Empowering NGOs: Your path to UN engagement

As the world continues to navigate complex global challenges—ranging from climate change and economic instability to humanitarian crises and persistent inequality—civil society organizations play a critical role in bridging the gap between governments and communities. They address pressing issues that governments alone cannot fully resolve.

If you are a non-governmental organization (NGO), you have the opportunity to work alongside the United Nations to contribute to meaningful change. The UN has established an engagement platform that enables civil society to participate in global discussions and policymaking. 

ECOSOC consultative status is the only official platform within the UN that grants NGOs direct access to UN deliberations. By applying for ECOSOC consultative status, your organization can have a seat at the table and contribute to shaping international decisions. The deadline for applications is 1 June 2025.

Since its inception in 1945, the United Nations has recognized the importance of partnerships with NGOs in advancing its mission. In 1946, only 41 NGOs were granted consultative status by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Today, more than 6,494 NGOs enjoy this status, working in various fields such as education, health, poverty eradication, human rights, gender equality, and indigenous issues.

Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, NGOs have played an increasingly significant role in implementing this global framework. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to strengthening civil society participation. Speaking at the UN Civil Society Conference in Support of the Summit of the Future, he emphasized:

“Time and again, I have witnessed the enormous impact of civil society in every corner of the world. I see you easing suffering, pushing for peace and justice, mobilizing for change. I see you feeding the hungry, standing up for truth, advancing gender equality, and propelling sustainable development. [...] I salute you. I thank you. And I ask you to keep working with us to build a better world".

This underscores the UN’s continued advocacy for civil society engagement and protection, ensuring that grassroots organizations can contribute to shaping policies and holding decision-makers accountable.

What are the benefits of ECOSOC Consultative Status?

Consultative status provides NGOs with a formal relationship with the United Nations, allowing them to participate in various activities, including:

• Attending official UN meetings
• Submitting written statements before sessions
• Making oral statements
• Engaging with government delegations, UN officers and other NGO representatives
• Organizing and attending side events during sessions
• Participating in debates, interactive dialogues and panel discussions

The NGO Branch of UN DESA invites all interested NGOs to apply for ECOSOC consultative status and collaborate closely with ECOSOC. The deadline to submit applications is 1 June 2025. Applications submitted by this deadline will be reviewed in the following year. Learn more about the application process here.

Additionally, the NGO Branch invites interested NGOs to join an online webinar about the application process on 6 May 2025, from 11 am to 12:30 pm EDT. Register for this session here.

Photo credit: UN Photo/Manuel Elias