Inadequate international nongovernmental organization response to intergovernmental calls for action

Nature

INGOs are frequently perceived as unenthusiastic in response to IGO calls for action on some new issue and as such are viewed as less than satisfactory partners. Associated with this is the view the INGOs have been slow in adapting themselves to the many changes in the membership, attitudes and practices of IGOs such the UN.

Counter-claim

Many of the most important INGOs were established long before the UN (or even the League of Nations) with aims and objectives of their own, not all of which have yet been accepted by the UN. Many have had a more universal membership than the UN in various stages of its development. Whilst they are prepared to pursue objectives in partnership with the UN, when these objectives are shared, they are quite prepared to pursue others on their own until IGOs come to recognize their validity.