Latin-American and Caribbean Facing Challenges for Greater Participation at the United Nations Economic and Social Council Sub-Saharan Africa Sub-Saharan Africa NGOs' Participation in the Economic and Social Council: Challenges and Potential Solutions North Africa and Middle East Middle Eastern and North Africa NGOs' Participation in the United Nations Economic and Social Counci: Current Situation, Challenges and Solutions Commonwealth of Independent States Commonwealth of Independent States NGOs' Participation in ECOSOC: Current Situation, Challenges and Solutions East and South-East Asia Challenges for greater participation in the United Nations Economic and Social Council This series, developed with total independence by a group of graduate interns experienced in the field, tackles a concrete region in an effort to analyze the level of participation and contribution to the work of ECOSOC and provides potential paths to strengthening this relationship. Posted on 30 Aug 2010 by: NGO Branch [ UN ENTITY ]

Sub-Saharan African NGOs, like their peers from around the world, can contribute to the agenda of the ECOSOC through their many activities conducted at the grassroots level. Such participation, however, falls short of its potential. In an attempt to understand the causes of the relatively weak participation of sub-Saharan African NGOs in United Nations activities, the current research will focus on the periods before and after NGOs gain consultative status.

The primary aims of this paper is: 1) to assess the sub-Saharan African NGOs participation by looking at the Integrated Civil Society Organizations (iCSO) databases, 2) to identify potential challenges to a greater and more qualitative involvement of sub-Saharan African civil society, and 3) to finally make recommendations for a greater and more qualitative participation of NGOs in the sub-Saharan African region.

The research suggests that sub-Saharan African NGOs do not participate fully for numerous and various reasons. It appears that there is no real interest in many cases to gain consultative status because organizations are ignorant of the opportunities that could eventually follow. By stressing more effective information flow, ECOSOC could eventually boost the participation across the region by holding information fairs during conferences and other civil society meetings

As far as some of the issues that were identified in this paper, such as the language problem, the lack of information, and the tenuous application process, the suggestions made in part three can be usefully considered. However, problems such as lack of financial resources and some NGOs disinterest would need more thought and tremendous effort.

