Publication

This paper discusses the developments in the relationship between the United Nations and civil society actors. It argues that, at one level, NGOs are becoming an integral part of the summits held under the auspices of the UN, while at another level they are kept at a distance from the policy deliberations since UN decisions with regard to NGO involvement are dominated by ideas of efficacy and efficiency. The author then calls for a different attitude - a moderating and mediating approach - toward these actors in UN international policymaking events.