity.

In general, today NGOs play, albeit a limited, but irreplaceable role within the system of UN bodies. The operational competence of NGOs, their flexibility and knowledge of local conditions, as well as the opportunities that they have, make them sometimes key partners and executors of those decisions that are made within the UN framework.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

It is need to develop cooperation between the UN agencies (UNDP, etc.) and NGOs in developing countries and countries with economies in transition (currently there is a tendency to reduce such cooperation, including transparency and awareness).

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

The Objective of the NGOs consultative status with the UN and other UN effective democratic mechanisms should be to increase the impact of such cooperation and focus it on obtaining concrete results. In this regard, it is desirable to increase the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition, including grassroots NGOs, by building relationships with them on a more systematic basis. In connection with this, it is proposed:

1. Relevant structures (the Department of Public Information (DPI) of the UN Secretariat or the Interdepartmental Working Group on NGOs or the NGOs Committee of ECOSOC or the Department of Economic and Social Affairs ...) should inform the national NGOs about which NGO coordinating committees (centers) with coordinating functions and leading operational work with NGOs are available in the UN Specialized Agencies and UN offices in Geneva and Vienna and with which there is a real opportunity for cooperation.

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2. Based on 2 main possible forms of NGO participation (written statements and direct participation): • to increase the possibility of direct participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition, including grassroots NGOs, in UN activities, including NGO conferences of DPI • publish collections of thematic statements of NGOs; • to provide for the possibility for NGOs to receive information on the results achieved (reactions, feedback, etc.) on written statements sent by NGOs and / or speeches at UN events. 3. Continue the implementation of the project "Non-Governmental Liaison Service of the United Nations" with the increased involvement of NGOs of developing countries and countries with economies in transition in it. 4. To provide an opportunity to hold online DPI briefings for NGOs, considering various issues that are of high priority for the UN. 5. To prepare and distribute annual reports (with the participation of partner NGOs) on the situation of NGOs in the context of countries and regions.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

It is need to provide regular regional meetings of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition on issues regarding developing partnerships with ECOSOC.

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63. Edfu Foundation Inc.

NGOs should strive to familiarize themselves with the objectives, programs and strategies put forth by ECOSOC and participate at every opportunity as well as submit statements and input on how their NGO can assist in the achievement of these goals, programs and strategies and advise ECOSOC on how to improve their goals, programs and strategies. Currently, the most efficient modalities for NGOs to contribute to the United Nations policy-making and be recognized and be influential is 1. Participating in events at the UN. 2. Working within their geographical area and field of specialty to harmonize their mission statement with ECOSOC’s and the UN’s goals.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

A point of contact and training(webinar/teleconference) for NGOs applying for consultative status with ECOSOC. A webinar or some type of intro to consultative status once status is obtained.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

More information on funding available to NGOs, webinars, Video Teleconferences. Setting up events closer to those developing countries.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

A point of contact or someone who could advise them on the different bodies and how to access them. Also centralize the event calendar (Indico is a good start). A webinar or some type of "intro to consultative status" once status is obtained.

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64. Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development

Two ways: top-down and bottom-up.

Top-down: To have (financial and logistic) opportunity to participate at relevant meetings (and have side events, practice knowledge based advocacy)

Bottom-up: To contribute by expertise and knowing national/subregional contest (it will be good to have some thematic clusters of NGOs)

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

In our case, as the possible only NGO from South Eastern Europe, everything is on us (but not having mainstreaming role in our activities). At least, some acknowledgement to be in practice for involvement.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

We are from country with economy in transition. Participation is difficult without any support (some seed financing will be very helpful, but also acknowledgement of the role)

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

We are looking and practicing ALL opportunities (we can achieve), taking seriously this role. Answers on above questions also apply.

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65. Equality Now

NGOs must be given greater access to the United Nations to contribute, be recognized and be influential in these processes. For example, civil society should be guaranteed ample time on every agenda to make an oral intervention and given plenty of notice on how and when to submit written interventions in advance. State reports for the High Level Political Forum, for example, should also be made available well in advance of the session. And NGOs can only contribute if they are granted ECOSOC status in a timely manner, and national governments do not interfere with their participation at the international level or repress their activities at the national level.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Promoting the repeal of anti-NGO legislation

In addition to speeding up the process of obtaining consultative status, ECOSOC should promote the repeal of anti-NGO legislation at the national level. The space for civil society is shrinking around the globe, threatening efforts to protect and promote human rights and especially those of women and girls. This is a phenomenon fueled in particular by the passage of legislation unjustly restricting the operations and/or funding sources of non- governmental organizations. For example, in Ethiopia, the 2009 Charities and Societies Proclamation (Proclamation No. 621/2009), which governs the registration and regulation of NGOs, prohibits NGOs receiving more than 10 percent of their funding from foreign sources from engaging in virtually all human rights and advocacy activities. This includes NGOs working on women’s rights and access to justice issues. Numerous human rights bodies have raised concerns about the law.

In Kenya, the Public Benefits Organization Act of 2013 (PBO Act) was intended to replace the Non-Governmental Organizations Act and allow greater self-regulation and more predictability in the legal requirements for NGOs. However, the PBO Act was not commenced (i.e., brought into force) for well over a year, and through the government’s NGO Board 540 civil society organizations were reported deregistered in December 2014, with as many as 179 reportedly reinstated shortly thereafter. At the same time, the NGO Board proposed amendments to the PBO Act that included, among others, tighter restrictions on funding; these amendments were opposed by many NGOs in the country.

In Tanzania, the government reportedly broke up a meeting of NGOs working on reproductive health in January 2017. Generally, the government seems to be adopting an opaque approach to governance and punishing non-government bodies that speak out

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against questionable government directives. For example, the Ministry of Home Affairs threatened to deregister NGOs that were advocating for the lifting of a ban by the President prohibiting pregnant teenage girls from attending school. A reading of the Tanzania NGO Coordination Act of 2002 (amended in 2005), the NGO Code of Conduct of 2008 and the National Policy on NGOs suggests that the group of legislation was enacted to curb the increase and reach of NGOs as well as to limit their ability to engage in government planning and policy, provide oversight and accountability and educate populations on their rights.

On 24 May 2017, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi signed into law Law 70 of 2017 ‘The Law of Associations and Other Foundations Working in the Field of Civil Work’, which, inter alia, requires NGOs to seek permission for activities and official approval for foreign funding; violations can result in criminal prosecution. The High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein has expressed unequivocal concern over this new law, calling for its repeal and stating that the new legislation ‘places such restrictions on civil society that it effectively hands administration of the NGOs to the Government’ in breach of both international law and the Egyptian Constitution.

The above cited examples are the situations with which we are most familiar, impacting women and girls and affecting the work of women’s rights organizations.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

The consequences of repressive legislation and other actions taken by States to restrict domestic NGOs and human rights defenders, including in developing countries and countries with economies in transition, ripple outwards, weakening the capacity of civil society to document and report on human rights abuses and monitor adherence to commitments on human rights standards. As the High Commissioner has stated with regard to Egypt’s new NGO legislation, these laws severely hamper the ‘crucial function of human rights NGOs to hold the State accountable for its human rights obligations.’

United Nations bodies, agencies, funds and programmes rely on civil society to give accountings of the human rights challenges facing members of a given community. As the High Commissioner stated in his report of 11 April 2016, Practical recommendations for the creation and maintenance of a safe and enabling environment for civil society, based on good practices and lessons learned:

‘Vibrant civil society participation in the United Nations human rights system is indispensable to the effective protection and promotion of human rights. Civil society actors identify protection and other gaps in the international architecture, alert the international community of impending crises and campaign for the creation of new standards and mechanisms. Their participation enriches the system’s responses by linking them to what is happening at the country level.’ Restricting the ability of civil society to function through repressive laws and State action weakens and undermines these linkages, impacting the ability of regional and international 134

bodies to effectively carry out their mandates. Where CSOs are unable to engage freely with regional and international bodies and mechanisms (e.g., United Nations treaty bodies), these mechanisms may be restricted in their ability to gather information, make recommendations and monitor change. For example, in 2014, several Egyptian human rights organizations decided not to participate in Egypt’s review before the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review, a decision that also resulted in the cancellation of side-events and meetings. The contingent publically stated that the decision was made ‘in fear that their participation might result in reprisal or possible persecution’.

Additionally, persecution from repressive national governments can put local organizations in danger for speaking to regional and international partners, sometimes forcing these local groups to operate behind-the-scenes. For example, Equality Now often makes submissions to UN treaty bodies that are informed by the accounts of human rights abuses shared by our partners on-the-ground. In some cases, our partners fear retribution from their national governments to such a degree that, despite their significant contribution to a submission, they decline signing their name or otherwise publically signaling their participation in the development of the submission and documentation of human rights abuses therein. Such restrictions remove from international and regional NGOs a level of legitimacy because it falsely appears that these groups are operating without local input.

Overall, where local NGOs are unable to freely stand behind information presented to regional and international bodies about conditions in their home countries, the ability of these bodies to hold States accountable may be undermined.

ECOSOC should do all that it can to encourage an end to repression of civil society and NGOs at the national level. Only then will the participation of NGOs, including form developing countries and those in economic transition be possible.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

ECOSOC should ensure that NGOs have greater opportunities and access to the UN once consultative status is granted. We have experienced, and heard from partners, frustrations regarding recent engagement with UN bodies. Opportunities to make oral interventions at the UN or participate in debates, for example at the High Level Political Forum, have always been limited, and it appears that this is even more so now the case. We were also dismayed to learn, for instance, that access to the United Nations during the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly was severely restricted, even for those NGOs duly accredited.

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66. Ethiopian Social Assistance Committee

The Ethiopian Social Assistance Committee (ESAC) has attended various U.N. meetings as a collaborative effort for us to showcase our ideas with the United Nations (with hopes our ideas would be recognized). Efficient modalities that could help facilitate our contributions, is the ability to virtually attend and be able to get our ideas across directly to delegates or sponsors around the world. Another way to recognize and be influential in these processes can be by active participation and recognition for what their works are.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

For NGos who are in process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC, should understand what the policy of the United Nations is for their status. Those with ECOSOC status or processing, should be able to actively participate and give voice to their ideas (with discretionary of members country and regulation).

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Resource allocation for NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN’s work, can be increased. United Nations can create donations, distribute necessary tools for the countries to participate and provide sponsorship for NGOs.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGOs, who are in consultative status, can access opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes through email notifications, member dashboard notification, social media, reminder mail letter or even through website announcements.

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67. Euro Atlantic Diplomacy Society Association

In EADSociety’s view, direct engagement between NGOs and ECOSOC (including its subsidiary bodies) represent the most fruitful channel to discuss, debate, negotiate and adopt in terms of policy-making. By having a consultative status, this already facilitates the participation in different meetings and events, representing an "open door" in order to raise the voice of the NGOs at the international stage. However, the consistency of the NGOs participation and involvement should be done along with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, where NGOs can act - according to their profile - in order to achieve global objective of development. Last but not least, NGOs should be influential through their national and international network, more persuasive in front of their partners and stakeholders, and this will lead to an increased impact at local level and around local communities.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC is quite long, however the role of the NGO Branch is well established, being responsive to all questions. In order to increase the efficiency of this process, one step ahead might be to identify volunteers that are ready to be involved as mentors (to promote the process regarding the NGO accreditation at ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies, but also to help with information regarding this process). The selection or recruitment of these volunteers can be done via a "call for application" on a year basis and launched on the UN website.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Each country profile is different and states have various approaches to different issues, so there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution. However, promoting regional events and even the organization of consultation sessions with NGOs on the ground (including developing states, countries with economies in transition) might increase the UN work based on a global understanding from local communities, stakeholders and local authorities.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The role of the NGOs having a consultative status should not be limited only at the participation in different meetings, forums and events at the UN. "La diplomatie du verbe" needs to be replaced by "la diplomatie de l’action" and to be accompanied with a greater involvement from both UN bodies and NGOs. And this can be done through different projects, programmes and sector wide approaches launched at the UN level and where NGOs can apply and work together, to serve the purpose and the values of the organization. Moreover, the "UN Young Delegate Programme" can also serve as a liaison between the country represented at the UN and the NGOs from that country accredited at ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies. In this way, a greater connection between actors can lead to more opportunities, but also to more ideas on how to better act, react and impact.

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68. Excellent World Foundation LTD/GTE

NGOs can contribute to the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary through regular engagement of the third sector by the ECOSOC and its other subsidiary bodies across. Involving them in the planning, implementation and review of their programmes, projects and others.

The more efficient modalities for NGOs to contribute to the UN policy making is through capacity building of NGOs. The UN should create a fund for regular capacity building training and programmes of NGOs with ECOSOC status to equip them with modern skills in contribute to the policy making process of the UN. Also, NGOs should be equipped with technological skills and advocacy tools towards contributing to policy making of the UN. NGOs should be placed on internship programmes on policy making process of the UN.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

There should be an online training for prospective NGOs applying for the consultative status with ECOSOC. As this will build their capacity on the process. In addition, telephone conversation should be encouraged by NGOs secretariat to the would be NGOs for regular guide. Desk offices should be opened at all UN members countries for NGOs to go for information and guide during the process of application.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

NGOs with consultative ECOSOC status should be funded and giving part of county intervention to be handled. NGOs are more transparent in handling projects and programmes for the people. Most governments of the world, especially the developing countries are extremely very corrupt and diverting most grants and supports to personal pockets as against the purpose of these interventions. NGOs should be assigned by the UN and its subsidiary bodies to be monitoring UN interventions and support in these developing countries. The UN should ensure participation of significant numbers of NGOs in all UN activities through provision of traveling grants.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Regular invitation of the NGOs to participate in UN activities. Also, capacity building programmes on accessing funding should be organized for NGOs to access grants for its activities. Also, newly granted NGOs on consultative status should be invited and funded to UN for training and induction in understanding the UN process. Certificate of registration should be issued as well.

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69. Family Africa

Attending Eco Soc meetings is expensive for many grassroots organizations who nevertheless still have an important contribution to make so we suggest regular questionnaires especially in the particular fields in which the organizations are working. e.g. HIV/TB or work with orphans, agriculture or women’s empowerment.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The information and opportunity for training in applying is available on the CSO site, however problems can still arise especially when the NGOs first language is not English or French. We would suggest a speedier system to answer email questions would be helpful as at present it can take several weeks to receive a reply.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

As mentioned earlier through questionnaires and phone interviews. Another idea would be for the UN to organize consultations at the local level in developing countries to enable the poorer grassroots NGOs contributions to be heard.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The best way is for organizations to be involved in the various consultations and meetings and side events held at the United Nations either in New York or in Geneva. The process of networking and learning from other organizations as well as United Nations" initiative really empowers NGOs to more effective and knowledgeable about best practices. However as not all NGOs can afford to attend other ways of accessing opportunities need to be found.

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70. Federacion Internacional de Asociaciones de Ayuda Social Ecologica y Cultural FIADASEC / International Federation of Associations for Social, Ecological and Cultural Help

Opening more communication between NGOs and the UN. Allowing them to give their opinion on matters that are the responsibility of the sector in which they work. Giving the opportunity to the NGOs to suggest topics that are of global interest. Forming commissions among NGOs from different countries, according to the sector of its competence, to analyze and comment on the norms and policies of the United Nations that are being formulated and permitting the NGO’S to proceed with their formulations in the language that they dominate and that ECOSCOC have the official interpreters if they are formulated in any other language that is not the official language of the UN.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

That they could be directed to the local offices of the UN in each country and there they would have officials to direct and support them in the process.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Making the incorporation process more flexible, after verifying the legal status of each NGO, and have the endorsement of the organisms or organisms that regulate and supervise the work of the NGOs in each country. Have funds to support the participation of NGOs in the sense that we have worked on a volunteer basis and the budget is utilized to help to improve the ODS. We have to cover the transportation costs, hotel, visas etc. and this significantly reduces the possibilities of assisting the events.

Frequently we have to choose whether to fee the children who are improvised, plant trees, help child, adolescents and adults in educating them in values or pay for transportation and accommodations to participate in the events that the UN offers. Provide more opportunities to participate in the events on line.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The first thing would be that there is a greater rapprochement between the NGO and the local representation of the UN in each country. It would be excellent for the ECOSOC to

142 officially notify the local UN representation of the names of the NGOs that are attached to that organization and to establish an official relationship of reciprocal cooperation between them.

NGOs must receive training from ECOSOC, to be a member of ECOSOC, in order to take advantage of the opportunities and participate more actively.

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71. First Modern Agro. Tools - Common Initiative Group (FI.MO.AT.C.I.G)

Following the note by the Chair of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations as of 05/04/2018 on Consultations of the Committee with NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC regarding the evolving relationship between the NGOs and the United Nations,regular monitoring to get questions of interest to the Committee or to the NGOs and reporting on such consultations to the Council for appropriate action is indispensable.

No one would be able to contribute to the work of the economic and social council (ECOSOC) and its subsidiary bodies except they first know their work. As the name implies the economic and social council is responsible for coordinating the economic, social, and related work of 20 UN Commissions subdivided into eight(8) ECOSOC functional commissions, five(5) ECOSOC regional commissions, three(3) ECOSOC standing committees and four(4) expert bodies composed of governmental experts. ECOSOC may also coordinate the work of some other five(5) expert bodies composed of members serving in their personal capacity and five(5) related bodies.

NGOs can contribute to the work of all eight functional commissions by submitting written statements related to statistics, population and development,social development, the status of women, Narcotic drugs, crime prevention and criminal justice,science and technology for development and forests to the right addresses.

NGOs can also contribute in the work of the regional commissions in their regions of origin by providing written statements and partaking in field work. My NGO in particular would partake in the work of the Economic commission for Africa (ECA), we shall contribute in social development, natural resources, innovation and technology and governance by writing proposals and articles and submitting them to ECA. With this submission we are hereby already contributing to the work the committee on NGOs, one of the three committee of the ECOSOC standing committees that is organizing this very session in New York this month of June 2018, we would provide other future submissions related to negotiations with intergovernmental agencies, programming and coordination.

As for the expert bodies composed of governmental experts, we shall from time to time contact the experts on any related information that we may have on their work on transportation of dangerous goods and on the globally harmonized system of classification and labeling of chemicals, international standards of accounting and reporting, geographical names and global geospatial information management.

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in other to be more recognized and influential NGOs most play the part of submitting written statements, mean while bureaucrats who have the final say and make the policies have not got the experience NGO representatives have on the field, I think before concluding on any policy, the NGOs making the recommendations should by present to make objective criticism.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

During these process some NGOs have been given a kind of temporal special accreditation which permitted them to work and benefit travel support at the end of the year, but I think must NGO representative usually do this blindly, the end of such temporal special accreditation could benefit the NGO representative more if they fully understand the end benefit, this should not be limited to travelling support to attend a conference with per diem paid,selected NGOs being aware of awards or financial benefits at the end of the process could help NGOs work harder. NGO representative who could obtain travelling support maybe provided with travelling counseling from experts who could also verify their travelling documents including visas, and other documents to present at the borders to ensure a save and successful travel. NGOs working in a particular domain should be given opportunity to present projects which could be sponsored by the UN in their countries of origin, such projects should not be limited to human rights and the fight against epidemics and pandemics, development projects are also important.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

The main problem with developing countries is poverty, many NGOs have the capacity and good visions but realizing them is not possible without the means. It is sometimes important to demand written project from NGOs were selected projects could be sponsored. At the same time it is necessary to encourage NGOs to work together through a system well organized

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

To access such opportunities it is a matter of the UN proposing such opportunities to them through their email addresses else they may be unaware of such opportunities and how to even go about obtaining them is another thing. this can be with the expert bodies serving in their personal capacity, NGOs shouldl also communicate with them information on development policy, public administration, international corporation on tax matters, economic social and cultural rights and indigenous people.

For other related bodies of ECOSOC such as the committee on population award NGOs should provide written statements on the advancement of women, narcotics control, HIV/AIDS and nutrition. This should be motivated with UN funds.

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72. Fondation Mohammed VI pour la Recherche et la Sauvegarde de l'Arganier

• ECOSOC should work to network NGOs with similar activities and nominate the interlocutor NGO with ECOSOC for the different contributions

• Allow the regional representation of NGOs with similar activities to contribute to the perfect knowledge of civil society and its concerns.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

• The organization by ECOSOC of a regional training workshop for NGOs that allows NGOs to know ECOSOC and the partnership and its objectives.

• Designate NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC as ambassadors to join NGOs in UN goals

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

• These NGOs often lack the means and skills to participate in the work of the UN for which ECOSOC must announce calls for participation in the form of projects and support the participation of a few NGOs spread across the five continents.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

• ECOSOC should address to these NGOs the calendar of events organized by ECOSOC and which are in the theme of their activities and ask them contributions in the form of reflections.

• ECOSOC needs to be more interactive about the contents of the quadrennial reports and see the possibility of closing down the duration to two years (evaluation)

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73. Fracarita International

NGO’s like Fracarita International have a major role in bringing testimonies and also evidence about best practices in the field of mental health, education and disabilities but also to address violations of fundamental rights of persons on the ground. NGO’s give their perspective and advices based on field experience and they could assist the UN ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies to draft recommendations and reports for improvement of the living conditions of persons especially in the South. NGO’s could participate through hearings, reports, recommendations and by organizing jointly with the ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies conferences, seminars and side-events to highlight topics concerning the daily work in the field.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The website where NGO’s need to submit their application should be much more consumer friendly and also inside the ECOSOC there should be one staff dealing with assisting NGO’s in their application. The process of application should be speeded up and ‘sleeping’ NGO’s should be given a warning to become more active.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

To bring voices from the ground, the UN should foresee a quicker visa waiver protocol in collaboration with Member States and also a fund for mobility. Most of the people coming from the South do not have the means and the NGO’s are not financially strong enough to fully cover the financial impact of bringing voices of the ground to New York nor Geneva or other places where the UN have their conferences. The online platforms of the UN website should be much more consumer friendly. The investment in social media but also in the regional centres of UN are extremely important because not everyone has digital access.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The labyrinth inside the UN hinders a good functioning of the work done by the UN for the benefit of Member States. The ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies should present themselves in a much more open and friendly way to NGO’s so that NGO’s who are not on a regular basis in New York or in Geneva still can collaborate and give their input

147 especially to the Human Rights Council. This can be done much more by video conferencing, digital information, digital recommendations, digital interventions. There should be inside ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies a task force dealing with NGO’s concerns regarding some of the inefficiencies of the actual function of the ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies. The possibility for NGO’s to really influence reports and recommendations of the Human Rights Council should be designed in a training format. Especially how NGO’s can work inside the Human Rights Council should be trained (capacity building to deal with the complex mechanisms of decision making inside the ECOSOC and its subsidiary entities).

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74. Freedom Now

The most fundamental issue relating to NGO participation at the UN - including ECOSOC and its subsidiaries - is access. The process by which NGOs are accredited by ECOSOC through its subsidiary the Committee on NGOs is highly political, restrictive, and has become reflective of the pressures and repression civil society is often subjected to in their home countries. In such a domestic environment, the UN is all the more critical a platform for organizations that are working on sensitive human rights, government corruption, and social issues. NGOs are monitored and silenced at home - thus it is essential they be given a voice in the UN. And yet, by actions of the Committee, many are silenced at the UN too.

In a context of increasing pressures on democratic governance, the role of civil society in providing diverse, critical, and constructive input to UN human rights processes is essential to promoting the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. To do this, NGOs need to be present. Transforming the practice of the Committee is key to enabling that access and participation. ECOSOC should consider putting in place revised rules of procedure for the Committee in addition to considering the adoption of term limits for members. In the meantime, ECOSOC must itself be prepared to consider the applications of NGOs that have been deferred.

The Committee is tasked not only with approving applications for consultative status; it is expected to be a key liaison between the UN and civil society. Dialogue should be encouraged and more should be done to ensure that civil society is allowed to engage and be heard by the Committee. Provisions contained in Resolution 1996/31 call for regular engagement with civil society. Specifically, Article 61(a) lays out: ‘the Committee shall hold, before each of its sessions, and at 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 between the non-governmental organizations and the United Nations. A report on such consultations shall be transmitted to the Council for appropriate action.’

The Committee Chair should ensure that such consultations are taking place (and a report prepared). It is at these regular consultations where concerns about Committee practice can be raised by accredited NGOs. Furthermore, an NGO speaker should be permitted to make a general statement to the Committee at the start of every open session, as per the precedent set in June 2016.

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Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The procedure for accreditation is insufficient. It lacks specificity and as a result members often cast votes in line with political agendas and loyalties. Very little information is offered to NGOs about how the process works and what they can anticipate. As a consequence, NGOs are often caught off guard about how much time and money they must invest into the process. Actions should be taken to address the approach taken by the Committee and more information should be made available to applicants. Failing this, as the parent body, ECOSOC must step in to remove blockages and stalemates that impede the Committee from carrying out ECOSOC’s mandate. ECOSOC members should be prepared to act directly to grant consultative status for NGO applicants whose requests for accreditation have been deferred by calling a resolution on their behalf in ECOSOC sessions. Alternatively, ECOSOC should exercise a ‘trigger clause’ option by establishing a time period after which a Member State will commit to introducing a resolution on a deferred case at ECOSOC.

The process of accreditation should be based on the principles outlined in Resolution 1996/31. Neither the Committee nor ECOSOC has produced more detailed explanations of the grounds the Committee should use to consider and decide on consultative status applications. This lack of clarity creates latitude for arbitrary delay or denial of status through asking the same questions repeatedly, asking questions not directly relevant to the accreditation process, or raising concerns that indirectly discriminate on prohibited grounds or are otherwise inconsistent with human rights. The NGO Committee should have safeguards to prevent against inconsistent or otherwise arbitrary delay or denial of accreditation. ECOSOC could more clearly explain the grounds on which applications for accreditation are to be assessed, which would also better assist applicants in understanding the system and Member States, members of the Committee and Observer States, to keep questioning on track. The process of developing such guidance or guidelines should be open to all interested stakeholders including representatives of civil society, OHCHR, and relevant Special Procedures. Furthermore, as sessions are now webcasted, applicants should have the right to remotely participate in the question and answer sessions through videoconferencing. Giving an opportunity for clarifications and immediate responses to member’s questions and concerns live and during a session should contribute to speed the process of accreditation.

Currently, the size of the NGO Committee is fixed at 19 members, which is only 10% of the total membership of the UN, and there are no term limits for members. There are States that have been on the Committee for decades. Moreover, some current Committee members have demonstrated poor records on defending civil society space nationally. ECOSOC should consider establishing term limits for membership (as is common in other UN bodies) or increase the number of Member States on the Committee. Furthermore, States with positive records on defending civil society space should consider stepping up as candidates for the Committee and more robustly challenge the dominance of regional partners with poor records.

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Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

First, to help enable NGO engagement and contribution to the UN’s work, the UN must assure access to it by organizations in developing countries. This means working to de- politicize the accreditation process and make the process of obtaining accreditation more straightforward. Once accredited, organizations should be able to observe and participate in all UN events and meetings through webcasting as travel is often too costly. Opportunities for dialogue between the Committee and NGOs should be offered. The UN should endeavor to establish private-public partnerships, particularly with private foundations, to provide travel stipends to NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Currently, it is left up to the accredited NGOs to seek out opportunities to participate, many of which require them to be hyper-vigilant about the UN schedule and to undertake costly travel. The UN notification system is not easy to navigate and understand, and as a result many announced opportunities are likely missed. The NGO Branch should be more proactive in alerting NGOs of opportunities to participate in UN processes. The semi- regular newsletter is a useful resource, but the NGO Branch should strive to reach out to NGOs with certain areas of expertise and encourage them to participate, rather than the passive approach it currently endorses.

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75. Fundacion Educando

En orden al cumplimiento de las metas 2030 y los ODS, es fundamental dar participación a las ONGs facilitando canales de información acerca de los paneles y discusiones abiertas en los organismos subsidiarios de la ONU y compartiendo las agendas multilaterales. Mejorando la comunicación e información oficiosa de las distintas temáticas tratadas, se promoverá la inclusión y participación de las organizaciones con status consultivo. También es de gran importancia la consulta a las ONGs según las temáticas que se traten en las reuniones y paneles en que cada una tenga mayor experiencia y trayectoria. La inclusión de las nuevas tecnologías como medio de participación serían un reflejo de la inclusión y reconocimiento de la ONU a las ONGs, ya sea mediante webtv, radio o email, siempre que abran canales de interacción de consulta y respuesta de ambas partes.

La escucha a las ONGs de todo el mundo permite sensibilizar a los organismos pertenecientes a la ONU en torno a las necesidades e intereses más valiosos y vividos como importantes por la sociedad.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

La publicidad de los procedimientos, la rapidez en las respuestas por parte del Comité, el apoyo de las oficinas locales de Naciones Unidas y la flexibilización de los requisitos formales contribuirían a un mayor interés de participación por parte de las ONGs.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Frecuentemente, las ONG provenientes de países en desarrollo sufren en particular de los procesos de evaluación para el otorgamiento del status consultivo.

Los costos que asumen para cumplir con los requisitos formales sumado a la previsión de costos de viajes para participar de actividades en las sedes de ONU hacen desistir muchas veces del interés de participar.

La mayor transparencia en los procedimientos del Comité, en particular la transmisión vía internet de sus sesiones, es hoy un aliciente.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

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Para mejorar la capacidad de acceso y la presencia de las ONG en todos los niveles de las Naciones Unidas y mejorar el diálogo entre las ONG y la organización internacional se deben promover las alianzas locales y regionales, estimulando el trabajo colaborativo mediante la participación activa en conferencias, reuniones y seminarios. Las convocatorias a ONGs de un mismo país y el acceso de las ONGs a las bases de datos contribuyen al intercambio de buenas prácticas y experiencias.

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76. Fundación Antonio Núñez Jiménez de la Naturaleza y el Hombre

Las ONG pueden contribuir manteniéndose informada de las agendas que desarrolla tanto ECOSOC como sus órganos subsidiarios y enviando aportes sobre los mismos, es importante enviar información actualizada sobre las actividades que la ONG nacional desarrolla cuyas experiencias pueden enriquecer el debate y brindar la experiencia práctica que los grandes temas tienen en el contexto nacional y local

Consideramos que la modalidad más importante es la participación en eventos y seminarios convocados por Naciones Unidas lo cual se limita muchas veces por la escases de recurso de la ONG nacionales o locales, sobre todo las pertenecientes a países en vías de desarrollo, debiendo entonces poner énfasis en los debates on line, el envío de información actualizada sobre las tareas que está desarrollando y la contribución escrita a las conferencias y reuniones de los órganos subsidiarios.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Tomado como base nuestra experiencia se debe poner en la página web algo similar a un tutorial sobre los pasos a seguir para la obtención del status consultivo

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

El principal obstáculo es el financiero, por lo que sería útil crear un fondo al que poder aplicar para obtener financiamiento para la participación eso puede hacerse en base a la especialización de cada una de la ONG valorando el aporte que la misma pueda brindar y realizarlo de forma que exista una representación de las distintas regiones así que como de los aspectos que cada ONG se dedique.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

En la página WEB de ECOSOC se debe brindar mayor información de las oportunidades que el carácter consultivo nos otorga, sería muy valioso si las oficinas de Naciones Unidas en cada país reunieran con alguna periodicidad a estas ONG, se apoyaran más en ellas a la vez que las involucraran más en los ODS y su agenda 203

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77. Fundación Argentina a las Naciones Camino a la Verdad

• Es importante considerar que la mayoría de las ONGs trabajan con personal voluntario que accede a las mismas luego de su horario laboral, razón por la cuál, en muchas ocasiones, se reduce el tiempo de servicio. Por lo tanto facilitar su gestión, sin lugar a dudas, hace a la efectividad de la proyección exponencial de su crecimiento y participación en asuntos relacionados a la ONU en general, el tema idiomas, resulta de vital importancia para la mayor y más rápida difusión y concreción de su participación, por ejemplo con relación a los ODS y su difusión y puesta en práctica, asimismo, contribuye a reducir la brecha de la Desigualdad y favorecer la recepción de aportes que enriquezcan el trabajo del ECOSOC y de la ONU en General.

• Que haya un sólo Índice y Página centralizada con secciones claramente individualizadas y de fácil acceso, tanto de las Diversas Actividades del ECOSOC, Órganos Subsidiarios como de las Agencias Especializadas. Y particularmente una sección específica y bien determinada para tener acceso en tiempo y forma a los procesos de inscripciones, declaraciones, etc., lo cuál, ciertamente facilitaría en tiempo y oportunidad la gestión de las ONGs. Ejemplo: que todas las Reuniones y Side Events relacionadas con el Periodo de la Asamblea General, (agosto-septiembre-octubre), es imperioso que se centralicen los procesos de inscripción en una página, de todas las reuniones del sistema de la ONU (Sección Nueva York/Sección Ginebra/ Sección Viena).

• Desde una óptica más local, consideramos que el nombramiento de un Coordinador Regional perteneciente a una ONG previamente seleccionada por el ECOSOC, en base a sus antecedentes, facilitaría la orientación y accesibilidad de las ONGs, ya sea a través de diversas actividades locales que coadyuvarían a la difusión y participación más activas de las mismas. Por ejemplo realizar Briefing locales quincenales, mensuales, etc; a efectos de fortalecer Redes Locales donde nos conozcamos y podamos hacer en su caso, aportes conjuntos.

• Que el ECOSOC desarrolle una plataforma donde, conjuntamente con la difusión interactiva, de los diversos foros realizados por el ECOSOC y sus Organismos y Agencias especializadas, en los distintos idiomas del Sistema, los integrantes de las ONGs, que por cuestiones de diversidad horaria, horario laboral, o que por diferentes razones no pudieron participar durante el horario de la interactividad, pero que si pueden hacerlo en diferido, puedan acceder, en este caso y por medio de esta misma plataforma en la que se difundió el evento, a aportar sugerencias conforme a la temática que se haya tratado, como así también, a las opiniones

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vertidas en la misma, acreditando sin excepción, datos personales y ONG a la que se pertenece.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

• Consideramos que el nombramiento de un Coordinador Regional perteneciente a una ONG previamente seleccionada por el ECOSOC, en base a sus antecedentes, facilitaría la orientación y accesibilidad de las ONGs, ya sea a través de diversas actividades locales que coadyuvarían a la difusión y participación más activas de las mismas creando Conciencia de Comunidad, Pertenencia y ayuda mutua. Por ejemplo realizar Briefing locales quincenales, mensuales, de orientación y consulta, etc.; y asimismo, a efectos de fortalecer el trabajo en Redes Locales desde la óptica del expertise de cada uno, aprendamos a conocernos y podamos hacer en su caso, aportes conjuntos en favor de la concientización y concreción de los ODS 16-17.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

• Consideramos que el nombramiento de un Coordinador Regional perteneciente a una ONG previamente seleccionada por el ECOSOC, en base a sus antecedentes, facilitaría la orientación y accesibilidad de las ONGs, ya sea a tr avés de diversas actividades locales que coadyuvarían a la difusión y participación más activas de las mismas. Por ejemplo realizar Briefing locales quincenales, mensuales, etc; a efectos de fortalecer Redes Locales donde nos conozcamos y podamos hacer en su caso, aportes conjuntos. Como ejemplo en el Comité Executivo DPINGO hay siete Coordinadores Regionales a Nivel Global, y se realizan reuniones periódicas entre los encargados del Comité y los Coordinadores, donde cada uno participa e informa sus avances, por medio de la Plataforma Zoom.

• Utilizar Plataformas Interactivas como por ejemplo Adobe Connect utilizada por la Cumbre Mundial de la Sociedad de la Información-WSIS; Webex/ Cisco/ Zoom, etc. Para facilitar la interactividad en los diferentes eventos.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

• Que difunda un email mensual a las ONGs informando las actividades a desarrollar por el ECOSOC como por ejemplo lo hace el DPINGO y, posibilidades de participación por Plataformas Remotas.

• Es Imperioso la utilización de Plataformas Web Remotas, para agilizar la Participación Interactiva.

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• Por lo menos se realicen dos reuniones o al menos una al año entre integrantes del Comité de ONGs y las ONGs a efectos de ir agiornando la modalidad de integración activa a efectos de constituirnos en verdaderos y eficaces colaboradores del ECOSOC.

• Resulta de fundamental importancia, atento las razones vertidas ut-supra, que los diferentes eventos sean grabados y posteados en por lo menos, los idiomas oficiales de la ONU, para facilitar su mayor y más eficaz comprensión y difusión a efectos de agilizar y propender en todo su espectro holístico prospectivo a la concreción de los ODS.

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78. Fundación Latinoamericana por los Derechos Humanos y el Desarrollo Social

From its ethical perspective of defense of human rights, based on the theology of ecumenical Christian liberation FUNDALATIN considers in this regard: Support the production of systematic information on issues that NGOs address, according to their specialization. (Support for indigenous communities, Defense of the environment, Defense of prisoners, Ethical defense of human rights, Spiritual contribution towards a culture of peace, Human development and social economy, to mention some issues.). And ease for its global diffusion, as mass dissemination programs, as well as the generation of formal teaching modules on these topics.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

It could be useful, according to the experience of FUNDALTIN, to facilitate more knowledge and access to the conditions and institutional route to obtain consultative status. As well as promoting dissemination sessions on the importance of consultative status and how to obtain it, at UN headquarters, especially in countries with greater internal conflict or economic difficulties.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Facilitate the advice of the UN to NGOs with potential importance for the treatment of specific public policies and facilitation of conflict resolution.

Generation of local events in developing countries with the participation of NGOs from countries in the region (eg, Andean, Central American, African) to address specific issues such as: - Contributions to be made to the Sustainable Development Goals SDOs of the UN. - Democratic treatment of conflicts. - Education for democracy with ethics. -Supports of communities of diverse spiritual sources to the construction of peace with truth, justice and care of the COMMON HOUSE. MOTHER EARTH.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

It would be very useful for ECOSOC to facilitate access to the legal documentation required to attend relevant international events promoted by the UN. Like the UPR. As passports and visa. As well as the support in the obtaining of tickets and facilitation of safe

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79. Fundación Luz María

NGOs can further contribute to the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies by creating efficient, integrated approaches to confront issues faced by civil societies on a daily basis. NGOs can utilize methods to make the work of ECOSOC create an impact and bring awareness to occurrences in their country and better approach the promotion of change. By strongly promoting the work of ECOSOC on an international level, internationally based NGOs can contribute their knowledge on current events that directly affect their country and their need to be acknowledged by creating written and oral statements, as well as helping to promote the UN Agenda 2030, the 17 sustainable development goals, much like the Luz Maria Foundation hopes to continue to do so. The team I’ve built within the Luz Maria Foundation execute a multi-level approach to fight against domestic violence that would further contribute to the work of ECOSOC by establishing creative events, campaigns, and educational programs to protect and bring awareness toward the stance against women effected by domestic violence not only locally, but globally.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

In the eyes of the Luz Maria Foundation, the UN could have provided better support to NGOs such as ours during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC by promoting the benefits of consultative status more publicly. Before obtaining consultative status was a goal, the Luz Maria Foundation was one of many international NGOs who were uninformed that an expansive opportunity such as consultative status with ECOSOC was available to them. In reference to the promoting of an unknown opportunity, the need for general accessibility to global organizations that can bring forth significant influence within their country and spread this on a global front should also be mentioned. Additionally, in the Luz Maria Foundation’s experience an obstacle that was frequently met were challenges with the application process. These challenges can be better supported through the continuation of seminars on the application process that provide detailed instructions and insight on the application’s completion. Especially on the spectrum of inclusion of more international NGOs, these seminars can be provided in various languages to provide an overall sense of support as NGOs strive for consultative status with ECOSOC.

