UNITED NATIONS, June 21 (UPI) -- A blue-ribbon panel recommends the United Nations open up its decision-making processes to more than just governments.
It advocates allowing civil society groups, such as non-governmental organizations and the private sector to have greater involvement in deliberations.
The chairman of the Panel of Eminent Persons on U.N.-Civil Society Relations, former President Fernando Henrique Cardoso of Brazil, Monday said the growing participation and influence of non-state participants is enhancing democracy and reshaping multilateralism.
"Civil society organizations are the prime movers of some of the most innovative initiatives to deal with emerging global trends," he said at the formal launch of the report at U.N. World Headquarters in New York. "Given how the world has changed, constructively engaging with civil society is a necessity for the United Nations."
While the relationship with civil society has strengthened greatly over the years, "difficulties and tensions have arisen, particularly in the deliberative process," the report said. "Governments do not always welcome sharing what has traditionally been their preserve."
