Link of the Day: The Global Youth Action Network

“In 1996, a young man participated in a small discussion and networking session of international NGOs at the United Nations Secretariat in New York City, USA. He was inspired to meet a room of people whose lives were dedicated to global problem solving. At the same time, however, he was shocked to learn that few young people were involved…

“Young people around the world were getting involved but needed to be better organized. In July 1999, the ‘United Youth Conference’ convened 20 young people from 12 different countries. Together they founded the Global Youth Action Network to create a clearinghouse for today’s youth movements, encourage collaboration and help maximize the collective impact of youth activism around the world. GYAN hired 3 full-time staff and set up its global headquarters in January of 2000, becoming the only international youth organization with an office near the UN Secretariat in New York City, USA.

By 2003, GYAN had began to open regional offices and establish regional teams on all continents. In 2004, GYAN became a fully independent 501(c)3 corporation, and was granted affiliate status with the United Nations Department of Public Information. A process of restructuring its membership began in 2005, when GYAN was also granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC)…

“GYAN is one of the largest networks of youth organizations ever created. GYAN acts as an incubator of global partnerships and a global information provider. The Network is known for its role in increasing youth participation within the United Nations System.”

Posted in Link of the Day

2 Responses to “Link of the Day: The Global Youth Action Network”

  1. Bryan says:

    Last Month to Apply for ECOSOC Consultative Status for 2012

    NGOs wish to achieve ECOSOC consultative status need to apply before 1st of June. Completed applications must be received by the last day of May of the year before the year the NGO wants to be considered for recommendation by the Committee. For example, complete applications, (which include a completed questionnaire and all the required supporting documentation) received by the NGO Branch before 1st June 2011, will be taken up by the Committee on NGOs in the year 2012. Any NGOs who wish to achieve ECOSOC consultative status must meet specific eligibility mentioned as below.

    Consultative relationships may be established with international, regional, sub regional and national non-governmental, non-profit public or voluntary organizations. NGOs affiliated to an international organization already in status may be admitted provided that they can demonstrate that their programme of work is of direct relevance to the aims and purposes of the United Nations. In the case of national organizations consultation with the Member State concerned is required.
    To be eligible for consultative status, an NGO must have been in existence (officially registered with the appropriate government authorities as an NGO/non-profit) for at least two years, must have an established headquarters, a democratically adopted constitution, authority to speak for its members, a representative structure, appropriate mechanisms of accountability and democratic and transparent decision-making processes. The basic resources of the organization must be derived in the main part from contributions of the national affiliates or other components or from individual members.
    Organizations established by governments or intergovernmental agreements are not considered NGOs.

    For further information about application process, please refer to the website (http://esango.un.org/paperless/Web?page=static&content=apply)

    Thanks

  2. Matt says:

    Thank you, Bryan! Food for thought for any NGOs out there who might want to take advantage of the opportunity.