Drawing on its inter-agency nature and UN system-wide perspective, UN-NGLS provides strategic information, analysis and support to a wide range of constituencies, using its unique convening and networking capacity to strengthen multistakeholder dialogue and alliance-building on core UN issues. To fulfill its mandate, UN-NGLS carries out the following activities:
Providing information within reach. UN-NGLS closely monitors and reports on ongoing deliberations at the UN on its broad economic and social development, human rights, environment, peace and security agenda. It produces accessible and concise information, which is widely circulated among civil society actors, as well as UN and diplomatic circles through a database of more than 40,000 entries. Its communication and information programme includes a number of newsletters and handbooks on the UN System through e-Roundups, The 2015 Post and the bi-weekly UN-NGLS Update. Facilitating civil society participation in UN processes and deliberations. UN-NGLS offers its expertise and support to civil society organizations (CSOs) in their work with the UN. UN-NGLS advises organizations on opportunities to engage with the UN and facilitates their participation in various UN processes and events (conferences, hearings, workshops, etc.). UN-NGLS has a specific commitment to enhance the participation of southern and underrepresented civil society actors. Supporting the UN System in developing productive relationships with civil society. With system-wide experience and expertise on civil society engagement, UN-NGLS assists UN bodies and agencies in the implementation of their civil society strategies and helps address gaps and fill needs as they arise on the UN System-civil society interface. Upon request, it facilitates the coordination of civil society’s participation in inter-agency projects and initiatives. UN-NGLS also organizes the annual CSO focal point meetings, bringing together all the staff responsible for external relations in the organizations of the multilateral system. These meetings provide an opportunity to build a strong community of practice for multi-stakeholder involvement in global affairs through the sharing of best practices and lessons learnt. Providing strategic analysis on emerging trends in UN-civil society relations. UN-NGLS promotes debates and provides analysis on emerging trends in UN-civil society relations, tracking the political dynamics, as well as the evolution of global civil society. UN-NGLS is continuously exploring new ways of interaction between the UN and civil society. It regularly engages in participatory research projects to examine the UN System’s engagement with new and emerging actors of global governance, (such as grassroots organizations, social movements and indigenous peoples’ organizations), with the view of showcasing best practices, stimulating debate within UN circles and between the UN and civil society actors. For more information, please see our website at www.unngls.org
