Lesson 3  NGOs (Suggested time:  1 – 2 days) “If the UN’s global agenda is to be properly addressed, a partnership with civil society at large is not an option, it is a necessity.”                                                                         Kofi Annan                                 Former Secretary-General of the United Nations NGO stands for non-governmental organization (NGO) and is a not-for-profit, voluntary citizens’ group, which is organized on a local, national or international level to address issues in support of the public good.  They perform a variety of services and humanitarian functions, bringing concerns to Governments, monitoring program implementation and policy, and encouraging participation of civil stakeholders at the community level. They provide analysis and expertise, serve as early warning mechanisms and help monitor and implement international agreements. Some are organized around specific issues, such as human rights, the environment or health. Their relationship with offices and agencies of the United Nations (UN) system differs depending on their goals, their venue and their mandate. About 1,500 NGOs with strong stances on certain issues of concern to the UN are associated with the Department of Public Information (DPI), giving the UN valuable links to people around the world. DPI helps these NGOs gain access to and disseminate information about the issues in which the United Nations is involved so that the public can better understand the aims and objectives of the world Organization and support its work. (Information from http://esa.un.org/coordination/ngo/new/index.asp?page=faqs) Assignment:   Go to the following cite:  http://esa.un.org/coordination/ngo/new/index.asp?page=links This link shows some of the various links of interest to various NGOs.  To see some of the works and concerns in just one area,  click on the Human Rights icon, then under Quick Links, go to NGOs.  This will give you an idea of how NGOs work with the UN.   Go back to the beginning website and choose an area according to your own interest (e.g. Environment) and further explore the work and collaboration of NGOs.