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In our ongoing efforts to build relationships that matter between the UN system and civil society, UN-NGLS is introducing a new electronic bulletin: "Civil Society Observer". Civil Society Observer is a package of selected articles, reports and other documents to keep you connected to what’s going on in global civil society and the debate surrounding its role in the world; it will come directly to your inbox every two months.

Over the last ten years, civil society organizations have developed a keen understanding of how the UN system works and have developed innovative strategies to engage it. The work and activities of civil society continue to develop and adapt to changing realities at a tremendous pace, eliciting both supportive as well as confused and questioning responses.

When we decided to develop Civil Society Observer, we did so on the understanding that the UN System and the myriad of organizations that comprise global civil society need new and trusted sources of information, analysis and opinion on the evolution and dynamics of civil society's role in global governance. We will try to provide this by taking the pulse of how civil society is being portrayed in the media around the world, by presenting articles that reflect the state of the debate on civil society, as well as highlighting some analytical and political contributions from civil society organizations themselves

We are delighted to bring you this new service and hope it assists you in your work. I would be most happy to hear any comments or suggestions you may have.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Hill
Coordinator, NGLS

Civil Society Observer is a bi-monthly package of documentation of various kinds from all political persuasions to keep you
informed of developments related to NGOs and civil society. It is divided into four sections:

In the Press – snapshots of how NGOs and civil society are being portrayed by the media and news outlets around the world;
Trends and Debates –this features academic and scholarly discourse on the role and significance of NGOs and civil society in
the contemporary world;
CSOs and the Multilateral System – position papers, statements and other documents delivered by civil society and NGOs
at multilateral and international meetings and events. It also carries documentation relating to NGOs and civil society emanating
from the multilateral system.
CSO Research – featuring analysis and research originating from civil society and NGOs.