Conference of INGOs

The voice of civil society is heard at the Council of Europe thanks to the Conference of International Non-governmental Organisations (INGOs). Since the introduction of consultative status for INGOs in 1952, the Council of Europe has developed even closer and fruitful relations with NGOs as representatives of civil society. The introduction of participatory status in 2003 has enabled INGOs to increase active participation in the policies and work programme of the Council of Europe, and to reinforce co-operation between the Council of Europe and the various associations in member States. It  participates in the Council of Europe “quadrilogue” (partnership between the four pillars of the Council of Europe: Committee of Ministers, Parliamentary Assembly, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, and INGO Conference)

Three committees work on democracy
•Democracy, Social Cohesion and Global Challenges
•Education and Culture
•Human rights

http://www.coe.int/t/ngo/conf_intro_en.asp