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Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

The work of NGOs from developing countries and countries in economic transition in joined forced with the UN can be viewed as a potential source for change. NGOs working towards the improvement of developing countries and countries in economic transitions have the opportunity to gain access a support system to attain necessary domestic change. With an increase of financial and global avocational support from the UN, collaboration between NGOs and the UN could create numerous possibilities for people from both developing countries and countries in economic transition. Being an internationally-based foundation, it can be acknowledged that the UN’s work with NGOs within developing countries and countries with economies in transition should be advanced. This can be achieved by promoting opportunities that consultative status provides such as international partners, financial support, and engaging platforms to educate and advocate. With the inclusion of international NGOs within these developing countries a direct domestic change both socially or economically can be made.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The global opportunities consultative status grants its organizations can be best accessed by NGOs through the creation and maintaining of strong relationships with global organizations and the participation in commissions and subsidiary organizations of the UN. With consultative status, the Luz Maria Foundation has created essential relationships, had the opportunity to strengthen the foundation’s mission, spread awareness of domestic violence at a global level, and assist its victims. We presently work frequently with the United Nations and have seen firsthand the opportunities it can generate for NGOs. Through the organization and execution of international conferences, establishment of partnerships with international organizations to promote and support our cause, and the performance of global speaking engagements, the Luz Maria Foundation’s ability to create change has furthered due to the opportunities available to them with consultative status.

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80. Fundación del Empresariado Chihuahuense AC

a) Brindando un panorama cercano y detallado de las problemáticas que se presentan en su entorno inmediato, mediante la generación de reportes de campo o el desarrollo de investigaciones sociales. b) Promoviendo en sus regiones la incidencia en políticas públicas en temas alineados a los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible, a través de dichas investigaciones. c) Diseñando e implementando modelos sociales innovadores que impulsen la materialización de las dimensiones del desarrollo sostenible; o bien, replicando modelos exitosos que sigan este mismo fin. d) Coordinando su labor social mediante alianzas con los diferentes niveles de gobierno, empresas e instituciones nacionales e internacionales.

Compartiendo la experiencia de Fechac: Contamos con más de 28 años dentro del sector social, logrando hasta la fecha el financiamiento de más de 5,200 proyectos de educación, salud y desarrollo de capital social, mediante nuestro Modelo de Responsabilidad Social Compartida, en el cual participan diferentes sectores de la sociedad; por lo anterior, Fechac es un vehículo óptimo para comunicar los objetivos y acciones del ECOSOC a las más 1,000 organizaciones civiles que se ubican en el estado de Chihuahua, al norte de México.

Nuestro trabajo se alinea y contribuye a diferentes Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible, como: Fin de la Pobreza, Hambre Cero, Salud y Bienestar, Educación de Calidad, Igualdad de Género, Agua Limpia y Saneamiento, Reducción de las Desigualdades, Trabajo Decente y Crecimiento Económico, Producción y Consumo Responsables, Paz, Justicia e Instituciones Sólidas y Alianzas para Lograr los Objetivos.

1.1 Las modalidades son: a) A través de un diálogo constante, en el que ellas compartan sus conocimientos, pues la innovación social surge del trabajo directo con la sociedad. b) Alineación de planes estratégicos de las OSC con los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible para que desde su trabajo en campo aporten a la materialización de las dimensiones del desarrollo sostenible. c) Promoción de mejores prácticas y modelos replicables en la labor de organizaciones de todo el mundo, así como en las políticas de la ONU.

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Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

a) Brindar una única plataforma en línea para mantener comunicación; una misma vía a través de la cual se reciban: avisos, actualizaciones del calendario, correspondencia con ECOSOC y con otras organizaciones. Aunado a esto, es importante optimizar la navegación para que la plataforma funcione correctamente con cualquier banda de ancho, además de hacer más amigable su diseño.

b) Ofrecer acompañamiento personalizado a las ONGs que inician el proceso para la obtención de carácter consultivo hasta el fin del proceso; esto, para dar asesoramiento puntual y más efectivo.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

a) Con campañas informativas sobre qué es el ECOSOC y cuál es su objetivo; estas campañas realizadas en coordinación con los gobiernos locales o a través de organizaciones que conozcan al sector social, mantenga una relación constante con las ONGs y cuenten con la capacidad comunicativa . b) Generar alianzas entre instituciones participantes del ECOSOC para que socialicen entre las organizaciones locales los planes y objetivos del Consejo y, que a su vez, comuniquen al ECOSOC la voluntad de las organizaciones que no participan en él.

c) Compartir experiencia entre los mismos miembros de ECOSOC de manera regional.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

a) A través de las plataformas en línea del ECOSOC para conocer información general, convocatorias y calendarios.

b) La realización periódica de foros realizados por el ECOSOC, enfocados a: a. Generar un espacio de diálogo para que las ONGs expongan las problemáticas de sus respectivos entornos, así como las inquietudes respecto a su alineación y contribución a la agenda para el cumplimiento de las dimensiones para el desarrollo sostenible. b. Dar a conocer su la agenda del ECOSOC. c. Construir un plan de coordinación entre ECOSOC y las ONGs. d. Dar seguimiento.

c) Mediante el envío periódico de correos electrónicos con información clave, tanto de los resultados logrados en los foros con el ECOSOC, como de aspectos significativos en tema de la agenda para el desarrollo sostenible.

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81. Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue

The Geneva Centre being an organization dedicated to the promotion of human rights, its work is mainly implemented by means of a formal engagement with the UN Human Rights Council, as a subsidiary body of the UN General Assembly, rather than with the ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies. In this context, in order to enhance NGOs’ contribution to the UN policy-making processes, improved accessibility for NGOs to the main sessions of both Charter- and Treaty-based UN human rights mechanisms should be ensured.

Currently, NGOs with consultative status are in theory granted increased access to these sessions. In reality, this access has been constantly restricted over the past years. At the Human Rights Council, for instance, NGOs have the possibility to deliver oral statements during the sessions. However, they have to comply with a very strict schedule to register for these statements and, while it is clear that not all NGOs who wish to do so can take the floor for obvious logistic issues, the time allocated for NGOs is so limited that at times only 2-3 organizations can take the floor. This greatly limits their contributions to the work of the Council as well as the diversity of standpoints presented during the sessions. In light of the ongoing discussions ? as highlighted in the first informal consultation session on the efficiency of the work of the Human Rights Council of 2 May in Geneva - the limitation of NGOs’ speaking time reduces their ability to contribute to the advancement of the Council’s agenda.

Moreover, NGOs have restrictions on the number of accreditations that they can issue during the sessions of the Human Rights Council. Similar restrictions are encountered by NGOs as regards the organization of side-events to the sessions of the Council, notably in terms of accreditation of representatives as well as of booking of conference rooms within Palais des Nations. A more in-depth analysis of these challenges will be provided in A4.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Ad hoc meetings with, and feedback from, staff members of the UN NGO Liaison Office are fundamental and always welcome. Nevertheless, in order to better support NGOs throughout the application process for obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC, it would be recommended to hold regular online trainings and workshops on the modalities of the application procedure itself (as well as on its follow-up), followed by interactive Q&A sessions. In addition, regular updates on the follow-up process would be welcome, as sometimes applicants are not aware of the advancement of their application.

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Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Sometimes, limited participation is a sign of limited awareness. For this reason, it would be recommended that the UN organize on-site capacity-building programmes and awareness-raising activities in order to provide civil society organizations from developing countries with an overview of the ways in which they can engage with the UN and influence UN processes. Furthermore, it could be useful to facilitate virtual participation of NGOs in UN meetings via digital platforms.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The HRC support team for accreditation is very efficient and replies rapidly when contacted. Furthermore, there are more and more consultations and informational meetings with NGOs to inform them of their opportunities to contribute to UN processes, and this is a positive aspect that should be pursued. This has in fact allowed NGOs with special consultative status to contribute to the advancement of the agenda of the UN and the UN Human Rights Council.

However, in order to facilitate NGOs’ engagement with UN processes, it would be highly recommended to simplify accreditation procedures, instead of making them more complicated. The year 2017 witnessed, in fact, a change in the accreditation procedures, which has discouraged NGOs from formally accessing Palais des Nations and engaging in UN activities. In particular, the procedure to request accreditation badges during the Human Rights Council, which was reformed in autumn 2017 by means of the Indico platform, is not time-efficient and represents a burden for NGOs or their representatives invited to attend the sessions. It is a time-consuming procedure, prone to errors due to its complexity. Because of this, oftentimes there is a risk for representatives to miss the session, as they are not granted a badge in time. This new process constitutes a source of stress and uncertainty rather than an incentive to participate, and can further discourage NGOs from registering participants and representatives. This hence reduces participation from civil society.

In addition, the substantial differences in treatment between NGOs and Permanent Missions also constitute a source of discouragement. Permanent Missions benefit, in fact, from preferential/privileged channels and procedures, both in terms of accreditation and of booking of conference rooms, as well as in terms of deadlines for these procedures. For instance, Permanent Missions have had and still have the right to request and retrieve badges for guests to a conference before the event. In this case, the latter do not have to queue up themselves on the day of the event.

General recommendations:

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Firstly, the Geneva Centre believes that, to facilitate NGOs’ contribution to the work of UN bodies and, in particular, of UN human rights fora, accreditation procedures should be simplified. Secondly, the number of accreditations could be increased to allow NGOs having networks in the field to bring representatives that can deliver substantive statements, based on first-hand comprehensive information and ‘rass-roots? experience. This could also help increase the participation of NGOs from developing countries in the UN’s work. In addition, NGOs should be allowed, like Missions, to register guests previous to any conference they organize and to retrieve their badges in advance. Surely, this would be in everybody’s interests to avoid long queues at the security control gate of the Palais. Thirdly, concerning actual participation in the Human Rights Council, it is highly recommended to increase the number of NGOs that can deliver oral statements, mainly by adding to the overall speaking time allocated to them. Finally, in order to better inform and raise awareness about participation opportunities, it could also be useful to prepare a user guide or an overview of rules and procedures for accreditation that can be easily accessed by NGOs.

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82. Giving Life Nature Volunteer

NGOs are impacting governmental and intergovernmental policies, by providing voices for important causes and constituencies, offering analyses and expertise, and performing varied services and humanitarian functions. United Nations have maintained strong relations with NGOs, who continue to represent the concerns of civil society throughout the world since its creation in 1945. NGO’s have continued to work towards achieving the primary goals of ECOSOC areas of sustainable development, social development, status of women, populations and development, and human rights. ECOSOC has a function and duty to reach to the world with its activities. However, this can only be facilitated through active participation and involvement with other organization who share he same goal (for example NGO’s). For example, NGO’s actively participate in 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 in different parts of the world. NGO’s can further contribute to the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies through promoting the goals of ECOSOC as presented above.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

In our position we think NGO’s who apply for consultative status with ECOSOC should be encouraged by acceptance and granting of this status. During the process of application, they can be guided through the application process. Upon rejection of an application, the NGO’s should be told the reasons for such rejection and ways on how they can improve to eligible consideration.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

An NGO from a developing country must have been granted a consultative status before they participate with ECOSOC. Same applies to countries with economies in transition in UN’s work. Therefore, to increase participation with NGO’s from developing countries, ECOSOC must open its doors to accept and grant consultative status to NGO’s from these countries.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGO’s must be actively participating with ECOSOC in all activities that concern their status. For example, attending different session meetings of the committee. All during these sessions NGO’s can present the different difficulties they are facing. Active participation with ECOSOC will best help NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes

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83. Grameen Development & Poverty Alleviation Sangstha (GDPAS)

NGOs with access to not only ECOSOC, but also to its many subsidiary bodies, to the various human rights mechanisms of the United Nations, ad-hoc processes on small arms, as well as special events organized by the President of the General Assembly. So, NGOs participation in ECOSOC consultative status can widely contribute to human rights mechanism of United Nations in their own countries, small arms and can attend special events organized by the president of United Nations and many appropriate ways and means can improve the efficiency of NGOs to perform further human rights based approaches that consistent to the current realities of the world in various countries. The NGOs with ECOSOC Consultative Status have wide range of opportunities to share experience, lesson learned , assess the situation they have facing in their own with the observation, analysis, of other NGOs. In United Nations various countries representation are observed, so in various events organized by ECOSOC or in the auspicious of United Nations , the participation, sharing, discussing, contributing to the events will make the events more meaningful, effective, successful and the work and contribution of ECOSOC can be more authentic, meaningful, straitening the approaches and ultimately the results and impacts are seen in various actions taken by the NGOs later in their own countries, which ultimately contribute to human rights development, achieving sustainable development goal in respective countries from where the NGOs come from. That will great success to ECOSOC to make this wonderful change, development, peace, stability etc happen in various countries and in this the NGOs can contribute to policy making of United Nations as a whole and the Nations United can find United Nations more effective to bring peace, sustainable development, ensure human rights, lessen arms conflict around the world etc. NGOs are actually experienced, skilled, efficient, expert, It is clear that without the help and cooperation of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), the government alone cannot achieve the sustainable development goals. NGOs are working at the central level as well as at the grassroot level for promotion of human rights, peace, stability . So, the NGOs role becomes very crucial. The NGOs in various countries are engaging themselves in the field of public health, non-formal education, women's empowerment and development, child welfare, care to physically handicapped people, environment conservation, AIDS and Drug control, community development etc. and United Nations also works in the same fields, so, contribution of NGOs in the ECOSOC can make the members countries of United Nations more active, efficient, skilled to discharge their role as development actors. the value of NGOs role and need to help them to enhance their capacities especially to play an effective

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role to promote human rights, peace, stability, sustainable development in this world. “ NGOs is together with State and Market, one of the three ‘Spheres’ that interface in the making of democratic societies enable Civil society is the sphere in which social movements become organized.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

As our NGO Grameen Development & Poverty Alleviation Sangstha (GDPAS) , Bangladesh having special ECOSOC Status from There are 5 step from United Nations for a NGO , 1. NGO’s profile registration, 2. To complete online registration, 3. Providing ECOSOC authorities required documents, 4. NGO Branch Screening of application, 5. The recommendation of the committee of non-government organization, 6. ECOSOC final decision to be sent to the applicant organization. This is very time consuming process no doubt. Before obtaining the Consultative Status from ECOSOC, the concerned NGO must know what is the specific need to be served for it with the Consultative Status from ECOSOC. Many NGOs are not sure and there are many clumsy process to be faced for a NGO and as a result, it can become discouraged. Secondly, NGOs from developing or least developed countries have very limited yearly budget, always foreign donations even domestic government donations are hard to obtain, competitive as well, so a NGO can not spend much money or fund in this process, even having the Consultative Status from ECOSOC, a NGO may be invited to attend some United Nations or ECOSOC events , and may be travel, accommodation costs are covered but a NGO Executive has to spend much fund for visa, other unavoidable expenses as well as a good number of days even months can be spent to attend such event that many NGO can’t able t pay an executive on his / her absence from routine duties , so, here ECOSOC should make some sort of daily allowance so that the concerned NGO executive can adjust his professional services being hampered for attending events.

The role of ECOSOC is designed for members countries of United Nations as well. So the NGOs should have some sort joint participation of the domestic government they are belong to. This will pave the way between NGOs and the concerned government with United Nations membership. It will facilitate the way to the concerned NGO to know the actual intervention plan the relevant Government does have and the interaction between the NGO & concerned will be strengthened and the NGO can speak for its Nation in the sessions or event they are participating.

NGOs are usually funded by donations, but some avoid formal funding altogether and are run primarily by volunteers. NGOs are highly diverse groups of organizations engaged in a wide range of activities, and take different forms in different parts of the world. Some

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may have charitable status, while others may be registered for tax exemption based on recognition of social purposes and in developing world, NGOs have been looking fund from foreign donors and United Nations Organization like UNDP, UNICEF, ILO, World Food Program, UNHCR etc. and so, the NGOs having consultative status from ECOSOC can have funding access to the UN bodies so that their participation in ECOSOC can be more effective as well as time serving can be matched with the ideas & conceptual status they have.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Every concerned and registered NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies transition are reflecting, materializing, implementing, advocating, disseminating, planting, the policy, interest and agenda of their respective governments in sustainable developments, human rights, environmental, improving health, or other relevant development work etc..

The term 'NGO' is not always used consistently. In some countries the term NGO is applied to an organization that in another country would be called an NPO (non-profit organization), and vice versa. Political parties and trade unions are considered NGOs only in some countries. There are many different classifications of NGO in use. The most common focus is on orientation and level of operation. An NGO's orientation refers to the type of activities it takes on. These activities might include human rights, environmental, improving health, or development work. An NGO's level of operation indicates the scale at which an organization works, such as local, regional, national, or international. One characteristic these diverse organizations share is that their non-profit status means they are not hindered by short-term financial objectives. Accordingly, they are able to devote themselves to issues which occur across longer time horizons, such as climate change, malaria prevention, or a global ban on landmines. Public surveys reveal that NGOs often enjoy a high degree of public trust, which can make them a useful - but not always sufficient - proxy for the concerns of society and stakeholders .

The NGOs participating from developing countries, can have all these services to be increased as they are going to have the ECOSOC Consultative Status such as:

1. Service orientation includes NGOs with activities should be increased such as the provision of health, family planning or education services in which the program is designed by the NGO and people are expected to participate in its implementation and in receiving the service. 2. Participatory orientation is characterized by self-help projects where local people are involved particularly in the implementation of a project by contributing cash,

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tools, land, materials, labour etc. In the classical community development project, participation begins with the need definition and continues into the planning and implementation stages should be increased. 3. Empowering orientation aims to help poor people develop a clearer understanding of the social, political and economic factors affecting their lives, and to strengthen their awareness of their own potential power to control their lives. There is maximum involvement of the beneficiaries with NGOs acting as facilitator should be increased. 4. Philanthropic orientation should be increased that often involves a top-down paternalistic effort with little participation by the "beneficiaries". It includes NGOs with activities directed toward meeting the needs of the poor people.

So, in obtaining ECOSOC Status the role of NGOs from Developing countries should be increased as the NGOs act as implementers, catalysts, and partners. Firstly, NGOs act as implementers in that they mobilize resources in order to provide goods and services to people who are suffering due to a man-made disaster or a natural disaster.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Once Consultative Status is granted to organizations, the status or standard of the NGO is uplifted, at least they feel it in that way. They mobilize financial resources, materials, and volunteers to create localized, national & international programs with reference of their consultative status. They have more and more credibility to the donors, and they can hold large-scale fundraising events and even may apply to governments, direct to UN Bodies and other donor organizations for grants or contracts to raise money for projects and to governments, UN Bodies and donor organizations & their credibility as a NGO can be sky roketted . They often operate in a hierarchical structure; a main headquarters being staffed by professionals who plan projects, create budgets, keep accounts, and report and communicate with operational fieldworkers who work directly on projects. Operational NGOs deal with a wide range of issues, but are most often associated with the delivery of services or environmental issues, emergency relief, and public welfare. NGOs as categorized by the division into relief-oriented versus development-oriented organizations; according to whether they stress service delivery or participation; whether they are religious or secular; and whether they are more public- or private-oriented and their ECOSOC Status can give them logical base. Although NGOs can be community-based, many are national or international as well. The defining activity of NGOs is the implementation of projects and their skill and capacities can be changed with ECOSOC Consultative Status.

NGOs seek to achieve large-scale change promoted indirectly through influence of the UN ECOSOC authentic system and reference and their validity of the proposed projects or funding appeals enhance profoundly. NGOs need an efficient and effective base of international forum as well as domestic base and UN ECOSOC serves the best for that purpose because United Nations works internationally as well as nationally from where the concerned NGO belongs to. who are able to keep supporters informed, and motivated. They 172 can plan in new perspective and can claim the expertise & reference as an UN supported NGO service forum like ECOSOC and host demonstrations and events that will keep their cause in the media validly. They can maintain a large informed network of supporters who can be mobilized for events to media attention and influence policy changes in its own country with ECOSOC reference. The defining activity of NGOs can be demonstrated to other network, partners, as well as potential donors. NGOs often deal with issues relating to human rights, women's rights, and children's rights. The primary purpose of an Advocacy NGO is to defend or promote a specific cause. The operational project management, these organizations can try to raise awareness, acceptance and knowledge by lobbying, press work and activist event as having ECOSOC Consultative Status.

NGOs with ECOSOC Consultative Status will use various techniques, ideas, insights, techniques, skills continually to face the same issues in the field that could be remedied through policy changes and their improved standard can authentically make newer & most appropriate interventions.

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84. Great Africa Youth Empowerment & Development Initiative

Let ECOSOC carry along all NGOs in their various activities in which there will be updated emails and responses structure in all ecosoc activities.

It is advisable to have delegates from all countries that has a consultative status member.

It will room for adequate policy and decision making system of UN.

United Nation should organise a sponsored conference or seminar to bring all the NGOs in consultative status together yearly for them to understand and have adequate updates on UN activities.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

NGOs in consultative status are from different region. It will be encouraging if an help mate board can be drawn from different region in which organisation interested in consultative status can communicate and relate directly to organisation already in consultative status within their region or Community to enlighten and fast track their registration for consultative status.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Most of the organisations in developing countries lack funds and sponsors to carry out there different activities. It will be of great benefit and encouragement if there are platform created to support and monitor the activities of various NGOs. Mostly those accredited by the UN. This will definitely increase and promote the UN’s work and its likes.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

There should be a mandatory workshop or seminar sponsored by the UN for organisations granted the consultative status in UN head quarters where one or two of the organisation executive will be present. This will give more light to what the consultative status stand for and how to do the UN work effectively.

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85. HOPE Worldwide, Ltd.

The current system already provides access to the thousands of NGOs that are registered at the UN. However, the local governments in various countries may be different in approaching inputs from NGOs.

There are avenues and approaches in the past in UN reaching out thoughts or inputs from the NGOs, but it felt sometimes it was more of a compliance approach, but less ears opened to hear more details. It is impossible to hear and accommodate everything, but we need to find better mechanism.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Proper screening of the NGOs, responsibility of NGOs . Many NGOs exists globally, but everyone was formed from various cultural and historic differences by a group of people. The NGOs should have the same aim as ECOSOC, enhancing humanities and peace through various services.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

By pushing the local governments to be more engaged with local NGOs, to see and feel the thoughts. There are plenty of local NGOs in every countries; they are formed due to the gaps on the ground that some individuals felt a need of an NGO formed locally. These organizations tries to address local needs, and should be bridged to communicate with local governments.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The current system of emails and web-based system is a good approach. It should be continued. NGOs to take part in the various activities, be able to address valuable inputs. However, the big challenge is for the UN agencies to listen and take note to the NGOs, which has less power and voice. Some UN staffs can continue business as usual without listening to the voices on the ground.

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86. HackerNest

I wish I knew. Or, at least, knew where to look in order to understand what our current options are.

Honestly, this isn’t meant to be a whiny post – I’m just lamenting that we didn’t really get much guidance when we were brought on... there wasn’t really an onboarding to help familiarize us with options. So, to this day, we still aren’t quite sure what we’re able to do.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

I won’t speak to the obtaining of consultative status, but, rather, the utilization of consultative status.

Once we got consultative status, we didn’t have a guidebook -- anything that pointed us in the direction of what protocols to follow in order to best make use of the status we’d obtained. We thought we knew what it was all about going into it and expected, upon approval, to receive some sort of welcome package; something that told us what the right avenues for engaging the UN are, how we can make an impact through appropriate channels.

Unfortunately, there was none of that, and we have been left fairly blind. Searching on the internet and poring through fairly onerous texts have been less than helpful -- everything seems so locked away and hidden -- or maybe we just don’t know where to look for information.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Provide better, more accessible, non-archaic information that people can easily understand. Written in simple, plain language that doesn’t make reference to obscure policy papers and treaties and conventions that requires people to look things up and read and interpret. It wouldn’t take you much effort to include context and explanations in the text... writing "refer to special charter provision XIV subsection 13 point A" just makes things difficult and creates unnecessary barriers to understanding.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

My other 3 responses should help lead you to the conclusion that I have absolutely no clue. :)

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87. Hamraah Foundation

NGOs can be trusted for contributing a volunteer/volunteers for a year to be permanently attached with the ECOSOC headquarters and contributing towards identifying and putting forward resolutions to the regional specific issues originating from the locations where that NGO is based and others. Online voting, sharing of policy drafts for recommendations before finalizing, inviting and facilitating the members to personally be present to have their say on the matters being discussed.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Regular sharing of updates with NGOs, encouraging/supporting them by providing assignments which may financially help them in pursuing their missions and visions.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Trusting NGOs with dissemination of UN’s mandate with an agenda to benefit the local communities to bring about sustainability and making their lives better.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Regular projects should be offered to the organization by ECOSOC through online ECOSOC portal/local UN offices/others to engage the communities and benefit them in multiple ways. These organizations can be regularly called for meetings/consultations/recommendations in their countries on burning issues toward their mitigation

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88. Hape Development & Welfare Association

Accordingly, the organization feels it appropriate to obtain Consultative Status with ECOSOC in order to participate in and contribute to conferences and other UN activity related to law enforcement and child welfare issues. Hape Development and welfare Association is a educational based organization, it is aimed reduced Poverty through formal and Technical Educastion. Orgnization is working in rural area of Pakistan In the past 10 years, Hape has been operating to create sustainable development and decent life conditions in the belief that efforts have better outcomes when they are aimed at the creation of solid and long-lasting effects. Hape Develoment and welfare Association will arranged Discussion form at grass root level with government and non government organizations on technical and formal education for reduced Poverty at long trem bases

Hape as member of ECOSO, Hape will Provide expert analysis on issues directly from its experience in the field and Serve as an early warning agent in Pakistan will provide information. Hape as member will Help monitor and implement international agreements and Help raise public awareness of relevant issues. Hape will Play a major role in advancing United Nations goals . UN Divided NGOs in Region wise Group and these group will be sets short-term and medium-term targets and shares progress. Many Organization from Developing Countries having Problems access the Visa from American Embassy, Most of time Embassy denied visa for UN HQ. So most of Organization from Developing Countries such as Pakistan do not Participate in Consultation Process and Do not Represent their Thoughts These Regional Group will Actively Participate through their Combine Reports, Activities and will Contribute in UN Policy Making Process. Their impact is felt worldwide as norm promoters, advocacy networks, and situation monitors.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

• Reduced Numbers of Questions for the group which decides which organizations get official UN status.

• The UN will offers guidance in Local languages

• The UN Will Set time limit on how long it takes for applications to be processed by the committee.

• The UN will Ensure Visa For Organization Representative in regular session of the Committee. • The UN will Provide Specifics Formats or Form for Application and also Provide check list for Organizations as they Easily Provide all Related Documents or Requirements.

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• Increased the members of Committee on NGOs

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

• New forms of NGO participation have changed the nature of international environmental policymaking.

• UNO Giving more space the NGOs from Developing Countries because these, NGOs contributing major role at ground level.

• Giving maximum chance to Developing Countries in UNO Conferences and Meeting because These NGOs provide ground realties to UNO and UNO make their Policies under the experience of these NGOs.

• Local NGOs will also widely accepted by governments.

• Increasing the role of the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs at the same time as reform its actions.

• Review the eligibility of NGOs, Giving more space to Regional Organizations Because They are working at grass root Level they very well known ground conditions

• As UNO Establishing Quotes as Region Wise as ensure balanced Participation as UN work be increased

• An UNO can set up an advisory group that includes experts from NGOs at Regional Level

• UNO will give ensures on the behalf of Government, NGOs an opportunity to participate in ongoing policy development, NGOs will act as UNO observed of Government Policies and Human Rights Issues in Countries. Through these Reports UNO will Review their Policies

• A more formalized structure for NGO participation would be useful in addressing some of the current obstacles to civil society involvement in global governance. The wariness that governments and others have of NGO involvement might be reduced if baseline standards defined the rights and responsibilities of governmental and non-governmental entities in a clear and consistent manner.

• Wider use of the ‘commission’ model for long-term, substantive involvement of civil society in global policymaking processes; o UN will Developed of standards for civil society participation and engagement in international decision-making processes

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o Creation of a comprehensive database of information and analysis at different geographic o NGOs Involvement of a larger part of the public in issue spotting, assessment, and monitoring functions will Provide Ground Realities.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

• HAPE will Develop NGO network at National Level and Contrbuting take a part of UN Processes

• HAPE will set up an advisory group that includes experts from NGOs, civil Society, Journalists, Elected Representatives at National Level.

• HAPE will creat a comprehensive database of information and analysis at different geographic at National Level

• HAPE will Consulate with other NGOs Involvement of a larger part of the public in issue spotting, assessment, and monitoring functions will Provide Ground Realities. Once the Consultative Status granted to our Organization we will contribution Improving MDGs in Pakistan including o Four Schools are Providing free of cost formal and Technical Education in rural Areas and will establish more Schools in neglected and less economic zone o Skill Development center is Provide Information technology, Carpenter and General Electron Training to unemployed and uneducated Persons, also this type of centers will established in national level and produced skill persons in Paktistan o The Peace and Social Harmony Programme encourages civil society networks for the protection of basic rights irrespective of religious, near future this Program will extend in other area and increase opration area o To SMS4Education Program Support in transfer of information through SMS form for awareness of common people, this type of more 03 step will estblished in Thar area o Will Establishing ‘Gender Resource Centre (GRC)’ Main components of the Gender Resource & Learning Center ▪ Computer Center ▪ Vocational Center ▪ English Learning Center ▪ Legal Awareness ▪ Legal Aid ▪ Library ▪ Training Progarmmes /Seminars/Workshops Literacy Center Details will provide on contact o ’Safe Drinking Water’’

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▪ Project is intended to provide the safe driking water to the poor villagers of 05 villages of UC Thari through 30 Hand Pumps. In this project not only the safe drinking water would be Provided to the villagers but they would be given the health and hygienic education

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89. Human Rights Sanrakshan Sansthaa

The NGOs should have better access to the local UN offices so that the NGOs can further contribute in a better manner to the UN and ECOSOC and its subsidiaries. The subsidiaries bodies should also be in touch with the NGOs and cooperate while the NGOs try and better their assistance towards the UN.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The NGOs around the world should be made more aware of the ECOSOC and UN and its functions and roles. The NGOs should have access to the information on ECOSOC and they should be guided better on how to apply for it or to earn the Consultative Status preferably through the local UN offices.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

NGOs should be motivated and encouraged to send their representatives to attend the UN meetings and sessions. The workers should be given more exposure and experience with the direct working of UN. Also the UN and its subsidiaries should provide financial assistance in helping the volunteers travel to the UN headquarters and its sessions. This will help increase the participation.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The UN and its local offices should be more involved and hands on when it comes to helping the NGOs availing the opportunities given to them in the consultative status. The UN should organise training programmes, workshops on the same. and invite the volunteers to attend them. The NGOs should be assisted with financial help too. There should be dedicated helpline numbers that answer the queries on the same subject. More and more exposure to the NGOs and its volunteers would help them avail the opportunities presented before them.

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90. Humanitarian Foundation of Canada

• by delivering & implementing the MDGs of the UN

• to discuss with ECOSOC about policies that can be implemented by the UN

• to get multiples of 2 to 3 Ecosoc NGOs to meet together and decide on policies for UN and towards implementing MDGs

• to create a Hotline between NGOs and the UN and ECOSOC for instant communication as well as live conversations

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

• to make them understand and grasp the importance of sustainability of planning projects, implementing and monitoring projects as per MDGs

• to make sure and make the NGOs understand that ECOSOC Ns have nothing to do with religious and political propaganda

• to make them understand the depth of the UN bureaucracy and to come up with ways and means to soften that bureaucracy

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

• get them to know the details and heightened need for the implementation of the MDGs in their own countries.

• open up ECOSOC coordinating offices in each of the poor countries to coordinate those NGOs and their contributions to their own countries.

• get them to communicate with the UN ECOSOC in their own languages rather than English or french.

• make them feel and realise that they are an important of the solution for their own poverty.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

• there should be no impediments for their active participation with the UN or Ecosoc through language or culture or understanding

• Easy impromptu communication should be allowed between the UN and NGOs.

This is Provided by: HUMANITARIAN FOUNDATION OF CANADA emails: home.calgary.2016 @ gmail.com OR swati.fernando @ gmail.com

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91. Imam Ali’s Popular Students Relief Society

(a) NGOs as organizations who are actively involved in different processes which lead to solving a problem in a community, can provide ECOSOC with categorized reports on innovations and techniques they use to tackle each specific problem and on the advantages and drawbacks of each method they have tried. Usually it takes considerable amount of resources for an organization to come up with a method that works the best to solve a problem in a specific community and it would be more efficient if there is proper and well- ordered access to similar experiences in the world. NGO’s participation in special studies that is recommended by a commission or subsidiary body has already been defined as one of the ways that NGOs can contribute their expertise in support of issues relevant to the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies. However, we believe that subsidiary bodies can enhance these communications by defining a structure to collect and categorize these reports based on the issue/region. One way that can help categorizing these reports is by asking NGOs to submit written or oral statements on specific subjects and examples they are dealing with. These subjects can be different aspects of sustainable development which now has been ECOSOC focus for seminars and reports.

(b) Some NGOs can be chosen to have monitoring roles on UN policy making processes. This way they always have a representative to communicate better their needs, possible outcomes of UN decisions, obstacles and solutions which are necessary to be considered in policy making.

(c) If NGOs can better communicate with ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies, it would be possible to hold certain programs at the same time all over the world. NGOs can help with localizing general events based on the needs and condition of the community they are working with. In the beginning stage, these events can be about informing the people in developing societies on issues related to sustainable development goals. Through these worldwide programs, with the help of NGOs, in addition to informing the societies, some feedbacks and statistics can be collected from people in each country that helps UN hear people’s voice from different parts of the world and collect valuable information for more efficient policy making.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

According to our experience of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC, we had financial problems attending the session which can be addressed by making this process online or considering funding for attendees. Also there were no place for holding children,

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and since we have come with our child one of us had to attend the session while the other one should stay out and take care of the child.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Over the years, participation of NGOs in the UN has been increased but for some reasons, we may see less participation from developing countries.

a) In order for NGOs to advance their own agendas, they need access to certain audiences, such as state delegates, who NGOs can impact to further their goals. UN cannot establish a good relationship between NGOs and government because in developing countries governments hardly trust to an external organization such as the UN. If access to these important people is limited, an influencing policy may become more challenging.

b) Another barrier to participation for NGOs all over the world is the complicated accreditation process for getting consultative status. NGOs must submit a large volume of supporting documentation such as financial statements, annual reports, registration certificates or tax identification numbers, and any additional documentation validating the existence of the NGO. Some of this documentation could be difficult to attain in developing countries, particularly if the NGO is suppressed by the government.

c) Developing countries and countries with economies in transition face a series of tough challenges in their countries. Unemployment is one of the largest problems facing countries. Also, people from these countries suffers from lack of adequate skilled or semi-skilled personnel to provide in its industries. We will have more graduates in the next few decades and the industry will not be able to create enough jobs to employ those graduates. Another problem is ecological and environmental issues. In particular, continuous access to drinking water is a huge challenge. Lack of adequate drinking water may cause a war in the world. Also, public health and education are of utmost importance, not only for the welfare of the people but also to restrict the population growth rate which is one of the highest in the world. So, if the UN wants to see more participation of NGOs, it must have more practical and feasible plans to collaborate with NGOs to resolve the problems.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

a) The consultative status should provide NGOs with good collaboration opportunities not only with ECOSOC but also with all other subsidiary bodies. To facilitate this collaborations, it would be helpful if UN starts communicating with NGOs and inform them of the possible ways they can communicate and collaborate with ECOSOC and subsidiary bodies, more than the general description which exists in the website. Some webinars can be held online or some newsletters can be sent to NGOs to announce detailed information on this subject.

187 b) In developing countries financial problems become a barrier for NGOs to participate in important events and take part in UN processes. Making most of these processes online or considering funding for important events can result in more contribution. Also it would be beneficial to provide NGOs with translators if they needed, when writing a statement or holding an event to make sure they can communicate well and language is not a barrier for accessing valuable information.

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92. Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Loreto Generalate

We appreciate the efforts being made to include civil society and applaud the steps taken. Some of the points I am going to make are already happening but I am not sure if they are part of ECOSOC strategies of if they are informal.

NGOs are adding value to the discourse as we come from a different perspective. As most of us work at grass-root level, we can bring the kind of information that may be difficult for governments to access.

It is important that NGOs be brought early into the processes and have the opportunity to reflect and give input for an early stage so that the discourse is as rich and diverse as possible. Transparent information at all stages implies greater responsibility on the part of every stakeholder.

NGOs can further contribute to the work of ECOSOC by responding to its information. This can be achieved by regular in-person meetings with relevant UN staff affiliated with ECOSOC. An effective modality would be frequent small group meetings in which NGOs have direct dialogue with UN staff regarding specific issues, upcoming meetings, etc.

NGOs could help facilitate major UN meetings such as the Commission on Social Development, Commission on the Status of Women, High Level Political Forum, such that NGO representatives could sit on or moderate panel discussions with Member States and UN officials during the official proceedings rather than be relegated to a specific stakeholder portion of the meeting.

The UN could host regular NGO-led symposia in which NGO representatives meet in small groups with selected Member State representatives and UN representatives to discuss particular issues, on a rotational basis. These symposia could occur as an additional day or two during regular Commission meetings, etc. or as separate events.

NGOs should avoid competition and create and/or strengthen partnerships and collaborations (e.g. through cluster models). Working as a networked community is going to ensure higher returns and greater impact

NGOs should create a broad-based and people-centered approach to policy formulation. For many years what happens in New York/Geneva remains way high up from the constituencies that NGOs serve. There is need to devise ways to bridge this gap and ensure that voices from below form part of the policy processes

NGOs should work to regain credibility as well as confidence and support of respective

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governments and find modalities to have good working relations with governments. Creation of policies that allow NGOs to collaborate with governments is vital.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

I did the process for my organization and found it quite intimidating. It is four years ago and perhaps you have changed the process in the meantime. Apart from the written information about the application, I did not find it easy to communicate with any person from ECOSOC. I depended mainly on other NGOs, which is a good thing in itself, but it creates a distance between the NGO representatives and the UN system.

It would be helpful to have a video or a number of videos dedicated to different aspects of the application. Webinars for people who are interested would also help and perhaps an online meeting for people who are really having difficulties.

At one point in the application I was asked some questions. I found this quite difficult as I could not speak with anybody and I was not sure about the exact information needed. I communicated online, which was not very satisfactory, because we seemed to misunderstand each other.

Because of this kind of experience, it might be helpful to give some kind of information on the kinds of questions NGOs are usually asked. If there is some kind of pattern, it would be very supportive to offer some kind of information, if possible

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Develop the potential of the Regional Offices to include NGOs with ECOSOC status in the regional meetings prior to Commissions and HLPF. The Commission on the Status of Women seems to be the most active> However it would be helpful to other Commissions and the High Level Political Forum to provide easy access and participation for NGOs with ECOSOC status. It would encourage higher level pf participation of NGOs from Developing countries and allow ECOSOC gain on the- ground perspective of the issues.

Members of our organization from developing countries suggest that we should embrace alternative sources of income away from the traditional over-reliance on donor funding. Others, from economically thriving countries suggest that a fund could be created by the UN that would provide travel and accommodation costs for NGOs from developing countries to attend meeting in person. The fund could be supported by Member States, private foundations, the private sector, and civil society in order to maximize possible funds and to demonstrate mutual support and commitment to the consultation process.

From the NGO perspective, the creation of networks such as being part of the Civil Society

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Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) and the creation of country compact teams are essential in moving forward.

NGOs need Investment in institutional capacity enhancement. They must embrace the use of technological innovations in their work, engage in bottom-up planning, programming and action and mainstream cross-cutting issues such as gender and conflict sensitivity

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

It would be very helpful to have Briefings on this. It would make it a lot easier for us and would probable enable us to contribute more effectively to the UN processes. It takes many new NGO Representatives a long time to get to know how to become involved and contribute. Just as there is training for new diplomats, it would probable benefit the UN to have training for NGO Representatives as well so that all can learn to engage and collaborate as efficiently as possible.

Use online technology for input into processes as much as possible. This allows participation with on-the ground information from NGO that are probable working with those most likely to be left behind.

NGOs need to develop efficient lobbying and advocacy strategies and tactics. We should establish clear and sustainable agendas, strategies and networks for change.

NGOs need to establish strong and reliable communication and feedback mechanisms and systems that allow inclusivity of all sectors of the target groups

They also need to boost visibility e.g. through open learning and documentation of lessons

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93. Inter-Action Globale (I.A.G.)

