Overview
The International Studies Association holds Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, and is also affiliated with the Department of Public Information (DPI). NGO representatives are permitted to register and attend open meetings of most UN bodies--although some require additional procedures--and are invited to attend briefings, seminars, and conferences related to political, economic, social, and humanitarian issues. ISA's NGO representatives have for many years participated in, and facilitated access for ISA members to, the UN's global conferences (now in various follow-up stages), and New York conferences, including conferences on sustainable development, gender, development finance, the rights of the child, small arms trafficking, and others. Because of increased attention to security, members who wish such facilitation need to meet strict UN deadlines. Neither the UN nor ISA provides funding for attendance at conferences. ISA is a roster NGO and its constitution does not permit it to openly promote policy positions. In addition, given new technologies, ISA members tend to access UN information via the web. In this regard, the ISA representative's information role is now primarily to refer members to relevant electronic sources and/or locate information that may not be readily available.
Events
ISA NGO’s representatives have participated in, and facilitated access for ISA members to, many of the UN’s global and other conferences, including:
The United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), annual follow-ups hosted by the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) at U.N. headquarters in New York, and the major World Summit Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, South Africa 2002. ISA's main contact on sustainable development issues is Carolyn Stephenson. For Small Island Developing States, see J. Braveboy-Wagner.
World Conference on Population and Development (Cairo, 1994), and World Summit for Social Development (Copenhagen, 1995), with regular follow-ups (in sectoral areas) sponsored by the U.N. Commission for Social Development. A major world conference/follow-up on social issues is planned for 2005. ISA's Charlotte Patton is the contact for general social issues.
Fourth World Conference for Women (Beijing, 1995), and "Beijing plus 5" follow-up (Special Session of the General Assembly) in 2000, as well as annual meetings in New York of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). ISA's main participants have been C. Patton and J. Braveboy-Wagner.
ISA representatives also focused on narcotics and small-arms issues in the period 2000-03.
UN NGO Representative Responsibilities and Terms
- Provide a channel through which information concerning the UN reaches the ISA Membership.
- Monitor and support UN policies that conform with ISA’s goals and interests.
- Facilitate access for ISA members to UN conferences and programs.
- Disseminate information about the UN to interested ISA members and information about ISA to interested UN bodies.
UN NGO REPRESENTATIVE:
Kimberly Marten
FEB 2010-APR 2012
Barnard College
km2225@columbia.edu
How To Request UN Event Passes
The International Studies Association is a United Nations ECOSOC-accredited NGO with roster consultative status, and is also associated with the UN/DPI. Any ISA member in good standing may request (a) a temporary grounds pass for a specified range of dates, which allows access to the UN grounds in New York, Geneva, or Vienna (subject to certain limitations); or (b) registration to attend a variety of ECOSOC-sponsored and DPI conferences and summits. These privileges must be used for purposes that are in accordance with the ISA constitution, namely “expanding, disseminating, and applying knowledge of interrelations among nations and peoples.” Our roster status means that ISA members may attend ECOSOC-sponsored meetings, but cannot speak or circulate statements at those meetings.
Please note that the ISA does not currently have consultative status at many major non-ECOSOC conferences, for example the series on climate change. If you wish to attend one of these non-ECOSOC conferences where the ISA has not previously sent a representative, the ISA must first apply to become accredited to participate in that conference. This is an arduous process requiring much document gathering and communication by ISA Headquarters, and often must be started a year in advance of the next conference. Advanced planning on your part, as well as demonstrating your seriousness of purpose in making the request, is therefore vital.
Please note that the ISA cannot provide any funds or travel support for such visits. All travel and participation is at the member’s own expense.
ISA UN-NGO Representative Kimberly Marten is happy to facilitate requests for temporary passes and conference pre-registration for ISA members, as well as to work with those who have serious need to attend conference series where the ISA is not yet accredited. Applicants should first consult the UN NGO website (http://esango.un.org/paperless/) for relevant information about procedures and rules, as well as the calendar specifying pre-registration deadlines for appropriate conferences. Then please send your request by email to km2225@columbia.edu with the subject line, “UN Temporary Grounds Pass [or Conference Pre-Registration] Request.” Please include all of your contact information, specifying the location and date-range for the temporary grounds pass, or the pre-registration deadline for the specific conference you wish to attend. Please also include a paragraph which details your need and purpose for the pass (for example, by briefly summarizing your research project and dissemination plans), and please attach your CV (or an equivalent biographical statement).
Upcoming Conferences
The 43rd Session of the Commission on Population and Development, to be held April 12-16, 2010 in New York, with thematic focuses on health, morbidity, mortality and development.
The 9th Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, to be held April 19-30, 2010 in New York. Please note that ISA members wishing to attend this conference must notify Kimberly Marten of their desire to do so by March 19 to meet the pre-registration deadline.
The 18th session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development, to be held May 3-14, 2010 in New York, with thematic focuses on transport, chemicals, waste management, mining, and the 10 Year Framework of Programs on Sustainable Consumption & Production Patterns.
