# ECOSOC Consultative Status -- Preparation Checklist

**Application portal**: https://ecosoc.un.org/en/ngo/apply-for-consultative-status
**Next deadline**: June 1, 2026
**Processing time**: 12-18 months after submission

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## Eligibility Requirements

- [ ] Organization has been formally registered and operational for at least 2 years
- [ ] Has an established headquarters with a fixed address
- [ ] Has a democratically adopted constitution/governance document
- [ ] Has a representative structure and accountability mechanisms
- [ ] Primary resources come from national affiliates or individual members
- [ ] Organization is NOT established by governmental or intergovernmental agreement

## Required Documents

### 1. Constitution / Charter
- [ ] Drafted organizational charter describing:
  - Mission and objectives (global welfare monitoring through open data)
  - Governance structure (board, officers, decision-making processes)
  - Membership criteria and rights
  - Amendment procedures
- [ ] Charter has been formally adopted (recorded minutes of adoption meeting)

### 2. Registration Certificate
- [ ] Formal registration with a national authority
- [ ] Registration has been active for at least 2 years before application
- [ ] Copy of registration certificate available in English or French

### 3. Financial Statements
- [ ] Most recent audited financial statements
- [ ] Budget showing sources of income and expenditure categories
- [ ] Demonstration of financial independence from government

## Application Form (21-22 questions)

Key areas covered in the online application:

1. Organization background and history
2. Activities related to UN ECOSOC mandate
3. International scope and reach
4. Publications and reports produced
5. Cooperation with other NGOs and UN bodies
6. Sources of funding
7. Governance and decision-making

## Pre-Application Steps

### Immediate (before June 2026 deadline)

- [ ] Register organization profile on iCSO system (https://esango.un.org)
- [ ] Verify all documents are available in English or French
- [ ] Compile list of activities demonstrating relevance to ECOSOC mandate:
  - Global welfare data aggregation and analysis
  - Open data publishing to HDX
  - Cross-domain welfare indicator research
  - Public datasets contributing to SDG monitoring

### Short-term (3-6 months)

- [ ] Publish at least 2 welfare datasets on HDX platform
- [ ] Generate quarterly Global Welfare Reports
- [ ] Document all data methodologies and validation procedures
- [ ] Establish formal partnerships with at least 1 other NGO working on welfare

### Medium-term (6-12 months)

- [ ] Build track record of consistent data publishing
- [ ] Participate in relevant UN forums or side events
- [ ] Develop written statements on global welfare issues
- [ ] Engage with national statistical offices for data validation

## Types of Consultative Status

| Status | Requirements | Benefits |
|--------|-------------|---------|
| **General** | Broad scope, substantive contribution to many ECOSOC fields | Designate representatives, submit written statements (2000 words), speak at meetings |
| **Special** | Special competence in specific ECOSOC fields | Submit written statements (1500 words), participate in relevant meetings |
| **Roster** | Useful contributions on occasion | Participate when invited, submit statements on request |

**Recommended**: Apply for **Special** consultative status, focusing on the
specific competence in welfare data aggregation and SDG indicator monitoring.

## Post-Application

- Application reviewed by the Committee on NGOs (meets twice yearly)
- May receive questions from Committee members (must respond promptly)
- If approved, organization gains rights to:
  - Attend ECOSOC sessions and subsidiary bodies
  - Submit written statements for circulation as UN documents
  - Make oral statements during meetings
  - Participate in international conferences convened by the UN

## Resources

- Application guide: https://ecosoc.un.org/en/ngo/apply-for-consultative-status
- iCSO registration: https://esango.un.org
- FAQ: https://ecosoc.un.org/en/ngo/faq
- Committee on NGOs: https://ecosoc.un.org/en/ngo/committee-on-ngos
