RELATIONS WITH NON-GOVERNMENTAL PARTNERS SUMMARY

Transcription

1 Executive Board Two hundred and fourth session 204 EX/23 Rev. PARIS, 3 April 2018 Original: French Item 23 of the provisional agenda RELATIONS WITH NON-GOVERNMENTAL PARTNERS SUMMARY The Director-General submits this document to the Executive Board pursuant to 203 EX/Decision 12 and 202 EX/Decision 37 and in accordance with the Directives concerning UNESCO s partnership with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) (36 C/Resolution 108) and the Directives concerning UNESCO s relations with foundations and similar institutions, adopted by the General Conference at its 26th session and amended at its 28th and 29th sessions. This document reports on the reflection regarding new opportunities for qualitative dialogue between Member States and non-governmental organizations pursuant to 202 EX/Decision 37. The admission of new nongovernmental organizations to consultative status and the admission of foundations to official relations, as the case may be, are submitted to the Executive Board for information. Finally, this document reports on the collective work of non-governmental organizations coordinated by the NGO- UNESCO Liaison Committee since the 202nd session of the Executive Board. This document should be considered together with document 204 EX/23.INF Rev. Action expected of the Executive Board: proposed decision in paragraph 21. Job:

2 204 EX/23 Rev. I. INTRODUCTION 1. In accordance with its terms of reference (203 EX/Decision 12), the Committee on Non- Governmental Partners (NGP) will meet during the 204th session of the Executive Board to consider various issues under the item entitled Relations with non-governmental partners. 2. In pursuance of 202 EX/Decision 37, section II of this document concerns the reflection on creating further opportunities for qualitative dialogue between Member States and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Section III informs the Executive Board of the admission of new NGOs to consultative status and the admission of new foundations to official relations, as the case may be. Finally, section IV reports on the collective work of NGOs coordinated by the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee since the 202nd session of the Executive Board. II. FOLLOW-UP TO 202 EX/DECISION 37 OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD: TOWARDS QUALITATIVE DIALOGUE BETWEEN MEMBER STATES AND NGOS 3. The importance of the dialogue between Member States and NGOs was underlined by the General Conference at its 38th session, when it invited the Secretariat to think of new forms of information and exchange to strengthen their dialogue (38 C/Resolution 71), and by the Executive Board, which, at its 200th session, requested that the Director-General develop proposals on how to further create opportunities for qualitative dialogue between Member States and NGOs, including within the governing bodies, drawing on best practices in other United Nations agencies and similar institutions (200 EX/Decision 23). 4. At its 202nd session in October 2017, on the basis of the study on practices in other United Nations agencies and similar institutions (document 202 EX/37.INF.2), the Executive Board considered that the suggestions made in paragraph 16, subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of document 202 EX/37, should be the subject of in-depth examination in the framework of the Executive Board s reflection on its working methods, taking account of the intergovernmental nature of UNESCO and decided to include this item in the agenda of its 204th session in order to begin deliberations with a view to the submission of a proposal for decision at its 205th session (202 EX/Decision 37). 5. Two spheres of action are thus developed in the following paragraphs: informal dialogue with NGOs by making good use of existing mechanisms and NGO participation in UNESCO s governing bodies (General Conference and Executive Board). (i) Dialogue with NGOs within the framework of the existing mechanisms for interaction with NGOs 6. While carrying out their mandate, programme sectors and field offices have acquired, to different degrees, mechanisms to consult and exchange with civil society on specific issues or modalities for multi-stakeholder engagement, which encourage governments, NGOs, the private sector and other organizations to work together to achieve common goals. 7. Although some initiatives have recently been taken to promote dialogue between Member States and NGOs on specific issues, most of the existing mechanisms and/or practices are not designed to encourage dialogue, aiming rather at involving NGOs in the implementation of the Organization s programmes and priorities. Some examples of interaction with NGOs are mentioned below as examples: In the field of education, the Collective Consultation of NGOs on Education 2030 (CCNGO/Education 2030) is UNESCO s key mechanism for partnership with NGOs to implement Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4. Established in 1984, CCNGO has become an international network with more than 300 NGO members. Its meetings offer a platform for the analysis of world policies, dialogue and advocacy.

