UN STATUS | Diplomatic Council

un-status

The Diplomatic Council enjoys special consultative status with the UN

The Diplomatic Council has been granted by the United Nations the highest status that can be achieved for a non-governmental organisation (NGO): the special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. This status entitles the Diplomatic Council to attend UN sessions and make written and oral statements at international UN conferences and events. The Diplomatic Council will consequently have the opportunity to globally support the interest of economic diplomacy, express its views and influence the work of the Economic and Social Council: a flourishing economy that brings prosperity to mankind is one of the best peace guarantors worldwide. Diplomatic Council members can apply to become Diplomatic Council UN delegates and attend UN sessions in New York, Geneva and Vienna. By offering this unique opportunity, the Diplomatic Council opens to its members access to one of the most exclusive, global contact networks with regard to economic and social issues.

DIPLOMATIC COUNCIL accredited according to Article 71 of the UN Charter

As a result of the “2015 Resumed Session of the ECOSOC NGO Committee” (E/C.2/2015/R.2\Add.26/4) on 26./27.5.2015 according to Article 71 of the UN Charter, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations has enclosed the Diplomatic Council in its circle of accredited non-governmental organisations. In consequence, the Diplomatic is granted consultative status with the ECOSOC. The consultative relationship is governed by the ECOSOC resolution 1996/31, which outlines the eligibility requirements for consultative status, rights, and obligations of NGOs in consultative status. The ECOSOC consultative status represents a crucial and considerable enhancement for the Diplomatic Council, which until today is registered with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). Moreover, this consultative status is the highest status a non-governmental organization can obtain with the United Nations. The nomination of the Diplomatic Council was made by 14 African States, 11 Asian States, 6 Eastern European States, 10 Latin American and Caribbean States and 13 Western European and other States.

Diplomatic council represents a high relevance for the UN

The main requirements to gain eligibility for consultative status with ECOSOC include: the work of the NGO must be relevant to the work of ECOSOC; the NGO must have a transparent structure based on a legal constitution; it must have an established headquarters with an executive officer; it must provide to the Committee financial statements; it should have a representative structure such as the Diplomatic Council has with its Chairs, Vice-Chairs, Directors, Permanent Representatives, Representatives and Delegates.

The work of the ECOSOC is conducted through several sessions and preparatory meetings, roundtable and panel discussions. Once a year, the Diplomatic Council is invited to attend the four-week session of the ECOSOC alternating between New York and Geneva with the opportunity to collaborate in the work of the United Nations by making oral and written statements and expressing its views.

In this connection, the diplomatic actions of the Diplomatic Council are executed by the Council of Ambassadors while the business activities are driven by the Diplomatic Council Chairmen or Chairwomen, Vice Chairs and Directors. The nomination of Diplomatic Council UN delegates is organized by the Secretariat General. The Diplomatic Council is invited to attend all conferences and other events of the Economic and Social Council and make written and oral statements at these events. It is also encouraged to participate in debates, interactive dialogues, panel discussions and informal meetings and has the option of organizing its own side events at the New York, Geneva, and Vienna headquarters.

The highest Diplomatic Council representatives are entitled to receive the “United Nations Annual Ground Pass” which allows them access to the UN headquarters in New York, Geneva and Vienna for the duration of one year. The Diplomatic Council is assigning its "Diplomatic Council Permanent Representatives to the United Nations“ to the respective UN sessions to express its views and opinions thus enhancing the interest of economic diplomacy in order to promote a more peaceful interaction amongst nations. For specific events, short-term passes are available for further Diplomatic Council representatives.

UN secures access to DIPLOMATIC COUNCIL experts

The Economic and Social Council grants consultative status for the purpose of securing expert information or advice from Diplomatic Council members around the world. ECOSOC requests Diplomatic Council members to take actions on the important topics concerning the future of mankind. The Diplomatic Council can participate in the Commission on Sustainable Development, the Commission on the Status of Women, the Commission for Social Development, the Commission on Population and Development, the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, the Statistical Commission and the Forum on Forests as well as the permanent Forum for Flora and Fauna.

In addition to the involvement in the ECOSOC commissions, the United Nations considers the Diplomatic Council a multiplier to spread the positions of the United Nations all over the world. By granting the consultative status, the UN expects the Diplomatic Council to execute the following tasks: provide expert analysis on issues from its experience, serve as an early warning agent, help monitor and implement international agreements, help raise public awareness of relevant issues, play a major role in advancing UN goals and objectives and contribute with essential information at organization events.  Through the ECOSOC accreditation, the Diplomatic Council is invited to attend the session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) and make written and oral statements. This includes the participation at the Universal Periodic Reviews (UPR) which involves a review of the human rights records of all 192 United Nations Member States once every four years.

Diplomatic council UN master plan 2030

The Diplomatic Council UN master plan 2030 provides that the Diplomatic Council gradually executes the tasks related to the consultative status. The objective of the Diplomatic Council is to be represented by at least one delegate at all relevant events of the Economic and Social Council. Diplomatic Council members, who wish to actively collaborate with the United Nations, shall contact the Diplomatic Council Secretariat General to obtain information on how they can become a member of the Diplomatic Council Commission for UN Affairs.