Les ONG évoluent sur le terrain, donc elles sont en contact direct avec les populations a la base, il est donc nécessaire de mettre en place des moyens de communication pour une synergie d’actions entre le gouvernement et les ONG qui seront relayer aux instances suprêmes (l’ ECOSOC et ses organes subsidiaires). L’implication totale des ONG dans les politiques étatiques permettra d’avoir des informations fiables au niveau national et international. Les représentants d’ONG accréditées devraient participer aux différentes rencontres nationales et internationales auprès des delegations Étatiques ce qui leur permettra d’intervenir et contribuer a l ‘élaboration des politiques des Nations Unies. Les ONG de par leur plaidoyer lobbying (sensibilisation, information) auprès des décideurs en faveur des changements de politique de développement seront mieux connues et efficaces. Les contributions des ONG au cours des rencontres nationales et internationale sont très importantes.. Les ONG sont les porte paroles des populations a la base. Elles contribuent au processus de développement des Nations Unies en leur procurant des donnes fiables et vérifiables condition sine qua non pour atteindre les objectifs du millénaire.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Les ONG doivent être accompagnées en les associant aux différentes activités nationales pour un renforcement de capacité:. Elles doivent être associées aux activités gouvernementales et avoir les informations a temps réel sur les politiques de développement (c’est a dire les différentes activités a mener au niveau local). Les ONG en cours de processus d’obtention d’accréditation doivent être assistées et encouragées par les ONG déjà accréditées dans leurs pays respectifs.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Pour accroître la participation des ONG des pays en voie de développement aux travaux de l’ONU, les Nations Unies peuvent demander aux différents gouvernements d’associer les ONG accréditées aux rencontres internationales. Certes les ONG font le déplacement pour certaines activités de UN, mais pour multiplier les rencontres, l’Etat doit aussi doit s’investir en leurs faveurs avec le concours de l’ONU. Ceci permettra d’être au même niveau d’information (la société civile et l’Etat) pour pouvoir relayer a la base.

Et au cours de ces rencontres, les ONG selon les domaines d’intervention pourront édifier l’assistance en collaboration avec le gouvernement et faire des propositions.... Ainsi il peut

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y avoir un réseautage des ONG des différents pays dont les problèmes sont identiques pour aboutir a un partenariat et avoir des solutions idoines.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Une fois le statut consultatif accorde aux ONG, elles doivent d’abord consulter a tout moment le système pour avoir toutes les informations nécessaires. Elles doivent participer aux activités des NATIONS UNIES, surtout les" activités phare " ou toutes les questions d’ordre d’actualités sont posées. Par exemple depuis l’obtention de notre accréditation auprès des Nations Unies, nous assistons chaque année aux sessions de la commission des Nations Unies sur le statut de la femme avec nos partenaires. Les ONG ont l’opportunité de rencontrer d’autres ONG et au cours des Echanges, les ONG renforcent leurs capacités et cela permettra toujours d’atteindre les objectifs du millénaire.. Les ONG ont aussi l’opportunité de préparer des sides events pour leurs émergences. Les rencontres nous permettent d’évaluer ce que les ONG ont réalisé et ce qui reste a faire. Le partage d’expériences avec les autres ONG permet une meilleure performance..

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94. International Academy of Environmental Sanitation and Public Health

International Academy of Environmental Sanitation and Public Health (IAESPH) a non- profit, non-government organisation (NGO) promoting sustainable sanitation to millions of low income dwellers and vulnerable, alleviating water resources through conservation and waste water treatment and providing solution for developing appropriate environmental sanitation among developing nations are the highest priorities. The IAESPH approach to sanitation made a major impact in India and developing countries by adding new dimensions to the promotion of sanitation which restored human dignity, better quality of life, better health & environment. Most of the objectives of IAESPH are similar adopted by UN Agenda 2030. IAESPH is engaged in the development of new and sustainable technologies, their implementation, demonstration and dissemination of information to bring socio-economic reforms, training consultancy and studies in the field of environment, water supply, sewerage storm water drainage, cost effective on-site sanitation, cost- effective waste water treatment & solid waste management. These activities are being extended to developing countries. Gender inequality, global health threats, unemployment particularly youth, climate change are the challenges to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Technology development in water, sanitation and waste management by IAESPH has solved the problem of health threats, gender equality unemployment to some extent and these technologies have created employment and protected the environment.

IAEPSH work is being recognized by UN subsidiary organizations. This required a concerted effort and actions to develop and efficient sanitation systems for household and community use and integrate sanitation with water resources management strategies with a paradigms shift from water supply and sewerage to water supply and sanitation by exploring alternative indigenous mechanisms and bring in social transformation. The IAESPH in association with UNICEF and WHO has worked in various parts of India by providing capacity building and training to the grass-root level workers to support the scaling up of clean India programme for environmental protection to support state governments and government of India.

IAESPH organized International training programmes on Sanitation Technologies in collaboration with UN HABITAT and delegates from 14 African Countries participated. The NGO Forum for Drinking Water supply and Sanitation, Dhaka, Bangladesh had requested IAESPH to organize 5 days training programme on Low Cost Sanitation Technologies. Water and sanitation are at the very core of sustainable development. Safe drinking water and adequate sanitation and hygiene are pillars of human health and well being in addition to domestic purposes, water is needed for food, energy and industrial production.

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IAESPH as consultant, rendered services to World Bank in collection of information on the states of rural water supply and sanitation sector in seven states in India. At the request of the Royal Government of Bhutan, the organization prepared detailed project reports for construction, operation & maintenance of community toilets facilities on Pay & Use system at Thimpu (Bhutan). Similar project for Kathmandu (Nepal) was also prepared. The experts of the Academy visited South Africa, Sri lanka and Ethiopia to advise their government to improve the environment by IAESPH extended full cooperation and helping ECOSOC to implement SDGs in developing countries.

Having vast experience of more than 25 years, IAESPH, being NGO is promoting policy advocacy for environmental protection, good governance and eradicating poverty at National and International level. NGO will work together with ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies to promote UN Agenda-2030 and also participate actively in UN policy making process.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

IAESPH is dedicated organization to promote poverty alleviation, environmental sanitation, water, children rights and education for all.

IAESPH to be among the world leading knowledge centre and facilitating NGOs for the promotion of appropriate, affordable eco friendly and culturally acceptable sanitation development free from environmental pollution, gender equality, human rights and bring social transformation in achieving the sanitation target set for the sustainable developing goal among the development countries. The organization finds its vision in total alignment to United Nation’s Agenda for sustainable development.

Furthermore, our strong thrust is on sustainable Development to ensure quality life of our next generation in the process of Nation building.

In our view NGOs should be supported by ECOSOC technically and financially to extend work in developing countries. IAESPH is aimed at further promoting the objectives and functions performing at much larger mandate of performing as an international centre of holistic learning and education on all issues relating to environmental sanitation. The objective is to treat sanitation as a major field of education and disseminate knowledge and skills to all walks of life at national, regional and global levels through capacity building and training, consultancy, research & development. The ECOSOC should support Best practices of NGO to developing and other countries.

The ECOSOC should support and strengthen the NGOs of developing countries by policy advocacy and implementation for revitalize the global partnership development programmes and also sustainable development goals in developing countries.

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Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

International Academy of Environmental Sanitation and Public Health (IAESPH) has a defined mission to contribute for sustainable water and sanitation development through knowledge sharing, technology transfer and social transformation in enhancing the quality of life of billions of the poor and the vulnerable population in the developing world and working in implementing various programme on water, sanitation education, livelihood promotion, human rights and gender equality.

Cutting across sectors and regions, water is instrumental in the implementation of integrated development solutions, however, its highly interlinked nature also makes the water sector fragmented calling for a greater level of coordination, integrated water resource management is essential to harness synergies as well as to manage potential trade- offs, to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), Nairobi recognized IAESPH for the capacity development of the professional from African countries of Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, Cameroon and Burkina Faso, Kenya, Tanzania, Cote d’Ivorie, Mali, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal & Zambia apart of achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), set for the sustainable development in water, sanitation, health and hygiene education. This programme is a step towards strengthening and promoting south-south cooperation for sharing experience and exchanging ideas on appropriate technologies. This way NGOs from developing countries are enhancing economics in transition in UN’s work.

Though the benefits of environmental protection, such as clean water, air, improved sanitation facilities should be available to all, in reality a disproportionate burden of protecting the environment is borne by the poor and weaker sections of the society. The United Nations declared 1980-90 sanitation decade, during which the international community set an ambition target. However, progress over the decade could not keep up with population growth. The Goal 6 of Sustainable Development Goal mention Ensure availability and sustainable of water and sanitation for all of UN Agenda 2030. The IAESPH is working for sustainable development, including sustainable and inclusive economic growth, social development environmental protection and the eradication of poverty and hunger.

In addition to domestic purposes, water is needed for food energy and industrial production, uses that are highly interconnected and potentially conflicting. These various uses generate waste water that may cause pollution if not properly managed. Water is also needed to ensure healthy ecosystem, which in turn can improve the quality and quantity of freshwater, as well as overall resilience to human and environmentally induce change.

The organization is working in Arsenic prone areas of West Bengal and providing drinking water to poor people suffering from Arsenic. The NGOs are working at grass root level for

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unreached and marginalized for implementing various developmental programmes. NGO’s work should be recognized by UN and given a change to replicate in developing countries.

The climate system is linked to the environment and the socio-economic system through water and climate change are after reflected in shifts in water availability severing water scarcity in same regions, and flooding in other. Consequently, water is a key factor in managing risk related to famine, epidemics, migration, inequalities, political stability and natural disasters.

NGO participation from developing countries will definitely enhance the economics of UN work and will also help in achieving Agenda 2030. The organisation believe that clean water and proper sanitation is the foundation of life and personal health and hygiene is the key to happy living.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

International Academy of Environmental Sanitation & Public Health is an non-profit non- governmental (NGO) dedicated organisation to promote PEACE to the developing world by enriching:

• Poverty Alleviation; • Environmental Sanitation; • Awareness; • Children Rights; and • Education for All.

The organisation is aimed to promote the objectives most of them are similar to UN Agenda 2030, and it’s an international centre of holistic learning and education on all issue relating to environmental sanitation, gender equality, livelihood promotion. The objective is to treat sanitation on a major field of education and disseminate knowledge and skills to all walks of life at national, regional and global levels though capacity building and training, research and development, actional sociology and gender mainstreaming in both urban and rural areas. The outcome of IAESPH research and designing capabilities are tested and validate on ground realities and population for the community use through capacity building and training for sustainable development.

At the request of UN-HABITAT the IAESPH prepared & published the publications on Social marketing of Sanitation and Sanitation & Energy to serve on the link between the UN-HABITAT & the agencies engaged in promoting socially and environmental sustainable towns & cities around the world. Though IAESPH is working in global partnership but if granted consultative status by UN, the organisation will work more efficiently in global partnership with strong commitment to support implementation of goals and target, in collaboration with government, civil society, the private sector, the United Nations system to achieve Agenda 2030. If IAESPH given opportunity it will

197 provide focused and scaled-up assistance to least developed countries. The IAESPH will provide full support for the ongoing ECOSOC dialogue on long term positioning of the United Nations development system in the context of this Agenda 2030. The IAESPH will also transfer technology of Best practices to developing countries and share the experiences in policy making process of UN.

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95. International Association of Y's Men's Clubs

We have several International projects and one of them is called Roll Back Malaria under SDGs and working with IFRC for mosquito nets distribution. We therefore continue to work actively on this project and appeal our work not only with our own website but with ECOSOC media. Through this we can share the work with public for better understanding, also including UN policy makers to feel the fact, as volunteers/ citizens are trying at their end to challenge the SDGs goal even without government funding.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

We have obtained the consultative status in the past but now it might be an easier step to apply on line and monitor each organisation’s work through use of their website. More participation makes more consolidated and united effort for the challenges.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

It is essential to encourage participation from such countries, and it may help with a way of special allocation of seats through subsidies with application and reporting. It may take some time, but we cannot expect such participation without an effective process introduced.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

One of the best ways is to give NGOs the possibility to send our leaders and staff to UN/ECOSOC meetings or the UN General Assembly with available allocated seats or through a rotation system. If NGO is informed that such opportunity is available, it will encourage and inspire both leaders, members and people serving in the field.

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96. International Center for Ethno-Religious Mediation, Inc.

With the implementation of Indico, it seems there will be better ways for the UN and ECOSOC to engage with the NGOs, based on their special competence. We are excited about the possibilities of the new system, but we are still learning how to use it most effectively. Thus, training would be of great benefit to everyone involved.

It appears that NGOs will be able to store documents, correspondence, and other data regarding their competence, focus, and participation. Yet training will ensure the potential of these features is maximized. Similarly, information and training on effective consulting could increase effectiveness of NGO participation.

There seems to be ongoing improvement in these areas, which is much appreciated. We think we speak for all NGOs when we say that we are deeply committed to supporting the UN’s mission and the SDGs, but it can often be quite difficult for us to determine how to best access the subsidiary bodies and people who we could most benefit. We are fortunate that our President and CEO, Basil Ugorji, was a UN employee before founding ICERM.

Regardless, improvements can be made on our part by:

a) Establishing our own schedules for checking UN and event websites to identify participation opportunities. Our work is too important for us to wait for invitations, although they are welcome and helpful when they come. b) Aligning with other NGOs who share our goals. With more than 4,500, there are certainly others with whom we can collaborate. c) Planning statements in advance on topics likely to be discussed at annual events. When we have already articulated our alignment with the SDGs, the Global Compact, and the 2030 Agenda, it will be easier for us to modify them to fit with session themes.

The UN and ECOSOC could improve NGO contribution by:

d) Communicating session and event dates at least 30 days in advance. Because many of us must travel and arrange to be away from other commitments, more advanced notice is much appreciated. Likewise, our written and spoken statements will be more focused and thorough, if we are given more time to research and prepare them. e) Encouraging missions, embassies, and consulates to meet with NGOs. We want to support those who can share our values, who are pursuing similar visions, and who might benefit from our special competence. Sometimes, it’s best for us to do this in more intimate settings and throughout the year, not just at annual events.

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f) Offering more training and discussions, such as this one. Please tell us what you want, need, and expect. We are here to serve. If we can’t provide the services or solutions requested, we might have resources we can refer you to. Let us be your partners, connectors, and resources.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Although we much appreciate the very open process for many conferences and events, we are often excluded from those involving the special competence for which we were granted special consultative status. This leaves us to independently research ways to attempt access and to focus on sessions not directly related to our competence. The result is not effective for either of us, as statements are often out of context to gain attention for a cause, but likely among people without the authority to act on anything. It would be most effective to align the NGOs and their competence with ECOSOC’s needs, ensuring those most interested and experienced work together on specific goals. For example, ICERM would be included in peacemaking discussions and could be called on when impasse or high conflict is expected during sessions.

We are watching the new efforts with great interest and currently have no suggestions in this area. Thank you for offering additional training and opportunities such as these.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Again, through technology, there appears to be tremendous potential to connect NGOs across the globe with each other and the UN. Encouraging and facilitating collaboration could increase participation of NGOs from developing countries and set a powerful example of how we can all work better together at all levels.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

We would like to see timely and more frequent communication about various events and opportunities, especially in our areas of focus and competence. We assume Indico will have the ability to push notifications to NGOs, but we are not yet getting relevant content when we need it. So, we are not always participating at our highest levels. If we could select focus areas within Indico and register for select notifications, we could plan our involvement better. This is especially important for NGOs, such as ICERM, that is staffed primarily with volunteers who have full-time employment or businesses to manage outside of their UN work or with NGOs that largely operate outside of New York City.

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97. International Centre for Environmental Education and Community Development

• Non profit Organisations (NGOs) should share activity reports (Annual reports and Newsletters) with ECOSOC and partners in relevant field of operation and domain of competence.

• Non profit Organisations (NGOs) should be advised to collaborate with local, national partners and stakeholders(Government, Universities, Research centers, Businesses and community based organizations in their various countries to legitimize and reflect their contributions in decision making.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Capacity building programme aim at awareness raising at the level of Non profit Organisations (NGOs) to better understand the importance and implication of joining ECOSOC to foster decision and policy formulation and recommendation locally, nationally and internationally rather than working on the perception on gaining recognition and credibility with the United Nations to attract funding.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

• Promoting information sharing and exchange through social media

• Establishing an Online platform for Non profit Organisations (NGOs) with guidelines and procedures to be accredited to ECOSOC.

• Design and production of print materials (flyers, brochures and booklets on the Procedures, Guidelines and Advantages to join ECOSOC and share among Government, the non accredited and accredited Non profit Organisations(NGOs)

• Develop video programmes on the steps and guidelines for Non profit Organisations (NGOs) to join ECOSOC to reach wide audience

• Organise Webinar and short online training courses on the procedures and guidelines with Non profit Organisations (NGOs) to join ECOSOC

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• Creating focal point at country/regional levels to provide training workshops/seminars to provide access to information to civil society organizations and partners at community and grassroots levels on ECOSOC accreditation Process.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Non profit Organisations (NGOs) should be advised to work in collaboration with experts and volunteers from local communities, Councils, Universities, Government and Businesses to collectively integrate the different skills and knowledge in the UN process for NGOs position to reflect local and national realities/context.

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98. International Centre for Women and Child

International Centre for Women and Child (ICWC) is a non-profit non-government organization (NGO), aims to provide the much-needed impetus to the holistic development of women and children by supporting various programme. Its an NGO with focus and emphasis on education, health, skill development, livelihood promotion, water conservation and safe drinking water, sanitation, political and legal empowerment and community development.

ICWC has, however, defined some core areas of intervention which are in UN agenda 2030- agenda for sustainable development. ICWC is a committed organization to determined to end poverty in all their forms and dimension and to ensure that all human beings live with dignity and equality in a healthy environment. ICWC is guided by a mission which aims to provide a better world for the women and children in accordance to the spirit of UN sustainable development goals Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. Accordingly, the organizational goal orientation is based on eradicating poverty and hunger through the empowerment of women and the improvement of their health particularly in relation pre and postnatal period. The UN goal relating to the control of HIV / AIDS, malaria and other diseases has also direct relevance to women and hence finds a high priority order in the areas of ICWC’s interest and initiatives.

ICWC also believes in democracy, policy advocacy, good governance and the rule of law as well as enabling environment at national and International levels, are essential for sustainable development, environmental protection and the eradicating poverty and hunger. ICWC will work together with ECOSOC and it’s subsidiary bodies to promote UN agenda- 2030. The organization will also share success stories of ground and will participate actively in UN policy-making process. ICWC has organized meetings on policy advocacy on women political empowerment and gender equity.

Furthermore, the children too can contribute their share to this mission as catalysts of change as perceived in the Better School Better living model, evolved and successfully implemented by ICWC. Subsequently, the organizations also aim at the promotion of global partnership for development for which a broad-based strategy of academic-oriented action programmes is being designed keeping in view the ultimate aim of its emergence on a truly international institution of repute.

The emergence of ICWC symbolizes model of organizational growth multi-dimensional development organization to specific community service oriented academic institution. In fact, its foundation stone was laid to spread Sulabh’s universal sanitation message to the rural and urban areas to evolve innovative models of participatory resources, training, and

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development for their nationwide replication. In past, ICWC has worked with ILO to promote decent work for all.

ICWC endeavors to contribute a significant share to the collective efforts of the world community to ensure every child to grow as a responsible stakeholder of the ongoing process of human and sustainable development.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

International Centre for Women and Child (ICWC) has a vision of achieving equality and justice with the unswerving attention to women sanitation and Gender Equity. The organization finds its vision in total alignment to United Nation’s Agenda for sustainable development. ICWC will put all constructive efforts for development of human rights and gender equity.

Furthermore, over strong thrust is on women development and child care with a view to ensure mainstreaming of our next generation in the process of Nation building. ICWC endeavors to contribute significant shares to the collective efforts of the world community to ensure an aura of dignity on the face of every woman, besides enabling every child to grow as a responsible stakeholder of the ongoing process of human development. ICWC believes in knowledge sharing and working with other organization of similar objectives. In fact, ICWC was perceived and planned to provide support to community- based organization NGO’s both of urban and rural areas, to participate in the mainstream of nation-building not only as the key architects of a developed nation but also as the major stakeholders of the globally acknowledged leader of economic prosperity and social equality. ICWC recognize the growing contribution of UN to NGO obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC to maintain the realization of development policy for promotion of peace and contribution to make empowerment of women and young people, individual & community as well as to health, education and social inclusion of objectives.

The ECOSOC should support and strengthen the NGO’s of developing countries by policy advocacy and implementation of developmental programmes. And also revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development goals in all countries, in particular developing countries.

In overall, the genesis of the organization was the result of an unshakable belief to add value to the world at large to make it a better place to live.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

International Centre for Women and Child (ICWC) is deeply concerned to ensure social justice and individual dignity of women who are after referred on the Weaker section of the society. The guiding principle of the organization is to empower the women population

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through the provision of equal opportunities to them for their multidimensional growth in terms of capabilities and capacities as the major partners of the process of nation-building.

NGO’s are working with unreached communities at ground level targeting goal and objectives such as livelihood promotion programmes to end hunger and poverty, water & sanitation, gender equity and mobilizing human resources and financial resources as well as capacity building and the transfer of environmentally sound technologies to developed countries to developing countries on favorable terms, including on concessional and preferential terms on mutually agreed. ICWC acknowledge the role of the diverse private sector ranging from micro-enterprises to cooperatives to multinationals, and that of civil society organizations and philanthropic organization in the implementation of the new agenda-2030.

ICWC believes that gender equality of the empowerment of women and girls are integrated dimension of sustainable development of the economic, social and environmental. The NGO’s participation from developing countries will enhance UN work to end poverty and hunger; to combat inequalities within and among countries to build peaceful, and to protect human rights and also to ensure the protection of natural resources.

The community development programme such as capacity building, skill development, political empowerment etc organized by NGO at grass root level for the marginalized population will show the impact on economic growth and poverty reduction and contributes to the promotion of sustainable development.

ICWCs is organizing various human development programmes for sustainable development and also recognizing the dignity of the human and we also want to achieve the goals and targets to meet for developing countries to endeavor the unreached community of the planet.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

International Centre for Women and Child (ICWC) is a non-profit non-government organization (NGO) mainly managed by women and works to promote education, encourage healthy lifestyles, stress civic involvement, preserve natural resources and work towards peace and understanding. Moreover, it strives to help deprived and marginalized women & children in need with full respect, love and commitment with the aim to charity and also to empower them for better livelihood.

ICWC (NGO) is making sustained efforts for all-round development of women and children who are the worst and most silent suffers in the societal hierarchy of India. If ICWC granted consultative status by UN, the organization will work in global partnership with a strong commitment to supporting the implementation of goals and target, in collaboration with government, civil society, the private sector, the United Nations system to achieve road to 2030.

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ICWC believes in implementing programmes to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). Our organization is already working on SDG’s. Most of the goals are ICWC’s objectives. To end poverty we are providing capacity building programmes for livelihood promotion.

Through dissemination of knowledge, the organization has targeted better nutrition and better health for children, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women.

The organization is providing inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels from childhood to vocational training to adolescent girls and women in distress.

ICWC provide focused and scaled-up assistance to least developed countries & other countries in a special situation in line with relevant support programmes. ICWC will adopt policies which increase productive capacities, productivity, and productive employment.

The organization’s commitment is further strengthened by the observation of the existing plight of most of the women in India which continue to be quite miserable. Similarly, its dedication remains steadfast as strong as over, given that majority of children of developing countries are brought up in most deplorable conditions and the person of their blossoming on the hopes of the future is nipped into bud.

Our organization express full our support for the ongoing ECOSOC dialogue on the longer- term positioning of the United Nations development system in the context of this Agenda -2030.

Essentially, ICWC’s ethos’s provided achievement motivation to remove such inequalities from our society and thereby to build a strong world through the fruitful participation of all sections of the women and children at the global level.

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99. International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment

• NGOs taking part in discussions pertaining to the areas of expertise of the NGOs • NGOs offering case studies that link to their areas of expertise • Developing concept papers pertaining to specific topics • Endorsement by ECOSOC of key initiatives of the NGOs which aim to improve services or programs that promote implementation of SDG4 and education targets, and the Education 2030 Agenda • Exchanging publications of each other’s organisation • ECOSOC participating in the key conferences of the NGOs to reiterate support to the NGO initiatives

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

• Gather relevant information on the expertise of the NGOs • Ascertaining the relative strength of networks of the NGOs by seeking written reports and testimonials

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

• Supporting the participation of key NGOs from the developing countries in the meetings of ECOSOC • Engaging the NGOs in research work pertaining to developing countries • Starting ECOSOC related flagship initiatives in developing countries and countries with economies in transition • Identifying leaders and change agents in key NGOs in developing countries who have the capacity to demonstrate/replicate innovative initiatives in other developing countries • Linking NGOs together that are working in similar areas. Often NGOs in developing countries and countries with economies in transition are unaware of other NGOs that have similar goals and activities. This lack of awareness may be due to underdeveloped communication systems within developing countries.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

• ECOSOC dissemination of information on seminars and events with NGOs to facilitate their participation • Linking the NGOs with the respective Government officials for promoting collaborative work • Encouraging NGOs to contribute in the key committees of ECOSOC • Inviting NGOs to share their good practices through the publications of the ECOSOC

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100. International Council of Management Consulting Institutes, Inc.

1. Professional international bodies with NGO status representing professions from different countries around the globe, and contributing to enhancement of economies, with connections to national governments, can provide consultations on policy writing and processes and support in being an advocacy arm when needed to enhance same level awareness of policies and their implementation in countries of operations, as well as feedback and proposed corrective actions after implementation.

2. Enabling communication either via face to face meetings or virtual meetings among NGOs with similar core businesses, institutions and targets, in order to have their collective input that would be properly aligned and therefore deliver stronger agreed upon collaborative messages.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

1. Set a standard code of conduct for the NGOs after gaining the status, and how they should act as NGOs with ECOSOC.

2. Provide an induction package for the NGOs in consultative status, to be able to better promote the relationship. In our specific case, we have members from 50 countries, and we need for them to assist us in promoting the status by establishing a common understanding among them, especially with regards to the cascading of the consultative role at the level of national institutes. This will support all our network in advocacy with governments, businesses, and other like NGOs.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

As ICMCI (full name), we have among our membership base many countries that are from developing or in transition economies. Being the voice of the management consulting profession, if we are provided with a better opportunity to respond to your inquiries after collectively getting feedback from our membership base, we can enhance our role in delivering their specific voice to you.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Faster and more proactive information sharing in order to allow us to meet deadlines instead of short-notice calls that are wasted due to time limitations. As per above this will also enable us to get feedback from all our membership base to all needed input which provides more accurate and reliable information to contribute to the processes.

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101. International Development Information Organization-DevNet

Apart from participating in conferences and events, NGOs can also strengthen projects cooperation with Economic and Social Council and its subsidiary bodies on their focused areas such as economic and social development, education, environmental protection and so on. The cooperation can help improve the efficiency and execution in the process of implementation. Besides, NGOs shall enhance cooperation with each other and establish multi-partnership to make more contributions to the ECOSOC. Now, International Development Information Organization-DevNet initiates to establish a Global NGOs Headquarter Plaza together with NGOs from all over the world to provide places and big platform for all the civil societies, thus forming an administrative area, convention center, business center, innovative industry center.

In the policy-making processes, we think NGOs can participate more in these processes. Also, other modalities such as hearings, questionnaire surveys and professional reports on different issues from respective NGOs shall be applied.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

In our organization’s view, we can share our experiences with NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC through online platform.

Also, we can provide them with opportunities of participating in the United Nations events, which can help them have a better understanding with United Nations system and work.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

As a NGO based in developing countries, we think more efforts shall be paid to encourage NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition to apply consultative status with ECOSOC. Also, the UN team shall provide professional online training about the application for them.

Besides, UN can organize more events on topics which can arouse attentions from NGOs, such as social and economic development, experience sharing events about economic transition. And, UN agencies can also develop cooperative projects with NGOs.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGOs can establish a close relationship with UN processes, such as conference participation, written statement, oral statement. And if possible, NGOs can establish representative office around UN Headquarters for better communication. Also, NGOs shall employ their opportunities to develop more cooperation with UN system.

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102. International Federation of ACAT (Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture)

By their presence in the field, NGOs can provide an objective insight of the situation on the ground. Their contribution is essential to show what, in practice, works or not, in particular by sharing testimonies, statistics, examples, best practices etc. This can be done through various means but especially through:

• Consultation: Opening consultation to civil society to allow them to submit written contribution is a great way to make NGOs contribute to the UN policy-making. However, often the word limit makes it difficult to get into technical details which are necessary for the development of such policies. Also, this consultation should be broadly shared and sufficiently in advance. A good example would be what is done with the UN Human Rights Civil Society Weekly Newsletter which summarizes in one place all consultations and events open to civil society within the OHCHR.

• Advocacy: bilateral dialogue is essential in the policy-making process. In order to facilitate NGOs advocacy and make it more efficient, giving NGOs access to the same conference rooms as Member States is essential.

• Conferences and seminars: a larger space should be left for civil society organisations to take the floor and share their experience.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

• The process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC should be reviewed to ensure that political considerations are not being taken into account by the NGO Committee.

• The number of questions asked by each member state to applying organisations should be limited and a time limit for the consideration of each application by the NGO Committee should be set out to avoid lengthy process and the deterrent effect it might have on applying organisations.

• The Webinar on Applying for Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council was a very good initiative but maybe not advertised enough especially to NGOs in the process of applying or considering to do so.

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Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

• The agenda of the various events held at the UN should be known more in advance and less subject to last minute change. In fact, coming to participate in such events can represent a very important cost for NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition. Thus, those NGOs are often forced to limit their stay to the minimum to minimalize the cost of such trip. When changes of programs occur at the last minute, it can be problematic for organisations coming for a specific meeting that is being postponed to a date after their departure.

• The new Indico event registration system is not always the most efficient way to register for an event. Some NGOs in developing countries and countries with economies in transition might have very limited access to the internet and thus it might be very complicated for each individual to create its own account and follow the procedure him/herself. Alternatives to such system should be elaborated. For example, it could be considered for federations or coalitions to be allowed to carry out such registration for representatives of their member organisations.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

• More communication should be made on the opportunities that NGOs granted with consultative status have to take part in UN processes. The Working with the United Nations Human Rights Programme: A Handbook for Civil Society is a great example of what can be done as it synthesises the opportunities that NGOs have to interact with UN human rights bodies.

• The UN should develop more alternatives to participate in events than through physical presence in the room.

• UN offices/teams in the field should further make the link between civil society organisation and UN headquarters.

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103. International Movement for Advancement of Education Culture Social and Economic Development

The accredited NGO is a platform which contributes plenty of performance towards ECOSOC and its Subsidiary bodies and ultimately the benefit goes to the mother body. The trend of the present arena in this 21st century, United Nations has given a pivotal position to involve various stakeholder includes NGO and invites states and other to contribute to the 2030 Agenda. In general under resolution 1996/31 which specifies various activities to the accredited NGO’s . But beside the activities performed in normal courses like valuable and expert advice, attend international conferences and events, opportunity of expressing the views orally or written. Organize side events; enter United Nations premises, etc. Beside the normal business/activities the NGO stands as a pillar between the UN and the other and act as an indicator.

ECOSOC remains the principal UN body like other five UN bodies but its framework for NGO. Participation is the most vital policy making body recognizes the importance of NGO to achieve 2030 Agenda successfully.

NGO with ECOSOC having good standing with regional commission have different modalities for NGO participate in a number of events, including regular sessions of ECOSOC.

United Nations entities are identifying new modalities to promote increased and more strategic participation of NGOs. The necessity of strengthening UN/NGOs relationships has been underlined in various documents. The commitment of Member States to provide greater opportunity to NGOs was reaffirmed in the 2005 World Summit. The ECOSOC has been the main entry point into the UN system for NGOs. ECOSOC remains the only main UN body with a formal framework for NGO participation.

United Nations entities are identifying new modalities to promote increased and more strategic participation of NGOs. The necessity of strengthening UN/NGOs relationships has been underlined in various documents. The commitment of Member States to provide greater opportunity to NGOs was reaffirmed in the 2005 World Summit The ECOSOC has been the main entry point into the UN system for NGOs. ECOSOC remains the only main UN body with a formal framework for NGO participation

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Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The Committee on NGOs, is holding consultations with organizations in consultative status to discuss questions of interest to the Committee or to the organizations relating to the relationship between the NGOs and the United Nations in line with paragraph 61 (a) of ECOSOC resolution 1996/31.

During the process of consultation the two new mechanism to be implemented by the expert NGO committee members to the new entrants to ECOSOC with written submissions and an interactive hearing to be held at New York.

As part of the consultation process all NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC are invited to submit their contributions and views to the following questions ahead of the hearing.

The UN has been working to strengthen cooperation with NGOs across the entire United Nations system and in all areas of its work. As a result,.. In 1946, 41 NGOs were granted consulta-tive status by the council; by 1992 more than 700 NGOs had attained consultative status and the number has been steadily increasing ever since to more than 3,400 organizations today.

Help monitor and implement international or financial support of any kind to any organization agreements; with which it partners. However, social networking help raise public awareness of relevant issues. ECOSOC events allows organizations to expand. Play a major role in advancing United Nations goals contacts and knowledge base to explore possible part- and objectives; Penerships and joint ventures with various stakeholders.» Contribute with essential information at organization events. On the other hand, ECOSOC provides NGOs the opportunity to be heard by a truly global audience Help monitor and implement international or financial support of any kind to any organization agreements, with which it partners. However, social networking at» Help raise public awareness of relevant issues; ECOSOC events allows organizations to expand. Play a major role in advancing United Nations goals contacts and knowledge base to explore possible part- and objectives, Partnerships and joint ventures with various stakeholders. Contribute with essential information at organization events. On the other hand, ECOSOC provides NGOs the opportunity to be heard by a truly global audience.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

When ECOSOC is a prime powerful body to accredit the global NGO’s to UN and its different other subsidiary and specialized agencies, the participation of NGO for its decision making is vitally important. The developing and least developed countries always lacking behind the developed nations.

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One of the most significant role of ECOSOC is to strengthen the relationship between the United Nations and the NGO world with a view to achieve the higher standard of living, full employment, conditions of economic and social progress and development.

The mandates of the specialized agencies cover virtually all areas of economic and social endeavour. The agencies provide technical assistance and other forms of practical help to countries and other stakeholders including NGO around the world. In cooperation with the UN, they help formulate policies, set standards and guidelines, foster support and mobilize funds.

The UN has played a crucial role in building international consensus on action for development. and have consistently stressed the need for progress on all aspects of social and economic development and in such key areas as sustainable development, the advancement of women, human rights, environmental protection and good governance, etc. which requires participation of NGO

To increase the participation of developing countries in the global economy, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) promotes international trade. UNCTAD also works with the World Trade Organization (WTO), a separate entity, in assisting developing countries’ exports through the International Trade Centre.

The UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN’s largest provider of grants for sustainable human development worldwide, is actively involved in attaining the MDG and now SDG

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

An NGO with consultative status can provide expert analysis on issues directly from its experience in the field. Help monitor and implement international or financial support of any kind to any organization agreements. Social networking, raise public awareness of relevant issues; ECOSOC events allows organizations to expand and play a major role in advancing United Nations goals contacts and knowledge base to explore possible part- and objectives; Partnerships and joint ventures with various stakeholders. Contribute with essential information at organization events. Issue United Nations grounds pass to each NGO in consultative status with ECOSOC

AT the MDG aimed at eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; achieving universal primary education; promoting gender equality and empowering women, reducing child mortality; improving maternal health, combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; and ensuring environmental sustainability through a set of measurable targets to be achieved by the year 2015.

The UN system works in a variety of ways to promote economic and social goals. The mandates of the specialized agencies cover virtually all areas of economic and social endeavour. The agencies provide technical assistance and other forms of practical help to 218 countries around the world. In cooperation with the UN, they help formulate policies, set standards and guidelines, foster support and mobilize funds. The UN system works in a variety of ways to promote economic and social goals.

The mandates of the specialized agencies cover virtually all areas of economic and social endeavour. The agencies provide technical assistance and other forms of practical help to countries around the world. In cooperation with the UN, they help formulate policies, set standards and guidelines, foster support and mobilize funds

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104. International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development

• NGOs can provide knowledge and expertise on specific issues that can be used in the decision-making process in the UN.

• NGOs can facilitate and host national and/or international multi-stakeholders dialogues to advocate for issues addressed in the UN.

• NGOs can promote and mobilize civil society on issues that are being advocated by the UN through campaigns.

• NGOs can participate in the process of monitoring and evaluation of programs undertaken by ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

• UN shall provide and disseminate information regarding the process of obtaining consultative status as widely as possible.

• The UN should facilitate mechanisms and requirements for NGOs seeking consultative status at ECOSOC.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

ECOSOC should play a more active role to encourage and facilitate the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition. UN can aid the process in the following ways:

i. Expand the model of participation for NGOs in UN forums through online conferencing. ii. Create a funding mechanism to reduce their financial burden and facilitate their participation in UN forums. iii. Help to ease entry requirements into the United States for NGO representatives from developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

• NGOs can provide information to all members and networks about the latest events and development in the UN.

• NGOs have the opportunity to involve in the UN decision-making process and many international events.

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105. International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists

INWES can provide current information, data and issues at the international level with regards to Women in Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) ranging from barriers for girls to study STEM topics above the elementary school level, to access and funding challenges to attend college, prejudices that inhibit finding jobs in STEM fields in different countries, and advancement of women in STEM with regards to salary and leadership opportunities.

Would be helpful if NGOs were provided more advanced notice of the issues and deadlines for upcoming policy-making sessions so that well thought out input based on data and a position on a given topic can be assembled and reviewed internally prior to submittal.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

INWES was provided with very good support and clear answers to our questions as we went the initial process of obtaining consultative status.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Thankfully, most communication including announcements, sharing of documents and meetings throughout the year can be conducted via the internet. However, in many developing countries obtaining access to reliable internet is challenge, which in turn inhibits access to the UN websites and participation in conference calls. Therefore, providing or arranging for locations where NGOs might gain reliable internet access would be extremely helpful.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

INWES is still learning about how to find timely information about opportunities and determine which ones are appropriate for us to take part in based on our mission, objectives and activities related to Women in STEM. A webinar and/or explanatory document for new NGOs obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC would be very helpful, as well as for learning about opportunities for involvement with UN Women.

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106. International Presentation Association

NGOs possess up-to-date knowledge and are in communication with realities on the ground which positions them to translate the UN agenda into contextualized, actionable programs, as well as, to identify the ground realities that need policy interventions at the UN level.

Thus the following recommendations:

1. Engage the ECOSOC accredited NGOs at the UN with UN country agencies and national governments on common agendas, 2. Facilitate NGO participation in the UN process by expediting access to the negotiation processes as with the global compact on migration, 3. Provide regular briefings to the NGOs and facilitate interactive dialogue with the ECOSOC, 4. Member states and UN agencies participate in side events organized by the NGOs as they bring valuable information and best practices from their constituencies to the UN, 5. Member states sponsor collaborative events with NGOs, 6. Engage with the NGOs in developing relevant and effective policies that can affect change on the ground, 7. Listen to the experiences of NGOs who are working at the grassroots and make them equal partners in the UN processes. NGOs could be given opportunities to dialogue with the member states.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Create an accreditation process that has clear criteria and is simple, non-intimidating, and impartial.

Generate an atmosphere where NGOs are encouraged to express different views which could ultimately further better ideas.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

A major obstacle preventing NGO’s participation from developing countries and from countries with economies in transition is the USA’s visa application system. Applying for a visa is expensive, arbitrary, complicated and can be a lengthy process. This year IPA

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was denied visas for five of our representatives who are engaged at the grassroots level. We have incurred substantial financial loss, as well as loss of time which is a significant burden for grassroots NGOs.

Thus the following recommendations:

1. Establish a committee to develop a working plan to address this primary problem, 2. Develop a plan to work with the USA government to streamline visas for those who are attending UN events, 3. Publish the new system to all NGOs for participants who are invited to participate in UN events. 4. Provide financial support to small grassroots NGOs to bring grassroots people to the UN and e spaces for their voices to be heard.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

1. Limited access and shrinking space for the NGOs at the UN is a matter of concern. When an event is announced at 8.00 am it was practically impossible to get in to the UN early enough even for organizers and speakers.

