Although NGOs have organized influential campaigns and global policy initiatives, international law does not formally recognize them.
State sovereignty remains the fundamental principle in international relations.
However governments and international institutions increasingly view NGOs as indispensable partners. International Institutions International bodies have gradually learned to work better with NGOs. To enhance their own legitimacy, international organizations such as the UN, the World Bank and the IMF have gradually opened their doors to NGOs. Includes essay by GPF Director James Paul. What the WTO wants in reality is to gather Asian support for a new trade round.