Accreditation
The Association of Professional Social Workers and Development Practitioners (APSWDP) has been accredited/associated with the following inter-governmental institutions of national and global importance:-
1. Observer Status under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change since 2023.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) established an international environmental treaty to combat “dangerous human interference with the climate system”, in part by stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. It was signed by 154 states at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), informally known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro from 3 to 14 June 1992. Its original secretariat was in Geneva but relocated to Bonn in 1996. It entered into force on 21 March 1994.
Since its inception in 1972, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been the global authority that sets the environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.
UNEP’s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
UNEP works on delivering transformational change for people and nature by drilling down on the root causes of the three planetary crises of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. UNEP employs seven interlinked sub-programmes for action: Climate Action, Chemicals and Pollutions Action, Nature Action, Science Policy, Environmental Governance, Finance and Economic Transformations and Digital Transformations.
Through its campaigns, particularly World Environment Day, UNEP raises awareness and advocates for effective environmental action.
Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, UNEP works through its divisions as well as regional, liaison and out-posted offices and a growing network of collaborating centres of excellence.
UNEP works closely with its 193 Member States and representatives from civil society, businesses, and other major groups and stakeholders to address environmental challenges through the UN Environment Assembly, the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment.
United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)
The United Nations Environment Assembly is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment. It addresses the critical environmental challenges facing the world today. Understanding these challenges and preserving and rehabilitating our environment is at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Environment Assembly meets biennially to set priorities for global environmental policies and develop international environmental law. Through its resolutions and calls to action, the Assembly provides leadership and catalyses intergovernmental action on the environment. Decision-making requires broad participation, which is why the Assembly provides an opportunity for all peoples to help design solutions for our planet’s health.
The UNESCO MIL Alliance, formerly known as Global Alliance for Partnerships on Media and Information Literacy (GAPMIL), is a groundbreaking effort to promote international cooperation to ensure that all citizens have access to media and information competencies. Yet, organizations and individuals from over a hundred countries have agreed to join forces and stand together for change.This pioneering initiative was launched during the Global Forum for Partnerships on Media and Information Literacy which took place from 26 to 28 June 2013, in Abuja, Nigeria, aiming at:
- articulating concrete partnerships to drive MIL development and impact globally;
- enabling the MIL community to speak as one voice on certain critical matters, particularly as it relates to policies;
- further deepening the strategy for MIL to be treated as a composite concept by providing a common platform for MIL related networks and associations globally.
4. United Nations Special Consultative Status under Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2019
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) was established by the United Nations Charter as the principal organ, under the authority of the General Assembly, to promote:
(a) higher standards of living, full employment, and conditions of economic and social progress and development;
(b) solutions of international economic, social, health, and related problems; and international cultural and educational cooperation; and
(c) universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.
Under the Charter, the Economic and Social Council may consult with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) concerned with matters within the Councils competence. The Council recognized that these organizations should have the opportunity to express their views, and that they possess special experience or technical knowledge of value to the Councils work. Under ECOSOC resolution 1996/31, NGOs that wish to consult with ECOSOC on certain matters may seek and be granted consultative status to facilitate this work.
Consultative Status
The basis for the consultative relationship between the United Nations and non-governmental organizations was set forth in the mid-nineties following an extensive intergovernmental review that culminated in ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31. This relationship is the principal means through which ECOSOC receives input from NGOs into its deliberations at public meetings and in its subsidiary bodies as well as in UN international conferences and their preparatory bodies. Each year the approximately 3500 NGOs now holding consultative status receive the provisional agenda of ECOSOC. They have certain privileges to place items on the agenda of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies; they may attend meetings, where they may submit written statements and make oral presentations to governments.
The UN Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations is a standing committee of the ECOSOC. Its mandate is set out in ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31. The main tasks of the committee are
(a) the consideration of applications for consultative status and requests for reclassification submitted by NGOs
(b) the consideration of quadrennial reports submitted by NGOs in General and Special categories
(c) the implementation of the provisions of Council Resolution 1996/31 and the monitoring of the consultative relationship
(d) any other issues which the ECOSOC may request the Committee to consider
5. Affiliated with Department of Global Communications (DGC) of United Nations since 2019
The Department of Global Communications, previously known as the Department of Public Information (DPI), was established in 1946, by General Assembly resolution 13 (I), to promote global awareness and understanding of the work of the United Nations.
6. Registered with European Commission (E.U.) as Expert under Research and Innovation Programme since 2017
The European Commission is the EU’s executive arm. It takes decisions on the Union’s political and strategic direction. Association of Professional Social Workers and Development Practitioners (APSWDP) is registered as an expert under research and innovation programme.
The National Institution for Transforming India, also called NITI Aayog, was formed via a resolution of the Union Cabinet on January 1, 2015. NITI Aayog is the premier policy Think Tank of the Government of India, providing both directional and policy inputs. While designing strategic and long term policies and programmes for the Government of India, NITI Aayog also provides relevant technical advice to the Centre and States.
The Government of India, in keeping with its reform agenda, constituted the NITI Aayog to replace the Planning Commission instituted in 1950. This was done in order to better serve the needs and aspirations of the people of India. An important evolutionary change from the past, NITI Aayog acts as the quintessential platform of the Government of India to bring States to act together in national interest, and thereby fosters Cooperative Federalism.
At the core of NITI Aayog creation are two hubs. Team India Hub and the Knowledge and Innovation Hub. The Team India Hub leads the engagement of states with the Central government, while the Knowledge and Innovation Hub builds NITIs think-tank capabilities. These hubs reflect the two key tasks of the Aayog.
NITI Aayog is also developing itself as a State of the Art Resource Centre, with the necessary resources, knowledge and skills, that will enable it to act with speed, promote research and innovation, provide strategic policy vision for the government, and deal with contingent issues.