3 204 EX/23 Rev. page 2 Within the framework of the Global Action Programme (GAP) on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), five networks of partners for each of the GAP s priority action areas include 95 major ESD actors from all regions, one-third of which are NGOs. Regarding the right to education, the development of an institutional ad hoc mechanism is envisaged, subject to the availability of funds, which would foster a constructive dialogue between Member States and the NGO network working on the right to education. This would help to strengthen NGO participation, particularly in the implementation of the 1960 Convention and Recommendation against Discrimination in Education. To implement the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, UNESCO is striving to cooperate with governments, media institutions, professional associations and NGOs to conduct outreach campaigns and strengthen prevention. Against this backdrop, the consultative meeting on National Initiatives for the Safety of Journalists What Works?, held at UNESCO Headquarters on 12 December 2017, involved more than 150 representatives of Member States, NGOs and the media. Within the framework of the regional Networks of Mediterranean Youth (NET-MED Youth) project launched in 2014 and funded by the European Union, UNESCO created seven national working groups bringing together about 150 representatives of civil society youth organizations, to help them contribute to public policies and decisionmaking Finally, the International Conference of NGOs, which brings together all of the Organization s NGO partners every two years and constitutes part of the collective cooperation explicitly provided for in the Directives, is an opportunity for NGOs in official partnership with UNESCO to meet and converse. Although more representatives of Member States have participated in the last few years, confirming Member States growing interest in cooperating with partner NGOs, the Conference does not offer specific opportunities for an exchange between Member States and NGOs. In that sense, representatives of Member States could be further involved in round tables or discussion panels during the conference, alongside experts and NGOs a synergy that would open a space for dialogue and cooperation on an ad hoc basis. Similarly, subject to funds available for this purpose, there could be a day before the Conference in which NGOs could exchange with Member States on the theme of the Conference. 8. It should also be noted that there are mechanisms encouraging dialogue between Member States and NGOs for the implementation of intergovernmental conventions and/or programmes. Some examples of interaction with NGOs are as follows: In the field of sport and physical education, the Permanent Consultative Council (PCC) of the Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Education and Sport (CIGEPS) includes NGOs as permanent members. It is an institutional mechanism that involves international NGOs in the development of standards, advocacy and capacity building in the field of sport and physical education. In the field of culture, the conventions have well-established mechanisms providing a framework for varying degrees of cooperation with NGOs. The 2005 Convention, which is the most recent, is the most active and the most open to NGOs, particularly because of the role played by civil society in protecting and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions. Since 2015, the Convention s governing bodies have continued to think about how to further involve NGOs in the implementation of the Convention and encourage their participation in statutory meetings. A working meeting is thus held between the Bureau and NGOs before each session of the Intergovernmental Committee to identify NGOs priorities regarding the items on the agenda; a specific item is inscribed

4 204 EX/23 Rev. page 3 on the agenda of each session of the Committee so that NGOs can submit a report, and a forum is organized before the Conference of Parties. These initiatives contribute to developing mechanisms that foster NGO participation in the implementation of the Convention and in statutory meetings. The 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage has an NGO accreditation system that currently recognizes 147 NGOs. These NGOs can participate in the meetings of the Intergovernmental Committee and the General Assembly as observers. They are also invited to participate in the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Civil Society (ICH NGO) Forum. Six accredited NGOs are also members of the Evaluation Body. Within the framework of the World Heritage Convention, since 2012, NGOs have organized an NGO Forum on World Heritage in conjunction with the annual session of the World Heritage Committee to foster dialogue between Member States and NGOs on specific topics. 9. In conclusion, it is important to stress that any possibility of creating new spaces of informal ad hoc dialogue between Member States and NGOs within existing mechanisms and/or practices is, as a general rule, a one-off initiative and involves additional costs and human resources that can rarely be absorbed by the regular programme and budget. Any such decision will also necessarily have to take into account the human and financial constraints on the Organization. (ii) Increasing NGO participation in the governing bodies (General Conference and Executive Board) 10. Dialogue between Member States and NGOs varies within the United Nations system and the study submitted to the Executive Board at its 202nd session (documents 202/EX/37 and 202 EX/37.INF.2) suggests that an inclusive participation by NGOs in governing bodies would be an essential means for fostering this dialogue. United Nations entities have comparable rules of procedure concerning NGO participation in governing bodies and most of them allow for NGOs to participate as observers; in certain cases only (UNAIDS, for example), the organization gives civil society greater access, beyond the role of mere observer. 11. At UNESCO, participation by NGOs at sessions of the General Conference and Executive Board is governed by the basic texts. Concerning the General Conference, official NGO partners are systematically invited as observers on the decision of the Director-General acting on behalf of the General Conference, while other NGOs may also be invited on the decision of the General Conference upon recommendation of the Executive Board. These observers may make statements on matters within their respective competence in the commissions, committees and subsidiary bodies of the General Conference, with the consent of the presiding chairperson; they may also address plenary meetings of the General Conference on matters within their competence. 12. With regard to the Executive Board, NGO partners are invited to take part, as observers, in meetings with the Committee on Non-Governmental Partners (NGP) only. In order to participate in the plenary meetings and meetings of the other commissions and committees of the Executive Board, NGO partners must submit a written request subject to the authorization of the Chairperson of the Executive Board. 13. It should therefore be noted that as it stands, NGO participation in the discussions of the Executive Board is more restricted than at the General Conference. Their possible contribution to matters within their expertise could indeed enrich Member States reflection and inspire the decisionmaking process. 14. In this context, if the Board deems it appropriate, it might consider the modalities of NGO participation in its sessions by examining the following proposals:

