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I. Introduction
In coping with post-Cold War world affairs, the role of 'unofficial' actors including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has become as important as that of official actors such as government and inter-governmental organizations (IGOs). While official organizations, comprising sovereign states, are often hampered by slow bureaucratic procedures and diplomatic protocol, NGOs are more flexible, committed and independent in addressing global issues and responding to crises. NGOs put its core values on the protection and development of the `common good' and operate across national borders regardless of race, religion and politics.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN), the UN officials, after an extensive review of the UN-NGO working relationship, acknowledged the increasingly invaluable role of NGOs in global affairs and their essential contribution to the UN.
NGOs also represent civil society organizations as they promote the participation of local communities in development plans and enable ordinary people to have capability in influencing public policy, In this context, NGOs are valued as bottom-up voices of the people at a grassroots level.
This paper aims to explore the role of non-governmental actors in shaping and responding to current and future international relations. The paper has three sections. First, the concepts, types and roles of NGOs will be examined.` The background from which NGOs come to the forefront of international affairs will be also discussed. Second, the relationship between NGOs and international organizations, focusing on the United Nations systems, will be reviewed. The rising status and increasing involvement of NGOs in the UN systems and events will be explained. Finally, the limitations of NGO activities in international relations will be pointed out, followed by suggested action plans for NGOs in the 21st century.
II. Emerging Roles of NGO in International Relations
A. Concept and Evolution of NGO
Terminologically speaking, the term 'NGO' encompasses all non-governmental actors including IGOs, transnational corporations (TNCs) and civil groups. According to this definition, NGOs span a spectrum from self-help grassroots groups to profit-making corporations to criminal elements (Mafias, terrorists and drug traffickers) to internationally active volunteer organizations with staff and budgets larger than many countries or even IGOs. Also, internationally well known commercial brand names such as McDonalds and Coca-Cola2, private individual such as Martin Luther King Jr....