ABSTRACT
This chapter provides some general comments on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) effectiveness in their work with the United Nations (UN) system. It discusses some points to make on that topic – from a viewpoint slightly heretical to the organizers’ perspective. Democratization of world society is one of the founding principles and objectives of the United Nations Organization. The focus of much of the intergovernmental debate and a central purpose of UN programmes – in areas as diverse as human rights protection, decolonization, peacemaking and development – is to safeguard and promote democracy. The other side involves interpretation of the UN to constituencies, and the monitoring and encouragement of their debate on how the progress of issues at the UN parallels their concerns at the national and local levels. Improved communication among NGOs working at the UN is also essential to fulfilling potential, as are better links.
