UN Seeks Civil Society Coordinator: Victim Assistance & Environmental Remediation Meeting (2026)

The United Nations is seeking a civil society organization to coordinate outreach and engagement for an international meeting focused on victim assistance and environmental remediation, a gathering spurred by a General Assembly resolution passed in late 2025. The meeting, scheduled for April 24, 2026, at UN Headquarters in New York, aims to bring together states, civil society, scientific experts, academic institutions, and communities directly affected by issues requiring both humanitarian aid and ecological restoration.

The initiative stems from General Assembly Resolution 80/56, adopted on December 5, 2025. Operative paragraph 2 of the resolution specifically calls for the Secretary-General to invite representatives from civil society, including organizations accredited to the Economic and Social Council, to participate in the discussions. The selection of a coordinating CSO is intended to ensure robust and inclusive participation from non-governmental actors.

The chosen organization will act as a central point of contact between civil society groups and the UN Secretariat in the lead-up to the meeting. Responsibilities include broad outreach to relevant organizations, survivor groups, and affected communities. facilitating internal consultations within civil society to gather input and perspectives; and consolidating logistical questions and concerns from participating CSOs. Crucially, the coordinator will be tasked with promoting balanced, inclusive, and transparent participation across different regions and constituencies, ensuring a diverse range of voices are heard.

The UN emphasizes that the coordinator will not speak on behalf of civil society as a whole unless explicitly authorized to do so by the organizations themselves. This stipulation underscores the importance of maintaining the autonomy and independent representation of individual CSOs.

Eligibility for the role is limited to registered non-governmental organizations with a proven track record in areas such as disarmament, humanitarian action, human rights, environmental remediation, or support for affected communities. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to effectively coordinate the participation of diverse civil society actors in an international forum and be able to dedicate a focal point to the role throughout the preparatory period.

Interested organizations are invited to submit a written expression of interest, not exceeding two pages, outlining their relevant experience, a proposed plan and timeline for outreach and consultation, their approach to inclusivity and balance, and details of the designated focal point and available resources. Supporting documentation, up to one additional page, is optional.

The expression of interest should address four key areas: relevant experience, including past coordination of coalitions or involvement in multilateral processes; a detailed plan and timeline for outreach, consultations, and communication, with specific attention to engaging survivor and affected community groups; a clear articulation of the organization’s approach to inclusivity and balance, and how it will ensure transparency and equitable representation; and finally, the identification of the designated focal point(s) and a description of the organization’s operational capacity.

Submissions must be sent via email to unoda-web@un.org with the subject line “EOI – CSO Coordinator for VA/ER Meeting” and must be received by the deadline of February 27, 2026. Late submissions may not be considered due to the tight timeline for preparing the meeting.

The call for a civil society coordinator reflects a broader trend within the United Nations of increasing engagement with non-state actors in addressing complex global challenges. The General Assembly, as the UN’s primary deliberative body, has increasingly recognized the vital role that civil society organizations play in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development. Resolution 80/56, and the subsequent call for a coordinator, are indicative of this evolving approach.

While the specific context driving Resolution 80/56 remains broadly defined as victim assistance and environmental remediation, the UN’s focus on these issues aligns with growing international concern over the long-term consequences of armed conflict and environmental degradation. These consequences often disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, necessitating a coordinated response that includes both governmental and non-governmental actors. The Register of Conventional Arms, maintained by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, highlights the ongoing need for international cooperation in addressing the proliferation and misuse of weapons, which often contribute to both victimhood and environmental damage.

The upcoming meeting and the search for a civil society coordinator represent a practical step towards implementing the principles outlined in Resolution 80/56. The success of the meeting will depend, in part, on the ability of the selected CSO to effectively mobilize and represent the diverse voices within civil society, ensuring that the perspectives of those most affected are central to the discussions and outcomes.