The participants also acknowledged the differences between the motivations of governments and international NGOs in aiding needy countries and the implications of these differences. Governments are often hamstrung by political and economic interests, while NGOs are capable of aid to these countries based solely on humanitarian grounds. Linking such programs to capable grassroots and local organizations could make them even more effective in the long run. Asked what role NGOs could and should play in the 2020 initiative, participants mentioned providing background research to the 2020 agenda and participating in the preparation of the 2020 program of action. Conference attendees also agreed that 2020 should explore the role of NGO coalitions in the United States and Europe, and in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
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