(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
On Wednesday, December 2, 1998, the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) of the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI), granted DPI association to the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) and 19 other NGOs from nine countries.
The WCA was chosen because of its strong public information outreach, the principal criterion used by the Committee in making its decision.
The NGOs newly associated with DPI include organizations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. According to the United Nation’s announcement, “These organizations represent a diverse range of interests, including the rights of indigenous and disabled people, women and youth, human settlement and disarmament. Several of the NGOs conduct research and promote education on peacekeeping, conflict resolution and reconciliation.”
The WCA was the only newly recognized organization specifically involved in health care and public information on health issues.
Organizations eligible for association with DPI must share the ideals of the United Nations charter, operate on a not-for-profit basis, and demonstrate an interest in United Nations issues. In addition, they must have a proven ability to reach large or specialized audiences with well-developed information programs.
To reach its decision, the United Nations reviewed many of the publications produced by the WCA, including The Chiropractic Journal and Health Watch.
Rondberg met with U.N. officials shortly after the announcement was made. He described the meeting as “cordial and very productive.” The officials were, in his words, “very open to information about chiropractic and are optimistic that the World Chiropractic Alliance will provide a line of communication between the chiropractic profession and the world community.”
The WCA president also expressed his desire to establish closer relations with other NGOs involved in health care, as well as with the World Health Organization.