2. Space is an issue for the NGOs to meet and strategize. Providing NGOs with designated meeting spaces within the UN premises is helpful.

3. NGOs with an annual UN passes having to collect additional passes to access conference rooms encumbers participation.

4. Current security protocols are a burden. Two specific areas that need to be addressed are 1) people required to stand outside in inclement weather, 2) NGOs with annual passes having to wait with the rest of the visitors to clear security checks.Annual passholders should have priority over other visitors to the UN.

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107. International Service for Human Rights

Choosing not to respond to this question.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The undersigned organisations consider the relationship between the UN and NGOs to be one that should evolve in the direction of safeguarding and encouraging the right of NGOs to participate in UN processes.

The Committee on NGOs plays a vital role in ensuring NGOs that work in line with the spirit, purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations? have access to UN spaces.

However, we are concerned by practices of the Committee that have inappropriately blocked the participation of some NGOs, in particularly human rights NGOs, through procedural tactics including perpetual and repetitive questioning of applicants. In addition, we are deeply concerned by the Committee having acted in direct contradiction of the procedural rights of NGOs explicitly or implicitly required under resolution 1996/31 providing them with an opportunity to respond (as required under paragraph 56) to initiatives to close applications or withdraw accreditation. In recent times, the Committee has indefensibly denied some applicants and ECOSOC - accredited organisations the opportunity to respond to and defend themselves against accusations of having ‘terrorist sympathies’. Indeed, certain actions of the Committee have been characterized by some States, UN officials and NGOs as constituting a form of reprisal against NGOs seeking to cooperate with the UN.

We encourage the Committee on NGOs to consider the following changes to ensure that NGO applications for ECOSOC accreditation and other matters are considered in an objective, fair and expeditious manner:

The Committee should provide guidelines explaining the grounds on which applications for accreditation are assessed. These would assist both Committee members in the questioning of applicants and applicants in understanding Committee processes. The process of developing such guidance or guidelines should be open to all interested stakeholders including representatives of civil society, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and relevant Special Procedures.

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Member States of the NGO Committee should ensure that NGOs always have the opportunity to respond to any objection to their obtaining consultative status, as explicitly required by resolution 1996/31, paragraph 15, and similarly to respond to any intention to suspend or withdraw status under part VII of the resolution, as explicitly required by paragraph 56.

The Committee should allow applicants the right to participate in the daily Q&A sessions via videoconferencing, thus providing the opportunity for immediate responses to members’ concerns and speeding up the process of accreditation.

The Committee should allow one or more NGO speakers to make a general statement to the Committee on NGOs at the start of every open session, as per the precedent set in June 2016.

In addition, Observer States should attend NGO Committee sessions and engage actively on behalf of NGO applicants, including in making statements on their behalf.

Access Now Amnesty International CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation Conectas Direitos Humanos Freedom Now Human Rights Council of Australia International Commission of Jurists International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) International Service for Human Rights People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Choosing not to respond to this question.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Choosing not to respond to this question.

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108. INT'L CENTRE FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT & CHILD DEV.

Presently ECOSOC consults and engages over 3,200 NGOs in dialogue on its policies programmes and activities. These NGOs in effect serve as sounding board to the ECOSOC and at the same time making recommendations on how to improve ECOSOC policies and programmes.

NGOs however can play greater role in the work of ECOSOC; NGOs can serve as platform for mobilization, awareness creation and advocacy for projects and programmes of ECOSOC.

NGOs can also be used to monitor the implementation of the projects. Inaddition NGOs cancarry out grass root research on economic, social and environmental matters related to the policies programme and activities of ECOSOC and make their findings available to ECOSOC and for its subsidiaries with a view to enhancing policy formulation and implementation of ECOSOC in the issues researched.

To play these new roles, it will perhaps be necessary that the present relationship between ECOSOC and NGOs should be strengthened, this will entail for instance that NGOs should mandatorily be made to participate in the execution and monitoring of programmes and projects of NGOs in their respective countries or areas of coverage.

In this regard it should be made mandatory tat NGOs should work with government in their countries of origin to implement programmes and activities of ECOSOC and its subsidiaries.

The most efficient modalities for NGOs to contribute to the UN policy making be recognized and be influential are as follows:

• Mobilization and Sensitization of communities on programmes and activities of ECOSOC and its subsidiaries • Advocacies to promote ECOSOC programmes and activities • Monitoring and evaluation of ECOSOC programmes and activities in their countries or areas of coverage. • Research to support ECOSOC in formulation and implementation of ECOSOC programmes and projects in their respective localities.

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Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

• Provide education and orientation to our key officers on the goals, mission activities as well as structures, and mode of operation of the ECOSOC.

• To provide our key officers the necessary training on how we are expected to relate work with ECOSOC.

• To train and upgrade the capacities of our key officers in critically vital skills like programming, reporting, monitoring and evaluation management, accounts etc. that NGOs need to function effectively.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Obtaining a consultative status with ECOSOC will make the NGOs closer and more familiar with the ECOSOC and the UN system

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

---

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109. International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics

While no organization is free of politics (undue influence by persons or agencies with prevailing, sometimes self-serving, opinions), NGOs are at least free of governmental politics and can take an unbiased stand on scientific questions based on data alone. Because most NGOs are not-for-profit, the administrators are often not salaried and employ passion in place of economic gain in doing their work. They develop personal relationships with colleagues across the international and economic spectrum and really care about the outcome. Personal reputations are at stake. NGO’s have contacts at ‘grass-roots’ levels’ communities for whom policy decisions have a personal impact such as for local fisheries or farms. Declarations of earthquake or volcanic zones or warnings of tsunamis or other natural hazards matter on an individual level.

The International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG), as an international scientific NGO, can provide support to the work of the subsidiary bodies of ECOSOC related to major societal problems (e.g., climate variability, fresh water quality, energy, natural hazards and disaster risk) and help in implementation of the Agenda 2030. IUGG is presently an effective partner through its Associations with several UN agencies and initiatives, including IPCC, UNEP, UN-GGIM, UNESCO, UNISDR, WMO, and has participated in several UN Years, e.g., the International Year of Planet Earth (2007-2008).

1. IUGG is inherently multidisciplinary across all fields of Earth science. The framework already exists for inexpensive consultation on a wide variety of topics. Similar meetings and consultations organized by UN organizations are much expensive.

2. Rapid communication of ideas and opportunities occurs via e-mail communications, webinars, routine monthly newsletters and preplanned meetings, including scientific (topical) meetings, and Association and General Assemblies. At these meetings, free-ranging interdisciplinary and international discussions occur without effort. This communication and discussion spreads quickly to National Committees and societies, and hence to the scientific community. Therefore, a stronger link between the UN programmes and NGOs (e.g., IUGG) in terms of rapid communication related to important topics/programmes/initiatives should be encouraged to get them be implemented as soon as possible.

3. Existing geophysical observation stations and permanent services can inexpensively incorporate new technologies or data platforms and enable free data exchange. UN-GGIM is an excellent example of IUGG collaboration with UN bodies in this area.

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Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

No suggestions.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

No suggestions.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGOs should know their rights and responsibilities in ECOSOC. ECOSOC could develop (if not yet) a simple document related to the NGOs’ rights and responsibilities and make it visible for all NGOs. This will help tremendously in understanding the role of NGOs in ECOSOC, and how they can take part in the activities of ECOSOC and contribute to it. Information about activities of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies should be made available to NGOs periodically, and not only about the meetings, but also about specific programs (especially related to the Agenda 2030). This could be done via various media including e-mail communication and social media.

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110. Isiziba Community Based Organisations of South Africa

Member State countries must develop the culture of civil society participation in their (Internally) and (External) UN Intergovernmental processes, create conditions to enable the civil society to participate in the UN work and events, and contribute necessary resources to build the capacity of the civil society to enable it to participate in internal and external UN work and events, by providing mechanisms, processes, procedures and regulations for the institutionalization of civil society structures and eligibility acceptance to empower its civil society for working together in cooperation of Social Compact, together in collaboration contribute to the UN policy-making, recognize and as a country work together with its civil society to influence the UN Member State Intergovernmental Processes.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The UN ECOSOC must create conditions to enable accredited NGOs to assist and support in the process of other NGOs obtaining consultative status, and contribute necessary resources to enable the ‘Will’ of existing accredited NGOs to mobilize other NGOs credence, convince and win the hearts of NGOs applicants by ECOSOC display of ‘Good Value’ support for obtaining ECOSOC consultative status, that empowers and works together in cooperation with ECOSOC accredited NGOs.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

The UN ECOSOC accredited NGOs urgently need to be recognised, accepted, encouraged and be involvement by the Country’s UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team. For accredited NGO to be taken serious by their country’s UN Resident Coordinators and Country Team that will influence and encourage other NGOs to apply for ECOSOC accreditation. Our government’s challenge is that it usurps NGOs responsibilities, besides, it does not amplify UN NGOs work and events, does not feature much in UN programmes and fails to take ownership of UN NGO projects like other Member State country’s do.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

ISIZIBA constituency is aware of challenges where the UN Work and events do not want to be seen as interfering with the Member State country’s matter, however, the UN ECOSOC accreditation must be used by the UN ECOSOC as a legal framework to enable the UN to work direct with accredited NGOs in Members State countries.

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111. Kayan - Feminist Organization

Speaking for Kayan Feminist Organization, one of our key strengths is our position as a grassroots Palestinian feminist NGO is that we are in deep connection to the field and our target groups there, but also work directly within Israeli governmental institutions and ministries. Thus we have a broad and deep knowledge of discrimination based on gender and ethnicity within Israeli ruling institutions and the ways that this discrimination translates into the lived experiences of women in the grassroots. Thus, as an NGO newly given consultative status within the UN, we look forward to bringing this unique perspective, as well as our knowledge of the diverse target groups and forms of discrimination that Arabs and Women face in Israel to the policy-making table and to discussions within the UN. We see an inherent connection between human rights and gender and also can bring this perspective to all discussions and policy-making processes. Thus, to reiterate as a newly assigned special status NGO, we see this knowledge base and experiential knowledge as our main contributing factors that we are very eager to bring to the UN.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

In general we see that there could be more awareness-raising about the effects of policy- making processes with ECOSOC amongst civil society organizations and civil society at large, and greater accessibility of information, also to make this information in accessible language for the grassroots.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

This is not something that we have insight into as of now, but perhaps after more engagement with the UN from our position as a consultative NGO, we will be able to provide more insights in the future.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGOs could best access opportunities by first getting contacted directly in order to ensure full knowledge of opportunities, to have funding available to travel to different meetings, policy-discussions, and networking opportunities, and to be informed of opportunities to

233 partake in activities in different regions. As an NGO newly granted consultative status we are eager to take part fully and learn how the system works so that we can take full advantage of our role. It would also be useful if we had the opportunity to talk directly with either a UN rep or someone knowledge about the consultative status who could give us a briefing on how we can best take advantage of our status and be of the most use and benefit as a consultative NGO.

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112. Kids First Fund

I have faithfully been looking to participate on behalf of the Kids First Fund. Our project work focuses on child abuse prevention in developing countries. In all the invitations I have viewed since 2006, I have yet to see an event in which I say, "That’s it, that’s a UN event I wish to attend and share my voice." I sincerely believe these events exist, but I am unaware of them through the current communications I receive. Notably, I lack awareness of the UN process and resources to know where to seek these opportunities. I really think a basic brochure, written for the benefit of NGOs, to educate them on participation, would be very helpful. I would volunteer to assist in the creation of this informational piece.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

I have found the online process for communicating with UN organizations to be a challenge. If one is outside the normal UN world, it’s difficult to understand all the processes. This leads to frustration, and eventually disengagement. Of course, that’s not a good outcome for the UN, NGOs and the people we serve. It would be very helpful to have a brochure created for ECOSCO "newbies" to educate us on the process of engagement and participation. The UN, as an organization, is very intimidating for those outside the UN communities in New York, Geneva, and Vienna.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

The Kids First Fund is a US-based organization which generates donations largely from the US and provides grant support in developing countries. I know there is a UN office in Chisinau, Moldova, which is one of our grant recipient countries. We also make grants in Latvia, and I am unaware of the UN presence there. I have discussed UN activities with our grant recipients in Moldova, and they are very aware of the UN’s presence there. In fact, one of our new board members is a former UN employee. This is the limit of feedback I can provide for this question.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

I will return to the brochure idea proposed above, and add the suggestion the material could consist of two parts. First, a recommendation for participation during the first 3 years of consultative status, and then a second part for the years afterward.

In the event this online form does not offer the opportunity to provide my contact information, I will do so here:

Jay Sorensen, President, Kids First Fund, Inc. [email protected].

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113. Kikandwa Rural Communities Development Organization (KIRUCODO)

NGOs can further contribute to the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies by: • Sharing news and updates. ECOSOC should an environment where NGOs can freely share such news and updates.

These are the most efficient modalities: • United Nations must enable environment which can help NGOs from global south to actively participate without any hindrances such as unfriendly USA VISA processing which is expensive and in most cases unsuccessful for most of the applicants from Global South. In any case, UN must lobby to make visa application and processing free for all NGO delegates from Global South. If that is not possible, UN must consider to hold most of its events in Global South to enable most of us participate. • United Nations (ECOSOC) need to build capacities of NGOs in how business is transacted at United Nations level because most of us struggle to fit in especially those from Global South.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

There is a need for increased sensitization especially for NGOs from the Global South.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

• Let UN consider to provide scholarships to cover: expensive USA visa processing and handling, round trip flight tickets, accommodation and upkeep. I attended the 56th Commission for Social Development in New York but accommodation and flight tickets were very expensive. • Let UN waive off all fees required to be paid by NGOs in order to hold events at UN. Such fees include but not limited to room hire, addition security, audio and video equipment, etc. For example, we were supposed to hold a side event at UN but we were refused because we failed to pay fees for: hiring the room, hiring the audio and video equipment, and additional security. NGOs from the Global South don’t have that money to pay to UN when we always operate under budget. So, such fees discourage us to participate.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

• UN must be very open for all the support it has to offer such as scholarships, etc. Currently, this information is not open and you just hear that so and so was supported by UN. For example, we are not very much contented how UN Women awards scholarships! Most of the NGOs from Global South don’t

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114. KinderEnergy Inc.

Greater success in the SDG implementation process could be achieved if there was a greater cooperation between NGOs working in specific countries and those countries permanent representatives. We are working in different countries trying to remove barriers to education of children because we believe education puts wind in a child’s sail. One of the countries we are working in is Uganda. If the permanent representative of Uganda would meet with all the NGOs that are part of ECOSOC and are working to help implement the SDGs in that country, then there would be greater coordination and success. We should all be helping each other for the common goal of achieving the SDGs by 2030.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

I was very happy with the support I received and can therefore not suggest anything different.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Perhaps greater success for NGO’s from developing countries could be achieved if the UN would notify them when country specific discussions were addressed and those from those countries be notified. This would facilitate coordination and cooperation in crucial areas surrounding issues like WASH, Education etc.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Perhaps greater success for NGO’s working in or representing developing countries could be achieved if the UN would notify them when country specific discussions were addressed and those working in those countries notified. This would facilitate coordination and cooperation in crucial areas surrounding issues like WASH, Education etc.

It would also help if the UN facilitated discussion between country representatives and NGOs working in those countries. At the end of the day, country representatives should welcome the help of NGOs working in their countries because they are contributing to progress in their country and helping those countries successfully achieve their National Commitments.

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115. Kirkon Ulkomaanavun Säätiö

Finn Church Aid (FCA) would like to present its compliments to the Committee on NGOs and the NGO Branch of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (ECOSOC), and thank for the opportunity to contribute to the consultations regarding the evolving relationship between NGOs and the United Nations (UN). FCA, an ECOSOC observer (special) since 2016, highly values the partnership, and complements the UN and its subsidiary bodies for continuously consulting NGOs in decision-making perfectly exemplified by the motto ‘nothing about us, without us’.

1) Nurture inclusive political dialogue or forums where NGOs are a party, including sensitive topics, not only technical talks or commentary role. Many NGOs want to stay apolitical, and this should be respected. However, many subscribe to, for example Human Rights, Rights Based Approach or advancing the rights of the most marginalized. While the topics may be sensitive, these are also core issues for many NGOs such as FCA, and there is much competence and willingness in the NGO sector to contribute in such dialogue.

2) Support multi-track participation of the NGOs to decision-making and access to information. The NGO Branch is already using several methods for getting NGO voices heard compliments. This tendency could be still strengthened: the numbers of NGOs in important ECOSOC / UN conferences or Assemblies should be increased and there should be more, perhaps ‘lighter’ way of contributing electronically (polling, etc.) to relevant topics by ECOSOC observers.

3) Enhance country-level contribution of NGOs to UN policy-making. Consultations and international processes are often focused on New York and Geneva, which is understandable, however, it would be useful if the UN Country Teams would be supported and resourced to carry out more consultations with NGOs at the country- level, even in the LDCs. Such consultations should take place for ECOSOC observers and non-observers alike.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

1) NGO-branch should be resourced to maintain the excellent web-based support that they have currently. During FCA’s ECOSOC Observer application process, the web-based service was extremely helpful and responsive even after normal business hours.

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2) The UN Country Teams could be better mobilized to inform potential applicants about ECOSOC observer status and the process to obtain accreditation.

3) Peer-support by existing ECOSOC observer status NGOs could be considered. FCA and many other NGOs with a consultative status would surely be willing to offer their support during the application process.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

1) The Committee on NGOs and NGO Branch could consider mechanisms for targeted cooperation requests to NGOs which already active in developing countries. Finn Church Aid, for one, would be pleased to disseminate information about ECOSOC observer status and its opportunities in the countries where it is operating and where it has local partners.

2) The UN could hold advocacy events in the developing countries / economies in transition which are linked to a thematic process or then ECOSOC observer status in general.

3) Consider providing still more opportunities, including economic support in the form of grants, for especially Southern NGO’s to attend key annual and ad-hoc UN decision- making forums.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

1) The current system that is based on good, consistent electronic communication is working well.

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116. League of Women Voters of the United States

NGOs provide the "boots on the ground" to implement and affect opinion regarding Sustainable Development Goals, ECOSOC and the United Nations itself. So much criticism of the United Nations is that it is all talk and not enough "doing"--ie., discussions on policies and problems do not lead to solutions.

Efficient modalities for contribution should include accredited and/or coaltion, representative NGOs with a "seat at the table" in the policy-making processes in partnership with United Nations staff and member states. This includes setting priorities, identifying solutions, suggestions for implementation and assessing efficacy of solutions. It is the worlds’ citizens that are paying for the United Nations to function and therefore, the costs of providing NGOs with a seat at the table should be part of the United Nations budget.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The League of Women Voters of the United States has not had a problem with obtaining and renewing our special consultative status. We do think that the process and criteria for approval should be available to all NGOs prior to starting the application process. Transparency of the approval process is key to gaining trust of all NGOs.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

It is the worlds’ citizens that are paying for the United Nations to function and therefore, the costs of providing NGOs with "a seat at the table" should be part of the United Nations budget, similar to how the United Nations budgets for staff.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Not every NGO can serve on every committee and work on every problem. However, there are specialties or specific focuses that the NGO has. It’s a matter of matching up the right Committees with the right NGOs and it should start with a listing of the UN committees and their purpose. At least 2 members of each UN Committee should be representatives from NGOs. In the case of providing assessments, it should be well

242 publicized in advance (at least 2 months) when the assessments will be taking place and where. Each member state that is given an intervention should also include an opportunity right after the intervention for a representative NGO doing work in that country to also intervene. If there is enough advance notice, applications for interventions could be submitted for review and selection (that process is in place for many areas).

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117. Lebanese American Renaissance Partnership, Inc.

I would like to recommend a special council from NGOs Executives from different geographical areas of the world to put a yearly agenda for further contribution to the work of ECOSOC.

Have this council meet at different UN subsidiaries to follow-up on the agenda that previously set and have a say so on its policy making ideas.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

I think what is set is enough and well executed

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

To have them interact more with bigger NGOs from influential economies and have some trainings and network.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

We need more opportunities and the executive of the ECOSOC to respond to us in a timely manner. For example I emailed the following letter in November 1, 2107. I followed up with several calls and I left voice messages but no one called me back. This is the letter and I hope someone will respond accordingly:

Washington, November 11, 2017 His Excellency Mohamed Ali Alhakim Under-Secretary ECOSOC/ESCWA

Your Excellency:

I am reaching out to you as the President of the Lebanese American Renaissance Partnership, member in consultative statues with ECOSOC and former US Public Delegate to the United Nations’ 58th session of UNGA to request a presentation by His Beatitude

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Youssef Absi, Patriarch of the Melkite in the world to speak about the Christian plight in the Middle East at the upcoming ECOSOC/UNGA meetings next September.

Patriarch Absi was elected last June as the head of the Melkite -Catholic community in Antioch, Alexandria, Jerusalem and the East. I am also a member of the Lebanese Melkite Higher council, which is the Patriarch laymen committee to help him on several human issues.

Therefore, as a member of ECOSOC, how can I facilitate this opportunity for him to speak as our guest at the meetings in September? I kindly ask for your advice in showing me the way to a successful participation of his Beatitude in the upcoming ECOSOC/UNGA meetings.

I look forward for your prompt response.

Sincerely yours, Walid Maalouf Former US Public Delegate to UN Former Director Public Diplomacy USAID Cell (703) 819-2257 www.larpmission.org www.walidmaalouf.com

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118. Les Enfants de Frankie

En devenant membre consultatif de l’Ecosoc et en contribuant aux travaux du développement durable à leur échelle.

Elles pourraient soumettre des communications écrites et assister à des réunions ciblées organisées dans leur pays d’origine.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Faire une plaquette d’information pour toucher directement les ONG et les populations qu’elles soutiennent pour montrer les résultats concrets

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

En créant une campagne de participation.

Améliorer la communication et la sensibilisation des travaux menés par l’ONU.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

RAS

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119. Malteser International e.V.

At Malteser International we consider that the relationship between NGOs and ECOSOC is mutually symbiotic by nature. The role that civil society organizations play on the ground is crucial to the achievement of our mandates and a vehicle to achieve our common goals. We believe that NGOs with Consultative Status to ECOSOC serve a multiplicity of roles on the ground as service providers, overseers, and norm-setters. NGOs, depending on their size, bring local, national and regional knowledge and cultural understanding that can help gear and shape UN efforts. NGOs can efficiently contribute to United Nations policy- making through constant and open stakeholder dialogue to take place within, but also outside United Nations headquarters in country settings. A regular formalized in-country dialogue and information exchange with the office of the country representative and NGOs in consultative status would strengthen partnerships and pull resources that are needed to implement the programs to achieve our set goals.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

We consider it a common application process. It is very clear and straightforward, yet webcast trainings and virtual Q&A sessions could be improved in regards to the quality of the trainers.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Given that the scope of Malteser International is fairly broad, we have the particularity of having physical presence in developed and developing countries, as well as economies in transition. With that being said, we see that the overall key to increased participation lies on the establishment and strengthening of country-level strategic dialogues and knowledge-sharing platforms. Participation grows in parallel to partnerships, which in turn grow based on human interactions. Access is imperative to increase the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in the work of the United Nations.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

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There are already established practices that come along with consultative status, one of them being the capacity of taking the floor in relevant meetings. Although big improvements have been made in this regard in recent years, there is always room for more. Contributions of NGOs can be as stimulating as the official statements of delegations, yet they often take place before empty rooms after the county delegations have delivered their statements. In the always evolving relationship between the United Nations and civil society organizations, we believe that though established channels that come along with ECOSOC Consultative Status are valuable, however, there is a need to move beyond headquarters and de-centralize the relationship to bridge gaps on the ground.

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120. Managing Committee of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences

NGOs can further contribute to the work of ECOSOC by providing insights from diverse local contexts and challenges of extreme weather events caused by global warming, financial instability affecting savings and investments, violent extremism and human rights violation, rise of authoritarian and unilateralism and migration caused by civil conflict and distress and the disruption in the world of work.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development sets out clear goals and quantifiable targets for the world community governments, NGOs, private sector, media, academics, researchers and above all young people whose life chances are most directly affected by climate change, social development and trends in employment, growth and technological innovation. NGOs have a key role to play in localizing SDGs so that global imperative trigger local action and sustain transformational change.

In this context, NGOs can and must play an active role through a 3A approach - Analysis, Advocacy and Action.

Analysis - NGOs must leverage their membership, projects on the ground and expert network to produce research-based evidence regarding the magnitude of the challenge and development trends for each SDG and its targets. NGO and academic collaboration would bring a dose of grassroots reality in localizing SDGs and framing appropriate strategies including budgetary allocations.

Advocacy - Sensitization of the NGO membership and wider network with regard to the importance of achieving SDGs will build public pressure and partnerships for this purpose. The evidence generated through research and feedback on the indicators would be monitored globally and reported to the UN. Moreover, community scorecards advocated by NGOs and NGO networks would make governments, political leaders, private sector and implementers accountable at the local level.

Action - NGOs must leverage the evidence and public momentum to play a role in building capacity to localize SDGs. They must re-engineer their projects and partnerships on the ground in the direction of sustainability and resilience. Their own work must build ‘models of SDG action’ - showcase best practices and low cost solutions, including adoption of technological innovation.

The objective analysis, advocacy and action would improve outcomes from policies, plans, budgets and implementation. NGOs’ role in this would catalyse focused public action for the achievement of SDGs.

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Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

NGOs seek partnership with the UN for a variety of purposes a) to highlight issues and ‘hot spots’ that deserve global attention, b) to identify gaps in policies, programs, budgets and monitoring, c) to share experiences and learn about what works - above all to enhance the effectiveness of the UN as a platform for the people of the world, not just the governments, regional institutions and global bureaucracies.

In order to facilitate this, the process of obtaining consultative status should be facilitated through the following:

1) Greater outreach to enroll smaller but credible NGOs working in remote areas with marginalized communities (women, indigenous people, landless laborers, disabled, ethnic minorities) and often stigmatized groups such as LGBTQ(Lesbian, Gay Transgender, Qeer), People Living With HIV & Aids, etc. 2) Training and handholding support to NGOs regarding the mandate of ECOSOC consultative status, documentation and monitoring requirements as also advisories regarding issues that are being taken up in different UN forums and how best NGOs can use these to advocate and build public opinion within their own countries. 3) Support to knowledge management processes within enrolled NGOs so that consultative status not only brings greater visibility to the member NGOs but also enhances learning and experience sharing.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Many developing countries such as India are now transitioning to middle income country (MIC) status and are now less dependent on donor assistance but still plagued with problems and bottlenecks in the delivery of basic services and social development. NGOs in these countries can not only enhance the effectiveness of implementation but also contribute significantly to global dialogue on best practices, participatory planning, budgeting and implementation as also challenges and opportunities for resource mobilisation for themselves and the UN. In Midldle Income Countries such as India, UN agencies need funds and political leverage to sustain their operations and projects. In order to encourage this, NGOs with ECOSOC consultative status must be provided dialogue platforms with senior management and resource management task teams of UN agencies, not only the funds and programmes but also the smaller specialized agencies whose area of work ‘heritage, decent work, health & disease control, migration, food security and agriculture, etc.’ at the country level NGOs can work with UN Country Teams for this. The analysis, advocacy and action approach outlined previously can provide a platform for NGOs and UN to engage with multiple stakeholders from MICs.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes? 250

NGOs that have obtained consultative status can participate more effectively in UN processes such as a) consultations in UN General Assembly/ UN Security Council including input for resolutions and reports, b) inter-agency dialogue including for joint programming, and c) normative processes and accountability procedures suc as those related to various conventions such as Child Rights Convention, Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, Declarations such as UDHR, Covenants on Civil & Political Rights and Economic Social and Cultural Rights, Universal Periodic Reviews by Human Rights Council and High Level Political Forums to examine and discuss Voluntary National Reviews.

This can be done by 1) bringing knowledge resources from their own work and that of their national and regional networks; 2) leveraging political will of their respective countries? leaders to implement UN resolutions and report on progress in relevant forums such as the High Level Political Forum on SDGs; and 3) cooperate with concerned UN agencies to raise resources (including funds under corporate social responsibility from private companies and public sector undertakings).

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121. Mandala Transformation Foundation Inc.

NGOs can contribute towards the works of ECOSOC by sharing experiences from their regions and influencing decision making at the highest level of the United Nations.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

We think that the process should be made simpler, with few documents being asked for. As it stands, so many documents are required, which makes it difficult for NGOs from the global south to participate. Creating a trust fund to pay for travel expenses for Southern NGOs would help overcome the discrepancy in representation at UN events and meetings and provide them with the opportunity to influence political outcomes. When funds have been established for past conferences, they have helped to increase involvement from NGOs that would otherwise have been unable to attend. In addition to funds, providing financial support to Southern NGOs at the local level will put them in a better position to help the UN further global goals.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

From the Mandala Transformation Initiative, the participation of NGOs from developing countries can be enhanced by understanding the operating environment. In order for NGOs to advance their own agendas, they need access to certain audiences, such as state delegates, who NGOs can influence to further their goals. UN access allows NGOs to win influential allies and affect political outcomes. If access to these important people is limited, influencing policy may become more challenging. There are a number of barriers involved with consultative status that limit NGO access to important decision-makers.

One barrier is the uneven access of NGOs from the North, or developed countries, versus the South, or developing countries. While the number of NGOs in consultative status from the South is increasing every year, the vast majority are from the North. Northern NGOs are often larger and better resourced, giving them greater access to worldwide conferences and meetings. As a result, Northern NGOs are in a better position to influence policy- making at the state and global level, promoting agendas which may or may not be advantageous to the South. Without sufficient funding, NGOs from the South will be at a disadvantage due to their limited access to UN meetings and world conferences. In addition, organizations that have headquarters in the North are more likely to achieve status than those headquartered in the South. NGO representatives who speak at UN meetings are

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primarily white, male, and Northern. This imbalance indicates that representation of NGOs in the UN is skewed to the North, which poses a significant barrier to participation among Southern NGOs. Another barrier to participation for NGOs all over the world is the complicated accreditation process for getting consultative status. Information regarding the application process may be difficult to access as today it is located primarily online, which poses a significant problem for NGOs from the South with limited access to the internet.

In addition, NGOs must submit a large volume of supporting documentation such as financial statements, annual reports, registration certificates or tax identification numbers, charters or constitutions including by-laws, and any additional documentation validating the existence of the NGO. Some of this documentation could be difficult to attain in certain countries, particularly if the NGO is suppressed by the government. Once the proper documentation is submitted, the application must be screened by the NGO Branch and then submitted to the Committee on NGOs, which will recommend whether the organization should or should not be accepted by ECOSOC. This extensive process can take years to complete, due to the limited resources of the NGO Branch and the politics that inevitably arise among certain member states when discussing which NGOs should be accepted or rejected. The review process is long and expensive.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

From the Mandala Transformation Initiative (http://mandalatransformation.org/), we think that there should be a clear flow of information by using all channels. This can be done via emails and available social media channels. Also, NGOs can be asked to submit their written submissions of how best they can work together with the UN. Finally, it is fundamentally imperative for the center to regularly administer surveys so that we can learn from the best practices.

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122. Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic, Inc.

Faith based organizations with global presence, which are accredited can contribute largely to the work of ECOSOC. Many of these NGOs are already engaged in development work and directly affecting communities with their programs and projects. These programs may be directly related to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These organizations have been working long term in many countries or areas, some for decades, if not centuries in a particular area. They understand the social, political, economic, religious and cultural background, and could give an in-depth analyses of ongoing particular situation of crises. Hence, their experience speaks some clarity and an important input in policies and decision making.

Many informal dialogues in major conferences do not necessarily reflect voices of people in the grassroots because they are not fully represented. Often, there is not enough discussion during the actual conferences to tell stories from the grounds because of time constraints, language barriers, and immigration hurdles.

Regional and countrywide forums can offer a more comprehensive approach to facilitate dialogue for those who are directly working on the ground and have primary contact with focus groups. This can be enhanced using modern technologies in connecting people and listening to each other’s stories.

This meaningful statement from UNESCO in 1975 will help articulate the above statement:

"The crises of our time are challenging the world religions to release a new spiritual force transcending religious, cultural and national boundaries into a new consciousness of the oneness of the human community and so putting into effect a spiritual dynamic toward the solutions of world problem...We affirm a new spirituality, divested of insularity and directed toward a planetary consciousness."

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

A more decentralized screening for local and smaller NGOs can be facilitated. Videos and documentaries can help facilitate showcase their participation.

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Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

United Nations must support their regional/area cooperation forums and discussions. Resources must be made available so they can attend, and attend to language barriers. Major conferences participation can be live streamed using social media and other communication technologies. This will ensure actual grassroots participation. NGOs must have direct access to reporting and communication with UN offices and agencies, rather than going through other channels, e.g. NGO Committee. Thus, training and capacity building toward this goal must be given priority.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Make NGOs’ written contributions less complicated because many grassroots NGOs leaders in less developed countries may not have high levels of education. A simpler platform of participation and reporting may be created, so grassroots can assess their contributions to and give feedback how SDGs are being implemented. This platform can provide data for policy makers.

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123. Mijoro Mandoroso (MI.MA)

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

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Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Q4 : En bénéficiant du statut consultatif, les ONG issues des pays pauvres et situées dans des zones géographiques éloignées du siège des Nations Unies souhaitent également bénéficier de soutien pour faire face à leurs nouvelles responsabilités dans le cadre de la relation consultative. Pour cela, le statut consultatif constitue une opportunité pour élargir le nombre de membres et de donateurs ayant confiance en l’activité de l’organisation. En développant leur capacité de former des coalitions, de travailler en réseau, d’avoir des relais et des partenaires à l’étranger, ces ONG doivent saisir l’opportunité de s’insérer dans une structure fédérative plus large et devenir membre d’un réseau mondial important. Il est indispensable pour elles de devenir des interlocuteurs reconnus ayant une expertise et une capacité d’élaborer des projets, de gérer des activités opérationnelles, de former des coalitions et de susciter la mobilisation citoyenne pour faire aboutir leurs projets au niveau local.

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124. Movimiento Cubano por la Paz y la Soberania de los Pueblos

El Movimiento Cubano por la Paz y la Soberanía de los Pueblos (MovPaz) contribuye a fomentar una cultura de paz y a promover la Agenda 2030 y los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible en Cuba, en Latinoamérica y El Caribe.

Colabora en la Campaña Mundial por la coexistencia pacífica y la cooperación entre los Estados, el respeto a la soberanía, el desarme nuclear, general y completo, y la protección de los recursos y del medio ambiente.

Es miembro fundador del Consejo Mundial de la Paz y su coordinador para el continente americano. Desde esa perspectiva incentiva a las organizaciones a realizar acciones a favor de la paz, y promueve la creación de nuevas agrupaciones homólogas.

Organiza seminarios internacionales en Cuba por la erradicación de las bases militares extranjeras y para difundir la Proclama de América Latina y El Caribe como Zona de Paz. Promueve el concurso nacional anual para que niños y jóvenes manifiesten el significado de la paz a través de la pintura, escritos y canciones.

Está afiliado a la ACNU, participando activamente en las reuniones y actividades convocadas.

Tiene un blog digital y la Revista digital ‘Paz y Soberanía’, donde publica artículos y reseñas de actividades realizadas a favor de la Paz.

El MovPaz puede contribuir al trabajo de NU apoyando a la CEPAL en la promoción de la Agenda 2030, mediante seminarios internacionales y otras actividades relacionadas con la paz.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

El bloqueo incide negativamente en todos los ámbitos de la vida de los cubanos, incrementadas con las nuevas medidas adoptadas por el Presidente Donald Trump para Cuba. Una de las afectaciones es la limitación en el uso de internet, que reduce las posibilidades de las ONG cubanas para obtener el Status Consultivo Especial. El proceso es ahora más complejo con el sistema on line, que el que existía anteriormente por la vía del correo electrónico. El MovPaz está afectado en el envió de contribuciones sobre las actividades y acciones que realiza, y en el recibo de ECOSOC suficiente información sobre

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las reuniones funcionales y otras. Se sugiere a ECOSOC permitir la modalidad anterior para Cuba y otros países subdesarrollados.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Existe un desequilibrio notable en todos los ámbitos entre los países del norte y del sur. Entre otras consecuencias, esa situación ha condicionado que exista una mayor cantidad de ONG en países desarrollados con mayores recursos y posibilidades para ejercer su función. Para facilitar una mayor incorporación de las organizaciones cubanas y otros países en vías de desarrollo y del Tercer Mundo, es preciso reducir las grandes desigualdades existentes, para lo cual se requiere una mayor disponibilidad de recursos e infraestructura.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

El MovPaz carece de suficientes recursos para realizar viajes y estancias que resultan muy costosas en Nueva York, Ginebra o Viena, para participar en las reuniones funcionales convocadas por ECOSOC. En el caso de Nueva York, el costo se encarece mucho más después del cierre del consulado de los Estados Unidos en La Habana, por cuanto los cubanos deben financiar todo el trámite a través de México.

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125. National Council on Family Relations

The relationship between NGOs and ECOSOC is an exemplary, noteworthy partnership and collaboration from a transnational perspective. Few if any other international organizations attempt to draw on a variety of stakeholders in order to assist and provide guidance in creating culturally specific policies and programs to better serve individuals, families, communities, and societies.

NCFR (the National Council on Family Relations) has had a particularly excellent partnership with the United Nations through its ties to the Focal Point on the Family. NCFR’s representatives are experts in global family policy and widely connected throughout the world. This has led them to being invited to multiple expert group meetings and to creating / facilitating connections between NCFR members and United Nations meetings and consultative bodies. Importantly, the work these experts / representatives share with United Nations audiences is non-partisian and based on empirical research. They are involved in advisement on transnational policies but without an ideological bent. Expert group meetings that bring together multiple stakeholders from governments, communities, media, and civil society thus, serve as an important instrument for the creation and dissemination of knowledge.

It is noteworthy that recommendations from these expert group meetings are incorporated into reports to the General Assembly. However, one recommendation would be that this information which is shared on United Nations websites should be made more widely available. For instance, presentations from meetings could be spread more extensively over social media and / or published as journal articles, books, and in the popular press. Currently, a select, informed audience has access to this information.

While the relationship between NCFR and ECOSOC is quite clear as detailed above, different NGO’s have varied levels of involvement with the United Nations. It would be helpful if there was more guidance from the UN about expected involvement, avenues for involvement, and goals of involvement. There is an initial conference to introduce new representatives to the process, however it then falls to individual organizations and representatives to attend meetings and participate in UN activities. An easily accessible guide to ECOSOC and the varied organizations that are represented - their purposes and goals would assist in helping participants understand where they can play a role and to what extent their voices will be heard and recognized.

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Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

As stated above it is a great honor that NGOs are able to participate in the UN process. However, the large body of organizations and activities of the UN are somewhat confusing to individuals who are not employed by the UN. NCFR is fortunate to have a close working relationship with the UN in large part due to the expertise of its representatives which matches closely with the activities of certain branches of ECOSOC. However not all NGO’s are currently as closely matched. Social events and presentations with exchanges of information would assist in creating relationships between representatives of NGOs and the various branches of the UN. Also, the CV’s of representatives could be circulated to create potential collaborations between UN officials and NGO members. Currently, it is somewhat unclear how representatives can interact with UN officials. Mechanisms that facilitate interactions include list serves, social media, and hard copy publications that detail which UN branches are responsible for which activities and what they are looking for in terms of expertise and input. For NGOs in other parts of the world, the greater use of mechanisms such as ZOOM would allow for increased participation on a more continuous basis.

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126. Nazra for Feminist Studies

While ECOSOC status grants organizations a semi-official level of engagement at the UN, where they can have access to UN buildings, only open official meetings, register various kinds of interventions, make submission on the UN’s system, etc., according to our experience, the ECOSOC acts as a supervisory body more than a participatory one. This is manifested throughout the complicated process of obtaining ECOSOC status, the reporting mechanism, and limited access it provides (in terms of special consultative status). Perhaps more opportunities can be announced for a higher level of engagement, particularly in negotiations regarding agreed conclusion of any session for the UN body (as as resolutions, agreed conclusions for CSW, etc.), and not having it confined to states while organizations go to great lengths just to ensure that basic human rights and gender sensitive language is included, especially it is no secret that there are many states that do not prioritize the advancement of human rights and women’s human rights, and consequently, limits the impact NGOs and organizations can make, in addition to making them vulnerable to reprisals. Nations policy-making, be recognized and be influential in these processes?

