An intergovernmental organization (IGO), also known as an international institution, is an entity established by a treaty or other international legal instrument. It possesses its own legal personality and typically includes member states, other international organizations, and sometimes entities with observer status. They play a crucial role in shaping and implementing environmental policies on a global scale. They facilitate cooperation among member states, provide a platform for negotiation, and promote the adoption of multilateral agreements to address pressing environmental challenges.
Looking for more information on IGOs? Check out our Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGOs) research guide.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are independent entities that operate outside of government control, focusing on advocacy, social change, and addressing specific issues such as environmental conservation, human rights, and public health. Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) are legal entities that operate for a collective, public, or social benefit. Both NGOs and NFPOs strive to have a positive impact, but NGOs often focus on social, environmental, and humanitarian concerns, while NPOs cover a wider range of nonprofit activities serving local communities.
Looking for more information on NGOs? Check out our Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) research guide.
Need help working with data? Visit the Libraries Center for Data & Visualization Sciences or email askdata@duke.edu.
