Back to results
A Dedicated Civil Society Focal Point at UN
Submitted by
Mandeep Singh Tiwana
on behalf of
CIVICUS
on
January 10, 2020
Download submission
Global catastrophic risk mitigated
Climate change
Eco-system collapse
Weapons of Mass Destruction
The threat from new and emerging technology
Risk multiplier managed
Conflict or political violence
Institutions that lack inclusivity or accountability
Poverty and inequality
Implementation timeframe
Short term
Civil society is an indispensable partner to the UN. The role of Civil Society Organisations in supporting the three pillars of the UN and in ensuring innovative solutions to complex challenges, inclusive decision making, responsive service delivery and effective participation and accountability is well documented. Nevertheless, key gaps remain in the realization of effective UN - Civil Society Partnerships. A dedicated Civil Society Focal Point at the UN can help address these gaps and support UN departments in benefitting from civil society expertise while encouraging them to be champions of civil society and public participation
Implementation strategy

A senior staff position at Undersecretary General level can be designated to act as a Civil Society Focal Point and champion at the UN. This proposal builds upon similar calls in Erskine Childers and Brian Urquhart’s 1994 study “Renewing the United Nations System” and has formed the basis of subsequent calls from CIVICUS, UNA-UK and others.

Institutionally, there should not be any obstacles to the appointment as Civil Society as the UN has a long history of drawing on civil society expertise and commitment through the partnerships. The financial costs of appointing a focal point and setting up their office would not be very high. What is however required is political will and support of governments that are committed to the notion of civil society and public participation.

Political will exists to realise this proposal

Senior UN officials have publicly and privately expressed their support for Civil Society. Presumably, within the UN the idea would have traction. While civic space conditions and civil society operating environments remain constrained in many parts of the globe, there are several states that remain committed to civil society and public participation who could extend political and financial support for the proposed post.

What if political will does not exist yet

Some states are opposed to independent and empowered Civil Society. They may seek to use their political influence to block the creation of a Civil Society Focal Point. However, strong support from within the UN and from democratic states can help overcome potential obstacles.

Mitigating climate change

By supporting and championing the work of civil society organisations engaged in mitigation strategies against climate change this proposal can have a cascading and positive impact.

Mitigating weapons of mass destruction

By supporting and championing the work of civil society organisations engaged in peace and disarmament work this proposal can have a cascading and positive impact.

Mitigating eco-system collapse

By supporting and championing the work of civil society organisations engaged in protecting fragile eco-systems and committed to environmental sustainability this proposal can have a cascading and positive impact.

Mitigating the threat from new and emerging technology

By supporting and championing the work of civil society organisations engaged in protecting and promoting internationally agreed human rights standards this proposal can have a cascading and positive impact.

Alleviating poverty and inequality

A dedicated Civil Society Focal Point can help create enabling environments for civil society organisations and activists engaged in promoting inclusive economic policies, exposing corruption, gender justice and labour rights.

Enhancing inclusivity and accountability in national and global governance

Civil Society Organisations and activists play a key role in advancing the rights of excluded groups and in ensuring accountability of decision makers. A dedicated focal point to support the work of such organisations and activists can have a cascading impact.

Reducing conflict and political violence

Civil Society organisations and activists support actions that promote peace and justice which can help reduce conflict and reduce political violence.

Additional information

https://together1st.org/blog/a_seat_at_the_table_for_civil_society

Select a linked proposal i
2 / 2
Other ideas you might be interested in
Published by Cristina Petcu • Unknown risks
Create a strong UN Peacebuilding Council to replace the current Peacebuilding Commission
Similar to the transformation of the Human Rights Commission into a Council, it is time for the UN Peacebuilding Commission to be upgraded into a Council with enhanced powers and responsibilities; and mandated to lead on policy development, coordinat...
Published by Richard Alexander Shirres • Climate change, Eco-system collapse, Unknown risks
Scheme to accredit 'UN Global Eco-Steward Champions' status to active citizens
Contribution to global governance - Purpose: To expand and develop advocacy of the UN’s work in relation to global ecological stewardship and raise awareness of this crucial but lesser appreciated role of the UN and, thereby, advance support for the...
Published by Richard Maxheim • The threat from new and emerging technology
UN sovereignty in Affairs of Mankind
A more effective UN needs its own sovereignty. This can be created if member states surrender certain parts of their national sovereignty. The sovereignty of the UN should be limited to affairs of mankind. For this, the affairs of mankind would have...
Published by Arthur Lyon Dahl • Climate change, Eco-system collapse, Pandemics and anti-microbial resistance, The threat from new and emerging technology, Unknown risks
Governance, Science and the Climate Crisis
For climate and other catastrophic risks, science is the foundation for public education, policy-making and action, requiring strengthening formal science-policy inputs to UN and government decision-making, while building public support for action as...
Published by Arthur Lyon Dahl • Climate change, Eco-system collapse, Pandemics and anti-microbial resistance, Weapons of Mass Destruction, The threat from new and emerging technology, Unknown risks
Global Governance and the Emergence of Global Institutions for the 21st Century
Our book "Global Governance and the Emergence of Global Institutions for the 21st Century" will initiate wide dialogue on the future of global governance, presenting a package of core UN reforms to modernize the current global governance system to re...