CONGO's primary function is to facilitate the participation of NGOs in the UN system. Making sure
that NGOs have adequate access to UN meetings, conferences, special events, and documentation is a
vital part of our work. The UN-NGO relationship has been evolving and changing since the signing of
the UN Charter in 1945. The issue of NGO Access to the UN has at times been under great scrutiny and
debate, especially within the past several years. CONGO's mission is to ensure the free exchange of
ideas among all parties at the United Nations, by defending and upholding the rights of NGOs to voice
their concerns (as defined in the UN Charter).
Access to UN Headquarters (UNHQ) in New York has been restored to NGOs with valid grounds passes from
Monday through Friday, 08:00am to 07:00pm. Access is restricted to the Visitor's Entrance at 46th Street.
NGOs should allow extra time to enter the UN building due to heightened security measures.
A special page on "Current Status of NGO Access to UN HeadQuarters" and HotLine telephone number
have been added to the UN Department of Public Information, NGO Section website.
More information about CONGO's activities in recent years on the issue of NGO Access can be found in the
NGO Access Archive.
For an excellent narrative summary of the developments and discussions surrounding NGO Access in the
past decade, visit the site of the Global Policy Forum.
