FINAL REPORT. Cover 2005 Katsuhko Nakamachi by

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1 FINAL REPORT Cover 2005 Katsuhko Nakamachi by Published by the Outreach Division, United Nations Department of Public Information Printed on recycled paper by the United Nations Publishing Section, New York DPI/2411-December ,000

2 FINAL REPORT Organized by the United Nations Department of Public Information in partnership with the NGO/DPI Executive Committee

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4 Table of Contents page Overview of Conference Proceedings 1 NGO Appeal to Leaders at 2005 Summit: A Call to Action 2 Key Conference Recommendations 2 Public Outreach and Media Coverage 4 Parallel Meetings 5 Summary of Plenary and Round Table Presentations 7 Conference Planning Committee Co-Chairs 35 Conference Planning Committee Members 36 United Nations Department of Public Information Conference Organizers 37 DePaul University Rapporteurs 38 Voluntary Contributors to the Conference 39 Annex I: Media Report 41 Annex II: Interactive Media Report 48 Annex III: Conference Survey Results 49 Midday NGO Interactive Workshop and Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue Summaries (separate yellow insert) iii

5 A record number of representatives from nearly 700 organizations attended the Opening Session in the General Assembly Hall.

6 Final Report of the 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference Overview of Conference Proceedings A week before the 2005 World Summit the largest gathering of world leaders to date 1,800 non-governmental organization (NGO) representatives and other civil society partners from 86 countries representing 700 organizations gathered at United Nations Headquarters in New York for the 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference entitled Our Challenge: Voices for Peace, Partnerships and Renewal. Scores of United Nations and government officials and parliamentarians also participated. The three-day gathering of NGOs that work with the United Nations through the Department of Public Information (DPI) and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) took place from 7 to 9 September The Conference drew its agenda from the Secretary-General s report In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for All. The traditional participants voices were complimented by those of other civil society organizations, including international campaign movements such as the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP). Fifteen per cent of participants came from developing countries. Together, they looked at the challenges of forging effective partnerships for development and implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); highlighted the importance of ending violence, particularly as it relates to peacebuilding and human rights; and shared their proposals for the Organization s enhanced engagement with civil society organizations and for strengthening the United Nations in its 60th year. The Conference featured keynote addresses by Wahu Kaara, Ecumenical Coordinator for the Millennium Development Goals, All Africa Conference of Churches, Founding Coordinator, Kenya Debt Relief Network; Founding Member, Global Call to Action Against Poverty; Jan Egeland, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator; and Shirin Ebadi, Founder and Former President, National Association in Support of Children s Rights, President, Human Rights Defence Centre, Iran. For the first time, the Conference featured round table discussions with representatives of Member States, both parliamentarians and government delegations. These interactions, sanctioned by the President of the 59th General Assembly, marked an important step in including civil society actors in the intergovernmental process. This was underscored by the high-level United Nations participation at the Conference, including the General Assembly President, the Secretary-General and his Chief of Staff, the Chef de Cabinet of the President of the sixtieth session of the General Assembly as well as heads of the Department of Public Information (DPI), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Children s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS) as well as high-level representation from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Global Compact, Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the MDG Campaign Office. Secretary- General Kofi Annan, in his keynote address to the closing session of the Conference, commended the large turnout of NGOs at the Conference, yet stressed that The relationship between us can never be measured by the number of NGOs attending global conferences, or taking part in meetings at UN Headquarters. What really matters is what happens out there, in the world and on the ground. Shirin Ebadi, the Iranian Nobel Laureate, who joined Mr. Wahu Kaara received a standing ovation for her speech during the Opening Session. Annan in the closing session, received a standing ovation for her keynote 1

7 address in which she called for the international community to ensure that Governments do not obstruct the work of NGOs anywhere in the world. NGO Appeal to Leaders at 2005 Summit: A Call to Action On the second day of the Conference, the plenary session entitled Collective Security: The Priorities of Civil Society focused on respect for human rights as the driving force behind peace, security and development. Speakers included Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; Gareth Evans, President and Chief Executive, International Crisis Group; Daniel Opande, Former Lieutenant General of Kenya and Former Force Commander, United Nations Mission in Liberia; and Hazuki Yasuhara, International Coordinator, Peaceboat together with the moderator of the session, Fatou Bensouda, Deputy Prosecutor, International Criminal Court. They called on the Conference participants to draft A Call to Action, addressing the world leaders gathering at the United Nations Headquarters in New York a week later for the 2005 World Summit. A declaration was subsequently drafted and adopted by acclamation by Conference participants (see box). We, the thousands of NGOs, meeting at the United Nations today, urge leaders at this crucial time in the world s need for human security, peace and development, that you embrace the larger vision of the United Nations to benefit all the people of the world. We urge you to yield narrow interests and to work with each other for real change expressed in concrete, practical terms in the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document. Please do not squander this important opportunity. 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference 9 September 2005 Key Conference Recommendations Taking advantage of the Conference s proximity to the World Summit, participants reiterated NGO concerns and recommendations regarding the key points in the Summit Outcome Document. The Conference contributed to the ongoing dialogue between the United Nations and civil society and highlighted their demand that civil society voices be heard and heeded at the United Nations deliberations. The updates on ongoing negotiations provided by many of the Government and United Nations speakers on the Outcome Document provided Conference participants a sense of partnership with the Organization. Many participants emphasized the importance of strengthening the United Nations and expressed their solidarity and support for the Organization in its 60th year. During the six plenary sessions and four round table discussions, Conference speakers and participants made Conference participant during Question and Answer time 2 numerous concrete recommendations with regard to the future work of NGOs and civil society organizations (CSOs) with the United Nations. The recommendations touched upon the key thematic issues: MDGs, especially MDG 8 and partnerships; peace and security; and UN reform. Participants made their messages to Member States clear: they are watching; they are lobbying; they have expectations that Governments keep their promises on issues such as the MDGs and new human rights mechanisms that would genuinely strengthen the United Nations in its work.

