What role do transnational NGOs have in comparison with other actors in global politics?

In comparison to other actors in global politics, NGO's have little direct participation in the democratic process. For example, NGO's, while present within the United Nations, have no voting power, and are recognized as little more than guests. NGO's do not represent any particular constituencies. They are not afforded any protections by governments or by international governing bodies.
However, NGO's are important to the free and open exchange of information. NGO's help disseminate information about a nation's policy to the outside world. They also bring information about global policy to various national and local government institutions. NGO's also foster debate. They promote dialogue among various constituencies and often bring people together across class, racial, political, and ideological lines. NGO's can also serve as watchdogs to other actors within a democracy such as government agencies or political officials.