<P> The Conference NGOs (CONGO; full "Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations") "is an independent, international, non-profit membership association of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It facilitates the participation of NGOs in United Nations debates and decision - making ." </P> <P> The two classes of membership, Full, for those NGOs with consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and Associate, for those with affiliation with a UN programme or agency, total more than 500 members . </P> <P> Founded in 1948, CONGO has committees based in Geneva, New York and Vienna . Its objectives: "to ensure that NGOs be present when governments discuss issues of global concern at the United Nations and to facilitate NGO discussions on such issues ." </P> <P> The CONGO 2005 report lists funding, coming mainly from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Canadian Government, the International Telecommunications Union and membership dues, in total nearly US $490,000 . </P>

Conference of ngos in consultative relationship with the united nations