UNMute at the Summit of the Future
Join our side event on September 20 at the Summit of the Future in New York, to review and refine global civil society contributions to the UNMute Manual, highlighting best practices and strategies for inclusive global governance. As the global community meets at the Summit of the Future to develop a new international consensus for sustainability, the UNMute Initiative introduces its “How to UNMute Manual.” This manual, crafted from insights gained at the Nairobi Conference and global consultations, offers clear, actionable strategies to enhance civil society engagement in UN processes, aiming for a more inclusive, effective, and networked multilateralism. This side event will bring together diverse civil society groups, UN Member States, and international organizations to critically evaluate the preliminary draft of the manual, ensuring it meets civil society needs at various levels. Learn more on how to join the event here.
UNMute Survey Update
We are pleased to announce that the UNMute survey is now closed. The results are currently being analyzed. The insights gathered from the survey will be instrumental in drafting the “How to UNMute Manual,” which will provide concrete, practical, and operational guidance for Member States to enhance civil society participation at the UN. The manual is set to be launched in the fall of 2024 and aims to address key challenges, offer good practices, and recommend actionable steps to ensure meaningful and effective civil society engagement at the United Nations. Thank you to all who participated and contributed their experiences.
Summit of the Future: Sign UNMute Recommendations for the Summit of the Future
As civil society organizations closely following UN processes, we are concerned about the preparatory process for the Summit of the Future. As a follow-up to the UNMute 2020 recommendations to ensure meaningful civil society participation at the United Nations, we continue to advocate for inclusive and participative UN processes. Sign our collective statement for meaningful civil society participation at the Summit of the Future.
UNMute Initiative Partners
The opening words of the UN Charter embody the true spirit of the United Nations—of “We the peoples,” not solely of States and governments. Civil society organizations lie at the heart of this principle. Explore all civil society organisations involved in UNMute.
The #UNMute initiative
As of today, the UNMute recommendations prepared by civil society organisations with support from the Permanent Mission of Denmark and the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica have been endorsed by 52 member states and over 500 civil society members.
Advocating for Meaningful Civil Society Participation at the UN
There’s an unfortunate but notable gap between the UN’s commitments and its actual practices regarding civil society’s participation in UN processes. UNMute stresses the need for genuine commitment in words followed by actions. Since inception we have led dialogues to improve access and participation, aiming to exchange perspectives, share experiences, and offer recommendations to remove barriers to civil society engagement at the UN.
Sharing experiences and recommendations
UNMute includes advocating for UN support for meaningful participation of civil society, more inclusive visa processes, and bridging digital divides informed by shared lived experiences in UN Advocacy. UNMute aims to ensure that the voices of global civil society—from all corners of the globe—are heard within the halls of international decision-making.
Amplifying voices
UNMute amplifies voices against systemic silencing and the exclusion of CSOs at the UN. Our goal is to forge partnerships with CSOs and member states to navigate political complexities, ensuring that historically marginalized groups can effectively address their concerns. We advocate for meaningful dialogue, raise awareness, and showcase the power of unity.
4 years
Launched in 2020, by Action for Sustainable Development, Action Aid International, CIVICUS, Democracy Without Borders, Forus, Global Call to Action against Poverty, Global Focus, the International Service for Human Rights, TAP2030, the UN Foundation, World Vision International and several other networks, the UNMute initiative has grown over the years with the active participation of civil society and member states from all continents. UNMute works closely with other campaigns such as We the Peoples – for inclusive global governance.
50+ Member States
Supported by the Permanent Mission of Denmark and the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica, find here the initial Recommendations to ensure meaningful civil society participation at the United Nations: From ambition to action.
100+ countries
UNMute is inclusive of and acknowledges the on-going challenges encountered by civil society organizations and activists in their interactions with and at the UN.
500+ civil society organisations
The opening words of the UN Charter embody the true spirit of the United Nations—of “We the peoples,” not solely of States and governments. Civil society organizations lie at the heart of this principle. Explore all civil society organisations involved in UNMute.
Voices from #UNMute
Civil society participation must be simplified and facilitated; it is also about real political will. Genuine progress within the framework of the United Nations depends on the real inclusion of civil society. Every decision taken without their engagement risks missing the heartbeat of the communities we serve. The purpose of the UNmute initiative is not to raise a few voices, but to ensure that the chorus of civil society is heard loud and clear at every meeting of the United Nations.
Ingo Ritz
Director, Global Call to Action against Poverty
For civil society activists and human rights defenders facing repression at national level the space at the UN is very important. The UN opened up since the 1990s. For example, it was possible to contribute to the 2030 Agenda development in national consultations, regional meetings and as part of the Open Working Group in New York. We were never excluded a decade ago. Therefore, we are disappointed that this is happening now.
Mette Müller Kristensen.
Director, Global Focus
From the streets to the UN halls, we witness the alarming and continuous shrinking space for civil society and rights defenders. With the aim of restoring trust and preparing the UN for the future, the voice of civil society must be key for the Summit of the Future. This requires Member States to support and promote the unique role of civil society, especially the historically marginalized and underrepresented communities and informal activist and social movements, from New York to Nairobi. The UN is for the ‘we’, it is for the people, and it is based on their trust that the success of the Summit of the Future should be held against.
Jyotsna Mohan Singh
Over the years, we have seen the UN open its doors to civil society, but lately those doors seem to be closing slightly. Stronger collaboration is not only desirable, it is necessary. Engaging with the UN should not be a labyrinth where only a few know the way. We need transparent and inclusive processes that do not marginalise any civil society organisation on the basis of size or origin. Civil society sees the UN as a beacon of hope, a platform for global cooperation, where the voices of the marginalised and the aspirations of humanity are heard, leading to a world of equality, sustainability and true peace.
UNMute 