At OG, we know that change doesn’t happen in isolation – it’s driven by collective action. Behind every movement for change, there are organisations working tirelessly to make a difference. This World NGO Day, our team is shining a light on the NGOs that inspire us. Join us in celebrating their work and amplifying their voices!

What is an NGO?

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are non-profit citizen-based groups that function independently of government and are driven by a strong mission to serve a cause that affects the community they serve. They advocate for change by influencing policies and legislation, providing support, and raising awareness on critical issues, such as human rights, environmental protection, social justice, and many other areas.

Why are we celebrating NGOs today?

World NGO Day was created to celebrate and honour the incredible work of over 10 million NGOs worldwide. It’s an opportunity to spotlight the efforts and achievements of NGOs and to share knowledge about their work to inspire people to become more actively involved with them.

Our team’s pick of the best NGOs

Emma’s pick: the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition

The L&DYC is a coalition of youths from the global North and South who have come together to advocate for global action to address climate-induced loss and damage. They have successfully established and distributed grants to youth organisations funding projects that address loss and damage in their communities, supported resilience projects in vulnerable communities such as in Tanzania where they funded the reconstruction of climate-resilient homes for widows affected by landslides, and participated in climate negotiations like COP29.

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A post shared by Loss & Damage Youth Coalition (@lossanddamageyouthcoalition)

“When I was in my last role at the Scottish Government I worked with L&DYC to ensure that youth and traditionally marginalised voices were platformed in the context of global climate negotiations, recognising the value of their contributions in shaping an equitable future finance landscape,” shares our Senior Director in Climate Diplomacy, Emma Fenton.

You can support them by joining their coalition, donating and amplifying their advocacy efforts.

Olivia’s picks: World’s Youth for Climate Justice and Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change

“I want to shoutout World’s Youth for Climate Justice (WYCJ) and Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC) on World NGO Day,” says our Legal Assistant, Olivia Moyle.

WYCJ and PISFCC consist of small groups of young people, who kickstarted the campaign to bring the advisory opinion on climate change to the world’s highest court: the International Court of Justice.

Today, after 5 years of tireless campaigning, sleepless nights, and unwavering dedication, the #Pacific took #ClimateChange to the world’s highest court.#ClimateJusticeAtTheICJ!!!!! pic.twitter.com/DUBleRNKXX
— Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (@pisfcc) December 13, 2024

“This opinion will have far-reaching consequences in regard to international climate obligations, and because WYCJ and PISFCC framed this campaign as a climate justice issue, it has the potential to secure the livelihoods of present and future generations.

“Not only are they the driving force in bringing legal proceedings to the court, but they’ve also worked tirelessly on public advocacy, from setting up petitions to organising our on the ground contingency outside of the court during the oral hearings back in December. As a result of this effort, the hearings gained lots of media attention. I hope this heightened public awareness leads to greater scrutiny of all countries, pushing them to strengthen their commitments to climate action under international law.

“I’m particularly inspired by these NGOs because most of their employees are still students. When I was at university, I could only dream of being part of such an impactful movement – let alone having the courage to take on something this big myself and succeed. #AOletsgo.”

Support the WYCJ by joining, spreading awareness and funding their cause.
Contribute to PISFCC by becoming a member and sharing they work.

Zuzka’s pick: Young Women’s Trust

The Young Women's Trust works to achieve economic justice for young women and supports them in overcoming barriers in employment and career progression.

“I feel strongly about equality in the workplace and believe in empowering young women and helping them build their confidence and skills,” shares our People & Culture Manager, Zuzka Majcova. “I help young women with their CVs and job applications, providing constructive feedback and helping them secure interviews for the roles they want.”

Here are 5 ways you can support their mission.

Sabrina’s pick: Agape Earth Coalition

“The organisation I have in mind is the Agape Earth Coalition – a collective of youth climate campaigners from Africa comprised of NGOs and climate groups. Based in Kampala, Uganda, the Agape Earth Coalition amplifies African voices and unites global efforts for urgent climate action. They represent areas in which climate change has the most detrimental effects but are least responsible for the climate crisis,” explains our Policy Assistant, Sabrina Khan-Dighe.

The people stand strong..✊🏾

We will not be silenced.

Global north- you should get your act together!

Polluters must pay up.#AdaptationFinanceNow #PayUp #COP29 pic.twitter.com/e0M004cf49
— Agape Earth Coalition (@agape_earth) November 22, 2024

“From attending COPs and meeting with policymakers, to travelling around Europe educating Europeans on how to build bridges with African grassroots communities – their work is vital in ensuring African voices are not forgotten in negotiations usually led by countries who do not have to experience the effects of climate change on a daily basis.”

You can contribute to their mission by joining their coalition, donating and spreading the world.

Some of the NGOs we’ve had the pleasure to work with

Collaboration is central to OG’s values. Over the years we’ve worked with many brilliant NGOs. We’re taking advantage of World NGO Day to give a shoutout to some of these.

Our legal work is made more impactful by teaming up with brilliant NGOs with technical, policy, and campaigning expertise. Last year, we brought the EU Commission to court over flawed sustainable finance criteria that label polluting planes and ships as green. This was possible thanks to a coalition of bold NGOs working together, including Dryade, Fossielvrij NL, and Protect our Winters Austria and CLAW.

We’ve also worked with various NGOs working to solve complex climate change issues in our sectors:

Transport & Environment (T&E) on advocating for the inclusion of international shipping and aviation (IAS) in the UK’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
The Aviation Environment Federation on the non-CO2 impacts of aviation.
The Shift on a joint submission to the UN Committee on Economic Social and Cultural Rights on the intersections between fuel poverty, the climate crisis and decarbonising buildings.
Pacific Environment on driving the most ambitious possible action in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to decarbonise shipping.
Climate Catalyst on the importance of considering the environment, equity and a just transition in the drive to replace fossil kerosene with alternative fuels, in partnership with our SASHA Coalition.