Comments
	Please sign in to add a Comment by Foundations Des Nations Unie pour L'employ de la Jeneuse Africain [NGO] 16 May 2013 thank you Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by Association pour l'Intégration et le Développement Durable au Burundi [NGO] 30 Apr 2013 Thanks a lot for those information. In sub-Saharan Africa NGOs of indigenous peoples has great issues. Those ONGs do not know how they can make the partnership with the UN agencies so that to improve the livelihood, the human rights situation of indigenous peoples. We have no frame and program form the agencies of United nations that aim to develop the strategies for promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples. We need the informations and the participate in the regional conferences to propose the way out of the problem of our African indigenous peoples. We need the update news because from this we will contribute our experience. We need to be connected the regional commission of ECOSOC and others agencies of UN for instance UNDP, UNICEF, UNESCO ... of Burundi. Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by National Council of Child Rights Advocates, Nigeria: South West Zone [NGO] 23 Mar 2013 The work of the United Nations, though attractive to the Civil Societies around the world for participation, viewing from the standpoint of their objectives, the Civil Societies have really not received enough motivation that could engender their enthusiastic involvement. While those who are already in Consultative Status are expected to be working in tandem with the Government representatives from their localities, to support and sharpen the formulation and implementation of policies, they most time find themselves having to struggle to have the recognition of the relevant MDAs for engagement. The implication is that rather than relate well to attract mutual support that should make participation easy through the availability of funds from the Government, who ordinarily should see the CSOs as partners in progress, the CSOs go through hard times to get funds to be at the sessions. Hence, the expected tempo, reduces over time. It should interest the Chief, NGO Branch of ECOSOC to note that their inability to give the requisite funding support to NGOs or facilitate direct involvement in funders' projects is a disincentive to increased number of participations. If the few NGOs in consultative status could have more to show for their participation and contributions t the UN Sessions, a grater awareness would be generated in the various countries and regions and attract more of the civil society to apply for consultative status and get more involved with the UN ECOSOC endeavors. Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by Action of Human Movement (AHM) [NGO] 11 Feb 2013 Dear Sir/Madam Why dont you consider Indian region places for UN ECOSOC Training programmes. please do it Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by Business Innovation Research Development [NGO] 10 Dec 2012 Hello, To wish you a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New year 2013. Much friendships Georges RADJOU, BIRD CEO, MBA, DUPEBH BIRD-www.slideshare.net/gsradjou Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by Abiodun Adebayo Welfare Foundation [NGO] 10 Jul 2012 Dear Sirs, Our ONE and ONLY appeal to UNs is to empower the CSOs/NGOs with Funds, Training and Projects to create work for every individual on this planet as the work only can help for the dignity, justice and respect for the individual- Humanity. There is NO other short-cut to meet the MDG 2015! Lets join hands to strengthen UNs for the same. Thanks Yours Sincerely, Amb. OJO MUSILIU ADEBAYO NATIONAL COORDINATOR ABIODUNADEBAYO WELFARE FOUNDATION WWW.abiodunadebayowelfare-foundation.org e-mail: aawelfarefoundation2008@hotmail.com aawelfarefoundation2008@gmail.com abiodunadebayofoundation@yahoo.com Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by Fórum DLIS - Agenda 21 de Paraty [NGO] 20 May 2012 Agenda 21 of Paraty, more than one document Agenda 21, is an institutional arrangement, a social pact for the Integrated and sustainable local development in the city. Comprising more than 20 institutions, the DLIS-Network Schedule 21 of Paraty's mission is to update the Plan Sustainable Development established in 2000, and endorse it through municipal law as the document officer, who will guide the actions and future projects. The network of Paraty DLIS in 11 years of existence, provides a broad reflection on the individual's relationship with society and the environment in which they live. Throughout this time, some plans, projects and campaigns have been conducted through a participatory planning and Integrated Management: Experience Paraty, Food Sustainable, Carbon offset, Gold Trail, agro-ecotourism, Paraty Recycle and campaign - Do not Throw Your Ole by the drain. Info: www.folhadolitoralcostaverde.com With the seal of the Green Passport this set of projects enables Paraty and the Costa Verde region as a reference in Agenda 21 for the world and RIO +20. Vídeo http://youtu.be/eMlfAqQjsv8 Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by Association for a Better Society [NGO] 1 Apr 2012 I think this is right, most NGOs in Nigeria are not aware of UN activities and they need funding too Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by Uganda Environmental Education Foundation (UEEF) [NGO] 7 Mar 2012 We believe that if more sub Saharan Africa NGos are invited and build their capacities in terms negotiations and policy analysis, more will gain interest in participation.If arrangements are made and NGOs particiapate right from their regional levels,we believe thats the way going. Nicholas Senyonjo Executive Director Uganda Environmental Education Foundation(UEEF) P.O.Box 5658 Kampala-Uganda Email;ugandaenvironmental@yahoo.com, senyonjonicholas@gmail.com Website:www.ueefug.org Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by Sociedad Amigos del Viento Meteorología Ambiente Desarrollo [NGO] 19 Jan 2012 Nuestra sociedad desea registrarse para participar de RIO +20 convencidos de que hay mucho que aportar desde las organizaciones de la sociedad civil que vienen realizando acciones a nivel local. Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by Gyan Vigyan Seva Sansthan [NGO] 29 Dec 2011 come and let us dream to be united word. Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by Missions3G-Gauri [NGO] 12 Dec 2011 Greetings!! To, The SG, UNs, Sir, Our ONE and ONLY appeal to UNs is to empower the CSOs/NGOs with Funds, Training and Projects to create work for every individual on this planet as the work only can help for the dignity, justice and respect for the individual- Humanity. There is NO other short-cut to meet the MDG 2015! Lets join hands to strengthen UNs for the same. Sanjjeev Nehraa Coordinator- Global Projects and Programmes Missions3g-Gauri* India +91 98111 73203 sanjjeev.nehraa@missions3g-gauri.org *Organisation in SPECIAL Consultative Status with ECOSOC, United Nations since July, 2010 Best regards and cooperation to UNDESA Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by Kejibaus [NGO] 6 Sep 2011 YES! there is one thing that it is not said here lots of people in Africa do not know where to start changes we are talking about government inclusive cos changes will definitely start from the real NGO that really want to work with United Nations.However, The United Nations should have their blue print of development in Africa with the NGO with proper monitoring and adequate finances rather than giving fund to some corrupt leaders in African Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by HUMAN Network INDIA [NGO] 1 Aug 2011 I am now studying "Social Accountability" of World Bank Institute and want to develop it in local content. Every NGO and any Government should go through the WBI;s online course. Ask please about any online course at humanindia@gmail.com Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by United Nations Youth Association Nigeria [NGO] 1 Aug 2011 I am Daniel Edoho from the United Nation Youth Association Nigeria, i want to commend the efforts of the ECOSOC so towards ensuring environmental sustainable development using this medium, your efforts is highly commendable. Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by Abiodun Adebayo Welfare Foundation [NGO] 24 May 2011 The greatest obstacle faced by NGOs of Africa south of the Sahara, is financial constraints. ECOSOC should give financial assistance to NGOs from this region in order to ensure their massive participation in all ECOSOC program, for them to enable to perticipate in all activites. Thanks. Yours Sincerely, Amb. Ojo Musiliu Adebayo National Coordinator AbiodunAdebayo Welfare Foundation www.abiodunadebayowelfare-foundation.org 18, Adekunle Street,Isolo Lagos State Nigeria. e-mail:aawelfarefoundation2008@hotmail.com Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by Safehaven International [NGO] 23 May 2011 How many NGOs at grassroot Sub Saharan have knowledge of ECOSOC and its activities/? information sharing is an issue,. The grassroot NGOs have done so much to support the UN work and am using this forum to solicit for opportunities to bring participants to all these meetings .by SAFEHAVEN INTERNATIONAL(NGO) Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by NIGERIAN NETWORK OF WOMEN EXPORTERS OF SERVICES [NGO] 12 May 2011 There is no doubt that finances constitute a major impediment to Sub-Saharan African NGOs in participating in ECOSOC activities. There are genuine interests in NGOs over gaining Consultative Status, even when many are not fully aware of the opportunities that could eventually flow from that. However, it is very much of essence for the NGO Branch of ECOSOC to address the issue of information dissemination to get NGOs aware of the need to seek Consultative Statues, despite financial problems in program attendance. ECOSOC should equally devise means of aiding these organizations financially because the activities of most grassroots organizations have no doubt, helped in shaping the works of the UN. Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by Think Youth Independent Association [NGO] 25 Mar 2011 It is well known that NGOS have greatly contributed to the development of the activities of ECOSOC and the United Nation within its communities. Attending ECOSOC/UN conferences and meetings by these NGOs is of great importance to the growth of the council. financial constraint is an abstacle to NGOs to participate fully. The lack of participation by NGOs is limiting the voice of the local community being heard in a global scale, thus limiting the target of achieving the Millenuim development goals. I believe that ECOSOC ought to help these NGOS financially to participate fully as well as seeing that the United Nation should urge respective government to implement financial plans to support its NGOS direcltly to participate and as well executes its objectives. Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by Asabe Shehu Yar'Adua Foundation [NGO] 11 Jan 2011 This is a wonderful observation.However, Ngo,s has contributed immensely to the development of mankind. What United Nations should do, is to evaluate the activities of NGos ,especially in Sub-Sahara Africa.The NGOS within this region need more financial muscle. There are NGOs with great ideas but cannot successfully implement their objectives because of financial constraint.To be candid, the activates of NGOs has greatly complemented the work of United Nations in recent times. Asabe Shehu Yar,Adua Foundation. Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by Victorious Youths Movement [NGO] 11 Sep 2010 The greatest obstacle faced by NGOs of Africa south of the Sahara, is financial constraints. In this light, ECOSOC ought to give financial assistance to NGOs from this region in order to ensure their massive participation. Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by Think Youth Independent Association [NGO] 25 Mar 2011 by ACTION CONTRE LA PAUVRETE POUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT DE LA CENTRAFRIQUE [NGO] 28 Oct 2009 je desire apprendre et connaitre le fonctionnement d'ecosoc, mais les liens ne sont pas faciles, si pouvez m'orienter, ca sera tres bien. merci pour votre comprehension. Please sign in to Reply to this Comment by African Union of Conservationists (AUC) [NGO] 8 Jun 2011 Very few NGOs are aware of ECOSOC, and this is caused by a number of factors already mentioned above but there is a problem of capacity as well. Even then ECOSOC gives funds there will be a need to follow up, check how these funds are used. At African Union of Conservationists (AUC) we have a program of Impact Evaluation but it has not been easy for us to find funds to run this program. This program cross cuts on a number of conservation and development programs implemented and those underway in Africa. I wish ECOSOC can organize a forum for this region and present our issues, concerns among others that will have to change the way we address and articulate and decide on the way forward.

Suggest Related Content to this page
	Search and add content that you feel relates to this page: Please sign in to add Related Content