NGOs attending the United Nations Special Session of the General Assembly (UNGASS) in New York this week may not see eye to eye on many issues, but one thing most seem to agree upon is that they will not make much of an immediate difference on policies or documents which will be brought up in the next few days. "We are here, present, and have a lot of good things to say," said Kevin Dunion of Friends of the Earth (Head Office, Amsterdam). "But I think the government is not listening anymore. Governments are realizing that sustainable development requires real change in their economies and that there's a real cost attached to this."

Scott Paul of The Global Forest Policy Project (Canada) agrees: "The window of opportunity to influence government is becoming smaller and smaller, most of the opportunities to influence government has been in the last two years... this week will be mostly discussions at a high political level."

Government is not the only problem. Some feel the NGO process at the UN is difficult, and at times confusing. "Although we can be fairly well organized," said Paul, "we are required to, in a sense, form our own bureaucracy." This is particularly challenging to NGOs going through the process for the first time, having to learn the ways of the UN and its "ad hoc" proceedings (discussion forums outside of the actual UN working group).

The biggest obstacle seems to be that of forming a bureaucracy or framework. NGOs recognize the need for organization and protocol to facilitate action. But this logistical aspect can lead to frustration. "It is definitely a challenge for us to form a bureaucracy, when by our vary nature we resist that... we are campaigners and NGO diversity is incredible." The diversity manifests itself even in the perception of their role at UNGAS; some feel they are key lobbyists--fighting for issues and the public interest. Others see their role as more passive--to report proceedings and information to their respective countries.

So why do NGOs bother showing up? Many feel it is a chance to revamp NGO commitment. It an opportunity for communicating information--promoting and implementing sustainable development practices to each other and the public. Yan Lonn, Secretary General of the International Students Movement for the UN, believes it's important to continue raising awareness of certain issues between NGOs and to increase NGO cooperation. Most agree that the main difference will be made by communicating to the public. Scott Paul contends: "This is still a tremendous opportunity for NGOs to lobby through the press and the court of public opinion...(we) will be most effective lobbying through the media."