Consultation meetings for various events with NGOs prior to official sessions, such as the CSW, while an important tool, is limited to big organizations and those who have connections at most. Special Procedures, while special rapporteurs, such as that on HRDs, selects cases to discuss with the concerned governments, NGOs do not receive feedback on these conversations, which if it did, would be very helpful in shaping advocacy strategies for NGOs, especially when it is related to HRDs and WHRDs at great risk. Moreover, access to different modalities such as the human rights council prerequisites knowledge of dicey techniques and guidelines that unless the NGO has experience in, which is also difficult at many times, limits engagement. Another modality is the UPR, which is a very powerful tool, but places NGOs at risk, such as the experience of Egypt in 2014, and midterm reviews while helpful, take place after the passage of 2 years, which is sufficient time for governments to take numerous catastrophic steps against NGOs, HRDs and WHRDs who engage.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC Regular and frequent online tutorials can be very helpful. Also direct communication that would be available during most hours of the day would be helpful, as the process is somewhat complicated. Also, more guidance is needed for NGOs who do not have sufficient advocacy experience in lobbying states and organizations to help them obtain the concerned status. In addition, the allocation of funds to support NGOs to travel and attend

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review sessions is important, as this burdens those seeking to obtain ECOSOC status financially, which may not be a resource they possess.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

In order for them to participate, they need to have access to funds and information. In addition to the suggestion and difficulties highlighted above, the UN needs to create new policies to enable the acquisition of NGOs with funds, as most of the bulk of funds from UN organizations, like UN Women for instance, is granted to governmental institutions, and while this is important, there are no monitoring mechanisms established that enable a strategic and clear follow-up of implementation. Providing these NGOs with resources is crucial, since they already deal with challenging economic circumstances and limited access.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

As stated above, follow-up guidance and online tutorials are needed to constantly provide them with full information on how they can make utmost use of the status. And as previously mentioned, NGOs need to have more access to information and participation in different UN modalities. This is crucial to enable them with the necessary information to tailor advocacy strategies that can overcome blockages they face due to the leverage states have, and the challenging bureaucratic nature of UN bodies; as a lot of instances take place where WHRDs and HRDs are punished by their governments for engaging with UN mechanisms.

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127. Neighbourhood Environment Watch Foundation

NGOs should be given specific roles and areas of interest to engage at national and regional levels and report to U.N. They should also be supported to attend U.N conferences and make submissions taking insights from what is happening in their various countries. They should be accord recognition as equal partners with ideas rather than coming as appendages.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The timeline for processing applications could be collapsed to make it shorter and specific requirements and reviews sent before the general consideration of the committee for the accreditation through routine review by designated desk office.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

This would be done through providing support to attend the UN conferences. NGOs in consultative status from developing countries and countries in with ecomies in transition could be provided links to organisations and Foundations they could approach for funding support to attend UN conferences. Also budget could be set aside which they could access to implement roles required by the UN towards achieving specific objectives.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Participation in UN conferences and processes could be virtual so that organisations can log in and be part of the process without physical presences and such should be counted as well. Also yearly deliverables to NGOs in consultative status could be sent to such NGOs so that they can work towards achieving them within their local environment/countries.

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128. Newline Social Organization

Non-governmental organizations can share their advisory and supervisory duties with other subsidiary organizations.

Our organization believes that UN policies are being properly addressed by non- governmental organizations in the legal framework of their countries and that they are coordinating and even litigating for any kind of encouragement and consultation

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

According to our organization, the routine of recruiting non-governmental organizations to become a member of the optimum and the principles of the official language of the United Nations is observed, and if the linguistic differences of organizations from the world are observed, the routine will attract better

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Our organization thinks that the best interaction of transferring experiences of organizations from developed countries to organizations in less developed or developing countries through joint meetings, joint training, joint conferences is feasible, but a problem for organizations in the less developed countries. Loses the time to attend the conferences because of administrative problems.

In this case, especially if the previous measures are taken into account, the current situation will change to the desired state.

And the most important problem is the issuance of visas from developed countries to organizations in the less developed countries, which will take more time.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Having a consultative status will increase the trust of non-governmental organizations, and this will be able to inform the issues that are currently in the countries and consult with other partners and take advantage of each other’s behavior and interaction.

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And it also makes governments more accountable to such organizations. And, moreover, it will launch major regional and global conferences.

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129. New Vision International

1. NGOs are the social barometer operating from the basis of the pyramid. The civil society (SOC) includes a larger spectrum of structured and unorganized groups, both online and off. It should not be viewed as a third sector; but rather the linkage between the public and private sectors. It plays a powerful role of leveraging the process as an enabler and constructive challenger, creating the political and social framework for the right to happiness for all. Its mission is advocating with integrity for the preservation of human rights, acting as watchdogs and ethical guardians. It is a shame to see that most workshops held by the leading UN organizations exclude the SOC into the discussions.

2. NGOs from Africa can associate ECOSOC with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which goes far beyond the current SDGs. It means that ECOSOC should empower the SOC as UN partners for development and advocating for banishing alibis from governments to block NGOs initiatives. It means adapting the UN to shifting roles among stakeholders and bring changes. It is a mistake for donors to continue to pledge generously billions of dollars to poor countries. Money is misused, diverted or stolen by the head of developing countries.

A new vision is necessary: Endowment for profit. NGOs should be granted a special fund for social investments. With the roots of humanitarian, the new entity will perform well and will generate jobs. Programs were launched to help poor countries end their growing misery. Nevertheless, these programs generated many ill effects resulting in immigration and other dramas. It raises concerns and questions about the allocation of funding for relief of poor communities.

An ant on the move accomplishes more than a dozing ox (Lao Tsu). NVI is working on three crucial plans pertaining to Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal #6. NVI is providing clean water in the village of Mugnyanga in the district of Ngandajika in the province du Kasai in the Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC. Access to clean water is fundamental in order to avoid and to contain epidemics and pandemics. ECOSOC should facilitate contacts between NVI and the potential donors. On April 13, 2018, the European Community raised $528 million in order to assist the internally displaced persons in the Kasaï. NVI has the competence and the required skills to assist. NVI applied for a grant but is still waiting.

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Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

ECOSOC can associate some NGOs pursuing NVI’s objectives. Such a partnership could take the form of a cooperative.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

The ground pass should give access to all UN and affiliated organization facilities, especially from the DRC. A room with adequate facilities must be available to NGOs.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NVI proposes endowments to NGOs for job creation in order to fight poverty. By doing so ECOSOC will remain the center of innovation and openness; a place where the power of imagination and intention transcend and challenge many realms in order to change the world.

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130. Novant Health, Inc.

Broker and recognize working relationships between NGOs.

The ECOSOC should consider intentionally brokering partnerships between NGOs from developing countries with those in countries with economies of transition or to NGOs from developing countries in service of citizens of countries with economies of transition. The ECOSOC could request that certain sub-council members or whole sub-councils (see recommendation #3) work together to provide expertise on a specific matter. NGOs would include in their reports to ECOSOC their efforts to work with other NGOs. The NGO could receive credit and be recognized for such efforts by the ECOSOC in their applications for continuation and possibly in an annually published list.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

1. Provide additional application assistance - The ECOSOC should consider providing NGOs with a menu of pre-review and application process supports which NGOs can access. For example, share previewed applications, connect applicants with current special consultative status holders for advice, or conduct an ECOSOC pre-review prior to the formal application review.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

1. Create sub-councils - Sub-councils or resource groups of NGOs with special consultative status by industry, areas of expertise, or geography (e.g., healthcare, women’s health work in Africa, etc) could be created to aid in the understanding of the work of each NGO and their potential contribution to the ECOSOC/UN’s work. Once the special consultative status is granted to an organization, ECOSCO would place the NGO in a limited number of sub-councils.

2. Make introductions - Existing NGOs could be introduced to each other more formally. Similarly, as new NGOs are granted special consultative status, they could be introduced in a broad email to all NGOs with specific information about the NGO. More detailed introductions of the NGOs in the same sub-councils (see recommendation #3) or with a unique connection could also be made via email or other forms of communication. Such correspondence could be offered with ‘opt in’ features to allow for full or selective connectivity.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

1. Expand interactive digital connectivity - We recommend that an update to the ECOSOC website or expansion of its current features to a more interactive, innovative, solution- focused platform which increases NGO access to ECOSOC opportunities and offers their consultative services be considered. Demographic information and possibly videos from other NGOs could be posted as a way to inspire NGOs on ways to contribute to the ECOSOC’s work or form partnerships with other NGOs or countries to address other global needs. It might be useful to have the current ECOSOC website and member platforms expanded to host: (1) a searchable database of NGOs, (2) NGOs spotlights (possible in short video clips submitted by the NGOs), and (3) requests for expertise and views from ECOSOC, UN or other NGOs. Alternatively or in conjunction with the ECOSOC technological capacities, many NGOs, including our organization, have their own innovative community ‘conversation’ platforms. Perhaps these could be used in collaboration with the ECOSOC. To this end, a digital platform ownership and use inventory across ECOSOC, ECOSCO subsidiaries, UN and NGOs (of all status), could be conducted to identify platforms that the NGOs with special consultative status could mobilize for contributions to the ECOSOC’s work.

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131. O.N.G. ACHE Internacional

NGOs’ contribution to the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies have not been progressive, productive and innovative enough but conventionally and by routine we assume that NGOs have been very useful to UN general Agenda. UN policies are very complex but not confusing thus participating in its design cannot be an easy task to organizations that are outsiders to UN protocols and mandates. NGOs are guests to the UN except a few big NGOs that work for the UN so a kind of blending in the execution of UN affairs and missions.

Regarding ECOSOC, by definition and goals, it is a UN branch that should not be working without strong influences of NGOs nonetheless not all NGOs jobs are sustainable to assist ECOSOC in its complex worldly economic and social missions.

UN rules and principles are fair enough to fully integrate active and transparent NGOs to conduct important UN jobs on the ground.

How to measure transparency in NGOs working on the ground across the world? Very often entities registered and patented to measure others? transparency are more questionable administratively than the organizations to be measured. So it is a too complex circle.

UN affairs & protocols are sometimes quite different from UN rules and principles. This has created ‘the UN short-circuit’ therefore all these methods and procedures are quite fair and well-built but along the road they become short-circuited by UN own unbreakable internal affairs and external protocols.

It does not mean that UN internal affairs and external protocols are unfair however UN officials do comprehend what ought be clarified and changed gradually although it might take 15 years but if we never start?

So to speak, NGOs contribution to UN & ECOSOC policy-making should not be a huge affair in practicability and applicability. We mean that a constant and consistent participation in the design of UN policies should not be a high-level priority for NGOs in ECOSOC consultative Status in essence of the UN framework and workload themselves nonetheless our viewpoint is not going against the partial and quasi advisory participation and contribution of some NGOs in the design and making of UN & ECOSOC and its subsidiaries policies.

What ECOSOC really needs is that NGOs might be transparent and economically strong enough to carry on ECOSOC policies on the grounds, not too focus on how to help UN,

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ECOSOC and its subsidiaries to design and make policies. We have enough policy papers online if printed can fill all public libraries in the city of New York.

NGOs should start doing what they are called to work on. In essence ECOSOC needs hundreds of NGOs positive results on the ground to enable to improve UN policies, that is, it is time that we abandon the traditional contributions of NGOs to UN policy-making. How many NGOs that have been rhetorically contributing to UN policy-making. Has that changed something on the ground? Probably yes, but we have to investigate profoundly further. What do we mean by change in the context of a 21st Century UN?

A UN that wants to see many impoverished countries reach its 2030 sustainability Agenda has to redesign its relations with NGOs that have been doing businesses with the UN itself. The onus of 2030 Agenda is on the UN shoulder, not on this of 1000s of NGOs out there because this ‘Agenda 2030’ is a UN trademark, industrial design, copyright and patent, all included actually but UN has franchised them, though.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

UN should not pretend to do that much to provide better support to NGOs during that process. Obviously ECOSOC consultative status is not a Trademark, industrial design, a patent either however UN people (officials) should be very cautious when giving consultative status to NGOs, that is, it is time that UN officials attempt to make efforts so as to go beyond internal affairs and external protocols although we have no idea as an outsider entity how to advise on making some changes within ECOSOC relation with NGOs. Further we think that this process is fair enough. If we were part of UN officials, we would change nothing regarding that process unless the change will make a difference to improve UN NGOs relations but not to respond to outsider superficial exigencies. What we want to say is that ECOSOC consultative status should not be only a fashion to get free access to UN premises and conferences although this consultative status paper is valid for more than that however it is not clear to see what else can be done with that, administratively speaking.

We mean that, if for instance my entity by 2019 cannot fulfill with UN demands so as to keep that Consultative Status so what should we do? Nothing! Just apply the rule beyond UN protocol. UN should give preferences to qualities, not to quantities. The issue is not how many NGOs enter UN to get ECOSOC consultative Status per year but how UN- ECOSOC officials have been getting along with NGOs that have already obtained ECOSOC consultative Status.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

It is a very nice question but what is the intention behind this? UN has built 3 big agendas as follows 1- Sendai Japan, 2- Paris Climate change and 3- the famous Agenda 2030. What

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has been happening year after year regarding these three important agendas? UN will always construct an answer on an annual basis? Each big, medium, and small NGO perhaps will do the same following UN conventional protocol which is totally different from UN constructive, progressive and innovative policy-making.

UN have two complex missions: maintain peace & reduce poverty. In effect there are 1000s of not-for profit entities implicated with UN to do that job.

The 3 aforementioned UN agenda are useful to help UN with these two complex missions that is, the closer UN comes to their fulfillment, the easier these 2 missions will be for the UN.

What is UN’s work? To reiterate: Help to maintain peace and assist in reducing poverty. What might be these NGOs in question work regarding to increasing their participation in UN’s work?

Helping ECOSOC to fulfill as much as it can these three concerned agenda ought to be the priority of each NGO that has been involved directly or indirectly in UN activities across the world, especially in countries economically and socially vulnerable. Climate change and disaster frequencies will increase poverty on a yearly basis across the world but a public-private partnership can help to revert this situation especially in developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

Many NGOs that have been doing businesses with the UN for years need administrative re-education with regard to transparency, innovative establishment and economic & social commitment. It is time to get out of the box of business as usual because not only we got conventional problems like wars, rogue states and poverty but also we got some quite brand new complex problems like climate change and high frequencies of disasters. Not reducing high frequency disaster risks and not tackling climate change severely can open to additional wars and create too many unforced migrations, which will turn peaceful cities and regions into chaotic places to dwell in.

Therefore we are in an era where NGOs relations with the UN ought to change course totally, it is time that every single US dollar spent, has to be spent to solve a real problem in a given struggling community somewhere.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

In a long run, NGOs with ECOSOC consultative status can access the opportunities given to them if the NGO realizes the importance of that status and also understands its real definition inside and outside UN premises.

Many NGOs in least developed and developing countries seeking ECOSOC consultative status by all means to only get access to developed countries, especially the USA, visa entry for some staff members and for other strangers, we mean outsiders of this implicated 273 and concerned NGO mission, that is, at the end of the day, it is not the UN process that is the priority for them so this renders the task very cumbersome in case we want to advise about some positive changes to make.

Anyway, we expect that at all levels and everywhere we should consciously involve to help vulnerable communities at least to understand the importance of these three UN agenda previously mentioned for the survival of our planet and its denizens’ & tenants’ sustainability.

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132. OISCA International, South India Chapter

The NGOs are working with grass root people. so they know the pulse of the society. Since we are working with the peasants and farmers of south India for the last three decades, we are sure that the policies of the UN should be more favorable for the development of the marginalized people. In the present scenario the rich is becoming more rich and the poor are becoming more poor. So there is something wrong in the part of policy makers and hence the policies should be moulded for the economic and social development the marginalized people and suitable policies have to be emerged.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The activities of the NGOs should be properly monitored. the NGO activity must be aimed for the development of the marginalized rather than the benefits of the NGO people. Hence the NGO activity must be well evaluated from the beneficiaries of the NGO activities and also from the society. The NGO s doing good work will be appreciated by the society and also by the government officials. Such credible NGOs should be given good support from ECOSOC in all respects to achieve the UN development goals.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

The UN aims prosperity and economic development to all the nations. The attitude of the UN should be based on the needconomics. The is the need based development of each nations. The involvement of the UN will help in achieving parity between the nations in development activities. The developed nations cannot stay isolated in the present situation, they need the cooperation of the developing and under developed nations in many aspects. So UN should workout policies considering the whole world as a single unit.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

It is very difficult for many NGOs to take part directly in the UN processes. The NGOs in the developing countries have many constrains. Any how the consultative status is a great advantage or credibility of the NGO activities. Even then to access the opportunities is rather difficult. The procedures have to be simplified and also the information should be given well in advance.

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133. Organisation internationale pour les pays les moins avancés (OIPMA)

Today, the UN’s main objectives are enumerated in Agenda 2030 and in the SDGs. NGOs can further contribute to ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies and are encouraged to actively participate in the UN policymaking. In this respect, the ‘Organisation Internationale Pour Les Pays Les Moins Avancés’ (OIPMA) believes that NGOs can further contribute to the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies as follows:

1. NGOs should be well represented at the highest echelons of UN decision making organs and agencies. This is especially important given that the SDGs are not legally binding. Their integration into regional and national development blueprints would therefore ensure that they are in sync with the UN agenda. 2. NGOs should exchange perspectives and experiences. The UN’s different mechanisms aim to promote better decision making through wider input, to integrate diverse viewpoints, to develop trust and partnerships, and to ensure commitment to the implementation of decisions. 3. NGOs should become both a source of knowledge/expertise and a potential partner in the UN decision-making process. 4. NGOs should be considered as an integral part of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), as they have helped to pioneer innovative formats such as multi-stakeholder dialogue sessions and are connected most closely to the local- level issues that they advocate for in the social, economic, and human rights spheres. 5. NGO forums should be organized prior to, while remaining linked to, the high-level segment to procure the organizations’ key recommendations for proceedings. 6. NGOs should create interactive mechanisms and set up and promote collaborative networks on the environment and on international economic policy; they should work together in coalitions, pooling their resources and coordinating their lobbying efforts in as many countries as possible and at international conferences. 7. NGOs must contribute to UN activities by participating in its meetings, conferences, and forums in Geneva, Vienna, New York, or other part of the world.

Reviewing and updating ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31 or adopting a new resolution by member states will open up new possibilities for more effective participation of NGOs at national, regional, and international levels, especially after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which has provided a new impetus for the mobilization of a wide range of actors in support of its 17 Goals.

The new approach must be dynamic and must continue to strengthen NGO participation arrangements in decision-making processes, not only within ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies, but also within other international organizations. This is especially true considering

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that Agenda 2030 has become the corner stone of the programs of organizations such as UNCTAD, UNDP, UNEP, UNHCR, UNICEF, FAO, ILO, UNESCO, WHO, UNAIDS, and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The new resolution will support stronger inter-NGO cooperation and participation in UN apparatuses and will help to develop new mechanisms for achieving these goals, which include:

1. To identify new forms of management and governance of UN bodies and other international organizations with the help of NGOs. 2. To strengthen the cooperation between NGOs and other international organizations not only in policy making, but also in operational and field- oriented activities. 3. To encourage UN agencies and other international organizations to explore means of improving meaningful NGO participation in their structures and decision-making processes, ways that would transcend the existing frameworks of UN agencies or international organizations for non-state actor participation.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The main entry door to the United Nations for the NGO community is ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31, which formally implements the provisions of Article 71 of the UN Charter. It formalizes the consultative relationship between NGOs and the UN Economic and Social Council and its subsidiary bodies (essentially the UN substantive commissions: the Human Rights Council, the Commission on the Status of Women, the Commission on Sustainable Development, and the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, among others).

Thus, OIPMA believes that any support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC should include the establishment of an open-ended working group on national, regional, and international levels. This working group should be composed of representatives from the Liaison Unit, NGLS, and the focal points of the UN Agencies. Furthermore, NGOs who already have consultative status in ECOSOC and other stake holders in each country where the prospective NGOs exist should pursue the following supportive policies:

1. Make ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31 widely known to non-consultative NGOs through proper channels and to facilitate the involvement of NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC from all regions and areas of the world. 2. Provide the newly NGOs with information regarding the UN-Charter-based and monitory-based mechanisms. 3. Support the NGOs in developing their relations and their constructive engagement in the work and governance of the UN system.

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4. Disseminate timely information on meetings; circulate documents and provide access to transparent, simple, and streamlined procedures for NGO attendance during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC. 5. Provide them with the guidelines on the nature of work of the NGOs with consultative status (including the respect of neutrality and independence). 6. Provide them with adequate support on how to fulfill their respective ‘mandates.’ 7. To provide the necessary resources for this purpose and to take steps for improving the coordination with these NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC. 8. To make every effort to enhance and streamline as appropriate support arrangements and to improve practical arrangements on matters such as greater use of modern information and communication technology, establishment of an integrated database of these NGOs, and travel expenses.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

The adoption by the United Nations of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has given a new impetus for a mobilization of a wide range of actors in support of this global program containing 17 quantifiable Goals. In this context, mechanisms to monitor the relations between the UN and NGOs in consultative status have become even more important.

OIPMA believes that the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition (mainly in the LDCs) should take practical steps to address the range of developmental, security, and judicial challenges that inhibit the achievement of SDGs in the countries in which they operate. Such NGOs can increase their work in the UN as follows:

1. By addressing systemic issues such as female economic empowerment, political participation, and access to legal systems in addition to social norms which do not value women and girls as equal, productive members of society. 2. By promoting collaborative partnerships between the state, civil society, and the private sector. Leaders in each of these sectors can help to build a unified consensus behind a shared agenda of economic and social transformation, all the while recognizing and managing the tensions of a reform agenda and of social transformation processes. 3. By accepting and committing themselves to existing UN strategies to address inequality, unemployment, education, health, spatial transformation, and infrastructure development within their domestic localities. 4. By working on conflict prevention, post-conflict peace-building, and the promotion of durable peace. LDC NGOs can also present their input on extremism and counter-terrorism efforts in crisis countries. 5. By helping to establish special UN advisory groups that includes experts from LDC NGOs.

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6. By educating the general public on their findings through the press or dedicated awareness campaigns. 7. By attending regional preparatory meetings and compiling alternative local, national, and regional reports.

Regional and international NGO networks (linking local-level NGOs to larger NGOs with consultative status) can facilitate the free-flow of information on robust, innovative strategies and practices. They can also help to monitor and encourage national governments and international agencies to act (rather than renege) on their promises.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

As soon as consultative status is granted to organizations, NGOs can best access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes by first proving their neutrality and independence before commenting on economic and social issues related to their mandate (including the SDGs). They must then:

1. Prove that they are active on economic and social issues related to their mandate according to the ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31 on which UN-NGO relations have been built (allowing access to all formal, routinely-scheduled ECOSOC sessions and meetings in addition to those of other UN bodies). 2. Actively work across the UN system and consistently participate in some of the UN bodies that meet regularly (primarily the Commission on the Status of Women, the Commission on Sustainable Development, and the Human Rights Council), take the opportunity to participate in UN sessions, meetings, and conferences, speak to governments, serve on panels, submit written statements, hold briefings, offer technical expertise, advocate on the national level, and implement projects.

If an NGO wishes to maximize the effectiveness of its contributions (especially considering tight time constraints on speeches), then they should also research pre-existing treaties, resolutions, and other UN documents in order to avoid being redundant.

Furthermore, working within the framework of large multilateral institutions such as the UN is often a daunting process for new accredited NGOs.

NGOs are often tasked with helping to implement the SDGs at local levels, but when they give short statements in major ECOSOC meetings (or other similar gatherings), the impact of their findings/concerns may be lost in the sea of information offered by other speeches. Thus, it may be more effective for new NGOs to concentrate their efforts on ECOSOC’s smaller, ‘open-table’ meetings. Such events should be advertised more effectively, and there must be an additional push to encourage accredited NGOs to subscribe to the UN journal and to other relevant newsletters. Or, NGOs could try to promote their messages by participating in other dialogue-driven sessions held by alternative UN agencies such as UNITAR, a particularly useful resource for new NGOs, as it also offers ‘common-

279 knowledge’ training on treaties and regulations that they may encounter during their work with the UN.

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134. Organization for the Solidarity of the Peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America

Las ONGs tienen muchas potencialidades para contribuir al trabajo del ECOSOC y sus órganos subsidiarios. Lamentablemente, marcadas diferencias de recursos que existen entre países desarrollados y países en desarrollo son también muy evidentes en sus posibilidades prácticas de participación. Sería encomiable que ECOSOC pudiera asistir a ONGs del Tercer Mundo para favorecer su presencia física en las sedes de Nueva York, Ginebra y Viena, aunque fuese parcial y muy selectivamente, para los eventos temática y políticamente más relevantes. Ello incrementaría sus posibilidades reales de influir el proceso de toma de decisiones en la ONU.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Se deben facilitar mecanismos más simples y ágiles en el envío de documentación y trámites para la acreditación de representantes. Si bien el uso de internet cada vez es más generalizado, para las ONGs de bajos recursos, tanto financieros como tecnológicos y de conectividad, los procedimientos son muy engorrosos. Indico es aún más sofisticado e innecesario. Existen países que por políticas selectivas de bloqueo, injusta y unilateralmente impuestas por otros, se les impide tener mejores niveles de conectividad y acceso a las más modernas tecnologías. Caso muy emblemático es la política de bloqueo económico, comercial y financiero impuesta por los Estados Unidos de América contra Cuba, rechazada por 26 años en la Asamblea General de la ONU.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

La adopción de la Agenda 2030 ha generado un nuevo ímpetu para la movilización de un amplio número de actores en apoyo a los 17 Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS). Es por ello que las relaciones entre la ONU y las ONGs en carácter consultivo se tornan cada vez más importantes y decisivas. Para que un número mayor de ONGs de países en desarrollo pueda obtener el status consultivo e influir en la toma de decisiones debe potenciarse una mayor presencia de aquellas que son candidatas y provienen de países en desarrollo, ya que son precisamente estos países quienes necesitan de mayores recursos para cumplir las metas y ODS. Potenciar las candidaturas del Sur podría contribuir, en el mediano plazo, a equilibrar el marcado desbalance geográfico predominante.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Existen organizaciones que en cierto momento han logrado presencia física en eventos y conferencias internacionales de la ONU, sin embargo, por situaciones financieras se han visto imposibilitadas de participar de manera sistemática. Los costos de la estancia y transportación son cada vez más elevados. Solo pueden hacer contribuciones escritas para mantener las relaciones consultivas con ECOSOC y sus órganos subsidiarios, otra situación de evidente desventaja. Las ONGs del Tercer Mundo no pueden sostener oficinas permanentes en las ciudades sedes como las grandes ONGs de Occidente.

OSPAAAL, en su condición de ONG internacional dedicada a promover solidaridad y relaciones de cooperación entre los pueblos del Tercer Mundo, mantiene la voluntad de contribuir de acuerdo con sus posibilidades objetivas- con ONU, sus objetivos y principios, fomentar la divulgación de actividades y programas que estructure dicha organización hacia el cumplimiento de los objetivos y metas de la Agenda 2030 para el Desarrollo Sostenible.

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135. Patriotic Vision

The role played today by NGOs cannot be dispensed with and ignored, especially in third world countries suffering from many natural or humanitarian disasters or from war. These NGOs have worked both international and local to support affected countries It has become the same state to pay attention to the affairs of citizens and secure their basic rights after the weakness of the state institutions of social services, health, education, environment and others. Therefore, the UN ECOSOC should focus and pay more attention to these effective, useful and organized NGOs, and be elected as members of the Council, like any other country, to strengthen the relationship between countries and NGOs, and to motivate states that these NGOs are your stand-by plan. After state paralysis.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

What happens in many countries is the presence of many humanitarian, development, environmental and other international or local organizations, and coordination between them is weak and sometimes does not exist entirely. We note the lack of coordination in the provision of humanitarian or development assistance. For example, "food aid is distributed in the same village and to the same people more than once from different organizations and also is presented the same report on the case of torture or violation of rights for different organizations." so we should provide a networke between this Organizations so that there is coordination among them in order to keep all humanitarian, economic and social reports united by all parties, than the organization who have ECOSOC member should bring this reports to the Economic and Social Council so that the United Nations can hear its voice in order to address these issues and monitoring appropriate projects for the advancement of societies.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Through the preparation of a study that includes the capacities available to non- governmental organizations through which they can implement programs that contribute to sustainable development, especially in countries with economies in transition. The most important are awareness programs such as environmental risks, employment opportunities and training for small enterprises, In the widest participation and increase participation in the United Nations as well as participation in the state of economic transition of the country and the other increase communication through conferences, meetings and the introduction of projects and studies between the United Nations and non-governmental organizations.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The NGO consultative status at the United Nations is a unique opportunity for organizations to follow up on the missions and activities of the United Nations. The ways in which NGOs can follow them are many. The most important of these is the real involvement of developing societies and the constant standing of their needs in line with existing data and investing this opportunity to achieve the widest participation. In United Nations operations, in particular sustainable development and other events and topics of concern to humanity and the universe

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136. Peace Worldwide

NGOs can contribute to the work of ECOSOC by organising more events and youth make youth and women participation necessary in every event. Video recordings and video blogging kind of modalities should be introduced. Instead of written reports, video reports should also be included in events where organisations can’t pariticipate.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

NGOs should have a platform to talk to other NGOs who already have Consultative Status, so that they can guide these NGOs how to apply or submit their applications. Organisations already in Consultative Status can guide these new organisations how to write their applications and what method they should use and what not. Also the form should be easy to understand and not lengthy.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

NGOs from developing countries mostly have to face visa and financial problems. The headquarter of U.N. should be established in a country where people from all developing countries can go or where visa access is easy. Nowadays, webinars and web telecasts are easy ways for participation of NGOs from developing countries.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

U.N. should grant the permission to the NGOs in Consultative Status to hold seminars and conferences with U. N. bodies in their countries. Start focusing on organising seminars and conference with the NGOs that has Consultative Status. All those special events like CSocD, CSD and U.N. General Assembly High Level meetings should be organised in the countries of these organsations because everyone can’t go to USA because of high security especially orgnaisations from developing countries and because of this they miss big opportunities.

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137. Persons with Disability Initiative, Nigeria

NGOs will in their own form work with the objectives laid out by the ECOSOC to progressively promote its undertaken. There will be interactive sessions for proper understanding and assimilation to bridge the gap between NGOs and other affiliate UN Bodies.

moreover, UN Bodies can as well undertake some survey to be sent to NGO for a proper and detailed information about them.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

our view is simple that the process of obtaining a consultative status with ECOSOC is quite commendable. it should be sustained and hence applicants can as well be supported to attend their screening.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

UN and all its bodies can as well make their work more transparent by constantly engaging the NGOs in some interactive sessions to understand there short comings and area of neglect.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

the best way is for the NGOs to work with the ECOSOC and other UN bodies in their objectives and programs. The NGOs cannot do or go over and above the various objectives and programs of the the UN bodies and ECOSOC

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138. Pleaders of Children and Elderly People at Risk "PEPAINGO"

NGOs and its subsidiary bodies are the backbone of networks in the UN ECOSOC programs. The issue is not whether NGOs contribute, they are already contributing by being a part of ECOSOC, the issue is one of communications of strategies to stop the TopDown process overburdening local incentives. These are the following examples of how UN ECOSOC can better communicate with the grassroots:

o The UN could provide language and support to under-resourced NGO’s. This will provide the UN with direct insight into regional communities and the opportunity to aid the capability of NGO’s, to resolve problems as they occur. o UN should recommend projects to NGO’s with ECOSOC consultative status in consultations with the many NGOs, especially those occurring in an NGO’s country of origin. This is a bilateral process not a case of Top down strategies, waiting for Bottom-up Grassroots to action on it. There is an absence of this bilateral communications currently. o Better funding procedures are desperately needed to reduce the cost margins for simply applying for EcoSoc fundings directly by NGOs. Language barriers must be removed.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

PEPA/NGO: In line with our responses in Question 1, these are our direct recommendations: • UN should facilitate grassroot projects by allowing organizations to submit their applications in all languages of the United Nations and not only in English or French, this limits the interest of several organizations who wish to submit their applications in other languages especially for grassroot tribal dialects where their incentives might add to intraregional trade and international awareness, as well as cultivating ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ that reverse the negative effects of Globalisation. • The current procedure of feedbacks of ECOSOC only in English is inherently discriminatory on a procedural basis and locks non-english speaking NGOs into economic dependency on English speaking consultants that very often demand such a large % of successful applications as fees, it takes away from the economic efficacy of applying for EcoSoc funding.

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• The application and funding process as well as ECOSOC funding application feedbacks should be more transparent and NGO’s that didn’t receive consultative status should be given adequate feedbacks and suggestions for future reapplications.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

We believe the UN should reconsider Proposal 26 of the General Assembly A/58/817 ‘The Secretary-General should make redressing North-South imbalances a priority in enhancing United Nations’ civil society relations. He should enlist donor support for enhancing the capacity of the United Nations to identify and work with local actors, establishing a fund to build Southern civil society capacity to participate and ensuring that country-level engagement feeds into the global deliberative processes’.

To further improve participation in the UN amongst NGOs of developing countries, the UN should develop a trust fund to attend UN events. This would create the opportunity for NGO’s to attend and contribute to events and identify the value to be gained from continued participation in the UN.

In accordance with this we propose:

• That a general fund be created and intelligently distributed to appropriate grassroot that cut out the necessity of paying for English speaking ‘consultant application fees’ because of language barriers created by EcoSoc’s own funding criteria. • That ECOSOC should publicize an Annual event calendar that are projected 18months in advance, then communicated to all NGOs through email. This would increase the urgency of the appeal for NGO’s to contribute to the UN’s work. • Lastly, the UN could consider providing geographically specific event and project calendars. This would build networks to address regional problems, allow NGO’s that cannot find the funds to attend international events to contribute to public debate, and further develop information channels that can go on to inform UN debate and policy- making.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Currently Priority is given to international organizations to the detriment of national or local organizations while local organizations are more familiar with the problem in their countries than international organizations. So UN must be more Grass-root orientated especially in areas of extreme conflict where ECOSOC agendas are often delivered with some risks to regional projects. A top down approach is dangerous to lives at the grassroot.

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Many regional NGO’s were started by communities as a direct response to increases in conflict and declines in public health, food, housing and water access. The closeness of the volunteers and staff of regional NGO’s to the problems they face, lets them understand problems as they happen, engage with communities in local languages, and maintain awareness of cultural factors. In contrast, international NGO’s often lack regionally specific language skills and are far removed from problems as they occur.

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139. Pro-Biodiversity Conservationists in Uganda Limited

NGOs can further contribute by simplifying reporting modalities. A simplified reporting tool should be put in place so that NGOs report annual to UN. Regional workshops should also be organized so that rapporteurs make reports that are shared with UN

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

A Capacity building fund should be provided to civil society organizations in consultative status from least developed countries because these countries are faced with serious financial constraints that make effective participation and reporting very difficult yet there are at grassroots dealing with crucial challenges that affect citizens. There is also need for Knowledge sharing exchange visits

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

A competitive travel grants should be opened for NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN’s work.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The best way an NGOs access the opportunities given to them opportunities to take part in UN processes is to given them at least one opportunity to attend UN meetings so that they appreciate the work of UN and network with other NGOs that attend the meeting. As mentioned above a capacity building grant should be put in place to empower NGOs participate effectively in UN process.

Short course aimed at strengthening participation in UN Process should as well be supported by UN.

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140. Project 1948 Foundation

Project 1948 provides donated cameras to young adults as an empowerment tool for access to media in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The camera serves as an instrument for advancement of civil society. First, experiences are magnified in a therapeutic art form through photography. Secondly, our NGO serves as a civil society platform for amplifying voices of youth as they express human rights concerns. Our NGO empowers young adults to become community leaders, effectuate change, and strengthen their institutional representation.

Project 1948 utilizes new data resources like Predictive Network known as Data Scientists Without Borders to aid in monitoring and evaluation of the SDGs. With data analysis, we sharpen the photo-voice program to achieve stronger results and replicate the workshop among marginalized and vulnerable divides with country level UNDP BiH and approval from the Member State of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our next step is producing new trends from a platform of photos to developing the capacity for evidence-based policy-making with UN Water, UNWomen, HLPF, and Human Rights Council to further build a gender inclusive society and peace, justice, and strong institutions and now producing clean water as an economic good in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

UN Women provided the unique opportunity to contribute to the draft resolutions and negotiations for the Beijing Declaration on Platform for Action, we were able to highlight in a panel discussion the need for policy-change with the Dayton Peace Accords and other human rights treaties, not because it do not stipulate the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms, including equality and a clear condemnation of discrimination based on gender, but because it is gender neutral. On behalf of civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we addressed the need for policy-making as women’s special interests and needs are not taken into consideration in the Dayton Peace Accords, gender awareness in general has been lacking in the implementation process. Our NGO provided insight into how to move all women and girls forward by: 1) drafting resolutions and negotiations; 2) hosting an empowering side event 3) providing a call to action for policy-change by taking part of a panel on innovative data solutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

It’s really feels like a shot in the dark! A more detailed informational brochure/report explaining the true benefits of ECOSOC status and how to be involved would be helpful. As it stands, the NGO team is left to navigate the many layers of the UN system and to figure out what is most beneficial for the civil society representation.

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Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

As an ECOSOC NGO, we need partnerships to display both a resource-based and response- based manner. Linking private sector partnerships, micro-lending programs, and evidenced-based social enterprise models would help contribute to the overall work of developing countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina (a tripartite presidency with economy in transition), achieving the SDGs by 2030, and matching the public and private sector with like-minded NGOs.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Emails! Sign up for subscription emails like the UN Journal, UN Documents. Follow Twitter and Instagram accounts that align with your NGO goals and objectives. UN Partnerships are key, including subsidiary bodies! We run our entire organization based on partnerships! Get involved with Country Level UN and keep an open dialogue!

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141. Qatar Foundation for Social Work

It is noteworthy that ECOSOC has Functional Commissions (such as Population and Development, Status of Women etc.), Regional Commissions, and Other Bodies (such as Committee on NGO etc.), as well as Specialized Agencies (such as FAO, UNESCO etc.) In turn, NGOs are mostly specialized in some fields of expertise, and not Jack-of-all-trade.

We suggest to think about the possibility of connecting the similar fields of expertise of ECOSOC commissions and bodies with the NGOs in order to boost networking and exchange of expertise, but also create more efficient modalities for NGOs to contribute to the UN policy-making and get recognition.

The project kick-off should focus on searching the process of implementing this trend: knowledge base; creation of a chapter in NGO profile pages where ECOSOC commissions and bodies that have similar interests as the NGO are highlighted, invitations presented to participate and exchange; other means?

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

What in your organization’s view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC should be divided into a number of major steps such as: registration, documents preparation, submission etc. It may be a good idea that ECOSOC produces webinars in English and other UN languages dedicated to guide the NGOs during the process. Each webinar should present in simple terms what is required and the how-to.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

In this regard, we believe that we should think in mid and long-term strategies and not short-term. One of the major tools is implemented through education. UN and its agencies should continuously produce and disseminate teaching materials to let all pupils and students at all levels in developing countries and countries with economies in transition be aware and understand very clearly what the UN is about. Creating a culture of proximity to UNESCO all along the academic path should encourage the persons from these countries

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to be more involved in UN work. This will be done only on the long-run and not as immediate result.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

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142. RADION International Foundation

I believe NGOs have much more capacity to be plugged into the work of ECOSOC. While there is a place for large scale conferences and meetings, i believe small focus groups (segregated by expertise areas, regions or even countries) This may facilitate dialogs that provide greater breadth and depth.

