Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) refer to organizations set up or formed by individuals or associations, whereas intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) are institutions established by treaties, with several sovereign member states.[1] One of the channels through which NGOs can formulate demands on, and lend support to IGOs relates to the NGOs’ participation in global conferences to draft agreements or treaties.[2]
Various IGOs have given NGOs the opportunity to take part in the formulation or drafting of formal treaties, although the NGOs’ participation in such treaties is limited due to the lack of negotiation capacity. An example of NGOs' participation in global conferences was when the IGOs allowed various NGOs to participate in the International Campaign in Ottawa that aimed at Banning Landmines.[3]
Another channel through which NGOs can formulate demands on, and lend support to, IGOs is participation in preparatory committees for international conferences. Through such engagements, NGOs can have formal involvement in the conference proceedings, as well as make necessary contributions. An example of NGOs’ participation in preparatory committees for international conferences was during the Rio Earth Summit, which took place in 1992.[4] NGOs can also formulate demands on, and lend support to, IGOs by attending special meetings organized by IGOs. IGOs usually convene special sittings to address various substantial global issues.[5]
NGOs can use such platforms to deliberate on multiple subjects that are of special interest to them. An example of such special conventions relates to the United Nations (UN) conference on environmental issues, where NGOs are invited to give their views.[6]
NGOs can also formulate demands on, and lend support to, IGOs by being members of intergovernmental organizations. By being members of IGOs, NGOs can promote new ideas and sensitize the global society on critical emerging issues. An example of such form of engagement relates to the close working relationship between the UN and various NGOs.[7]
In my view, the most effective channels include the NGOs' participation in special meetings organized by IGOs and acquiring IGOs' membership. Through such channels, NGOs can effectively share their grievances, table their demands, as well as offer their support to enhance the operation of various IGOs.[8] Besides, through such channels, NGOs can help IGOs in gathering relevant data regarding the best ways to achieve various IGOs’ goals. For example, through such channels, NGOs have played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of various international agreements, especially those that focus on environmental conservation.[9]
Bibliography
Carapico, Sheila. "NGOs, Ingos, GO-Ngos and DO-Ngos: Making Sense of Non-Governmental Organizations."Middle East Report, no. 214 (2000): 12. doi:10.2307/1520187.
Gilfillan, Beth, and Anthony Fee. "Shaping Participation: An International NGO Implementing a Government Participation Policy." Development in Practice 27, no. 8 (2017): 1035-1049. doi:10.1080/09614524.2017.1360248.
Taninchev, Stacy Bondanella. "Intergovernmental Organizations, Interaction, and Member State Interest Convergence." International Interactions 41, no. 1 (2014): 133-157. doi:10.1080/03050629.2014.932784.
[1]
Carapico, Sheila. "NGOs, Ingos, GO-Ngos and DO-Ngos: Making Sense of Non-Governmental Organizations," 97.
[2]
Ibid. 99.
[3]
Ibid. 101.
[4]
Taninchev, Stacy Bondanella. "Intergovernmental Organizations, Interaction, and Member State Interest Convergence" 136.
[5]
Gilfillan, Beth, and Anthony Fee. "Shaping Participation: An International NGO Implementing a Government Participation Policy," 1037.
[6]
Ibid. 1039.
[7]
Carapico, Sheila. "NGOs, Ingos, GO-Ngos and DO-Ngos: Making Sense of Non-Governmental Organizations" 104.
[8]
Gilfillan, Beth, and Anthony Fee. "Shaping Participation: An International NGO Implementing a Government Participation Policy" 1039.
[9]
Taninchev, Stacy Bondanella. "Intergovernmental Organizations, Interaction, and Member State Interest Convergence" 141.
