TEHRAN -- A three-day workshop entitled UN and NGOs Working Together' was held in Tehran on Feburary 24-26, in order to build capacity and enhance cooperation between the United Nations and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Iran.

According to the UN Information Center (UNIC) in Tehran, the aim of the course was to create a better understanding of the different possibilities for cooperation between the UN agencies and NGOs and help the UN and NGOs to think positively and creatively about their current relationship. Topics covered by the workshop included historical overview of UN-NGOs relations, types of partnership, Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) observer status and expectations of each other and capacity building, IRNA reported.

The course allowed participants to discuss issues of concern in Sector groups (health, education, environment, etc), and met UN and International NGO staff, informally, it said.

In addition, the workshop promoted sharing of experience between The participants through activities including small-group work, brainstorming, and practical exercises, it said, adding that some 20 representatives from some ten NGOs as well as the Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Health and Medical Education took part in the workshop.

The workshop was organized by the joint United Nations working group on NGO relations and the UN resident coordinator's office in Tehran, UNIC said.