5 204 EX/23 Rev. page 4 Extending the participation of NGOs as observers in the meetings of the Executive Board (plenary and commissions) beyond the NGP Committee. Three options are open for consideration in this respect: A limited number of UNESCO s official partner NGOs three representatives, for example could be admitted to participate regularly as observers at the sessions of the Executive Board (in accordance with the provisions of the Rules of Procedure of the Executive Board). Only NGOs in official partnership with UNESCO would be eligible and could be selected in consultation with the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee, taking into account their relevance to the items on the agenda of the session; The NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee whose members are elected by the International Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations to represent the interests of all the NGO partners with regard to UNESCO could be admitted to participate as observers at the meetings of the Executive Board (in accordance with the provisions of the Rules of Procedure of the Executive Board), as the sole entity representing all NGO partners at the Board on a regular basis; Like at the General Conference, all official partner NGOs could be invited as observers to each session of the Executive Board (in accordance with the provisions of the Rules of Procedure of the Executive Board). It should be emphasized that NGO representatives and/or the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee would participate as observers, without the right to vote and in accordance with the same rules applicable to Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) and in compliance with the provisions of the Rules of Procedure of the Executive Board concerning the participation of observers. Thus, none of the three options presented above would undermine the intergovernmental character of the Organization or give the NGOs rights comparable to those of the Member States. NGO hearings could be organized within the framework of the NGP Committee in connection with the items on the agenda of the session, in order to allow NGOs to contribute to the consideration of these items and enrich the reflection and discussion of the Executive Board. III. ADMISSIONS AND RENEWAL OF RELATIONS WITH NGOS AND FOUNDATIONS 15. In application of the Directives concerning UNESCO s partnership with non-governmental organizations and the Directives concerning UNESCO s relations with foundations and similar institutions, the following points are called to the attention of the Executive Board for information. 16. The Executive Board is hereby informed of decisions taken on admissions to official partnership with consultative status with respect to the three organizations listed below (corresponding fact sheets are provided in Part I of document 204 EX/23.INF.Rev.): Aladdin Project, France; University of the Arctic Association (UARCTIC), Finland; Wapikoni Mobile, Canada. 17. The Executive Board is also informed by the Director-General of her decision to establish official relations with the following two foundations for a renewable period of six years (corresponding fact sheets are provided in Part II of document 204 EX23.INF.Rev.): Eduardo dos Santos Foundation, Angola; Spirit of Fes Foundation, Kingdom of Morocco.

6 204 EX/23 Rev. page 5 IV. WORK OF THE NGO-UNESCO LIAISON COMMITTEE 18. The eighth international forum of NGOs in official partnership with UNESCO took place on 7 and 8 December 2017 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Opened by UNESCO s Director- General, the Forum brought together around 250 representatives of NGOs, with an increased presence of representatives of permanent delegations. The Forum focused on Changing minds, not the climate: the contribution of NGOs with three main themes: the role of civil society organizations in addressing climate change; ocean and climate change; and world heritage, biosphere reserves and knowledge and actions of indigenous peoples. A few days before the One Planet Summit organized on the initiative of Mr Emmanuel Macron, President of France, and the United Nations, the Forum identified possible courses of action for NGOs to support UNESCO s work in the field and illustrated the urgency and the need for a multisectoral and holistic approach to the challenges of climate change. On the occasion of the Forum, UNESCO also launched the campaign #ChangingMindsNotTheClimate in the six official languages on the social media networks Facebook and Twitter, reaching up to three million users. 19. In accordance with the Directives, two Forums will be organized in 2018: one focusing on the issue of migrants, to be held in May 2018, and another on science, which could be held in the Russian Federation. 20. The 2018 International Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations will close the year in December It will be a high point for appraising collective NGO action taken in 2017 and 2018, and will, moreover, adopt the main lines of collective cooperation in Proposed decision 21. After examining this document and document 204 EX/23.INF, the Executive Board may wish to adopt a decision along the following lines: The Executive Board, 1. Recalling 202 EX/Decision 37 and 203 EX/Decision 12, as well as 29 C/Resolution 64 and 36 C/Resolution 108, 2. Having examined documents 204 EX/23 Rev. and 204 EX/23.INF.Rev., 3. Takes note of the Director-General s decisions relating to: the admission to consultative status of three new non-governmental organizations listed in paragraph 16 of document 204 EX/23 Rev.; the establishment of official relations with the two new foundations listed in paragraph 17 of document 204 EX/23 Rev.; 4. Considers that effective interaction between Member States and civil society is a key element in ensuring a comprehensive approach to many issues relating within UNESCO s mandate and amplify the reach of its message; 5. Invites the Secretariat to strengthen, as appropriate and to the extent of available human and financial resources, interaction between the Member States and NGOs on specific issues under the implementation of the programme, and invites Member States to support all efforts to that end; 6. Invites the Director-General to conduct the appropriate consultations, including with Member States, National Commissions and the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee, on the possibility of reconsidering the modalities of NGO participation in Board sessions on the basis of the proposals contained in paragraph 14 of document 204 EX/23 Rev., with a view to the submission of a proposal for decision at its 205th session. Printed on recycled paper