"The United Nations once dealt only with Governments. By now we know that peace and prosperity cannot be achieved without partnerships involving Governments, international organizations, the business community and civil society. In today's world, we depend on each other."
Kofi Annan,
UN Secretary-General
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification proposes new orientations based on an innovative approach with regard to certain fundamental principles such as the participation process, the creation of an enabling environment that enhances action at the local level, the implementation of a cooperation framework built upon partnership agreements and the promotion of activities integrated into a coherent development strategy.
The Convention breaks new ground by enshrining a bottom-up approach in international law. It repeatedly emphasises the importance of full participation, and specially underlines "the important role played by women". It also stresses "the special role of non-governmental organizations" and gives them an important role in ensuring implementation.
Civil society in general and NGOs in particular are very much key cooperating partners, which have shown commitment to the CCD throughout the negotiation process. This exemplary cooperation between the UNCCD and NGOs contributes significantly to the successful implementation of the Convention. In recognising that one of the many strengths of the non-governmental community is that they are the voice and interface of grass roots communities, and that this convention aims to improve the livelihoods of marginalized populations, particularly those communities most threatened by drought and desertification; it is therefore appropriate that the contribution from the non-governmental community is part of the official programme of work of the Conference of the Parties.
To date, nearly 800 non-governmental organisations have been accredited with observer status to the Conference of the Parties. The participation of these non-governmental organisations in the implementation of the Convention and their contribution to the various meetings is a necessary component of the successful implementation of the Convention.
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