The Civil Society and Outreach Unit (CSOU) works to promote greater awareness and increase involvement by civil society in the work of the United Nations on social issues as it relates to the mandate of the Division for Social Policy and Development.

Toward this end the CSOU:

1. Facilitates partnerships and reaches out to representatives of civil society organizations, experts and other relevant stakeholders to promote social development, as it relates to the mandate of the Division for Social Policy and Development;

2. Coordinates the participation of NGOs and other civil society organisations in the work of intergovernmental bodies and other bodies served by the Division, including the:
   1. Commission for Social Development (CSocD)
   2. UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)
   3. Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP)
   4. Open Ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWGA)
   5. Other High Level Meetings and Events.

How NGOs can partner with the United Nations:

1. NGO in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council: http://csonet.org/?menu=100
2. NGO Associated with the UN Department of Public Information: http://outreach.un.org/ngorelations/

Resource:

Economic and Social Council Resolution 1996/31: Consultative relationship between the United Nations and non-governmental organizations

Contact us:

Civil Society and Outreach Unit (CSOU)
Division for Social Policy and Development (DSPD)
Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)
S-2966, New York, NY 10017
Email: