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Strengthening civil society engagement with the United Nations

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Strengthening civil society engagement with the United Nations

Perspectives from across civil society highlighting areas for action by the UN Secretary-General

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Civil society advocates from around the world are urging newly appointed UN Secretary-General António Guterres to be a champion for civil society and to take concrete steps to build a more inclusive UN.

The United Nations Association - UK, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung New York Office, CIVICUS and Avaaz, four of the founding members of the 1 for 7 Billion campaign, have collected a range of proposals from its global network of civil society organisations. 

Challenging Mr Guterres to pursue his pledge to make cooperation with civil society "a key element in solving global problems", the series of articles offers solutions for a fairer, more inclusive UN across a range of processes and programmes.

At the heart of the publication is a common message for António Guterres to build a more inclusive UN.

Strengthening civil society engagement with the UN

Introduction and open letter to Mr Guterres:

Civil society articles:

  1. A Committed and Determined Ally for the World’s Most Impossible Job
    Barbara Adams
  2. Overcoming the Politics of the UN’s NGO Committee
    Eleanor Openshaw
  3. Young People Need a Seat at the Table of UN Climate Change Negotiations
    Kazi Ateea
  4. Engaging Millennials Crucial to Achieving the UN’s Ambitious Agenda
    Noa Gafni Slaney
  5. Inclusiveness Is the Key to Implementing the SDGs
    Farooq Ullah
  6. Online & on the Ground: Connecting Those Most in Need with the UN
    Aya Chebbi
  7. Civil Society Remains Vital to Success of Arms Control Processes
    Robert Perkins
  8. Gender Considerations for the New Secretary-General
    Melina Lito
  9. The Role of Civil Society in Enhancing the Peacebuilding Commission
    Rachel Madenyika
  10. Persons with Disabilities and the United Nations System
    Vladimir Cuk
  11. Historic Civil Society Participation in General Assembly Hearings with UN Secretary-General Candidates
    Volker Lehmann
  12. Appointment of UNHCR Chief and Other Senior Roles Could Learn from Recent UNSG Process
    Nan Buzard
  13. Supporting Civil Society across the UN System and Beyond
    Ben Donaldson

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