FAQ’s

1. What is an NGO?

An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization), also called a “civil society organization,” is, according to the definition used by the United Nations, “a not-for-profit group, principally independent from government, which is organized on a local, national or international level to address issues in support of the public good.”

2. What is the DPI?

The DPI is the UN Department of Public Information, established in 1946 to raise global awareness of the vision and work of the United Nations through various media tools. Through this affiliation an NGO is given access to information on various topics and has the role of focusing attention on issues important to the UN, communicating UN activities to the grassroots and disseminating information on UN observances.

3. What is ECOSOC?

ECOSOC is the Economic and Social Council, one of the main bodies of the UN, along with the General Assembly, the Security Council and the International Court of Justice,

Its 54 members are elected for three–year terms by the General Assembly, based on geographical representation. It plays a key role in promoting sustainable development which includes concern for economic, social and environmental challenges. The Council holds regular meetings throughout the year with prominent academics, business sector representatives and 3,200+ registered non-governmental organizations.

4. What is the role of an NGO at the UN?

NGOs help the UN make known its work of promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights through the DPI. Through ECOSOC, NGOs contribute to the review of progress made in the implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the major UN Nations conferences and summits in the economic, social and related fields and provide input to the discussions of the ECOSOC.