|
NGOs must become more accountable, UN report say |
|
Tuesday, 08 July 2003 |
|
International non-governmental organizations (NGOs) must become more accountable if they are to retain their influence and position of trust, according to a UN report released last week. The report - titled "The 21st Century NGO: In the Market for Change - involved an international study of the NGO landscape, with over 200 NGOs and opinion formers contributing to the identification of the challenges these organizations face in the new millennium.
The study, by international consultancy SustainAbility, the UN Environment Program and the UN Global Compact, says many NGOs are moving from confrontation to engagement with business. But most lack the accountability they demand from companies. It says some NGOs already produce detailed reports to demonstrate their accountability, the best practitioners being the U.S. Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies and Oxfam, WWF and Save the Children in the U.K. However, it says others see accountability as a non-issue. |
