Civil Society

The aim of the Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) is to increase awareness and involvement of civil society in the United Nations' work on social development issues, in line with the Division's mandate. To achieve this goal, the Division:

1. Facilitates partnerships and engages with representatives of civil society organizations, experts, and other relevant stakeholders to promote inclusive social development through:

• Providing relevant information on the areas covered by the Division through briefings, workshops, and consultations.
• Planning, developing, and implementing outreach and communication campaigns/strategies related to the mandates of the Division.
• Developing strategic partnerships with key constituencies to gain support for and maximize the impact of promotional objectives.
• Conducting analytical studies on ways to improve working relations between the Division and civil society actors and other relevant stakeholders.
• Providing support to NGOs using online platforms and networks.

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 (OEWG) on Ageing 
5. Other major meetings and events.