Diplomatic council Commission for UN Affairs (DCUN)

Our mission – Our vision – Our way to work

(1)
The committee of Diplomatic Council commissioners for UN Affairs (DCUN) is responsible for managing the relationship of the Diplomatic Council to the United Nations and the ECOSOC in particular including its committees and subcommittees. It defines the strategy and policy of the Diplomatic Council in regard to the UN and bears responsibility for the utmost effectiveness of this work.

(2)
The DCUN is the voice of the Diplomatic Council and its members to the United Nations. It consists of individuals who combine their commitment to the 17 principles of the United Nations for a better world with their goal to make the Diplomatic Council one of the most effective and influential nongovernmental organizations of the UN. Membership in the DCUN will be granted only by personal invitation through the CEO of DCUN and must be unanimously agreed on by the commissioners.

(3)
DCUN will be represented by commissioners in all major UN locations like especially New York, Geneva, and Vienna. Moreover, we will be present in all five major cities where the regional Economic Commissions of ECOSOSC are located as well as in all major industrial areas, and so-called emerging markets. This reflects the self-conception of the Diplomatic Council and DCUN to be “the reasonable voice of the business community.”

(4)
In this role, DCUN will use all possibilities and instruments available to work for its and the UN goals, namely written and oral submissions, personal networking and presence, side events, marketing and public relations. The DCUN-committee will manage and coordinate this work in an orderly, transparent and effective way. Its work is based on self-initiated projects, selected UN projects or other NGOs projects as escorting partners. Lighthouse-projects might be defined in order to contribute to bundle resources and raise the public awareness of the Diplomatic Council as a whole.

(5)
DCUN is the exclusive body inside the Diplomatic Council to select, prioritize and coordinate projects relevant to the UN. It decides about projects and connected strategies with an unanimous vote. The DCUN officers are independent and are not mandated, in particular not to other Diplomatic Council members. Transparency, open communication, and fair discussions determine its work. DCUN meets on a monthly basis whenever possible. The meetings will be prepared and organized by the secretary.

(6)
Projects with a potential to be forwarded to the UN can be submitted to DCUN
a.) by commissioners themselves,
b.) by Diplomatic Council members,
c.) by external persons or organizations in line with UN and Diplomatic Council goals.
People submitting projects have a right to present them at regular DCUN meetings. The proposal must be in a written form and in a format which already suits to the UN rules for oral and written submissions. Projects proposed from external sources need a so-called “trustee” inside DCUN who helps preparing it for final decision at DCUN. Pre-clearance with forum leaders concerned is mandatory.

(7)
DCUN decides on projects and related strategies with an unanimous vote. The committee can take all measures feasible to make a fair judgment as to the project submitted. This can include further expert hearings, a request for further clarifications on the project or setting up subcommittees for deeper strategic examinations. The term unanimous vote applies to all commissioners elected. Commissioners absent can give their approval by mail. It counts as approving vote if the commissioners has not yet answered at all within 5 days. The so-called “Chatham House” principles are integral part of DCUNs work.

(8)
The commissioners for UN affairs bear a specific responsibility to help organize and structure this work to the best benefit of the Diplomatic Council. This in particular means:
a. Defining projects which help to support the work of the UN.
b. Developing strategic plans to implement them in the UN framework.
c. Creating a UN-based network which helps to work effectively at UN level.
d. Selecting experts and groups who can successfully contribute to the project.
d. Submit written or oral presentations to the UN bodies.
e. Being present in person at UN meetings relevant for the project.
f. Delivering progress reports to the secretary according to timelines defined.
g. Taking responsibility as a “trustee” for projects of members not being commissioners.
h. Working as “diplomat” for the United Nations inside and outside the Diplomatic Council.
i. Representing the DCUN on business occasions worldwide.
j. Contributing to position the Diplomatic Council as a global ThinkTank at the UN.
k. Keeping close relationships to the Diplomatic Council members.

(9)
On “official” missions commissioners of DCUN represent the Diplomatic Council and especially DCUN as a whole. They are not formally mandated by DCUN, but by being elected commissioner, however, they promise to adhere to the policies, positions and ethical guidelines of the Diplomatic Council on “official” missions.

(10)
The secretary is the “inner heart” of DCUN. It supports the commissioners in their day-to-day work, for example registering for UN meetings, providing contacts, make necessary bookings and help providing relevant documents before the meeting. The commissioners themselves take responsibility to make personal and meeting arrangements, to study all relevant documents, to keep records, contact sheets and all other information necessary for their work. When traveling to UN sessions, meetings of committees and subcommittees by order of DCUN, commissioners enjoy Diplomatic Council travel and health insurance.

(11)
Commissioners contribute in making the work of the secretary most effective by providing all information necessary for a structured and effective manner including for example summaries, success reports, contact data of persons relevant to DCUN works. The secretary helps making all data which might be of importance for DCUN as a whole accessible to all commissioners. DCUN will submit a report to the Diplomatic Council members once a year at years end.

(12)
Commissioners act as individuals with no official contract or binding agreement with DCUN. To assure a common behavior and public performance in the interest of the Diplomatic Council as a whole commissioners will sign the “Corporate Governance Codex” (Guide of Ethics) of DCUN thereby following global business standards. Statements, pronouncement or any other action being taken by individual commissioners will not make other commissioners of DCUN accountable in any financial or legal way.

More About

UN Consultative Status

The Diplomatic Council is UN-accredited Diplomacy meets Business Organization in Special Consultative Status
with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Diplomatic Council Members
may carry the seal "Diplomatic Council Trusted Member – UN Consultative Status".