General Assembly President calls for stronger relationship between UN and civil society

Civil society organisations can significantly help the United Nations achieve its development agenda, the General Assembly President said as she called for a closer relationship between the two and a stronger voice for civil society groups within the world body. Speaking in New York at a forum on the General Assembly and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which was jointly organised by her office and the UN Foundation, Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa said civil society groups have been making “a serious contribution” to the UN since its beginnings in 1945. “You are indispensable partners in delivering services to the poor, catalysing action within countries and holding leaders accountable for their commitments,” she told participants at the forum.

For more information, see http://www.un.org/ga/president/61/statements/statement20061121.shtml