Information Networks for Civil Society
- The Global Environment Facility, Non-Governmental Network
The GEF-NGO Network is a partnership between the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and more than 400 non- governmental organizations worldwide whose work in the environment and sustainable development is aligned with the GEF mandate. Network members are accredited to the GEF and participate in the consultation process with the GEF's governing body. The GEF-NGO Network is organized into 17 regions with an NGO that serves as the regional focal point for each region. In 1999, Monitor International, a US-based NGO, was elected the Central Focal Point of the Network.
- United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service (NGLS)
NGLS is a small inter-agency programme established in Geneva and New York, with the aim of strengthening UN-NGO dialogue and cooperation in the fields of development education, information and policy advocacy on global sustainable development issues.
- Earth Negotiations Bulletin
The Earth Negotiations Bulletin published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), is a balanced, timely and independent reporting service that provides daily information in print and electronic formats from multilateral negotiations on environment and development.
- The
Development Gateway
The Gateway is an internet information
system which aims at improving peoples lives in developing countries
by building partnerships and information systems that provide access
to knowledge for development. It also publishes weekly newsletters.
- Geneva Environmental Network (GEN)
The Geneva Environment Network (GEN) of which UNEP is the secretariat, is a cooperative partnership between over 40 environment and sustainable development organizations based in the Geneva area, including United Nations offices and programmes, specialized agencies and NGOs. The partnership aims at improving information dissemination and public outreach, and at developing joint activities.
- United Nations System Wide EarthWatch
EarthWatch is a UN system wide mechanism, of which UNEP is the secretariat, that monitors global disturbance in the environment in order to give early warning of problems requiring action
- United Nations Environment Network: UNEP.net
UNEP.net is a portal to authoritative scientific environmental information that is thematic, regional as well as global.
- Stakeholder Forum for Our Common Future
Stakeholder Forum for Our Common Future's primary objective is to promote sustainable development through facilitating the involvement of major groups and stakeholders in the policy work of the United Nations, and other inter-governmental institutions in the area of sustainable development and in particular in the work of the UN Environment Programme, the UN Development Programme, and the UN Commission for Sustainable Development.
- Centre on Energy, Climate and Sustainable Development (URC)
The UNEP Risoe Centre on Energy, Climate and Sustainable Development (URC) supports the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in its aim to incorporate environmental aspects into energy planning and policy worldwide, with a special emphasis to assist developing countries. URC, formerly known as UNEP Collaborating Centre on Energy and Environment (UCCEE), is sponsored by UNEP, the Danish International Development Assistance (Danida) and Risoe National Laboratory.
- Great Transition Initiative – Hopeful Global Scenarios of Earth’s Future
A global network elaborating visions and pathways for a future of enriched lives, human solidarity and a healthy planet. Even as environmental and social crises threaten the future of humanity and the earth, a Great Transition toward improved well-being and environmental sustainability is still possible.
Links
within the United Nation System
- United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) : Civil Society Organizations (CSO)
Division
As UNDP repositions itself as a leading policy and advocacy organization
for sustainable human development and poverty eradication, substantive
partnership with CSOs is of greater strategic importance than ever.
The organization works with a wide cross section of local, regional
and global CSOs in and around its six thematic areas (democratic governance,
poverty reduction, crisis prevention and recovery, HIV/AIDS, energy
and environment, information and communications technology). The range
of partners is indicative of the changing role of civil society actors.
CSOs are no longer restricted to the role of service delivery but are
significant actors in the development of a society, participating in
policy-making and performing watchdog functions.
- United
Nations Secretary General High Level Panel on Civil Society
The Panel was created to review past and current practices and recommend
improvements for the future in order to make the interaction between
civil society and the United Nations more meaningful. The Panel’s
main task was to produce a set of practical recommendations for the
Secretary General on how the UN’s relationship with civil society,
as well as with private sector and parliaments, could be improved. The
Panel has concluded its work and launched its final report on 21 June
2004 at UN Headquarters in New York and in Geneva.
- The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
The Permanent Forum is an advisory body to the Economic and Social Council with a mandate to discuss indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.
The Permanent Forum provides expert advice and recommendations on indigenous issues to the Council, raises awareness and promotes the integration and coordination of activities related to indigenous issues within the UN system, prepares and disseminates information on indigenous issues. The Permanent Forum holds an annual session. The first meeting of the Permanent Forum was held in
May 2002, and yearly meetings take place either in New York or Geneva.
- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
FAO leads international efforts to defeat hunger. It acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information. It helps developing countries and countries in transition improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices and ensure good nutrition for all. Working with civil society organizations (CSOs) enables FAO to increase the effectiveness and quality of its work. Through consultation with CSOs, FAO ensures that its decision-making, policies and scientific research reflect the interests of all sectors of society.
- The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Over a decade ago, most countries joined an international treaty -- the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change -- to begin to consider what can be done to reduce global warming and to cope with whatever temperature increases are inevitable. In 1997 governments agreed to an addition to the treaty, called the Kyoto Protocol , which has more powerful (and legally binding) measures. The Protocol entered into force on February 16, 2005
- United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification proposes new orientations based on certain fundamental principles such as participation, the creation of an enabled environment, the implementation of a cooperation framework and the promotion of integrated activities to combat desertification. The cooperation between the UNCCD and NGOs contributes significantly to the successful implementation of the Convention. One of the many strengths of the non-governmental community is that they are the voice and interface of grass roots communities and this convention aims to improve the livelihoods of marginalized populations, particularly those communities threatened by drought and desertification. It is therefore appropriate that the contribution from the non-governmental community is part of the official programme of work of the Conference of Parties.
- UN Works Programme
The United Nations helps millions of people around the world in ways you never imagined. This site features the stories of men, women and children who have benefited from the UN's work.
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