A key representative/facilitator may need to be appointed to consolidate these key concerns, distill and submit it for consideration in policy making.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

I think that the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC is fairly straightforward, what can be improved may be on the feedback cycle, to inform the organisation if their application is being processed, under review or approved.

It may also be a good idea to provide NGOs with a certificate of sorts, to indicate its current status and its validity.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

During my last visit to the UN in January, i noticed that the representations are largely from more developed countries (US, China, India), often taking up more "air-time", thus the discussions are largely skewed towards the direction of these countries with more representation.

I believe that NGOs working in under-served areas have much experiences to share, and we have much to learn from them. But to involve developing countries, we may want to consider hosting meetings that are closer to their home countries, and reducing the financial burden to travel to contribute to a dialog.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

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While the UN has increased the number of conferences available, but we may want to consider going a step further to network these organisations to create deeper synergy and reduce overlaps.

ECOSOC may be in a good position to champion these coordination efforts globally, regionally and in country.

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143. Reachout and Smile Initiative for Social Empowerment

The NGOs can further contribute to the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies if they are seen as independent feedback mechanisms on the implementation of the sustainable development goals(SDG) in their various countries, this is further reinforce because NGOs are on-ground and much closer to the populaces.

This feedback will assist the ECOSOC and its subsidiary to further improve the systematic implementation of the SDG, increase the efficiency of the various implementation partners be it government, business sector representatives, major groups, foundation and even the NGOs.

This will directly impact on the outcome of the targets for the SDG and the output will lead to a much more achievable and sustainable results which will directly benefit the populaces, because through the NGOs, the populaces are made part of decision-making process.

ECOSOC should engage NGOs to draw-up pertinent sustainable development goals peculiar to their environment, this will serve as the initiative for an interactive and robust discussion between stakeholders, NGOs and ECOSOC, which will lead to one of the most efficient modalities for NGOs to contribute to the United Nation policy-making, be recognized and be influential in these processes because it will be from bottom-up, that is inputs from the populaces through the NGOs to the United Nation.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

ECOSOC should introduce NGOs, within the same locality, which already have consultative status with ECOSOC to NGOs seeking to obtain consultative status as mentors; these NGOs will provide support and hand-holding during the process and help the NGOs seeking consultative status to understand the unique part they will play in their relationship with ECOSOC and the United Nation at large.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Most of the time the biggest impediment to the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition is funding, ECOSOC can increase participation by giving referral to Foundations, business sector representatives and NGOs

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from developed economics, that would be willing to sponsor at least one NGO from a developing country or a country with economies in transition, to an ECOSOC-UN event.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGOs can best access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes, if they understand and have a buy-in to the UN processes from the beginning and they see the additional benefits that their organizations stand to gain by having an ECOSOC consultative status. Therefore, the onus is on ECOSOC to educate the NGOS on the benefits of the consultative status and work closely with the NGOs before and during the process of granting consultative status.

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144. Réseau National Des Organisations Féminines Pour La Démocratie, La Décentralisation, Le Développement Durable Et Les Droits Humains Du Mali Ou Réseau Wassa

It is primarily the application of the texts and the decisions voted by the United Nations in the member countries at National and International level. Ex: United Nations Resolution 1325. Strengthen the participation and involvement of NGOs in UN policy-making.

Establishment of a Regional Focal Point. Regional meetings should be held prior to those of the United Nations.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Simplify administrative procedures, make available to NGOs a simplified and accessible guide and the communication on the documents to be informed.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

To increase the participation of NGOs, it is necessary to:

- To make available a simplified document related to the requests, to encourage the participation of young people and to review the conditions of care for low- income countries.

- To negotiate with the NGOs of the north the participation of the NGOs of the south

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Facilitate the acquisition of the long-term visa to participate in several meetings to better contribute to the work of the United Nations.

Subsidize airline tickets from poor countries.

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Orient NGOs to funding opportunities.

Recommend accredited NGOs to technical and financial partners.

Train NGOs on the guidelines of financial partners committed to supporting UN initiatives.

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145. Resource Institute of Social Education

NGOs should periodically send reports on their country status with regard to National development strategies, Social progress, Social justice and inclusion, Sustainable development, An enabling international environment, Reducing inequality between countries, Systemic issues, Challenges, etc.

Online submission will be the efficient modality for NGOs to contribute to the United Nations policy-making.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Opportunities to share the ideas and best practices regarding National development strategies, Social progress, Social justice and inclusion, Sustainable development, An enabling international environment, Reducing inequality between countries, Systemic issues, Challenges, etc.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition need financial support to participate in the UN meetings, consultations, training programs and seminars. Periodically, national level programmes can also be organised to minimise the cost and maximise the participation.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

After the consultative status is granted to organizations, NGOs can access the opportunities to take part in UN processes very well. As already mentioned, the NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition need financial support to participate in the UN processes.

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146. Romanian Independent Society of Human Rights

A significant contribution would be made to human rights NGOs if it were possible to strengthen and commit ECOSOC high responsibilities to encourage universal respect for HR and Fundamental Freedoms in the High-Level segment through active participation of civil society in the sector to includes HR in the suite of recommendations and proposals for action for ECOSOC and subsidiary bodies next to each of the 17 Goals from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

It is particularly important and timely to implement, award and recognize the concept of "honorary mandate" by ECOSOC. Actions to disseminate information on how to accede to the ECOSOC consultative status for NGOs can be streamlined as a result of granting and recognizing them as beneficiaries of the honorary mandate. Thus, an essential contribution as a better support for the consultative status period with ECOSOC, considering also the period before the application by NGOs (we propose a 6-month term based on the honorary mandate for carrying out the pre-eminent activity), would be linked the dissemination of the ECOSOC brochure and its subsidiary bodies and also the information it contains. In this way, NGOs are given the opportunity to obtain consultative status with ECOSOC, as well as explanations regarding the necessary documents, stages, deadlines and conditions for completing the entire process to be completed. In this way, NGOs will be able to easily overcome the heavy administrative requirement from the UN, which often prevents them from establishing their importance in the relationship with the UN.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

As it is known, NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition to participate directly or indirectly in the UN’s work face barriers to marginalization in obtaining information in the home country and the lack of financial perspective on projects and programs to facilitate their role in the relationship with the UN. In this sense, we believe that increasing actions to disseminate the provisions contained in UN Resolution 1996/31 in events involving government and the private sector would revitalize the attributions needed for a global partnership to achieve local goals.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Although they have gone through all the necessary steps until they get the consultative status and are familiar with the partnership conditions, NGOs need a "more friendly" UN website that presents the information related to the nature, purpose and competencies of which they need partnering, as well as communication and consultation with bilateral initiatives in the relationship with the Secretariat. For effective participation in UN processes, the cooperation between NGOs and the UN should include a series of sustained activities (dissemination of information, awareness raising, entry into operational projects, technical expertise).

From Romanian Independent Society of Human Rights - SIRDO.

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147. STUF United Fund Inc.

• NGOs with consultative status with ECOSOC should share the value of 2030 Agenda with other NGOs that do not have consultative status and work together to achieve the goal of ‘Leave No One Behind’. • Adopt Global Compact Ten Principles as common ground when implementing 17 sustainable development goals. • Promote participation from private sectors because ‘Transforming the world requires input from all society. -UN deputy chief’.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Make recommendations based on the ideology and mission statement of the NGO applying for consultative status and should be all inclusive regardless of political background.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

There are many NGOs working on similar missions in developing countries and countries with economic in transition which may result into lack of productivities or under utilization of resources.

STUF United Fund is developing a working model which is outlined here:

• Using its consultative status with ECOSOC to gain trust and form partnership with well-known international organizations in the civil society • Identify areas STUF United Fund can bring in resources to empower the current projects of the well-known international organizations in the civil society to maximize the outputs of the projects and ensure no redundancies • Group other NGOs with funding from STUF United Fund to jointly work on projects in a bigger scale which can be an enrichment to the projects to provide more benefits to the recipients of the projects (These NGOs could be potential candidates for consultative status.)

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

It is NGO’s due diligent to monitor policies, focus, and priorities of ECOSOC and the UN. The biggest asset of NGO, regardless with or without consultative status, is to get recognized on the works it performed. ECOSOC should consider giving recognition annually to NGO with consultative status that had great performance or unique/effective working model.

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148. Safe Campaign LLC

Upon my initial work with the United Nations through volunteering for the Dayemi Complex Bangladesh (a Permanent Representative NGO), I found it challenging to obtain knowledge of or instruction on access or opportunities available to NGO’s. It would be beneficial for the United Nations to provide Documentation, Online Video Tutorials, and NGO help desk (to give general direction and answer questions that arise), and classes for NGO personnel provided by the United Nations that inform NGO’s of the partnership the United Nations seeks and how the UN will support. In addition, NGO chatrooms and blogs can be established for peer support among NGO’s. Another issue that I believe should be addressed is the acknowledgement of an individual’s continuation of work with the United Nations’ NGO division. I began work with the United Nations in 2009 through the Dayemi Complex Bangladesh, however in 2010 when founding and starting then SAFE Campaign NGO, I had to resubmit myself as a new applicant. I believe I should be able to port my profile if working under or within another NGO, so as maintain an accurate record of one’s longevity. Fundraising for NGO’s can present significant issues. It would be beneficial if there were classes to provide step by step instruction on how to acquire funds from IMF; WTO, and World Bank among other ways. I believe ‘PROVEN’ NGO’s should be accredited to differentiate trusted NGO’s from others.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Outreach programs can be established to encourage participation from NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition. As well as incentive programs could be put in place to encourage local partnerships between accredited NGO’s, Investors, and Corporations. The addition of local NGO’s would provide valuable insight into the local culture and social nuances that maybe unknown to outsiders. The local NGO’s could benefit from resources and insights currently unavailable to them. Translator service would essential in facilitating these partnership and programs.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

NGO’s would be better served if information was more concise and not as ‘wordy’ in documentation. An assistance center or help desk should be established to assist with technique and general questions, as well as guidance on how to find answers to more challenging questions. The United Nations could provide NGO counselors how would personally assist NGO’s navigate paperwork and the UN system. NGO’s, due to their

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classification, are uniquely positioned to contribute to the work of the ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies. As ‘Non-Government’ Organization, NGO’s are ‘Universal Citizen’, not bound or restricted by traditional sovereignty. As a Universal Citizen, NGO’s have a moral obligation to report and alert appropriate committees of significant deterrents or impediments to the greater good for the majority of citizens. NGO’s through their work are granted access within various countries, due to an NGO’s proximity we are granted unique vantage. With an NGO’s vantage and classification as a Universal Citizen, NGO’s should be able to bring appropriate charges as a witness or effected party; these charges should be enforceable through the United Nations and the World Court. Accredited NGO members should be granted diplomatic status, enforced through the United Nations, to deter retaliatory actions from hostile governments whom may find themselves charged in violation of United Nations Charter.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGO’s could make a greater contribution to the policy-making of the United Nations by being given opportunities to address the general assembly during key issues; be allowed to give opinion papers on various topics and subjects that would be entered into the UN record; have a format to suggest policies; be able to participate in policy reviews.

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149. Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc.

NGOs can further contribute to the work of ECOSOC through monthly updates from ECOSOC and bi-monthly opportunities for consultation with ECOSOC regarding upcoming initiatives, meetings and resolutions. This can be done through email solicitation and through the ECOSOC Civil Society Network Portal.

In addition, NGOs can further contribute to the work o the ECOSOC by participating in annual town-hall meetings that are convened at the UN in New York. The purpose of the proposed Town Hall would be to foster and support clear concise communication with the ECOSOC chamber. The Town Hall would allow NGOs the opportunity to ask questions and get answers in person, as well as leave any suggestions. The proposed Town Hall would ideally be live-streamed, and would allow for travel scholarships and housing accommodations for NGOs traveling from developing countries. This in person annual consultation would allow for NGOs to feel more integrated and prioritized among the ECOSOC community- which in turn would promote more focused feedback from NGOs for effective contribution.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

In our view, considering the myriad of complexities and challenges that NGOs are faced with in developing countries, the ECOSOC should do regional targeted recruitment of NGOs during the application period in order to support the process of NGOs in developing countries to attain consultative status. In addition, Regional ECOSCO Civil Society interns could be assigned to check on the status of NGOs that have inquired for more information.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

There are a variety of challenges that surround engagement of NGOs in developing countries- namely, access to reliable, affordable, accessible internet. Regional targeted promotion of the opportunity to attain ECOSOC consultative status could help with messaging and increasing awareness, regional ECOSOC civil society interns could help with the application process which would help retain interested NGOs that are in developing countries and extended/soft deadlines for NGOs that are applying from a developing country may be a few tactics that would increase the participation of NGOs in developing countries if adopted. Most important to increasing the participation of NGOs in developing countries is ensuring that there is equal access to the application process. The

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technology gap creates a barrier for entry for rural and urban settings alike in developing countries. The ECSOC should incest in more targeted marketing, assistance, and follow- through to effectively integrate and mobilize communities that are typically left out of the process.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGOs can best access the opportunities given to them to take part in the UN process through an open and timely email notification process. NGOs with ECOSOC status should be able to submit 3 emails from their organization to be on the ECOSOC event listserv. For instance, often, the CEO of our organization receives all the communication from ECOSOC. It would be helpful if other employees also had those event alerts sent to them, so that they may plan for our organization to participate in a timely manner.

In addition, to increase participation, NGOs may have emailed to them a 3-month calendar at the 1st of every month, reminding them of the upcoming UN opportunities, including the registration details for each event.

Lastly, to increase participation, NGOs with consultative status may have access to thematic message boards in the ECOSOC civil society portal, which would allow them to share information, interest and updates regarding events that support the issues that their organization is most passionate about (i.e: the SDGs, Human Rights, CEDAW, International Decade for People of African Descent, etc?).

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150. Scholars at Risk Network

We would welcome a directory of NGOs with ECOSOC status, as well as a platform for communication among member NGOs. This would allow organizations to pool resources, identify common areas of concern, work outside the auspices of the United Nations, and, where appropriate, to present common findings and proposals to United Nations bodies.

NGOs would benefit from workshops on engagement with ECOSOC, perhaps offered annually.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Organizations who already have consultative status can share experiences and best practices with organizations still in the process. This information could be folded into a best practices guide for NGO candidates, which could be shared with all applicants and published on the CSO-Net website.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Improved communication of opportunities for collaborative participation would be helpful. Virtual representation at ECOSOC meetings would also be a welcome option for NGOs not based in New York.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGOs would be well-served by improved communication about upcoming events and regular information sharing.

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151. Science of Spirituality, Inc.

In the current environment of resurgent nationalism and isolationist trends, Science of Spirituality promotes a broader vision of human unity and the intrinsic value of universal connectedness and understanding. In parallel with the goals of the United Nations, Science of Spirituality provides a practical pathway towards this ultimate aim of global consonance. It can be achieved through a shift and elevation of human consciousness through ‘love in action,’; or the transformative power of meditation, public service and spiritual awakening. We call this the Global Peace Paradigm.

Widespread frustration has fueled the growth of nationalistic tendencies across the planet. These frustrations have allowed some leaders to strengthen their control and authority by exploiting and exaggerating the divisions that exist between countries and between different racial and religious communities. The goal of Science of Spirituality is to replace the discord with the realization of our connectedness based on inner experience through meditation. As Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj often says, ‘Peace and unity begin within each one of us.’ It is in meditation that we experience the interconnectedness of all life. It is in meditation that we find peace. Once we experience this for ourselves, our heightened awareness radiates to others, leading to more peaceful families, communities, countries, and ultimately a more peaceful world.

Science of Spirituality, a worldwide spiritual organization under the guidance of Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, defines itself as ‘Transforming Lives through Meditation,’ The transformative power of meditation is something practitioners bear witness to every day. The pursuant rise in consciousness elevates not only the personal meditating but also helps raise the consciousness in all with whom they interact. Obviously, the more people meditating, the greater benefits to society at large.

In his address to the United Nations on its 50th Anniversary, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj said: It is time to hear the laughter of every child on this planet instead of their cries of hunger and screams of terror. It is time to see families live out their destiny in peace and joy instead of being torn apart by war and violence. It is time to smell the fragrance of flowers in our air instead of the stifling smell of pollution. It is time to see people of all nations, colors, and religions embrace one another, conscious of their unity while celebrating their differences. The time for rededication and renewal is now. Let us seize the moment for the sake of our children, our planet, and our souls. NGOs can providing assistance in the field of health care, education, and advocacy for empowerment.

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Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Annual Webinars will be helpful for organizations seeking NGO status with ECOSOC and alternatively, NGOs can assist in these sessions to help navigate the complexities of the process required by the organizations.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

NGOs can provide assistance in the field of health care, education, and advocacy for empowerment of communities in these countries

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

They can collaborate with UN on critical programs for empowering disenfranchized communities

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152. Sense International, India

ECOSOC consultative status for an NGO is an opportunity for it to participate and contribute at global level. Each country to which an NGO with consultative status belongs, also benefits from this opportunity as the respective NGO working on critical issues at the ground level is sharing its insights on the status of the same as it is. For the NGOs to be able to contribute it is essential that they receive appropriate support as well as encouragement to come forward and share their learnings, developments and the critical issues that need to be addressed at the highest level. For Sense India, the only national level NGO in India working for deafblind people, ECOSOC consultative status is an opportunity to share the status of an estimated 5,00,000 deafblind people in the country having second largest population in the world.

Sense India can further contribute to the work of ECOSOC as follows:

• We will organize side event in conjunction with a main event organized by ECOSOC or its subsidiary bodies. • Sense India will submit oral as well as written statements and feedback on questions to empasise on status of persons with deafblindness in India which could be circulated further • We would like to improve our visibility as we are in consultative status, on the ECOSOC website and through a dedicated webpage and links to our website; and We would like to avail sponsorship to attend and contribute in person to ECOSOC committees

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

More awareness about the process and benefits of consultative status with ECOSOC is essential. Once an NGO applies, it needs timely information to proceed and regular updates on the status of its application. Since the whole process takes substantial time, it becomes more important to handhold and encourage NGO applicants from time to time. Existing system is supportive in this context and can be further improved as and when required based on feedback from different applicants.

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Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Participation can be enhanced through sharing information and regular encouragement. NGOs from developing countries are keen to contribute and influence at UN level but are not in a position to do much due to lack of resources and information. Proactive engagement with NGOs and technical support over a period of time will enable them to contribute.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGOs will require support in understanding linkage of their core work with ECOSOC objectives. A clear understanding of UN processes will enable them to understand their own role and start contributing within their own capacities. Online initiatives to educate NGOs and keep them up to date with relevant information will be helpful to ensure their participation and contribution as appropriate.

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153. Sisters of Charity Federation

NGOs are the link between the UN and the grassroots to raise awareness, educate, provide resources and implement the UN agenda. Hence, ECOSOC needs to create as system to gather data the involvements of the NGOs to give a real picture of their contribution. Data gathered at present is not including the NGO contribution.

Invite, and provide more speakers from the grassroots, especially from the Global South to hear their voice - concerns, challenges and impacts.

NGOs need a liaison from ECOSOC to function as a link to help at all levels of communication and participation in UN conferences.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Given the present scenario, what is being observed is that the Committee on NGOs is putting a lot unnecessary questions and conditions to be complied before they can obtain NGO status. The process should be objective, it should not depend on the views (ideology) of a particular country/countries. The process is lengthy for some, it is taking many years. For some it is fairly easy. Religion, faith, political leaning, etc. should not be an obstacle.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

The System is using technology to bring in the voices of people from developing countries; but it is inadequate. Employ innovation to bring to let the people have a voice around the table. Choice of speakers should be more open - not the same ones, give opportunity to new people.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The NGOs have been submitting written and oral reports, quadrennial reports, etch. We like to know how this participation is impacting the issues that UN takes up. The NGO space is shrinking at the UN, the decision to call on NGOs to make oral statements are based on the decision of the chair, it should not be so. It should be part of the process every chair should comply.

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The best practices NGOs bring to the UN as side events are at times a waste, it is NGOs who participate, not Member States, Their presence and support is important. NGOs can and should be part of the UN reform process. Create a system for their contribution.

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154. Skyian Welfare Organization

I have few suggestions;

1. There would be election among all the organization accredited with ECOSOC, and elected team should be representation of various groups (like health, education, human rights etc) and various geographical locations (Asia, Europe, America etc). These elected organization must have some secretariat and offices within UN HQ within the premises of ECOSOC with some staff assistance etc. These organization would be elected once in a year and will not repeat able to repeat the seat. However, they will coordinate directly with accredited organization and streamline the inputs for further action. Similarly regional office bearers and country base office bearer could also be elected with same procedure and these elected representatives must have offices within the UN system offices (like within the premises of UNDP, UNICEF etc). The stronger interaction and activities could be designed, to contribute to the work of ECOSOC and its subsidary bodies, after the election and developing some SoPs for the proposed structure. 2. There should be some funding for the projects that will be awarded to selected accredited NGOs of ECOSOC on various topics including SDGs etc. 3. There should be some funding for the accredited NGOs of ECOSOC to attend the sessions. 4. There should be a hostel for the members of accredited NGOs at Newyork, Vinna and Genva to facilitate the persons that coming from the poor countries, this facility could be available free of cost or may be with subsidized rates etc. 5. There are several huge organizations that are working as accredited NGO they can also provide assistance to other organizations in the shape of material, technical assistance, financial assistance etc to smaller and poor country organizations to achive the objectives of ECOSOC. 6. There should be some mechanism for the accredited NGOs for the sharing of experiences and knowledge through exchange of visits, sharing of IEC material and exchange of views etc. 7. There could be a mobile application for the accredited NGOs for activities, news and participation etc, with providing some marks for active participation in activities and also mechanism for punishment and rewards for the non-active and active participation respectively.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

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There should be national/country base meetings of NGOs than on regional or contentment based before having final and complete session at UN HQ etc.

There should be some benefits for the consultative status with ECOSOC e.g. UNDP, UNWOMEN etc should provide priority for providing financial assistance, signing of agreements and or selection of Implementing partners etc.

There should be some portal or mobile app that will be accessible only to the NGOs having consultative status with ECOSOC and through that application they could able to vote and have access to library and can discuss maters with other NGOs etc.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Financial assistance and technical support are the important for the NGOs from the ECOSOC and UN System. Because, it’s very expensive and huge task to act as active member of the ECOSOC community.

For example my NGO got consultative status in 2015 and also having the visa but still unable to attend a single session due to non-availability of funding to attend the sessions at UN HQ etc, because it’s very expensive to travel and stay, although i have several ideas and feedback that willing to share but unable to do because of funding constraints. Similarly, many other people like me unable to attend the sessions and to contribute to the work of ECOSOC with lot of ideas due to funding constraints.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

They must be given the opportunity to attend the sessions at UN, as it is very difficult to get visa, arranging air tickets, accommodation and traveling etc. There should be mechanism that facilitate the NGOs having consultative status.

Furthermore, there should be a WORLD PARLIAMENT OR ASSEMBLY and a secretariat for the NGOs with consultative status so that they could inform the situation, issues and problems that has been facing or might faced due to participation with ECOSOC activities. Currently we have only interaction with ECOSOC through this portal only, with limited ability to interact or share issues. However, we are more that 3000 NGOs with consultative status but having no opportunity to interact with each other, even if we are from the same state.

Therefore, there should be a platform and full-time secretariat so that we could interact with UN system, with each other and report to ECOSOC for achievements. as this platform will designate some duties and responsibilities to the NGOs and with some incentives particularly for the NGOs from developing countries.

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155. Social Action Forum for Manav Adhikar (SAFMA)

Most of the smaller NGOs, (like ourselves) who have special status and are working in fields where the learning curve is huge and existing knowledge is little, may not be able to make it to the annual spring conference. Their absence may prove vital since officials wouldn’t be able to learn about their operations and results in-person, additionally, if there is scope for passing policies which could be detrimental for the field, they won’t ever get mentioned. Hence some fund should be made available for them to participate in the interactive session.

NGOs have the power to voice the opinions of the communities that they serve. They can contribute to the work of the ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies by guiding them in their policies making process as well as help craft programs which help the NGOs in carrying out its operations with higher efficacy as well in programs aimed at the communities being catered.

For more efficient contribution of NGOs, recommended are medium of outreach programs by UN in which UN officials conduct field visits to have awareness of ground reality. This would not only enable NGOs to express their ideas and vision in a clearer manner, but also the officials will be able to grasp their ideas better.

From the perspective of NGOs in developing and transitioning economies, the landscape is changing every day. NGOs need to be empowered to communicate and share vital information and ideas on a frequent basis. However, prior to communicating, NGOs must fine tune their ideas and information.

In 2018, the use of data analytics has become detrimental. Like a good for-profit corporation, NGOs must make their operations ‘intelligent’. This requires establishing metrics which might be essential to track to understand the NGOs true impact on society, and then of course deciding a way of actually tracking and measuring those metrics. All of this may seem common knowledge for NGOs all over India and rule compliant, but, still there remains a need to re strategise and reframe methods and objectives in order to truly achieve what they had set out to achieve.

Once NGOs have data points to reason their ideas and information, then ECOSOC can assist bit by providing a platform where NGOs can have dialogue with the UN. NGOs have expertise and knowledge from working at the ground/floor level, they understand the people they to cater to and also function as a voice for the society they work with, thus for the UN to keep up with what is happening in the society, it should have a platform where communication can be interactive. Be it online, in-person, on the telephone or even written.

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Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

NGOs from developing and transitioning economies often are deprived of access to the internet. Or they may be working in fields where there is a dearth of NGOs serving the cause. The UN needs to incentivize helping each other i.e. the larger NGOs need to help smaller NGOs which don’t have access to facilities which are required to apply for a consultative status. Additionally, the regional offices need to be more accessible i.e. either the NGOs should be able to schedule a visit to help with the application process or UN officials should do a field visit to help NGOs.

The UN could even outsource this activity or recruit volunteers. Further, once they apply, everybody must have an equal/fair chance of being heard in-person as opposed to writing, or talking over the phone, which causes delays and often makes NGOs seem under- prepared when they’re actually not.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Small and medium sized businesses are becoming increasingly aware of their social responsibilities. The UN can raise awareness among the private sector to assist NGOs under their Corporate Social Responsibility program, in terms of access to the internet, language and presentation skills.

The UN can create a buzz either through on-ground volunteers for rural areas or digital marketing in urban areas. There needs to be incentive for NGOs to lift each other and get each other to apply. Additionally, the UN also needs to incentivize participation, after all it is a great deal of effort in addition to their (NGOs) already existing workload.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

By speaking and being heard, there must be a mandatory number of times a NGO must have dialogue with the UN. Change isn’t passive. Also when studies are conducted by other NGOs or if information is shared by them, it must sent out to all NGO’s in order stimulate learning and raising awareness about trends in different fields. NGOs that are passive must be given a cautionary warning, because they are potentially holding a spot which could be given to a more active NGO. Additionally, a collaborative/interactive platform must be provided to the NGOs, perhaps in the form of an application which would prompt them about UN events near them, allow them to share ideas and have dialogue.

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156. Society for Human advancement and Disadvantaged Empowerment (SHADE)

The United Nations, in addition to intergovernmental discussions on common concerns and collective responses, has provided a platform to Non government Organizations to get involved in policy making processes taking place at the United Nations. The Non Government Organizations are allowed to participate in the major conferences of the United Nations and share their inputs for a better change in the world. They make oral statements and written contributions; they have actively advocated for major policy shifts in many areas of the world, this indeed has provided NGOs for their voices to be heard at an esteemed forum of United Nations.

The contributions of the Non Government Organizations (NGOs) can further be strengthened by

1. Assigning tasks to the Non Government Organizations in consultative status with the ECOSOC that they will fulfill voluntarily for instance when the states and governments sign treaties or agreements with the United Nations or its subsidiary bodies, the NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC can work and provide necessary support to their states and governments for better results. The Non Government Organization in consultative status can submit their contributions on the assigned tasks. 2. In addition to oral statements during annual sessions of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies, fixed number of NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC on rotate basis need to be allowed a speaker role during the sessions concerned, it may be 02 minute intervention for each intervention throughout the session, as this would allow the NGOs in consultative status with the ECOSOC to contribute in a better way. 3. There need to be an annual, biannual or as it is convenient, conference session of NGOs in consultative status with the ECOSOC where in accordance with the agenda they can submit their contributions to the work of UN, ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies and with their governments on the implementation of UN work.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

It is indeed a big opportunity for the Non Government Organizations to get a consultative status and make their voices heard world over through esteemed forums of ECOSOC and The United Nations. The process of getting consultative status already in place is feasible and easy one for the Non Government Organizations, to provide better support to the newly applied NGOs for the consultative status following things can be done

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• The newly applying organizations for the consultative status can be referred to the organizations that have received consultative status in their respective countries for orientations and further necessary support and facilitation. • There can be selected one or two organizations country wise to provide facilitation to the NGOs in their respective countries during the process of obtaining consultative status with the ECOSOC. • Mobile apps can be developed to provide necessary information on the consultative status with ECOSOC.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

The Non Government Organizations in developing countries unlike in the developing world face lots of challenges including the financial problems and sometimes due to this they are unable to come up and attend the conferences and sessions. In developing countries at many places NGOs lack internet facility to keep them online regularly and in many areas it is due to energy crisis. The participation of NGOs from such countries for the UN work can be increased

1. The NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC can be given opportunities to meet regularly in their respective countries to share their contributions to the UN work. 2. The annual sessions and meetings of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies can be aired live through web/video conferences at one of the UN agency offices in the developing countries where NGO representatives in consultative status could participate. 3. NGOs in consultative status from developing countries can be given more opportunities to make oral and written contributions during sessions and meetings of UN. 4. The number of representatives of NGOs in consultative status from developing countries can be increased to participate in the conferences and meetings.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The Non Government Organizations that are in consultative status or apply for consultative status belong to different levels and backgrounds, few are big organizations, and others are mid level NGOs while the rest are Community Based Organizations. The level of these organizations to access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes is also different like few might have resident representatives to take part in the UN processes and others might be able to come up and take part while the rest might have difficulties, but all level NGOs are equally contributing in the processes of UN. All the NGOs that are in consultative status can best access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes by

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• Providing, fixed number of NGOs in consultative status, speaker role at the annual sessions of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies on rotate basis to submit their contributions. The Non Government Organizations consider it a big opportunity for them to speak at the UN sessions, they prepare them for this when they apply for oral statements, but sometimes due to time constrains they could not submit their contributions. The speaker role for NGOs at the sessions may not be more than 02 minute duration for every intervention. By speaker role for the NGOs in consultative status on rotate basis means fixed number of NGOs may participate throughout the sessions allowing to the permission of Chair of the session, further, rules can be made for this purpose. • The annual sessions and meetings can be aired through teleconferencing systems regionally as well at The UN offices; this will enable more NGOs in consultative status to take part in the UN processes.

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157. Society for Protection of Street & Working Children

In the first phase, NGOs can hold training courses and local conferences with the participation of ECOSOC officials to train interested groups and create the room for more specialized collaboration. In these courses, in addition to the fact that ECOSOC officials would get familiar with the local and organizational issues of active NGOs, such organizations also can expand their interactions in the desired areas in accordance with national laws, given that the non-governmental organizations are subject to the domestic laws of their countries.

The most effective measure of non-governmental organizations to help the United Nation policymaking is the analytical and comparative use of experiences of previous policies and the use of quantitative and qualitative indicators for the implementation of them. Continual face to face and corresponding contact, preparation and compilation of specialized reports using questionnaires provided by ECOSOC and the development of between the inter- organizations communications through ECOSOC are among the measures can be taken by NGOs to help ECOSOC.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Providing educational video clips in the desired language to teach the steps, benefits, and methods of acquiring a consultative status. Making use of the experiences of organizations that have succeeded in acquiring a consultative status and are working with the ECOSOC.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

By establishing the necessary ground for face to face communication with ECOSOC and creating local offices using international experts, and considering funds and training courses for international cooperation, we can increase the participation of such NGOs in the UN activities.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

For some reasons (the following ones), it’s really difficult for an organization like SPWSC to be involved in the meetings to benefit from guidelines and lectures presented there. A. Problems regarding visa issuance for attending related meetings. B. Expenses and the high price of the dollar for traveling and stay costs. It should be noted that, since all expenses must be borne by the organization itself and independent NGOs are not supported internationally by any funds or financial assistance of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, NGOs are not able to pay these costs SPWSC provides all its funds by the charitable people in Iran and, given the inflationary and economic problems in Iran, it is difficult to meet our commitments on the costs of 700 children. Therefore, due to the distance, visa problems, travel hardships and holding meeting in regional offices, it is necessary to examine the feasibility of establishing a regional office aside from the central UN office in New York.

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158. Somali Help-Age Association

Is to ensure that ECOSOC put more resource on NGOs and civil societies in participating of UN SDG goals and increases its efforts for sharing, disseminating of informations thru emails

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

NGOs should be given suitable prior notice to prepare themselves during the process of applying consultative status so as to be able to organize themselves and prepare the necessary documentations and communications before the deadline.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

There are number of challenges facing NGOs that need to be considered such as participation of UN events either in New York or Geneva due to financial constraint or Visa delay, lack of active participations of various UN conferences, events, debates, forums of UN Branches, Dept and Bodies, in that regards their voices have never and will never been heard or nobody aware of how they feel, what they think and what position they are in regarding resolutions, laws and other declarations passed by UN, In order to create an active participation for them and find an appropriate solution to their concerns, I suggest those NGOs should be given a conference/travel coverage.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Organizations that is granted a consultative status with UN can only take part in UN processes when they have enough resources in place to execute their objectives, but many NGOs are unable to do so and can’t do anything unless they receive resources to empower them, even though there are some NGOs that took advantage of that privileges and regularly attend UN events and continue to participate and contribute positively to the UN work. On the other hand there are challenges of others that needs to be on board and inclusive.

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159. Sonke Gender Justice Network

1. NGOs can further contribute to the work of ECOSOC and subsidiary bodies through improving their visibility and participation on key policies and decision- making processes. This can be achieved through: a. Increased access with regards to physical spaces and UN processes. Obtaining visas and travelling to New York has been a constant challenge for NGOs particularly those coming from developing and transitioning countries, where individuals have been denied visas on political grounds, and/or because the requirements are too difficult to meet. While the need for security is understood, efforts should be made to create conducive conditions for civil society organisations to obtain visas with relative ease. Failure to do so amounts to exclusivity which compromises democracy, human rights and inclusion. These challenges also diminish NGOs ability to meaningfully participate in crucial spaces. b. Another aspect relates to access to the UN Building itself. A balance between security and access should be maintained and measures need to be taken to increase civil society access to the UN Building to be able to effectively engage with ongoing processes during key meetings and events. c. While civil society organisations can submit oral and written submissions on key UN Resolutions, reports from inter bodies on key policy developments often do not specifically highlight and incorporate lessons learnt and recommendations made by NGOs. In this regard the ECOSOC Committee should make visible the contributions made by NGOs in policy and decision- making documents. Member states should also be encouraged to recognise NGOs as playing a crucial role in implementation of decisions beyond the role they play in monitoring and evaluating the work done by their countries.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

I. Firstly, the process of obtaining ECOSOC accreditation itself needs to be widely communicated and simplified to allow all civil society organisations including grassroots CSOs to submit applications with ease. II. Support can also be provided through capacity building to NGOs applying or intending to apply for ECOSOC status in terms of what to expect, types of questions asked and how to respond as well as simplifying UN language and terminology to avoid being misinterpreted by member states.

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III. There is also need for sufficient checks and balances to ensure that organisations that meet ECOSOC requirements are not excluded by governments based on disagreement on policies, principles and approaches.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

I. Many NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition have limited financial resources, most of which are used to implement activities. They struggle with resources to travel and participate in UN processes. ECOSOC should lobby member states to provide support for NGOs particularly from the global South to travel and engage in key UN processes and meetings. II. ECOSOC can also provide full or partial funding to NGOs from these regions particularly organisations representing key populations to ensure diversity and inclusivity in participation. It is also important to promote equitable gender representation, as women often face challenges in accessing resources to participate and engage with UN work and processes

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

I. Sending regular communication about ECOSOC events and conferences as well as circulating final reports to all registered NGOs. This can be achieved through the development of simple web-based interactive applications that enable or facilitate regular communication between ECOSOC and civil society organisations. II. Provide access to base documents for instance zero drafts, as in some instances states delay making such documents available, thus limiting the participation of civil society organisations due to lack of access or time constraints. III. ECOSOC should also enhance NGO meetings during major events such as CSW / CPD to increase learning and sharing opportunities.

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160. Soroptimist International

The current modalities for NGOs contribution to the United Nations policy-making are spelled out in ECOSOC resolution 1996/3, by which NGOs are permitted to attend meetings of ECOSOC, its functional commissions and other subsidiary organs of ECOSOC, and at international conferences convened by the United Nations, and to submit oral and written statements. However, while general references may be made to acknowledge the work of NGOs, intergovernmental bodies rarely incorporate into their reports or resolutions, lessons learned, analytical findings or concrete recommendations from NGOs. It is rare to find any item on the agenda of intergovernmental bodies that would address specifically the work of NGOs, for consideration by Member States.

Furthermore, at most meetings, NGOs are relegated to the end of interventions, when the majority of Member States have left the room and often when little time is left for NGOs to express their views. The contribution of NGOs to discussions is not considered of importance by many Member States. Interventions from NGOs should be interspersed with those from Member States. While oral and written statements are put on relevant UN websites, they are not considered ‘official’ documentation to be discussed as an item on the agenda.

In an effort to provide more ‘space’ for the many NGOs, they are urged to collaborate and submit joint statements, which further diminishes the distinctive contributions that each NGO can make.

With respect to sustainable development issues, General Assembly resolution 67/290 makes provision for participation of Major Groups and Other Stakeholders (MGOS), and in this context, many opportunities are offered for the participation of NGOs at the High Level Political Forum, including the official document with summaries of ‘sectoral or position’ papers submitted by the MGOS. However, that document is not discussed. Neither are reports submitted pursuant to paragraph 89 of the 2030 Agenda. NGOs may be given the opportunity to express their views, but there is no official discussion on their work or recognition of possible contribution to policy-making. The outcome of the High Level Political Forum, namely the Ministerial Declaration, refers only in broad terms to the general contribution made by all stakeholders. There is no evidence of any contribution by NGOs that could be used for policy-making.

The vast majority of NGOs have limited funds, but they have a tradition of reaching those left furthest behind, those who are marginalized and most vulnerable and yet their dedication, experience, achievements and what they can offer to policy-makers are given little attention.

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Unless an exception is made, NGOs are not permitted to participate in informal consultations during which resolutions, declarations, outcome documents, etc. are drafted. Some Member States seek the views of NGOs on substantive issues, language to be used, evidence to support a particular proposal, but in general NGOs are excluded from negotiations.

Member States should fully acknowledge that NGOs are not only watch-dogs but are also implementers and partners. Member States should recognize that NGOs can make valuable contributions to policy-making, including at the intergovernmental level.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

It would be useful to have an annual orientation for applicants on the legislative process and what to expect when the Committee on NGOs considers applications.

Coaching may be provided by recently approved NGOs on how best NGOs can defend their application and seek support from Member States.

Assistance should be provided to NGO applicants on: • the use of UN terminology and language to avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretation by Member States; • the types of questions that would be asked about their application; how to respond to questions, to avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretation by Member States.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

The vast majority of NGOs have limited financial resources, most of which are spent on carrying out activities to support those who have been left behind, those who do not have access to government services and programmes, and those who have been ignored or marginalized. The NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition have even fewer resources to undertake their work and their participation in intergovernmental processes at the regional and global level is rarely feasible. If Governments are serious about the importance of the work of NGOs, ways must be found to facilitate their participation, in terms of, for instance, travel and per diem to attend and participate in UN processes or make virtual participation possible. But participation is not meaningful if their contribution is not acknowledged or used for policy-making.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

In addition to obtaining ID badges that allow access to UN meetings, and provision of facilities for virtual participation, opportunities to take part in UN processes must be meaningful. It is not just a question of submitting a written statement or making an oral statement when time is available. It is also a question of Member States utilizing the experience and recommendations of NGOs by taking note in reports and resolutions of intergovernmental bodies and making use of what NGOs have to offer in the context of, for instance, eradicating poverty, ending discrimination, respect for human rights, economic and social development, ensuring adequate education and health services, preventing and ending violence and conflict, protecting the environment, compliance with the rule of law, ensuring a life of dignity for all people of all ages, etc. etc.

