NGO Representative Etiquette
The following guidelines have been put together in order to assist NGO representatives participating in meetings to elicit a favorable response from governmental delegates to NGO advocacy efforts.
DOs / DON'Ts
Get information about the meetings from the U.N. Journal Meet as many government delegates as you need to communicate your concerns or suggestions. Sit in the balcony to observe meetings. Attend as many workshops and side events as possible. Contribute your ideas, when appropriate, in workshops, symposia and NGO issue-caucuses. Sign on to statements or make statements in the name of your organization as appropriate. Pick up official documents. Be responsible for your personal property, as the U.N. cannot be responsible for lost or theft of articles. Wear your U.N. grounds security pass at all times and cooperate with U.N. Security Service personnel. Meet with NGO representatives and members of NGO networks and coalitions from your nation/area of interest, and discuss what can be done to advance the agenda for women, including holding meetings on the issues concerning women and participating in implementation of action plans. The NGO Committee on the Status of Women may be contacted for further information at tel. 212-209-3961 or e-mail: ngocsw@ngocsw.org
Please do not approach government delegates at their seats while the Commission is in session. Please do not sit in seats assigned to government representatives and their assistants.
Please do not enter any meeting listed as "closed" or "informal" in the U.N. Journal or on the door.
Please do not demonstrate or protest anywhere on United Nations premises. This includes holding up signs and wearing pins with protest messages.
Please do not make statements on behalf of the NGO Committee on the Status of Women or a caucus unless every member organization of the caucus has agreed to sign on.
Please do not ask for official C.S.W. documents at the meeting room documents window.
Please do not advertise your events by distributing materials inside the U.N. facilities. Please do not affix items to walls, doors or painted surfaces.
Please do not damage U.N. premises by using metal dollies to move heavy materials (please use rubber wheeled dollies).
Please do not use the computers in the UN hallway designated for government delegates only.
Please do not bring food or beverages into U.N. conference rooms.
Please do not bring luggage onto U.N. grounds.
Please do not sell any items on U.N. premises.