Close the Gap, proud member of United Nations Department of Public Information.

Posted on 07/07/2010

It is not without any pride that Close the Gap’s team is delighted to announce that the organization had just been recognized as a member of the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI).  This means, Close the Gap can as from now, be considered as an NGO recognized by the United Nations.

Indeed, the Committee of Non-Governmental Organizations of the Department of Public Information met late in June to consider the new applications from non-governmental organizations for association with the UN-DPI. Close the Gap has been selected amongst several other worldwide organizations.

About NGO association with the United Nations?

This association constitutes a commitment on the part of Close the Gap to disseminate information and raise public awareness about the purposes and activities of the UN. Indeed associated NGO’s are expected to focus a portion of their communication activities on the work of the UN. Also, Close the Gap is expected to keep the UN-DPI’s organizations informed of its activities.

Non-governmental organizations have been partners of the DPI since its establishment in 1947. Though associated NGO’s, DPI seeks to reach people around the world and help them to better understand the work and aims of the United Nations. The DPI/NGO Section is part of the department’s Outreach Division and acts as its liaison between the United Nations and NGOs and other civil society organizations. It oversees partnerships with associated NGOs and provides a wide range of information services to them. These include weekly NGO briefings, communication workshops, an annual NGO conference and an annual orientation program for newly associated NGOs.

Currently, there are 1,588 NGOs with strong information programs associated with DPI. In Belgium, only 26 organizations are members. In the Netherlands, 21 organizations are members and in France, 59.

Back