The United Nations Charter recognizes the role of NGOs, which have made significant contributions to the work of the United Nations, including in humanitarian crises, environment issues, climate change, establishment of the International Criminal Court, elaboration of human rights treaties, disarmament, reduction of landmines, economic and social development. And the list goes on.

Much of their participation in United Nations activities and achievements in supporting the ideals of the United Nations have not necessarily required having ECOSOC status. The question, therefore, is the value of ECOSOC status and how meaningful it is if NGO participation in intergovernmental processes does not effectively prompt recognition and use of their experience and expertise for policy-making.

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161. Sudanese Women’s Union

The General Sudanese Women’s Union (SWUG) dates back to 1951 when it replaced the Sudanese Women's League.

The SWU has branches covering all over the country, about 27.000 branches with members who are chosen through election that starts from small villages and neighborhoods to the big cities.

The GSWU is a national voluntary organization working towards achieving justice and equity in the society through empowering women socially, economically and politically and that’s through strengthening the spirit of unity among women regardless of the their religious, political or ethnic backgrounds in order to gain women’s rights so as to enhance and develop women’s participation in all walks of life social and political, through its branches which scattered over the country and through partnerships with other organizations, local, national and international organizations in order to share experiences and join hand – in – hand with the movement of strengthening women’s movement and development.

The SWUG used many modalities to enhance and improve its services so as to cover all women’s needs to empower them and to provide women’s with necessary tools and means of economical dependence and nourishment which was gained through the rise of women’s participation in all social and political life of the Sudanese communities. One of the most influential programs, such as the programs of literacy and combating FGM, which resulted in increasing numbers of educational opportunities and organizations for women, and more opportunities were established for women to work in different fields. Regarding the rural communities and rural women, one of the most successful programs applied by the SWUG was the program of “The award for women's creativity for productive rural women” this award was the result of many and different tools that was used by the SWUG to guarantee the participation of policy makers and influential governmental bodies in such activities so as to gain the political and governmental support through policy and regulations in order to guarantee the continuity and sustainability of such programs in the future, this process was gained through the use of the following tools of the SWUG:

1. Conducting researches and studies on women’s issues, rights and other social influential elements that might affects the lives of women and the publish and share the results of these studies. 2. Co-operation with other similar organizations, local, national and international. 3. Providing training opportunities for women in different fields and skills, handicrafts to leadership skills to the productive skills.

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4. Working with the governmental bodies, and UN agencies related to the women’s issues to work with more concerns to the women’s needs. 5. Establishing and supporting women’s institutions and organizations that support the wellbeing of women educational, cultural, health and training, social and economical, and all other women’s basic needs.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The better way to support ECOSOC is through partnership and cooperation with other similar organizations local organizations, national and international organizations in order to benefit from the different experiences and unite the work and themes regarding development of women’s rights and flourishing their lives and participation in political and social life.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

The economies of developing countries can be increased through different procedures such as fund raising and proper monitoring of those projects, enhancing the knowledge and experiences of women heading their projects and families, also through education and training of women on the economical skills.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The best way the organizations could benefit from the opportunities given by the UN is through gaining the projects offered by the UN and gaining knowledge on sustaining such projects through education and skills training of the targeted populations, also through sharing knowledge and benefit from the experiences of similar UN organizations and agencies.

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162. Sulabh International Centre for Action Sociology

Dedicated NGO’s work in their chosen areas and gather a lot of practical experience. With their year to the ground, they come to know what works better, what is sustainable and what does not work. These experiences should be documented, analyzed and best practices. Collated from the information.

ECOSOC can disseminated thus structed information, Even make best practice guidelines in simple unambiguous language, Preferably with case studies, illustrations and photographs. Such information can be continuously enriched and the updated guideline published.

Once every year. The publication may be uploaded on their website so that members as well as non- member can freely access the information and benefit from them. At the same time such information and best practices can positively impact. ECOSOC’s policy making process.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Direct communication between well experienced personnel of ECOSOC and the NGO’s can be helpful.

One of the efficient options could be to organize dedicated webinars one different topics of interest.

From time to time ECOSOC can invite suggestions from the members and event non- member. NGO’s to determine the topics and frequency of the webinars. In terms of cost and time, webinars and other electronic communication could bring above huge savings compare to physical meetings. Therefore frequency of interaction and number of participates can be much higher.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Frequently organized dedicated webinars and other forms of electronic communication may be very effective.

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For some countries it would bring above a sea change if the communication materials can be translated into different languages, so that the rich could be up to grass root levels.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

As mention earlier, frequent communication in the electronic forms is likely to increase access and rich of the NGO’s. ECOSOC should encouraged to-way communication, which would also elicit new and out of the wox ideas.

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163. Support for Women in Agriculture and Environment (SWAGEN)

There is no better way to contribute than to actively participate, be it on line or in person in planning and implementation of the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies. ECOSOC is already doing a great job by sharing the information early enough and following up with reminders. It is now left to the NGOs to rise to the challenge.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The process is user friendly and easy enough really. Information is sent out early and widely. ECOSOC should not bash itself when many NGOs are not seeking Consultative Status. It is a choice they have to make and maybe some NGOs have chosen not to be in Consultative Status with ECOSOC

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

NGOs from developing Countries have resource constraints. They need adequate financial support to participate in meetings. Of late we have noticed a decline in the amount of per dimes at UNEA and UN PFII. Otherwise online participation is okay. Majority of us in developing countries have computers and internet connectivity. Also, where the participation is in a project such as UN REDD, there must be a Dedicated Grant Mechanism to enable NGOs participate in the activities. When you give grants to governments, give grants to NGOs too.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

This is really upto the NGOs. Un has done its duty by offering opportunities. Once the opportunities have been availed by UN, the NGOs have a responsibility to either take them up or not. While NGOs may have a right to access these opportunities, they have a responsibility to receive and act on them. If an NGO has received this email and not responded, that is shunning its responsibility. What can UN do? Forcing an NGO to respond would be tantamount to violating its rights. Please let UN announce the availability of opportunities and leave NGOs to either take them or not.

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164. Takshila Education Inc

Synergy of NGOs who are working on same cause. How can we communicate better with others? Can we have more access to UN cooperation with hosting countries representatives.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Faster; lot of time consuming

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

More visibility. Biggest hurdle red tape on hosting countries way of working style.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Provide list of activities where NGOs can be invited to be part of those missions

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165. Thalassaemia International Federation Limited

With 193 Member States and more than 5,000 NGOs with consultative status, it is evident that the Committee on NGOs needs to be allocated with resources (staff and budget) in order to be able to function properly and effectively address existing issues. NGOs need to be categorised per topic of interest/activity, relevant Committees and Sub-committees need to be informed about the NGOs’ very existence and activities, while information on news, events and the convening of meetings need to be timely and regularly disseminated. Moreover, webinars need to be delivered with instructions on how NGOs can be actively involved, using appropriate UN terminology and methodology. All information need to appear in a user-friendly website, communicated to all NGOs.

Besides internal organisation, ECOSOC needs to ensure that all meetings are accessible to everyone. This can be achieved via either the sponsorship or co-sponsorship of travel costs, the e-participation of NGOs from the local UN agencies (that need to have teleconferencing equipment at their disposal) or the decentralisation of meetings/ organisation of regular regional meetings.

Even if the physical or virtual participation of NGOs is ensured, another major challenge to be addressed is NGOs’ actual participation in the policy-making process. The existing processes of submitting oral and written statements are not adequate because Member States do not recognise in practice the importance of grassroots work by allocating sufficient time for statements or incorporating them in their official reports or minutes. This implies that NGOs need to have a certain level of power in recognition of their role, that could be translated into issuing opinions on their own initiative which Member States have to discuss or institute proceedings before the International Court of Justice if an opinion was not taken into consideration, thus leading to the deterioration of a given situation.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Regarding the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC, more details on the process, criteria and timeframe should be communicated via the dedicated website.

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Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

*See above (Question 1)

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

*See above (Question 1)

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166. The Institute for Conscious Global Change, Inc.

I am grateful for the opportunity to give input to ECOSOC on the engagement of NGOs in the work of the United Nations. (1) In order for NGOs to contribute, there needs to be a structured process that lays out the ‘how’ or ‘process’ by which NGOs can engage. To do this, the work that each NGO does need to be cataloged and the UN Agency to which that work is most aligned needs to be identified and established in a document sent to each NGO. A process for how each of these NGOs is introduced and recognized by that agency must also to be established. In my view, NGOs are seen by most agencies as ‘pests.’ There needs to be more respect given to NGOs and the contribution they can make.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

It is good that there are more announcements of the possibility to apply for consultative status. Maybe sessions could be held or a video made to give assistance for how to fill out the application could be good. NGOs are given consultative status and then let loose in the system with little or no guidance and direction and to whom they can go for answers to their questions.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

I feel that there should be a match-up between NGOs in developing and countries in transition with countries in developed countries who might have skills and expertise that developing countries can use.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

There needs to be a more transparent and better organized and established way for NGOs to be funded to assist the UN. NGOs cannot assist with no funds. Funds are given to countries to implement the 2030 Agenda, but no funding or partnership structure seems to be in place for NGOs to be formally engaged and funded. We have a lot to offer but we don’t seem to be taken seriously. I am happy for this questionnaire as ECOSOC seems to want to improve the process for better engagement with NGOs.

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167. The Red Elephant Foundation

1. NGOs can file annual reports with best practices in policy framing and implementation that can inform the UN’s policy making targets 2. NGOs can conduct needs assessments and impact assessments on ground and enable the UNECOSOC develop robust measures and policies to respond to specific needs.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Nothing as such - the current system is in perfect order.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Awareness creation of the fact that they can indeed participate, and making applications accessible in more languages.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGOs should be able to call in from all over the world during key meetings, if they cannot attend in person. This can ensure that they will be heard. There should also be smaller committees and task forces so that more people can be involved and act.

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168. The Safe Campaign

The separate subsidiary bodies should first be broken down by each service it provides; and the proper corporate hierarchy should be implemented. When this is properly structured; trainings should be offered that people can go to locally and in their area in order to offer supports in the areas in which they provide services. So far; most offices never answer their phones or return any calls and the NGOs are left on their own to figure it out. In my case I personally took it as an opportunity to create my own Modus Operandi and miraculously it works well for the SAFE Campaign NGO but sadly this is not a model that most will be able to develop on their own. Because I already have Presidential and leadership experience I understood how to build something from there.

Allow our decisions to count as long as they are using UN approved processes and modalities. No sense in training up bullies. Without property authority, people tend to take their positions and use them improperly with human ego. We are living that nightmare now with Donald Trump. He’s picking fights all around the world because “he can”. He is guilty of collusion I witnessed it but people are too afraid to stand up to him but I’m not. The truth is what it is and the list of gold relics and gifs Saudi Arabia gave him when he went on his Middle Eastern tour last year was to buy Sudan out of a very DENIED sanction in exchange for controlling its gold. That’s why Saudi Arabia keeps calling Sudanese; Arab. Sudan is part of the African continent it IS NOT Arabian. These people died for greed and when I saw the complete rejected by all congress members sanction stay; I new then how much work the NGOs along with the support of the United Nations; needed to do. If we do not; we will do us all a grave injustice. Iran is being picked on because it refused to gang up on Qatar concerning the GCC battle. Accredited NGOs should have the full authorities of the United Nations, including UNODC, INTERPOL, FED, SEC, Policing Statuses and more, so as to be able to confront injustices with veracity.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Simplify WTF for accredited NGOs Inclusion of NGO web links on UN site. The United Information is in my opinion much too wordy to the point where it is difficult to truly understand anything. For me it was like so many words all over the place but after dissection wasn’t really sayng a whole lot of different things. When I first submitted an Application to help People of Color in the USA and as a Pan African; I realized that people were not really caring that lives in the USA were being taken unlawfully. Since then I have had the toughest time fighting for their HUMAN RIGHTS under the UN Charter. Seems people in the USA think that it is untouchable because it is not considered International Country. But I have done my own research and have researched that in 1945; Harry S.

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Truman signed the USA in commitment to abide by human rights laws whether here in the USA or abroad. But the court systems here truly believe that they are exempt from policing. I personally believe that though I am totally disappointed in Donald Trump’s performance as a President; he did appear to speak truth when he said that the UN isn’t doing much more that holding meetings. So far that is the truth. There are rumors and facts that even I have seen that the UN has some corrupt partners as NGOs that were it been for a thorough periodic vetting system; those would be exposed and plucked out from their partnership seats. Further and in closing; it would be awesome if NGO’s had the ability to submit to address the full assembly face to face even at the State of the Union Addresses. I would personally like to make a motion to raise a SAFE Campaign NGO Flag to represent the very valuable contribution that Descendants of African Slaves in America have made to not only the comforts that every American appreciates but that these comforts have also caused the USA to be a place that people from all over our world have come to appreciate yet nobody has shared in that pride with young people. There should also be a document assistance office within the United Nations Headquarters locations, to assist NGOs when obtaining visas and proper travel documents, including diplomatic credentials where applicable.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

I personally believe in inclusive meritocracy. So far we live in a world whereas many people believe they are better than another. But working together on one common goal can change the textures of the fabric; and colors in our world. By this I mean; for example, Medical Doctors should respect Naturopathic Doctors all the same as both specialties for example can honestly work together to make the world better for us all. Learn to listen to the needs of others even when they are viewed as criminals you’d be surprised how much you can learn. Provide Translator assistance for document assistance and on calls.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

When I began my career as a volunteer for the Dayemi Complex Bangladesh a Permanent Representative NGO almost ten years ago; I personally found that I was lost not having anyone to teach me about any access or opportunities available. I among many others lacked the true comprehension concerning what the United Ntions was established to do. Like most people would when exposed to new processes; I felt lost in a forest when attempting to pave my own way and carve out a niche that I felt would truly be beneficial from an objective perspective. My teacher; Dr. Alam meant well but the language barrier between us became an issue for us on many occasion and I now know that if it were not for who I am as a person I would not have a clue what he was trying to convey. Therefore; I decided to be the one to offer suggestions based upon my own experience with business operations and partnered those ideas with that of my research about non profit and humanitarian services. I basically created ideas for his NGO that were a result of my own passions and dreams in helping others do better and live better in our world.

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Once I got a handle on some of vision; I saw the need for many things that could have helped make my experience a bit better. I am convinced that had the United Nations had a good record of who partners with it, the fact that they could not discern the fact for many years that I was already working with Dr. Alam since 2009 and instead of starting me with a fresh application for the SAFE Campaign NGO in 2010 couldve easily ported my profile over to a separate one to make clear how long I have actually been helpjng the United Nations without remuneration whatsoever. Through trial and error; I learned that there were ways I could have raised funds for both The DAYEMI COMPLEX BANGLADESH- NGO as well as THE SAFE CAMPAIGN- NGO but it appeared that either most members had no idea how to raise their own funds and were coming to me for funds and donations, that nobody was available to support the NGOs financially and they could therefore not afford to stay in business long enough to be a support the United Nations at all. I further learned how important it truly is to have classes that teach step by step how to acquire funds from IMF; WTO, and World Bank among other ways. I personally found it to be very shocking that an NGO would be expected to work for free to receive little to no supports at all while those having the titles and status sat back and benefitted from the fruits of the NGOs labor. In closing; my team and I believe that PROVEN accreditation should specify the the difference between a basic international non-profit company who is basically calling itself an NGO; is giving the impression in the trade world that it is one and the same as a Non Government Organization in Consultative Status with the United Nations. This causes loads of delay when raising funds because there is a bad culture of greed that is leeching off of the trust an honesty that deserving and hard-working NGOs have earned righteously.

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169. The Smile of the Child

The role of NGOs essentially encompasses (1) advice on orientations for future policies, either or not in view of the establishment of new conventions, additional protocols, political declarations and other UN instruments and (2) help monitoring the impact and the progress and implementation flaws of existing instruments.

The structure of consultations needs to be well accessible for NGOs, not only the global ones, which have both sufficient financial and operational capabilities but also the medium and smaller ones at regional, national or even local level, often struggling for survival, yet delivering significant work and hence disposing of deep and solid insights into the facets of society in which they operate. This means that the consultation needs to be brought closer to the base, through formulas which reach out in a focused way and reduce or eliminate travel distance and cost for the NGOs.

Establishing sector clusters of NGOs with consultative status will allow for a focused interaction among them and with the UN Secretariat. It will also lead to a better flow of information to relevant NGOs as to the developments in specific UN processes, ongoing and upcoming. On this basis, NGOs can mobilize themselves accordingly, and participate in specific frameworks of dialogue, as they wish either actively or in an observation mode.

Written contributions are a very valuable way for NGOs to involve themselves in UN processes as well and will also be enhanced through sector clusters by a deeper insight in the relevant agenda and proceedings at the UN. Filing written contributions will undoubtedly become more attractive if it is made clear and visible to NGOs how their written insights are integrated into the related process.

Teleconferencing with various technical means is obviously a flexible means for NGOs to participate in consultations, but cannot fully and properly replace a physical dialogue, which allows for better interaction, discussion and networking. In order to facilitate the contribution of NGOs through dialogue with physical presence, the cost and operational complications of participation could be significantly reduced by organizing parallel regional encounters, for instance at the headquarters of the UN Economic Commissions in Africa, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific, etc.

In the same line of thought, hearings of NGOs can also be regionally organized. The already existing practice of involving NGOs in pre-sessions of monitoring committees for a number of UN Conventions shows the way of how clusters of NGOs with consultative status can actually be mobilized more generally and systematically.

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Building onto the idea of regionally organized dialogues, selected speakers from the NGO community at political meetings, for instance in the Commissions or in the context of the GA, could act as rapporteurs, and thus reflect the combined ideas and concerns of a much wider NGO community, rather than just bringing forward their own specific insights. The latter does obviously not have to be excluded and should take place as well when particularly relevant.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The benefits of NGO consultation in the UN context is reciprocal. It is important for UN policy-making to touch base by means of field operators, and it is important for NGOs to see its observations, concerns and insights reflected in policies and decisions at the UN. This requires an enhanced effective openness on the side of the UN (elements of answer to Q1) and motivation and capacity building on the side of the NGOs (elements of answer to Q4).

The UN can support NGOs to turn their prospective ECOSOC consultative status into a mutually useful instrument by clearly identifying the focus of the future interaction, based on the current and foreseeable agenda at hand in the UN, based also on the existing conventions, protocols and other instruments. These elements are to be by excellence the cornerstones of the relationship between the UN system and the prospective NGO. This is naturally not meant to be strictly limitative, as the context may and will evolve; it does however provide clear anchorage to the future cooperation, and allows the prospective NGO to elaborate its narrative and internal organization with an orientation that duly corresponds to the needs of the UN for consultative input from civil society.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

The question’s focus on NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition should be widened to include also NGOs from countries where there is no financial State support for NGOs. There are developed countries in which NGOs are financially and hence operationally very vulnerable as they lack State support or tax relief in the absence of a national recognition/accreditation procedure.

The financial implication to the NGOs for participation in UN proceedings is often a serious obstacle, while it is highly unlikely that the UN itself can subsidize. Therefore, the cost of participation needs to be reduced. There are several ways of doing so, as described under Q1.

A UN sponsored mechanism by which able and willing NGOs, already enjoying ECOSOC consultative status, are matched to peer NGOs from developing countries and countries with transition economies, can help generate an internal modus operandi veered towards useful participation in UN’s work, along the lines described under Q4.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGOs which acquire ECOSOC consultative status are by definition motivated to involve themselves in UN processes with relevance to their operation. Whereas a lot can be done to increase the accessibility of these UN processes (cfr. Q1), NGOs with consultative status also need to invest in the task they have assumed.

Building and adapting policy oriented insights based on the aggregate of observation and field work, analyzing situations and developments beyond their individual and ad hoc interventions, are a constant task for NGOs which want to usefully contribute to the UN decision-making and policy-making. In order to adequately respond to this call, the necessary financial and operational capacity needs to be freed up for this purpose, a place has to be reserved for this task among the declared mission priorities. Internal coordination and structure must reflect this. An internal policy of (1) sensitizing personnel and volunteers of the importance of looking beyond specific and ad hoc operations and (2) establishing a mechanism which ensures the bundling of individual experiences into aggregate insights, is key to building the NGO’s ability to put to use its consultative status for the sake of policy-oriented advice and monitoring impact of and compliance with existing UN instruments.

Helped by an enhanced approach of reaching out from the side of the UN system (cfr. Q1), NGOs themselves are supposed to keep abreast of issues currently and shortly on the UN agenda and focus on elaborating relevant input. This can undoubtedly be facilitated by establishing formal or informal alliances with like-minded NGOs from the same country or across borders, given the fact that near to all matters at hand in the UN context are of a universal or at least regional dimension. Working closely together with other NGOs with ECOSOC consultative status, therefore seems to be a prerequisite and will enhance the relevance and balance of insights, in a context wider than the NGO’s own specific environment.

There can be no doubt that active physical participation in UN forums open to NGOs is the most dynamic mode of access. It should therefore be promoted by the UN and made more amply possible, as suggested above (cfr. Q1). Coordinated representation with like-minded NGOs and agreeing with them on a joint message content, can to some extent offer solutions to the cost and complication of physical presence. It constitutes an additional benefit to be reaped from setting up alliances.

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170. To Love Children Educational Foundation International Inc.

To Love Children Educational International Foundation since 2006 has submitted written statements, attended High Level Commission and other important events in New New York. As founder I have had the opportunity to speak four times in that period of time. What is efficient is different from what is effective as attending in person, written statements are an efficient method but inputs to the process of the policy making of the UN does not result in tangible outputs or outcomes in which a NGO is invited to collaborate with other agencies on the ground for a sustainable follow through on best practices and on better policy making.

One challenge for small NGO’s is to be able to provide both scholarly and best practices that avoid bias and is inclusive in gender and all diversity. Empowering local communities is possible when the UN reaches out in a substantive manner to enable pathways for NGO’s without the financial strength of larger NGO’s to enable opportunity equally. Directing and empowering volunteers is a challenge with the only access to the UN becomes an exercise of providing responses but with no structure in place to engage in partnering with all agencies and other NGO’s with the benefit of UN support.

A few essential questions; how can small NGO’s become effective as positive change makers without the added competition of larger more influential NGO’s? How are speakers selected to present with a follow up structure for collaboration to eliminate separate pipelines and this not benefiting from a crossover of expertise of small NGO’s especially from a developed nation?

Are we confident (ECOSOC) that our NGO’s are able to demonstrate educational and cultural competence to work in an increasing technological, political, economic, and social global society?

Dr David Kenneth Waldman Founder/President/CEO To Love Children

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Provide more substantive and collaborative sustainable partnerships and not one time opportunities to post written or oral statements. Especially for smaller NGO’s who lack the financial and global presence. To take down the bias of larger NGO’s and separate policy making that demonstrates consistency and long term collaboration

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Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Hold more meetings via telecommunications and work with private business to sponsor the costs of travel to New York or the other UN locations.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

A sustainable outreach from ECOSOC and the NGO Committee to ensure ongoing communication and partnerships. The answers are short because there are tried and tested - effective methods for best practices for collaborative working relationships.

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171. Training for Women Network

The twitter debates facilitated by experts in the field has proven really useful for organisations associated with ECOSOC to share and discuss ideas and best practice outside of the formalities of written position papers as ideas are able to be shared in a more fluid medium. This allows for best practice to be adapted to member state specific circumstances. In addition to this NGOs should be funded to enable them attend sessions and give evidence face to face. This serves the dual purpose of allowing a wider range of voices to attend as well as allow NGOs and the groups their represent to fill that ECOSOC value their voices and what they can contribute at the international level.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The process of obtaining consultative status is a long process with long periods of time where prospective applicants are not sure of what is happening or why. This can be particularly stressful for applicants when Member States may query applications and on what grounds without a detailed explanation for the applicant to ease this. A dedicated Project Officer assigned to each applicant could help applicants as they would have a point of contact whom they could discuss the consultative status process with and have someone to reduce concerns they may have as their application processes, particularly as the length of time involved in this, may be much longer than they have experienced in other application process they have been involved in.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

As touched upon previously, many NGOs do not have the funding or means to send representatives to the UN to begin to form relationships with key personnel or have the opportunity to present their stories to officials in the most basic of human ways, through conversation and debate. This is an incredibly important function of the work of the UN as it is an opportunity for the institution to galvanize its work in the eyes of NGOs and how its work filters down to the grassroots level. It is important that NGOs feel that their experiences and expertise is filtered into the UN at a policy level so as to affect NGOs and their members on the ground throughout the world. In order to strengthen this further, a suggestions that could be made is for ECOSOC to partner up NGOs from developing countries and economies in transition with NGOs that are further along in their development so that learning can be shared and a mentorship programme can be facilitated and enacted at an organisational level.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Communication is key in relation to organisations with Consultative Status being able to access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes. ECOSOC currently is very good at disseminating to Consultative Status organisations the opportunities they have to become involved in UN processes. One of the key successes of ECOSOC in highlighting opportunities for Consultative Status organizations has been the wide variety of opportunities that have been disseminated to organisations including the ability to submit position papers, take part in dedicated online fora and in twitter debates. This variety has allowed organizations with Consultative Status to feel that they have been able to have meaningful interaction with ECOSOC on a number of different levels and has generated a feeling of genuine collaboration rather than a ‘tick box’ exercise. A final suggestion which could aid in this process is the redesign of the online portal to make it more user friendly and ‘intuitive’ so that users are able to access processes without solely depending on the formal invitation to do so via email notifications currently used. This would further strengthen the feeling of collaboration mentioned above.

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172. Trennungsväter e.V.

Please take care of NGOs with low budgets. For many of them meetings in New York are not accessible due to the cost of travel and accomodation. We would welcome a network of regional meetings (e.g. a Eropean Group, an Asian Group etc.) with the attendance of reporters from ECOSOC headquarters so that every NGO can participate more easily.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

We have encountered no problem in the process.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

This relates to answer to question no. 1

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

There should be a more transparent way to bring up new topics so that NGOs can easily express their own concerns instead of responding to predefined answers.

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173. Triglav Circle

The current situation of the world, loaded with perils, gives special responsibilities to those organizations of the civil society that have the privilege to participate in the work of the United Nations. Whether their concerns are sectoral or global, NGOs must place their analyses and proposals in the context of the major threats to the future of humankind, notably the continuing destruction of the planet, the rise of various forms of violence, and the growing inequalities that undermine the social fabric of most societies and the building of a world community. Also, faced with examples of contempt for the established rules of diplomacy and for international law, NGOs should seize every opportunity to proclaim the necessity of the rule of law and the imperative need for international cooperation.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The Triglav Circle is not in a position to respond to this question.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

In general, the ‘non-Western’ NGOs are smaller and have fewer resources. Perhaps the Secretariat could provide them informally with various forms of assistance to facilitate their contribution to the work of the UN.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Lately, the Triglav Circle has experienced great difficulties in getting the floor to deliver its statement to the annual session of the Commission for Social Development. It seems that, especially on the priority item of the agenda, less and less time is allocated to NGO’s interventions. It is important for the members of the Commission to benefit from the views included in the statement prepared by the NGO Committee for Social Development, but it would seem equally important that the non-negotiated messages of single NGOs be heard.

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174. USA Mali Charitable Association of NYC

Any NGO can contribute to the Ecosoc work by creating employment in international level to grow the Economic status.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

I think correct obeservation and analysis of their work done determine any NGO Consultative status with ECOSOC

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

I think participation of NGO will help and ease United work. If every NGO decide to dedicate the work for their country. It will help not only UN, Infact it will help the world and we will be free from Poverty, Disease, Illiteracy and Corruption.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGO should provide their report to UN on regular basis and thats is the proof that what work they are doing as per their promises shown in the document during ECOSOC

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175. Union for International Cancer Control

Events: • We would encourage lifting restrictions on NGO access during UN meetings as it limits participation in both special events and ongoing meetings/relationships • We would suggest simplication of the meeting reigstration process, mutli-stage registration (particularly for those NGOs no familiar with UN registration processes) can be a hurdle to participation

Consultations • We applaud this online consultation and would encourage the further use of online consultations in order to broader opportunities for NGOs to contribute (outside of those in High-Income countries who have the financial and human resource capacity to attend meetings in person). • Consultations (online and in person) should always be available in all 6 UN languages in order to facilitate participation by individuals from non-anglophone countries • Thematic summaries from NGO contributions should be made available, indentifying key examples/case studies with contributing organisation, and providing links to websites of organisations to find out more if required

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

• Update and clarification of advice on process, timelines and expectations • Identification of focal points to direct any questions to and who might be able to help facilitate review of documents etc.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

• Use of online consultations in different langauges to broaden out participation • Use of different media (e.g. twitter, website, newsblasts of ECOSOC subsidiary bodies) to promote participation amongst LMICs • Provision of funding for individuals from LMICs to participate in in-person meetings • Encourage inclusion of NGO representatives within national delegations or facilitation of NGO meetings and contributions within events/consultations

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

• Simplify event registration process/ provide clear overview of registration steps • Broaden dissemination of information on events/consulitations or other opportunities to contribute to UN processes • Lift restrictions of NGO access during UN events

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176. United Nations Association of China

The main concern of UNA-China is the unbalanced representation and participation of NGOs in the UN. Among NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC, the majority of NGOs are from developed countries, and at the international conferences and NGO forums, NGOs from developing countries are insufficiently represented and their voices are inadequately heard.

Therefore, we deem it urgent to raise the representations of NGOSs from developing countries so that they could participate in the policy-making of the UN.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The NGO Committee should take the advantage of internet, video-conferencing and other communication technologies to seek inputs from NGOs based at a distance from UN headquarters. Besides, more efforts should be made for better access to electronic UN documents as well as the Treaty Database, and maximize the availability of documents and information for the NGOs from developing countries.

More training should be given to NGOs without consultative status in different countries.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

More efforts should be made by the NGO Committee to increase the number of NGOs with consultative status from developing countries and strengthen their capacity of participation so that the voices from NGOs can be heard in a balanced manner, and that the existing gap of representation of NGOs between developed and developing countries will be narrowed.

More consultations should be arranged in the future so that NGO’s voices could be timely heard. Besides, NGOs in consultative status could be informed of the latest development of the UN big events and invited to provide ideas and input from time to time in written form.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Member States should engage constructively with NGOs rather than using them as tools to pressure developing countries.

When cooperating with NGOs, the NGO committee should treat different NGOs’ voices and opinions in a fair and balanced manner. Instead of only listening to the voices of NGOs from developed countries or NGOs who can afford to have offices in New York, the NGO committee should have extensive consultations with as many NGOs as possible to solicit opinions.

The Member States of the NGO Committee should strengthen unity and solidarity, try to make decisions on the basis of consensus and avoid adopting double standards to the applications of NGOs from the developed and developing world. It is undesirable that political differences are introduced into the Committee. Nor should anti-government political organizations or parties be encouraged to submit applications to the Committee in the name of NGOs, which would only politicize the Committee’s work, waste its time and resources, and affect the application of the overwhelming majority of professional NGOs for consultative status.

In case of sensitive issues, the NGO Committee should hold close meetings to solve the differences of Member States, and try to prevent the disagreement from spreading or triggering conflicts among NGOs.

When NGOs are invited to hearings or consultations, the NGO Committee should try to balance the participation of NGOs from both developed and developing countries, and listen to the opinions of the governments concerned, rather than only inviting those NGOs who can afford to attend the meetings.

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177. United Zo Organization (USA) Inc.

We need to do things that we can control. For example if we have a project in a country, we must be there to making sure things are went accordingly.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The current system is very good.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Working with people who reside in US from those country will be very helpful. This also will cut lots of red tapes and get correct information.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

As a new member to ECOSOC I nee to know more information about how to we get involve and or participate. That’s why we need someone who we can ask question by phone or email. I have come to two conference to New York City but I don’t even know where to register or sign in for showing I am there. I don’t even know what the meeting resolutions are. so my suggestion is have someone who we can go ask question.

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178. Vier Pfoten International - gemeinnützige Privatstiftung

NGOs could fulfill more of the goals of the UN if the UN allowed more transparency and clarity in its goals/objectives. NGOs need a package of work to collaborate on that allows for storytelling to the public not only a list of tasks that seem unrelated.

The ultimate questions about the participation of NGOs are will they take up the roles not covered by consultants? is this a reasonable consideration? Some NGOs have their own focus areas that are in parallel but not exactly the same as the UN’s but would achieve the same goals/objective with additional metrics and indicators of success. The UN could be more flexible in its views in the consideration of the protection of all life as part of sustainable development.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Our organization has participated in various UN agency activities, from ECOSOC participation in the NGO MG for the 2018 HLPF working groups like the AITC. Also the active participation of regional forums like UNECE and UNESCAP on the SDGs.

In addition to the participation in ECOSOC, we have volunteered on the review of the UNISDR - Sendai Framework Open Ended working group on definitions and terminology. We have been engaging with UNDFS on the development and implementation of the new strategic framework and environmental policy relating to animals. We have also been working closely with UN FAO in country (Myanmar) and at the international level regarding disaster relief, biosecurity and the protection of livelihoods.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Participation could be increased if NGOs were allowed to participate on internal UN working groups in the planning and development of strategy instead of afterwards only in the implementation as experts to provide input. Encourage the open and transparent collaborations between the public and private sectors (PPP) with government agencies. Some countries have an openly hostile attitude towards NGOs. the UN could advise governments on how they can positively interact with NGOs for the benefit of both.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The UN is a very large and confusing entity. It would be advisable for all organizations that have been granted consultative status to complete UNITAR courses about the work of the UN and how they could participate and engage with both national delegations and with other iCSOs.

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179. Women for Women's Human Rights - New Ways

There are two significant obstacles in front of NGOs to contribute to the ECOSOC processes. Elimination or even reduction in these processes will allow for a more efficient contribution by the NGOs to ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies. One of these obstacles is the disruption in flow of information to the NGOs from the intergovernmental processes, and discussions behind closed doors, and the other one is the localized structure of the work of the ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies.

The first obstacle brings us to the issue of access for NGOs to the ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies. While NGO access to reports and written materials is not as problematic, physical access of NGO representatives to the discussions taking place in ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies is in a very vague situation. While processes such as the SDGs have presented civil society (and individual citizens) with important engagement mechanisms, Commission such as the CSW and CPD open up less space to civil society in the recent years, through different means. If NGOs are able to have access to places and information, as well as space to voice their expertise, solutions, ideas and proposals in related issues, their contribution to these processes will surely be more meaningful and influential. With all due respect to the intergovernmental nature of these processes, it should not be forgotten that civil society also voices the concerns of the people the governments represent. In order to ensure that all voices are heard, it is necessary to give space to and hear the civil society.

The second obstacle to the participation of NGOs, especially from the LDC, middle income countries, and countries whose economies are in transition, is the localized work of ECOSOC and its bodies. Traveling long distances, with costly options, to participate in these bodies are not possibilities for many NGOs, especially as the funding opportunities are getting restricted. For this reason, alternative, long-distance modalities, such as the increased use of online tools, which could allow for meaningful participation, should be utilized.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Language barrier becomes an important concern for the NGOs thinking about participating in the UN processes, including applying for ECOSOC status. Many local, grassroots NGOs with expertise and know-how on local solutions are not able to be transferred to the discussions within the UN, also for this reason. Thus a wider language support, through online and offline means, maybe an important supporting tool for these NGOs. Especially for offline support, close communication and cooperation with the national and regional UN teams can prove useful. A designated personnel within UN country teams could ease

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the communication between the UN and NGOs experiencing a language barrier. This could also allow for better information flow and capacity building for such NGOs to get accustomed to UN procedures and protocols, as well as for a greater inclusion in national, regional and international ECOSOC processes and subsidiary bodies.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Funding is an important obstacle in front of the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition. While we observe that funding is also becoming tighter for the UN and its bodies, a more effective diversification of funds, or having a role, for the UN, of a bridge between funding bodies and these national and local NGOs can benefit the participation of these NGOs.

A second option would be to encourage the participation of independent NGOs in governmental delegations to the meetings of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies. Civil society participation to governmental delegations can not only ensure a more deeper transparency and inclusivity to the processes, it can also ease the economic and linguistic barriers the NGOs are facing. Further, being involved in the UN processes with the governmental delegations the NGOs will have a greater grasp of policy making mechanisms within the UN.

When these two options are not possible, to extend beyond the reach of these options, online methods do provide important mechanisms for participation without the necessity of traveling. However, using of online methods do require a certain know-how, and the UN country teams can be important sources of information and capacity building on this issue. The methods utilized online have to be thought out carefully, in ensure that the participation of the NGOs are not just numerical, but also meaningful and qualitative.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

By staying involved and active. We have found in our work that working collaboratively with regional and/or international caucuses and groups, including NGOs that work on our issues from a feminist perspective, have given us opportunities for a greater, deeper and more involved participation.

However, as we have written before if the closing down of spaces for NGOs within the UN mechanisms continue in a similar pattern, the NGO participation and the inclusive nature of the UN will be under threat.

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180. Women's Health and Education Center

Building the Capacity of Care to achieve education for all and health for all

Preparing the next generation of healthcare providers in the international arena, deepening their knowledge and improving the skill set for a career in global health and global governance is urgently needed. Programmes are needed for healthcare providers to provide them with academic training and practical knowledge to assist them in providing national and international healthcare

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The Women’s Health and Education Center (WHEC) was granted Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC in 2008.

Collaboration of WHEC with DPI NGO was very helpful in obtaining ECOSOC status and our association with DESA, DPI and World Health Organization (WHO), especially Reproductive Health Research Division has proved to very helpful to our mission and success.

The Women’s Health and Education Center (WHEC), through its e-Health initiative in Women’s Health and Development, is serving in 227 countries with an average of 13 to 14 million subscribers every year, and it is available in the six official languages of the United Nations. e-Health can result in economic benefits and improve health outcomes.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Open Access Information Systems and Educational Systems

The Women’s Health and Education Center (WHEC) embraces the tremendous diversity of people, religions, and cultures around the world. In support of this belief, the organization has established an academic and cultural focus at important institutions around the globe, to nurture common interests and potential. By supporting reproductive health and research, open dialogue and objective analysis, WHEC has laid the ground work for mutual understanding among countries.

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There are three leading purposes of the health-related uses of information and communication technologies (ICT) in low and middle-income countries:

1. To extend geographic access to health care; 2. To improve data management; and 3. To facilitate communication between patients and physicians outside the physician’s office.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Invitations to High Level Political Forums and other helpful meetings Experience has shown that data have strengthened the health management information systems by improving the quality of public health data and the evidence of improved disease surveillance capacity despite resource constraints owing to an innovative sentinel system based on a short message service. The factors promoting or inhibiting the implementation of e-Health systems show a growing research emphasis on ‘workability’, or the work that health professionals must undertake to make e-Health systems function well in practice.

It is important to join forces for global health. Join the efforts and the movement; we welcome everyone!

Dr. Rita Luthra President Women’s Health and Education Center (WHEC)

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181. Women's International League for Peace and Freedom

Without the experiences of women being reflected in UN debates and policy outcomes, their needs, views, and ideas would remain hidden and not conveyed to decision-makers, creating significant obstacles for sustaining peace. Women-led civil society’s participation in UN meetings is its primary channel of involvement and bringing about transformative change on the local level.

While multilateral fora provide an opportunity to bring local voices to the international level, preparations to attend these fora, including the visa application process, are both resource- and time- consuming. Also, procedures followed by embassies are sometimes inconsistent; denial of visas marginalises and isolates human rights defenders, as it effectively prevents them participating at the international level. Travel bans, imposed by host countries pose further obstacles to women’s freedom of movement and ability to participate.

Good Practice: The European Union Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders set out that Permanent Missions should receive and support human rights defenders and ensure their visible recognition through the use of, inter alia, invitations.

