INA becomes first organisation to represent nightlife sector within the UN
The INA has become the first and only organisation to represent the global nightlife sector within the United Nations.
Date published: 28th Apr 2025
After obtaining consultative status in January, the International Nightlife Association (INA) has been upgraded to full member status of CoNGO, becoming the first and only organisation to represent the global nightlife sector within the United Nations (UN).
Now a full recognised member of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations in Consultative Relationship (CoNGO) within the United Nations, shortly after achieving consultative status with the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the upgrade acknowledges the INA’s active engagement in UN initiatives.
The INA has already submitted seven official reports in recent months in partnership with the Faculty of Nightlife Studies, which address critical issues such as sustainability, economic development, social equity, and cultural expression in nightlife.
Joaquim Boadas de Quintana, General Secretary of the INA, said: “Being upgraded to full membership within CoNGO and having already submitted seven reports is a tremendous recognition of the INA’s ongoing commitment to responsible global nightlife advocacy. This platform gives nightlife a voice in shaping international standards around safety, sustainability, and cultural development.”
With ECOSOC consultative status, the INA brings frontline expertise and innovative policy recommendations to key UN focus areas, including youth engagement, urban safety, cultural development, crime prevention, and mental health.
The seven reports presented by the INA and the Faculty of Nightlife Studies address a broad spectrum of challenges and opportunities facing the global nightlife sector, covering themes such as:
The economic impact of nightlife in key cities like Ibiza, Berlin, and New York
Sustainability initiatives and circular economy models for nightlife venues
Combatting racial discrimination through inclusive nightlife policies
The professionalisation of the industry through academic research and training
Youth culture and globalisation and the convergence of social norms
The sociological relevance of nightlife through the proposed World Nightlife Observatory
These documents not only provide insight but also offer actionable strategies aligned with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, amplifying the role of nightlife in building more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient communities worldwide.
The INA invites policymakers, stakeholders, and industry leaders to join its mission to elevate nightlife as a force for positive global change.
The International Nightlife Association (INA) was founded in 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. It’s the first non-profit organisation in the world formed specifically to represent the main stakeholders in the nightlife economy, including bars, clubs, and more.
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