QUNO NY has released the resource paper Civil Society at the United Nations aimed at addressing shrinking civic space at the UN. The project was inspired following discussions with civil society colleagues and diplomats on the difficulties civil society organizations have faced since the COVID-19 pandemic in accessing information and engaging in UN processes. These changes include that civil society representatives have been asked to leave meetings they previously would have attended and that many separate virtual consultations have been organized for stakeholders, meaning that diplomats no longer hear directly from or engage with civil society representatives. In responding to these shifts QUNO undertook this work in collaboration and with input from civil society representatives, diplomats and UN officials. 

The paper provides an overview and analysis of the existing mechanisms and agreed language governing civil society participation at the UN in New York. Stemming from the UN Charter, it draws upon the resolutions, decisions, and working methods of the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, and related subsidiary bodies to examine the current framework for civil society engagement and identify best practices. While serving as a resource document, it also provides analysis and recommendations for meaningfully including civil society across the UN's policy agenda in New York, based on the existing negotiated resolutions and established best practice.  

To mark the release of this paper, QUNO NY hosted a lunch event on February 27, 2025. Gathering together diplomats, UN officials, and civil society representatives to discuss civic space at the UN and opportunities for collaboration. The resource paper can be used by diplomats to push for civil society inclusion in UN meetings and processes. The paper provides the resources for diplomats to counter the narrative being presented by some countries that civil society representatives have no place in intergovernmental forums, while also acknowledging that civil society are valuable partners in policymaking and in implementation. QUNO NY will continue to work on expanding civic space at the UN in collaboration with our partners.  

The resource paper can be downloaded in English below. The Spanish translation of the Civil Society at the United Nations resource paper is forthcoming.