To support good practices and ensure meaningful participation of women-led civil society in UN debates, representatives of UN agencies and programmes should:

• facilitate access to UN decision-making bodies for civil society through accessible venues, flexible translation, and expanded financial support for UN civil society speakers; • provide political, financial, and technical support for platforms enabling civil society participation that build on the Major Group and Other Stakeholders system at local, national, and regional levels to ensure space for civil society’s public participation and procedural justice; • provide support to women in their visa applications, for example, through timely letters of invitation; • recognise and engage with women as experts of their own national contexts, including in areas that go beyond those conventionally understood as ’women’s issues’, including in disarmament fora; • work in partnership with women-led civil society organisations beyond providing them with an opportunity to deliver a statement, including by engaging them in developing policies and shaping strategies; • allow mothers who need to take their young children with them to UN meetings to do so;

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• apply expansive models of NGO participation in international UN meetings that ensure the participation of women’s grassroots with or without ECOSOC consultative status; • ensure respect, protection and enabling of the work of human rights defenders and whistleblowers, with specific and enhanced protection mechanisms for women human rights defenders to make the environment in which they operate a safer, more enabling and supporting one.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) accreditation procedure is a considerable obstacle to the involvement of women-led civil society in the UN forums and debates. Various reports suggest that, of these repeatedly deferred applications, a majority are NGOs that work on sexual orientation and gender identity issues, women’s rights, reproductive and sexual rights, minority rights, caste, and human rights more generally.

In this vein, a number of concrete recommendations for ECOSOC to better facilitate NGO participation and accreditation at the UN includes the following steps:

Revisit accreditation models and the criteria for NGOs qualifying for ECOSOC status; Evaluate NGOs’ merit to be accredited based on whether they advance the Charter; Encourage greater positive engagement by members of the Committee, observer States and international NGOs in ECOSOC NGO Committee sessions, particularly to support NGO applications through the process; Encourage States supportive of civil society participation in the UN to consider seeking election to the Committee; Report statistics, including on deferrals, application denials, and suspensions or withdrawals of the status of accredited NGOs, to relevant special procedure mandate holders and mechanisms, including the Special Rapporteur on the rights of freedom of peaceful assembly and association, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, as appropriate; Seek to expand to all regions support for improving the working methods of the Committee, including by: • limiting the length of Committee membership to a fixed term, without the possibility of multiple re-elections; • considering and referring all applications for consultative status to ECOSOC for determination within three years of their initial submission.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Civil society’s meaningful participation in multilateral institutions is firmly rooted in international law and numerous international instruments. Moreover, women’s groups and organisations best understand the concerns and opportunities on the ground and can identify, design and implement practical strategies to overcome the challenges.

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Meaningful participation is about ensuring that women-led civil society organisations can engage based on their experience and expertise with impact. It requires removing on-going obstacles to participation and enabling women to speak for themselves, rather than be spoken for. It is not just about counting women, rather, it is about making women count.

Various UN bodies, including human rights bodies, and instruments have emphasised the need to include women-led civil society actors at all levels in order to ensure that gender- sensitive conflict analysis informs decision-making processes.

Good practice: Civil society representative, Ms. Razia Sultana, Senior Researcher at Kaladan Press, addressed the UN Security Council on behalf of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security to provide a grassroots perspective. As the first Rohingya to ever brief the Council, she shared the findings of her work on the political and humanitarian situation of women and girls in Myanmar, which brought further political attention to the situation in Myanmar, including through increased engagement of the Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict.

It is high time that effective measures within the UN system be taken to give effect to the following recommendations: • strengthen access for women in the Global South by rotating the host country for important convenings, such as the yearly Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), and ensure that the host country is one that will not create additional challenges of access; • ensure that civil society actors, including in rural areas have access to tools and information about opportunities and possibilities to engage with the multilateral system; • include women-led civil society in formal leadership positions within working groups, consultations, and steering committees; • ensure that independent civil society actors are not put at risk by being involved in UN-sponsored consultations involving organisations that are not independent of the government.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Engaging with the UN, including through submitting shadow reports to the CEDAW Committee or participating in the UN Security Council meetings, requires women’s organisations to have significant financial and human resources. The travel costs associated with participating in a UN meeting are unaffordable for many grassroots activists. Often, because of scarce funding, participants suggest that they are faced with the choice between engaging with the UN or continuing their day-to-day work. Such challenges are heightened for marginalised groups, or groups that face multiple forms of discrimination, such as indigenous women and LBTQI individuals.

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In this regard, representatives of UN agencies and programmes should: • substantially increase funding for grassroots women human rights defenders and peace activists; • provide technical assistance and support to civil society organisations instead of competing with them for funding; • make sure that funding goes to organisations that holistically address the needs of women on the ground; • be willing to be trained by local organisations on local priorities, and adapt funding priorities accordingly; • implement a unified, obligatory monitoring and evaluating system that follows UN agencies’ funding to INGO programmes, analysing how much of it reaches the beneficiaries, and women in particular; • consult with local women’s organisations and women community leaders on developing the most secure ways to channel funding for civic and humanitarian activism into conflict areas.

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182. Women's Learning Partnership for Rights, Development, and Peace

NGOs can further contribute to the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies through a number of avenues. First, NGOs can increase information-sharing and communication with ECOSOC so that Second, NGOs with consultative status can provide support and guidance to other organizations undergoing the processes of obtaining ECOSOC status. Finally, NGOs can more frequently and meaningfully engage in spaces and opportunities for exchange and dialogue.

Women’s Learning Partnership (WLP) has identified five modalities in which NGOs can contribute, be recognized, and be influential: 1. NGOs can participate in issue-based caucuses hosted by ECOSOC. 2. NGO can dedicate time to keep abreast of policymaking processes within the United Nations so that their participation is meaningful and informed by current affairs. ECOSOC can facilitate this by increasing the effectiveness of its reports and communications on such processes. 3. NGOs can be consulted to identify entry points for dialogue and exchange with other organizations at the country and regional levels. 4. NGOs can work together to create collective advocacy strategies directly targeting UN bodies. 5. NGOs can be responsible for bringing in voices from the field to UN consultations and meetings.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC should be modified for maximum efficiency. Clearer instructions, along with fewer and less-cumbersome steps necessary to complete the process, would remove barriers to participation. Additionally, public information about the process should be up-to-date, detailed, and user friendly.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

To increase the participation of NGOs from developing and transitional countries, the UN should target existing networks in these countries to identify strong candidates. Some of the most active NGOs in lower-income countries work only in the local languages, so ECOSOC and other bodies should make efforts to translate and make available information

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about UN participation in the necessary languages. Also, the capacities of local UN offices should be increased so that they can in turn provide support to NGOs that have the potential to participate in UN processes.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGOs with consultative status may better access opportunities for participation in UN processes first by increasing their awareness of such opportunities; ECOSOC and other bodies can facilitate this by improving their own information dissemination methods. Additionally, ECOSOC can make resources and access to UN spaces more available to and accommodating of NGOs, which would increase NGOs capacity to play larger roles in the UN process.

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183. Women's Right to Education Programme

Presently NGOs can contribute to the work of ECOSOC through participation in oral and written statements at conferences and panel discussions. We understand that the United Nation is established to promote relations between the Government of Nations, but it has been observed overtime that Non-Governmental Organizations play a stronger role in promoting the activities of the UN. The Government of member States also rely much on the NGOs for most part of their activities and reports. It is imperative therefore that the scope of the overall UN be expanded to have partnerships with NGOs.

In respect of modalities, it is disheartening to see that NGOs are usually given the backseat at panel discussions and conferences. It will be suitable to identify and include representatives of key NGOs and involve them more closely in open and closed door meetings.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

In providing better support to NGOs towards obtaining consultative status, we think it would be more helpful to not only simplify the form but also reduce the bottlenecks associated with obtaining consultative status. Such bottle necks as strict documentation, short review periods and also length of time for such NGOs to be granted ECOSOC status. We also think there is need to have an online help beyond the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ link

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

One of the reasons for the weak participation of many African NGOs can be attributed to inadequate financial resources to attend conferences and meetings that are held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This also affects the weak submission of oral and written statements.

The technological gap is still a strong issue, and a large number of Countries are still not as digitalized as their counterpart. There is also the tendency to assume that all NGOs are interested in obtaining ECOSOC consultative status, but this is not the case as a number of African NGOs lack interest, which is largely and usually tied to limited resources. ECOSOC can therefore consider some form of outreach activities to encourage reluctant organizations to join.

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The peculiarity of countries in African that are plagued with insurgencies and other conflict issues should also be put into consideration in the different services.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

One of the hindrances NGOs have to take advantage of opportunities available having attained consultative status is funding to participate in conferences at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Another challenge is obtaining the United States visa which has currently become a major issue.

Decentralize the meeting locations. Since the costs associated with meetings and other important conferences are part of the major reasons for weaker participation of NGOs, it is recommended that more meetings be held at the regional levels and this will be relatively easy for European, African, American, and Asian NGOs to attend in addition to providing funding opportunities for such NGOs.

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184. Women's Voices Now Inc.

The opportunity to meet at the CSW gathering in New York is the most precious opportunity to share with the world the extent to which NGOs are advancing human rights and specifically women’s rights throughout the world. If we are to be stronger together then coverage of the CSW - media coverage - live and curated, broadcasted, dedicated attention to the events and gatherings must happen. We cannot create change en masse if it is invisible to everyone but those of us with passes into the UN facilities and those in the know about the events happening outside. It’s a moment lost to show women’s solidarity and the world’s solidarity in advancing intersectionality and women’s rights.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The process was very time-consuming but I think it is a fair one and important the involved bodies thoroughly review the applications and intentions of all applicants.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

I’m not in a position to answer that as a U.S. based NGO.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

This I am unclear on still. It would be nice to have more materials educating me on how best to participate and leverage this very special and exciting status which grants access to the world.

IT would be nice to have a special liaison to UNICEF as well, or to UN Women offices - so as to improve coordination and collaboration, or at the least to know how/if such opportunities can arise.

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185. Women's Welfare Centre

I feel at present the process is very centralized that prevent most of the NGOs to actively participate in the policy making modalities. My suggestions is that the process is to start from the country level and a consolidated report could be send to the center. Even at the continent level number of the NGOs are not able to participate. So decentralize the modalities further to the country level.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The applying NGOs could be evaluated at the country level by a committee appointed and add their recommendation to the process of application.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Right now the representation is mostly from the developed countries and the developing countries are left aside. Their voice and suggestions are not represented enough. Need to create platforms at different level to surface their voices and suggestions for greater participation.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Often NGOs do not know what to do with this consultative status. NGO like mine has financial constraints to attend the meetings often in faraway countries. So my suggestion is to conduct such meetings in different countries to facilitate participation. Ground realities of different countries need to be taken into consideration.

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186. World Federation of Engineering Organizations

Primarily through ICT. To that end, fully implement the Technology Facilitation Mechanism (TFM) specifically the online platform as a gateway for NGOs to share information on existing initiatives, mechanisms and programs. Review and update the Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform as appropriate to enhance NGO sharing and collaboration.

Highlight UN work on coherence related to SDGs specifically related to water (Goal 6), energy (Goal 7), and Oceans (Goal 14) and opportunities for NGOs to engage. The current (2018) project on Goal 6 looks promising and may be a model to build on.

Solicit from NGOs on an ongoing basis examples of best practices and success stories on how organizations are contributing to implementation and achievement of the SDGs. The online platforms should enable continuous sharing.

One way to do this would be to encourage NGOs to submit investigation reports in SG17 related fields, including current status, problems & challenges, analysis of future trends and policy proposals. This reports could be published by UN and included in UNESCO library and the Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform.

ICT is the most efficient modality. Continue to explore and expand as appropriate online discussions on Goals. Expand opportunities to provide written input including but not limited to sectoral papers and reports on implementation of 2030 goals by MGoS; for example crowdsourced briefs were used in for the GSDR in 2016.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

NGOs should be made aware of the elements required to understand what is feasible to achieve conditions for sustainable development based on: • actual scientific knowledge and the limitations imposed by the laws of Nature, • the technologies we currently possess, and • the potential of success of technologies that are under development.

The use of any given technology requires a thorough analysis of the engineering, economical, and environmental feasibility for implementing scientifically sound and efficiently engineered solutions. This includes an estimate of costs, benefits and the risks related to implementation as well as no-action.

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Efforts to improve the institutional framework for sustainable development at all levels must therefore include strengthening of science,engineering and policy links, and strengthening the science-base and engineering capacity within all institutions. Implementing international multi stakeholder technology assessment mechanisms to evaluate, based on risk and vulnerability, the potential environmental, health, social and economic impacts of existing and emerging technologies should be given priority.

There is a lack of clear information on the overall structure of the UN-system, which is extremely complex even for NGOs experienced with the UN. NGOs trying to enter the system should be able to access very systematic and clear material about the various UN- bodies, how they are connected, and how civil society gets involved.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Financial support for representatives of NGOs active in developing countries so they can attend NYC, Geneva and Nairobi meetings at not cost, especially for their national organizations which usually lack the resources to support. Possibly the online platform could be improved in order for NGOs with consultative status to apply for financial support. The UN should create a - even modest for a start - permanent fund to promote civil society engagement at the international level in developing countries. International federations with nation-based structures would be a natural partner to advance this objective.

The UN should provide equal opportunities for NGO’s to discuss sustainable development issues along with government representatives. It has been observed that many speeches by official national speakers are not as influential as those of NGOs. Many of them are more about political self-recognition and less about substantive sustainable development issues.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Continual updating on progress on each goal and opportunities to contribute; the online platform should facilitate this by allowing NGOs to select an SDG and access all information posted.

On the website, NGOs should also have more space to express their views.

Consultative status should give NGOs more opportunities to participate with UN agencies and governance bodies in addition to their contribution to activities such as HLPF, side- events at conferences and so forth. For instance, many NGOs such as WFEO or ISCC/ICSU have official relations with UNESCO but only member states can participate in UNESCO governing bodies; NGOs only being represented through a liaison committee. Having ECOSOC consultative status could serve as a basis to propose further involvement in the UN system governance (in UNESCO but also UNEP, UNIDO?).

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187. World Organization of former students of Catholic Education

OMAEC, as an NGO, has three main aims that are in line with the founding charter of the United Nations and that encompass the Family, Education and Life (beginning and end). With this recognition, we work for sustainable development in the fields that are defined as the foundation of the human being and the development of its best application.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

To provide these NGOs in the process of obtaining consultative status, technical and legal advice, as well as guidance to help them achieve this objective.

Due to the field experience, knowledge and other qualities innate to NGOs in general, we provide, without a doubt, a series of solutions that, if they were listened to with the attention they require, would be of great help in their application to the most disadvantaged areas in any part of the world. In fact, the term Consultative Status already defines this solution well.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Actively encouraging new technologies (mainly videoconferencing) in order to maintain a fluid and permanent relationship, so that these NGOs feel protected, listened to and integrated in ECOSOC.

We believe that, in general, the work processes of these organizations are not listened to, much less the recommendations obtained, even at the risk of losing a series of solutions that can immediately solve many of the problems for which they are trying to achieve something positive.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

To a certain extent, this question sums up all of the above, since it refers to opportunities to be given to experience, to the designation of a status referring to the possibility of their proposals being heard, to the recommendations offered, which surely serve to resolve many issues that are on stand-by and to give the intrinsic value to contributions that are made voluntarily and with the idea that they serve to help those who need significant support for their development in life.

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OMAEC has volunteer staff of medical professionals, educators, technicians, etc., who travel every year to places where their support is needed, making their motto a reality: "WE ENTER TO LEARN, WE GO OUT TO SERVE".

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188. World Protection for Dogs and Cats in the Meat Trade

NGOs are best placed to know the grass roots issues, the real issues on the ground.

NGOs often work with activists, and activists are the ones who deal with the grass roots issues.

These issues need to be seen and actioned and resolved by the ECO SOC council. NGOs should list each issue. Each issue should be discussed by the ECOSOC when practicable but at least annually.

Policy makers should be aware of the details of the issues raised, and then have policies around resolving the issues, putting things in place to stop them, ideally using the help of the UNDP (as part of #SDGS) and also by having a Member State representative to act as the person who works along side UNDP, ECO SOC, to eradicate the grass root issue.

Since the government of the Member State is the only one who can bring real change, ECO SOC needs to ask them to do this as part of #SDGs. If the Member State has signed up to the 17 Goals, then the Member State must work on the issue, as it does not fit in with the ethos of the goals. The NGO needs to have some kind of assurance or workable guideline on how this can be achieved

ECO SOC needs to create some kind of open voice platform for an NGO to raise points at least annually. The points raised by the grass root activists/NGOs need to be followed up.

The ECO SOC needs to be Pro Active not just Reactive and therefore allow the NGO to follow suit

Every 6 months or annually an NGO needs to have a platform to submit issues particularly on topics that may be new to ECO SOC

Achim Steiner The UNDP Administrator said "we need to listen to the activists". This is true.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

We found the process very straightforward despite lack of communication for over a year.

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Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

ed person/team in the ECO/SOC who are in constant contact with the NGOS. Nothing is going to happen without communication and constant contact. Streams of contact and communication can be opened between the NGO and the team at the ECO/SOC. The main point of communication between the the NGO and the ECO/SOC should be the grass root issue, of the NGO. The grass root issue should be a the centre of the communication. The issue should be focal point. With both parties focused on the issue - this leads to better communication.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The ECO/SOC needs to commit to giving serious consideration to each issue raised by an NGO and provide clear updates on any progress or solutions that can be found/ and implemented. This will make the #SDG process effective.

The opportunities given to NGOs to access and take part in UN Processes should be made as simple and straight forward as possible, where the NGO knows that someone in the ECO SOC, will look at their issue, and they will discuss a way forward to address and resolve the issue within reasonable time frames. If the issue is impractical to let the NGO know with clear reasoning.

There should be a person from ECO SOC who talks directly with the NGO, who can help facilitate communication between relevant Member Delegate best placed to raise issues and give guidance.

There could be a well designed "issue" form, where issues are filled in. And all sorts of details about the issue, e.g. The NGO, the issue, the date it is to be discussed a the meeting, the member of the ECO/SOC Team who will follow up the issue (with the Member State), The Member Delegate who is helping on the issue, and something on the form to have "Action" and "Conclusion" if appropriate.

This form could create real opportunities for the NGO to get their issue raised and dealt with by the ECO SOC and the UN process.

It is very important for the UN to understand the issues that the NGO/grass roots activists represent and raise and that entering into consultative status is not just about ‘ prestige ‘ but about actually working within guidelines practical to all to make a difference.

NGOS should have more interaction with Member States (where the issue exists) For example, in our charity, we would need more interaction with the delegates from member states of Asia and a more direct line of communication. This is regard to the boiling alive and blow toching alive of dogs in the meat trade, which should be eradicated (made illegal) in the #SDGs 381

The UN says all NGO in consultative status can liase with each other, but it is unclear how. It is therefore not the application process which needs addressing but the ‘what next’ once status has been granted. NGOs wish to follow protocol but this lack of clear ‘welcoming guidance’ can often leave them stuck. This is certainly an issue NGOs from emerging markets will experience.

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189. World Youth Foundation

By inclusive participation. UN should walk the talk.

• NGO’s should be invited to contribute their thoughts/ideas either in person or through written statements or virtually. • Invitations should be send very much in advance • Have a dedicated team of people engaging with the NGO’s. • More webinars or virtual calls are welcome. • At country and regional level, the UN team can be more inclusive and reach out to NGO’s in their country/regions. Have open days with NGOs. • The process of participation and engagement should be made as simple as possible.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Simplify the process of applying. Have mentors to guide the NGOs.

Make the ICASO system made more user friendly. The current system seems outdated and not very friendly. From a user point of view, we suggest that the layout of the information be organized in a more ‘organized’ way.

Have more dedicated staffs/volunteers to reply to questions

Introduce a ‘Live chat’ button.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Would like to see the UN system in the country and region engage more actively with NGOs who have ECOSOC status.

Have more information on UN website on the point of contact rather then a centralized email system which normally doesn’t get replied.

As NGO’s with ECOSOC status we hope to see a better mechanism be put in place or us to reach out to UN entities in the region/country.

Open up more partnership opportunities and better engagement with NGOs with ECOSOC status.

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For instance, a meeting can be held in Malaysia for NGO’s who have ECOSOC status in the ASEAN region etc. Where physical meetings are not possible, we suggest virtual meetings be held. Most meetings are held in New York and they are very costly for those in developing and the global south to amend.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

As an NGO we are always looking at way to improve our work and engage more UN agencies. We hope that the ‘communication’ system in the UN agencies can be further improved. We find the way UNDPI engages is more easily accessible and more user friendly.

the application for "Ground Badge" system also can be simplified further.

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190. Youth Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (YCSRR)

The value that NGOs bring to building all-encompassing, tolerant and resilient societies have contributed significantly to the work of the United Nations. NGOs bring enthusiasm, a fresh perspective, and valuable expertise which can enrich the discussions and deliberations of the United Nations. This is why their consultation by ECOSOC is important. NGOs can make contributions to the work of the United Nations by making available valuable and relevant data related to social and economic development in member states countries. A good number of NGOs have invaluable data that can support in shaping policies and decision making for ECOSOC. NGOs can further contribute to strengthening member state accountability through their involvement in periodic reviews by the United Nations. One of the key modalities is to allow NGOs to participate to some extent in the development, drafting, and verification of United Nations policies or at least have participation rights to the UNGA and in follow up committee meetings. To ensure that NGOs are respected and gain influence at the United Nations, they should be given the opportunity (in the absence of any decision making role or negotiation power) to challenge constructively (and in some cases suggest for amendments) member states? reports during the UPR and other engagement from member states.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

NGOs should be supported to first gain a better understanding of the entire consultative status process. ECOSOC should take proactive measures to ensure that information on the application process is made known to as many NGOs as possible. There should be established means to support NGOs from developing countries as well as NGOs from countries with economies in transition to apply for this status. Prior and during the process of obtaining consultative status, NGO should be supported to understand the eligibility criteria and youth-led organizations (especially from developing countries)that meet the criteria, but lack any form of capacity to fully undergo processes of obtaining a status should be supported to do so. The existing differences on issues addressed by an NGO should not affect their process to obtain consultative status, everyone should be given the opportunity to express its views. In the case of Youth Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, our application was deferred more than 10 times. Follow up questions and deferrals are common for NGOs representing progressive issues, deferrals are common for NGOs representing with progressive issues, as a way to prevent challenges from civil society. Also, NGOs can be rejected simply because they work on topics that certain members of the committee oppose.

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Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Increasing participation should be accompanied by increased quality of representation. For direct representation in UN spaces, NGOs interested in applying for consultative status with ECOSOC should be prioritized for a general status to allow for frequent participation. Despite a warning against an implied "quota,? it’s imperative that NGO from developing countries and countries with economies in transition are considered for general status if they present a strong application and demonstrate the ability to contribute to UN spaces. In the case where NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition are accepted in the category of special consultative status, they should be supported through collaboration with NGOs with general status to contribute to the setting the agenda of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies. Such countries can meaningfully have their voices heard and meaningfully participate if they can contribute to the ECOSOC meeting agenda and not merely participate. At a time when some governments from developing countries are restricting NGO opportunities, it is imperative for the United Nations to provide excellent access to meetings and good, safe and meaningful relations with UN officials and delegations at the national level. Such opportunities can help NGOs in developing countries to establish wider networks and build stronger, more effective and more legitimate organizations. Southern NGOs operating at a grass-roots level should receive capacity building and organizational development skills to allow them to be recognized at least on the ECOSOC roster to be heard at the UN.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

NGOs should take advantage of consultative status to participate and work together with United Nations Offices, Agencies, Programmes, Funds, and Specialized Agencies as well as UN Treaty Bodies. Consultative status presents NGOs with an opportunity to be involved in the work of the UN at different levels. NGOs with consultative status must utilize their political relationship with ECOSOC to push for informal negotiations and follow up meetings at the various stages of UN processes, and in particular, prior to the UNGA, HLPF, UPR, CSW and other relevant UN spaces. Such informal meetings and negotiations could be an excellent platform to influence member states speaking points or even share relevant data and research work that could influence member state negotiations. NGOs should be proactive in using public meetings and the opportunity to submit written statements, and make oral presentations to draw attention to government statements and data that are not reflective of NGO findings and research. While being critical, such presentation affords NGOs the opportunity to share their expertise, innovation and solutions-oriented working methods with U.N member states.

Youth-led organizations that gain consultative status should further push for more meaningful youth engagement in the United Nations nationally, regionally and internally. They should further push for more youth-friendly languages, particularly in the areas of young people’s SRHR. Such organizations should also take advantage of their access to the U.N libraries and press documentation services to build the capacity of their members

386 for future engagements. The UN should encourage and resource the engagement of young people and youth organizations in these processes.

A specific situation that should be addressed is how NGOs must go through the Major Groups in order to directly engage with some UN processes (e.g. HLPF, asking questions during the Voluntary National Reviews). The structure of Major Groups is not clear and is difficult to navigate for CSOs, preventing meaningful engagement in these processes. More clear structures and UN support for Major Groups is needed to streamline these processes as well as improved communication and instructions to NGOs.

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191. Youth Foundation of Bangladesh

United Nations is a unique form to united different organizations from global boundary. Different NGOs from around the world working very actively. They are contributing their strength for national and international developments. NGOs Affiliation with the UN is really good initiative to keep them active organization.

NGOs Can contribute to the work of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies such like- Date Collection and input to the bodies. Research based situation analysis and transfer information. Policy development and connect to the political bodies for better advocacy Technological connection between bodies and beneficiaries.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

Youth Foundation of Bangladesh (YFB) is a non-govt. non-profitable and non-political voluntary Youth organization. It was established in 19th October 2009, with the initiation of group of educated university student who are social oriented, aim to confirm youth engagement in the relevant of social aspect, youth development, youth self actualization, to change the socio-economic, exchange culture, aware people to change and develop country as well as better Bangladesh.

We are organizing different engagement program to engage different community (such like Individuals, Government organizations, Community organizations, Companies, Group organizations etc) which is very important to keep them connect with UN principals. We need to continuing our field activity under UN principals with generating creative ideas. As per our commitment frequently we have very interesting Community engagement and awareness program on UN SDGs

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

NGOs are very active in locally. If UN allocate yearly budget for all NGOs generally As affiliation base such like ECOSOC Consultation from Developing region. NGOs will be more inspire to work will be connected with UN as report base.

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Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

Yearly digital report and resulting is the best practice to continue access to take part in UN process.

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192. Youth Social Service Organization, Pulpally

In comparison with the structure of NGOS and ECOSOC, NGOS have more access to the grass root level as they live in direct and frequent touch with the people in the grass root level. ECOSOC being an international set up, for it is not easy to have high amount of access to the problem faced by people. United Nations being an international body has its imitation in collection of datum and their resultant classification. The resolution of 1996/31 which deals with the conductive rate from between the UN and NGOs states that the consult the NGO shall do regular monitoring of the evolving relation between NGOS and the UN. An NGO with a well laid frame work and strategy can adjust itself to demands of ECOSOC. Normally NGOs work for the welfare of the general public and in some cases some particular community is focussed on by them. ECOSOC always relies on statistics and other information for its operation and so, an NGO can supply the needed information with the maximum credibility. An NGO can introduce new fields or branches to the ECOSOC for its consideration and assistance. If an NGO has all essential apparatus for study, it can help ECOSOC with the needed tools for study. An NGO, being in frequent touch with its members and their problems can suggest to the ECOSOC, the need of shifting the focus. UN being an international association, will be often ignorant of the regional issues which demand its attention and the resultant solution. An NGO can highlight a regional problem and explain its magnitude in the international area. Mitigation of tension in relations between members can be achieved by any NGO due to its frequent interaction between the members. Any change in the pulse of its members can be easily spotted. Regulated negotiation can help the ice melt. Unlike ECOSOC an NGO can conduct initial and repetitive surveys at regular intervals. UN often formulates its policies yearly on economics, science and culture. Then a sudden or drastic change in any policy is a hard task. An NGO with its frequent contact with the issues can update the needs or changes which have to be brought in the policy of the UN. An NGO’s man power can be effectively used in collection of datum and their analysis. An NGO which is tuned to the international area can work in tunes with the demands of the U.N. in respect of co-ordination and execution of its project.

An NGO can divide any task into possible fragments for its better execution and positive results. Many of the projects of the UN will be most probably of long duration spanning over 10 or 20 years. An NGO with skilled workforce and other inevitable resources will be able to fulfil the project with 95% of accuracy, surviving the initial and sporadic barriers and short comings. An NGO with a self made trouble shooting system can plug the loopholes while the project is underway. For all these things, an NGO should have a well made system of hierarchy in which all ladders are mutually connected and tight. Cohesion of system is essential in an NGO ECOSOC being a well knit system in the case of structure and powers, the NGO also should have a correlated structure to meet the requirements of ECOSOC.

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Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

All NGOs often work with a regional perspective and in a limited area. Their registration and other criteria do not permit them to go beyond the restriction. Some times they are unwilling to take up serious international tasks which demand expertised skills and resources. The office bearers of the NGOs should be motivated to think with higher perspective and imagination. They should be able to get themselves tuned to the demands of the ECOSOC in respect of aim and this fulfilment NGOs should be able to bring up to date changes in their aims, structure and the instruments in general.

Almost all NGOS work for certain aims. The NGOs which tend to go in tunes with the demands of ECOSOC must be encouraged to co-operate with ECOSOC in all possible areas of operation. ECOSOC should be viable to alter its rules and regulations so as to get the support of NGOs which have a well laid structure.

Negotiation and evolution of strategies are inevitable in the process of consultation. Instead of rigidity viability in approach should be adopted. New areas of co-operation should be discovered without causing drastic changes in the basic structure of either ECOSOC or the NGO.

All NGOs should be given a chance to put forward their ideas on development in society. Social changes are gradual than sudden in any society. Assimilation and adjustments are the chief components in social change. Any NGO should help in the Process of assimilation and the resultant adjustments. Any project is not an overnight wonder. A project undergoes many phases till its fulfilment. All these phases should be scanned for derivations and the resultant action.

An NGO with its strong roots in the soil can help ECOSOC in all possible fields by providing at with needed feed back and reliable datum. Trial and error method can be used during the social survey needed for the study. ECOSOC can appoint an NGO as its functional agency provided that the particular NGO satisfies the requirements. ECOSOC cab train the members of the selected NGO to work for ECOSOC to achieve its special objectives. If the selected NGO is helped to attain the criteria needed for selection to be a functional agency of ECOSOC at the international level, both ECOSOC and that the selected NGO will have many mutual benefits.

Many of the NGO’s lack experience in the international arena, where people and issues of diverse culture meet for an amicable solution. So if the NGOS are trained to deal with disputes and issues which may spark religious and political issues, they can be the flag bearers of peace and unity.

Many of the NGOs focus on the financial gains than on the service sector opened by other agencies. The officer bearers always have secret aims while taking up the task offered by the UN and similar agencies. Instead of being narrow minded and resultantly selfish, the NGOs should be trained to nurture the habits of austerity and selfless service to the needy.

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The NGOs find beneficiaries often considering caste creed and political leniency of the deserving ones. The NGOs should be motivated to inculcate the moralistic values in all members and they should be trained to apply loves gentle balm instead of planting the thons of hatred.

So, ECOSOC having an international status can help any NGO to develop and attain an international status, breaking the barriers of district, state and the country at large.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Economical status of a country decides politics and the pressure a country can exert in the solution of international issues.

When Adam Smith the recognized father of Economics titled his book ? Enquiry into Nature and Cause of the Wealth of Nation, he was foresighted enough to see the influence of economy in a nation’s formation of policies in the field of science and technology and diplomacy. The developing countries struggle to achieve their aims though their aims are diverted by sudden incidents like blockades and freezing.

Fog eg: India despite its claim of being having the high amount of manpower finds it hard to keep pace with the sudden demands in the field of oil and petroleum products. Indians have no habit of maintaining a substitute form of energy or fuel and when one form of energy faces shortage due to any situation they blame the politician for the lack of vision. The NGOs can highlight the need of developing alternative sources of energy instead of shouting slogans and raising flags of protest, when any new project, or programme is introduced for the welfare of the general public. Instead of being the flatterers, the NGOs should be torch bearers in the field of progress and development

The economies in transition need skilled care and the skilled NGOs have much to do. When the economical reforms were introduced in the early 2000, the Indian economy was not prepared for suffer the immediate shock waves of the Reform. The Rigorous fiscal measures were a bad pill to swallow and the political parties and the general public accepted them with murmurs of disgust. The NGOs if trained well, can reduce the intensity of the shock waves by making the people cautious against the bruises caused by the sudden ups and downs in the share markets. Keralites in general have not a co-ordinated purchasing or investment behaviour whether in the case of consumer goods or in the case of bonds or schemes. The NGOs can give the investors a proper awareness against the lurking dangers on the way of investment. The United Nation being an international agency having members from all continents, the financial tendencies will directly influence the policies and their application. ECOSOC can study the political changes and their reverberation in the financial policies of a nation. Then it can have active and effective participation in the formulation and execution of financial policies.

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The NGO’s can be turned into the provider of reliable and valuable information to the govt. and its allied agencies while studying financial phenomena like scams and evasion of taxes.

NGOs can highlight the sections which need focus afresh and more focus. In the case of development an overnight wonder is impossible. Production sector and distribution sectors have to be made ready for operation and the NGOs like ECOSOC can do the spade work for the same.

NGOs must be given a chance to get familiar with the mode of operation and the work force of the UN at the international level, for active and effective participation and the returns. Then the local NGOs will have an access to the work culture of an alien agency and they will learn new lessons in the work culture. Reformation of work culture can be learnt. attain Assimilation can be achieved.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

The UN is an international agency which handles varied and complicated issues which include the cultural relationships between its member nations. The UN can serve as a mediator in peace talks and a guide in matters related to race and economy. Having many roles play and tasks to fulfil, the UN offers so many chances to the NGOs which fulfil the criteria for selection. Being appointed as a consultative body of the UN itself is a merit and a risky affair simultaneously for an NGO. By coping with the yard sticks for selection any NGO assumes strong powers and privileges.

Any NGO, Which works at the lower level will be forced to move towards higher level once it becomes qualified to have the consultative status of the UN. An up gradation of status is gained by the NGO. In the consultative status any NGO can become arrogant and act regardless of the interest of the poor countries. The rich countries turn despotic in their dealings. An NGO which tries to build bridges between the scarcity and plentiness can draw a parallel line between the two and can maintain a normal poise. Helped by the UN and its functional agencies, an NGO gets easy access to the inner circles of any hierarchy. The credibility of the UN will open any locked door before the NGO. NGO will get a wide canvas for expression of its abilities. The NGOs which operate in the similar fields also can join hands with the NGO which attains the consultative status of the UN. The other NGOs also will try to have needed changes in their structure and mode of operations to attain the consultative status of the UN. They will formulate the Action Plan and will execute them complying with the guidelines of UN. Their regional activities will assume a national dimension and the attitude of the members will become more broad breaking the limits of caste creed and political ideologies.

NGOs will absorb a mongrel culture than a singular one. A new social process and social change will emerge provided that the NGO with consultative status is willing to be the flag bearer of change and development. The beaten tracks will be given up and the roads not taken will be taken with a view to achieving the goals in a phased manner.

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Assimilation of culture occurs when one cultural aspect is followed by other cultures. For Eg. Engagement was a custom among the Hindus mainly and now a days other religious also are following it without any murmur. The dress patterns are imitated. The NGOs can play a vital part in shaping a positive attitude among its members by avoiding a chance of conflict of ideas and custom. Tensions can be brought down if the NGO with consultative status tries to draw a parallel line. If opposing and contradictory ideologies are brought around a table, a viable remedy can be attained through negotiations.

In short, the consultative status of the UN will give a plenty of possibilities to play NGO with a clear cut vision and a well knit structure.

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193. Youth of European Nationalities

• NGOs can contribute more to the work of ECOSOC, through their active participation in all the events of the United Nations and its subsidiary bodies.

• Leveraging on their expertise and their experience on the field, NGOs should submit recommendations (oral and written) to enhance the discussion and influence policy- making.

• NGOs can organize side-event meetings, engage in thematic ECOSOC subsidiary bodies conferences, and actively discuss issues to be better recognized and more influential.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

• NGOs should have the possibility to attend the review sessions and answer questions through video links in different UN duty stations and/or local UN offices in their countries. The possibility to travel to New York should not be an obstacle in obtaining consultative status.

• Webinars on applying for consultative status with the ECOSOC are useful, but should be available in more than one time slot to allow organizations in different time zones to attend them.

• Regional and/or local UN offices should provide NGOs with advice and support in drafting the documentation needed to obtain the consultative status. Preliminary meetings with these bodies to review the applications can better prepare the NGOs for the meeting of the Committee on NGOs review.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

• A funding scheme for travel and accommodation costs related to attending UN events of their interest should be put in place. It can also start small, with a lot of regulations like: e.g. financing one event per year per NGO, specific pool of events, specific countries of origin of NGOs, alignment of the work of the NGO with the event etc.

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• Exchange groups of NGOs working in similar fields with similar goals can be created. Participation in meetings, discussions, and exchange of good practices in these smaller groups might be easier for these NGOs and help them bring their contributions in UN events more effectively.

• Capacity building (training) programs should be put in place for youth organizations that are not experienced in diplomatic language and international lobbying skills for them to better engage in the work of UN.

• The UN could organize events to bring together NGOs working in similar fields to exchange experience and good practices.

• Youth NGOs must be supported as first as they represent the future society

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

• The UN should build a unique complete agenda of the UN systems with all events where NGOs could participate. A monthly newsletter with the upcoming events should be sent to all NGOs with ECOSOC consultative status. Additional reminders to NGOs about the events that match their field of expertise might increase their participation.

• The UN should implement training programs on UN systems and how to take part in UN processes for new NGO delegates, especially for young people and people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, its appointed delegate can attend this training program.

• Exchange groups of NGOs working in similar fields with similar goals can be created. Meetings, discussions, and exchange of good practices in these smaller groups prior to the UN events can be more effective and recommendations agreed by the group can be more influential.

• NGOs with ECOSOC consultative status could help on the implementation of UN policies in local level.

• Improve the contribution of NGOs to the work of the ECOSOC via online tools and online consultation, as this would reduce many obstacles.

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194. Zanjireh Omid International Charity Institute

NGOs can contribute to the work of ECOSOC by presenting annual and monthly reports. Furthermore, ECOSOC could designate special experts to review the activities of NGOs regularly. By doing this, This organization can provide better role models to NGOs. NGOs, which provide operational services and are functional oriented, can be more helpful to the work of ECOSOC since they inform ECOSOC of their needs, activities and structures based on defined objectives.

ECOSOC meetings could become more interactive if productive materials are distributed among attendees.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

If UN organizations hold conferences and meetings with local NGOS at their home country, local NGOs would be able to acquire better feedback and support. Such interactions help NGOs to continue their work in a clearer path. Local NGOs could raise funds internationally under the supervision of UN Organizations since certain NGOs are unable to attend international NGOS due to financial restrictions. UN should lift political boundaries, which NGOs face in the process of international fundraisings and memberships.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

Nonpolitical outlook toward local NGOs help such foundations to become more independent and receive international recognition with no bias. UN bodies could extend their help to less known NGOs of developing countries by being their voice. This would be possible via transparent engagement of local NGOs in UN activities. UN bodies are required to identify the gaps and needs of developing countries to support NGOs and operate as a tool for them to get deserved recognition.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

397 required to identify the gaps and needs of developing countries to support NGOs and operate as a tool for them to get deserved recognition.

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195. iuventum e.V.

NGOs may possibly further contribute online, such as through questionnaires like this and online modalities. It would be great to be recognized by other UN entities more easily after receiving ECOSOC accredition. Overall, online contribution modalities seem to be efficient for NGOs, whereever they come from.

Question 2: What in your organization's view should be done to provide better support to NGOs during the process of obtaining consultative status with ECOSOC?

The process is / seems to be ok.

Question 3: How can the participation of NGOs from developing countries and countries with economies in transition in UN's work be increased?

The participation of such NGOs may be increased through online participation/ contribution modalities.

Question 4: Once the consultative status is granted to organizations, how best can NGOs access the opportunities given to them to take part in UN processes?

online, through online modalities, whereever possible/applicable

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