ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the participation of civil society actors in UN deliberative processes concerning development issues. It summarizes the evolution of the relation between the world organization and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which is rooted in the UN Charter. The opening words of the UN Charter are 'We the peoples of the United Nations'. They are quoted every time there is a discussion about how ordinary citizens can directly relate to the UN, not just through their member governments, which in turn derive their legitimacy from the claim of representing their peoples. A vibrant civil society is essential to development, an issue that is present in the Millennium Declaration but got lost in a narrow implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The UN Development Programme (UNDP) launched a Global Sustainable Development Facility that aimed to create sustainable economic growth and allow the private sector to prosper through the inclusion of two billion new people in the global economy.
