The “Third UN”: Impacts, Access & Barriers of NGOs at the United Nations

A range of non-state actors regularly engage in UN discussions and processes. These include intellectuals, scholars, think tanks, NGOs, private sector companies, and the media. Collectively, they are often referred to as the “Third UN” that interacts with member states, as well as the international bureaucracies of UN entities. NGOs often hold a special role in bringing voices from the ground to the diplomatic parquet in New York and Geneva, asking for state accountability and infusing new ideas into multilateral deliberations. How do NGOs access UN processes, what determines their impact, and what barriers continue to exist that hamper their influence? What distinctions can be made between international and grassroots NGOs and how can UN civil society participation systems promote justice and equity? Join us for an engaging panel discussion with:

Panelists
Wook-Jin Chang, Chief of NGO Branch, Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs

Maithili Pai, Programme Officer, Civil Society Access and Participation, International Service for Human Rights on the access and politics of access of human rights NGOs to UN processes 

Moderator: Professor Daniel Naujoks, Director, International Organization & UN Studies, Columbia-School of International and Public Affairs

Columbia students, faculty, and staff may attend in person; others please join us virtually. Please see the different registration options. A light lunch will be offered during the event.


 

International Organization/UN Studies Specialization | Website | View More Events
Co-hosted with: Human Rights & Humanitarian Policy Concentration, Economic and Political Development Concentration, International Conflict Resolution Specialization

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