The Deputy Secretary General took part in the closing session of the Conference of INGOs’ summer session, which marked a key anniversary in the development of this fourth pillar of the Council of Europe.  While the organisation granted INGOs consultative status as far back as 1952, the first meeting of the “Plenary Conference of INGOs” did not take place until 1977.

Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni’s message to the Conference was one of strong support at a time when the Conference has fully assumed the responsibilities inherent in the participatory status which it has held since 2003, and has also become more dynamic and interactive, undertaking to respond more effectively to the challenges facing democracy today and step up its contribution to the Council of Europe’s activities.  “Its status at the Committee of Ministers as a participant in the intergovernmental committees enables it to co-operate constructively in the process of drawing up the organisation’s various texts,” she said.

The Deputy Secretary General highlighted the real and acknowledged importance of the INGOs’ role in publicising the Council of Europe’s work among citizens, public opinion and the authorities.  The Council of Europe was the only international organisation to grant participatory status to INGOs and thereby take account of their work.  In a period of rising extremism, populism, radicalism, inequalities and other uncertainties, she also underlined the key part which civil society plays and must continue