NGO's call for action....

What in your opinion is the most important aspect of the new diplomacy?

The most important aspect of the new diplomacy in my opinion is NGO diplomacy, the rise of NGO’s in the international system within such a small amount of time shows just how successful they are. They have expanded the practice of diplomacy globally; they have accumulated state like powers in terms of international recognition, political weight and in some case more money and power than some states. NGO’s have the ability to manipulate negotiations by attracting publicity and swaying public opinion, by publicly advocating for or against issues, and can more easily gain the trust of society over the government. Their flexibility, mobility and freedom, does raise the question of their legitimacy.

The influence of NGO’s at negotiations can shape the policy making process, their presence is most effective in environmental negotiations. The attendance of NGO’s at these negotiations is a comforting thought for civil society, but for governments this meeting is not always anticipated. During the Copenhagen climate change conference the number of NGO’s that could attend were limited, according to the United Nations framework convention on climate change, (UNFCC) they feared NGO’s would breach security and the building cannot accommodate all. Their work is often restricted by governments who make it increasingly hard for them to carry out their work, with regards to step by step updates, territory limitation and access to statistics. NGO’s can be passionate about the cause, they call for legally binding agreements, and protest till their heard.

All governments regardless of their capabilities are not always the first to admit there’s a problem, the agenda is in most cases set by NGO’s and scientists, and they create awareness and encourage participation from governments. For instance during the Kyoto protocol they influenced the actually negotiations behind the scenes and one of the disadvantages is that they have no control over the actual outcome of the policies. NGO’s use the media, to name and shame countries that are not doing their far share. Their tactics are sometimes criticised for being to aggressive or unrealistic, but they are the firm hand that is need, no country has an legal obligation, only a moral obligation.