Expanding NGO involvement in the United Nations system

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.

Agenda 21 emphasizes the importance of continued active and effective participation of non-governmental organizations, of the scientific community and the private sector and of local groups and communities in the implementation of Agenda 21. It recommends that procedures should be established for an expanded role for non-governmental organizations, including those related to major groups, with accreditation based on the procedures used in UNCED. Such organizations should have access to reports and other information produced by the UN system. The General Assembly should, at an early stage, examine ways of enhancing the involvement of non-governmental organizations within the UN system in relation to the UNCED follow-up process.