111th Session Agenda item 9.3
EB111.R14 24 January 2003
Policy for relations with nongovernmental organizations The Executive Board, Having considered the policy for relations between the World Health Organization and nongovernmental organizations,1 RECOMMENDS to the Fifty-sixth World Health Assembly the adoption of the following resolution: The Fifty-sixth World Health Assembly, Recognizing the importance of civil society and its contributions to public health, and the growth in the numbers and influence of nongovernmental organizations active in health at global, regional and national levels; Recognizing that, in accordance with Article 2 of the Constitution, one of the main functions of the World Health Organization is to act as the directing and coordinating authority on international health work and that, in accordance with Article 71, the Organization may make suitable arrangements for consultation and cooperation with nongovernmental organizations in carrying out its international health work; Noting that the existing Principles governing relations between the World Health Organization and nongovernmental organizations adopted by the Fortieth World Health Assembly in 1987 (resolution WHA40.25) have been reviewed; Noting the need to improve existing collaboration and dialogue with nongovernmental organizations, and to encourage new cooperative activities with such bodies, 1. ENDORSES the policy for relations between WHO and nongovernmental organizations, which replaces the current Principles governing relations between the World Health Organization and nongovernmental organizations; 1 Document EB111/22, Annex. [The Annex will be updated before submission to the Fifty-sixth World Health Assembly in accordance with discussions at the Executive Board. (See document EB111/2003/REC/2, summary record of the tenth meeting.)]
EB111.R14
2. DECIDES that, as a transitional measure, all nongovernmental organizations in official relations with WHO as of the date of this resolution will be advised of the new policy and invited to submit an application for accreditation, and that, pending receipt of the duly completed application for accreditation and decision by the Executive Board on the application, they will be deemed to be accredited to WHO governing bodies; 3. REQUESTS the Director-General to establish suitable measures to implement the policy, including guidelines on the accreditation of, and collaboration with, nongovernmental organizations.
Tenth meeting, 24 January 2003 EB111/SR/10 = = =
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