United Nations Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations
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The United Nations Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations is responsible for accrediting non-governmental organizations with consultative status at the United Nations. Established in 1946, it reports directly to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).[1]
The committee comprises 19 members who are elected based on the principle of equitable geographic distribution as follows:
- 5 members from African States
- 4 members from Asian States
- 2 members from Eastern European States
- 4 members from Latin American and Caribbean States
- 4 members from Western European and Other States
Members are elected to serve four year terms.
The current membership of the committee (2019-2022) includes: Bahrain, Brazil, Burundi, China, Cuba, Estonia, Eswatini, Greece, India, Israel, Libya, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Sudan, Turkey and United States of America.[1]
Application procedure
An NGO that wishes to obtain consultative status at the United Nations must first submit an application online at the NGO Branch of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the UN Secretariat. After the application is screened by the NGO Branch, it is reviewed by the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs. The Committee decides to recommend, or not recommend, granting status to the NGO. The final decision is taken by the ECOSOC at its annual Substantive session.[2]
