A non-governmental organization (NGO)

A non-governmental organization (NGO) is any non-profit, voluntary citizens' group which is organized on a local, national or international level. Task-oriented and driven by people with a common interest, NGOs perform a variety of service and humanitarian functions, bring citizen concerns to Governments, advocate and monitor policies and encourage political particpation through provision of information. Some are organized around specific issues, such as human rights, environment or health. They provide analysis and expertise, serve as early warning mechanisms and help monitor and implement international agreements. Their relationship with offices and agencies of the United Nations system differs depending on their goals, their venue and the mandate of a particular institution. The primary purpose of an operational NGO is the design and implementation of development-related projects. One frequently used categorization is the division into relief-oriented versus development-oriented organizations; they can also be classified according to whether they stress service delivery or participation; or whether they are religious or secular; and whether they are more public or private-oriented. Operational NGOs can be community-based, national or international.The primary purpose of an Advocacy NGO is to defend or promote a specific cause. As opposed to operational project management, these organizations typically try to raise awareness, acceptance and knowledge by lobbying, press work and activist events. The various governments of the world have at least one thing in common. They all know that without people involvement in the solution of problems, the nation may deteriorate to the point of disintegration and self-annihilation. In fact, in countries where we have plenty of volunteers working through various Non Governmental Organizations, we tend to discover less problems and less human suffering. Very fortunately, from the very outset, the United Nations has realized this tangible evidence and thus it proceeded to establish good rapport with several NGOs. These good relations of the UN with selected NGOs should continue to be strengthened, and to grow and to develop further.As to whether an NGO works closely with the United Nations through the establishment of some link or not is irrelevant for all practical purposes. What should be important lies in the fact that we do have volunteers who give their time, energy and expertise to help make the world better. Over the past 60 years, since the United Nations came into existence, NGOs have played a big role in the implementation of the peaceful objectives of this world body of nations. In fact, many believe that if the League of Nations had been blessed with the assistance of Non Governmental Organizations, it might have never disintegrated and gone into oblivion. It might have grown to become instrumental in the prevention of World War II and many other conflicts that took place around the world.