VGIF at the United Nations
In 2004, VGIF was granted consultative status with the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and in 1997 association with the United Nations’ Department of Public Information (DPI).
As an organization in consultative status, VGIF may designate authorized representatives to sit as observers at public meetings of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies, and may, within guidelines, submit or make oral statements relevant to the work of ECOSOC.
VGIF is a member of the Conference of Nongovernmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CONGO). VGIF representatives may join one or more CONGO authorized committees and may hold committee office.
As a nongovernmental organization (NGO) associated with DPI, it is VGIF’s responsibility to disseminate information about the UN and its activities to VGIF membership, which it does through its “UN News” column in the “VG Update” and in the monthly VG Flash.
DPI, in turn, provides a number of services to its more
than 1,500 associated NGOs. For example, it conducts weekly briefings
on a range of global issues; organizes an annual conference which brings
together senior UN officials, prominent international NGOs, academicians,
public opinion makers, and international media to discuss issues of global
concern; and provides a resource center offering access to UN documents,
press releases and a video library.
UN Accredits VGIFUW - VG UPDATE July, 1997 - article by Wes Cady
