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Statement on Policy
for Relations with Nongovernmental Organizations, May 2004
Mr Chair, on behalf of ISDI, I would like to thank you for this
opportunity to address the members of the World Health Assembly. I wish to express
our appreciation for the UN community’s recognition of NGOs representing
industry as important stakeholders and partners. Indeed, NGOs representing industry
offer a valuable source of knowledge, technology and resources. In particular,
I wish to affirm ISDI’s ongoing commitment to working with the WHO. Our
members stand ready to help improve nutritional health by sharing scientific
expertise and research advances concerning foods for special dietary uses.
ISDI fully supports the WHO’s effort to update and clarify its policy
for relations with NGOs. This policy should be based on two principles:
- Non-discrimination, to ensure that all NGOs are treated equally with respect
to policies, procedures and access to the work of WHO.
- Transparency and accountability, to ensure that all NGOs adhere to the same
high standards to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
To help guarantee that draft resolution A57/32 is as clear, transparent, and
precise as possible, and to make sure it cannot be misinterpreted by third parties,
ISDI recommends the following changes to the Annex:
- Clarification of ambiguous language on NGO “implementation” of
resolutions, which can be interpreted as superseding the responsibilities
of governments. WHA resolutions are recommendations to Member States. NGOs,
as third parties, can and must support these resolutions, but implementation
falls to individual countries. ISDI recommends clarifying throughout the document
that NGOs are responsible for supporting the aim and purposes of the resolutions.
- Removal of language that suggests WHO will hold NGOs responsible for the
actions of their individual members. NGOs should not be held responsible for
individuals who may be acting on their own behalf and over whose actions they
have no control.
As public/private partnerships will continue to play a critical role in delivering
positive outcomes on public health, WHO must ensure that its policies recognize
and treat all NGOs equally.
Thank you, Mr Chair.
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