8 On the MDGs The participants and speakers recommended that: governments take concrete action regarding debt cancellation and increase aid to developing countries; obsolete microcredit/microfinance dependency models move beyond charity; governments increase involvement of youth and women in national action plans for development. Their recognition, empowerment and inclusion are prerequisites for effective partnerships and democratic participation. Wahu Kaara with a Conference participant On MDG 8, and UN and Civil Society Relations The participants and speakers recommended that: MDG 8 remain an ongoing focus for all stakeholders; all parties - international organizations, Member States, the private sector and NGOs/CSOs - engage in multi-stakeholder dialogues on how to forge more effective partnerships; international organizations and national governments adapt to the increased NGO/CSO participation and institutionalize their dialogue with these partners; UN summits and conferences include NGO/CSO representation across the board; NGOs/CSOs assume a more prevalent role in the UN system. Association with DPI and consultative status with ECOSOC do not sufficiently represent the diversity or level of commitment of civil society; NGOs/CSOs assume consultative and advisory roles in key decision-making organs such as the General Assembly and the Security Council. The United Nations needs to reciprocate the dedication that civil society demonstrates to the Organization. the General Assembly organize special consultations, panel discussions and hearings between Member States and NGOs/CSOs. A model for such exchanges could be NGOs serving on UN Preparatory Committees. NGOs/CSOs be voting members of the New Human Rights Council; NGOs/CSOs partner with each other not only with governments; NGOs/CSOs forge a collective and unified voice so that their involvement into intergovernmental processes be increased; NGOs/CSOs act responsibly to be taken seriously by governments; NGOs/CSOs from developing countries be included in decision-making processes. The voices of civil society heard within the walls of the United Nations should not be limited to those able to travel to New York. The Secretary-General s trust fund should facilitate broad-based NGO/CSO participation at the UN. NGO/CSO partnerships with governments at the national and the international levels be enhanced. An intensified dialogue with their government representatives would help heed the voices of NGOs worldwide. the Conference Final Report with recommendations be submitted to the General Assembly President and the Secretary-General, a precedent that began in

9 On Peace and Security The participants and speakers called for: another MDG to address human security as it relates to weaponization and military expenditures; a shift away from reacting to conflicts and toward preventing them. United Nations leadership in the field of conflict prevention is crucial. governments to establish a legally binding agreement to ensure that weapons do not fall into the hands of repressive regimes and criminals; international representation at the local level with regard to conflict prevention and peacebuilding. An agency be created within the United Nations system with the mandate and capacity to work locally in conflict areas. Conference participants talking over a morning networking breakfast a new definition of nation state sovereignty to include the perspective of human rights in order to promote peace and ensure security. On UN Reform 4 The participants and speakers recommended that: serious UN reform go beyond New York Headquarters and include all stakeholders as the basis for substantive change, renewal and openness to diversity; the Secretary-General be given the authority to end the ambassadorial micromanagement by Member States that plagues the Organization; prominent, internationally recognized human rights NGOs, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, become voting members of the new Human Rights Council. Public Outreach and Media Coverage Due to the limited conference facilities, the Conference remains restricted to the NGO and CSO representatives working directly with the United Nations. To expand participation by interested parties, a dedicated interactive Conference website was developed, for the third consecutive year. In addition to information and resources for Conference participants and journalists, the website offered a live and archived webcast of the plenary sessions and an online discussion forum where social activists from around the world interacted before, during and after the Conference. Online participants were also able to pose questions to panel speakers to enable real-time virtual participation (see Annex II). More than 21,000 persons from over 124 countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Italy, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Philippines, Sweden, Togo, Tuvalu, United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe, visited the interactive website. In order to increase mainstream media coverage of the Conference, two press releases and two media advisories were issued in English and in French. A set of story ideas was developed for the press kit. The Media Committee of the Conference Planning Committee and the United Nations Correspondence Association (UNCA) hosted an opening press conference and reception. Two press briefings highlighted the importance of the issues discussed during the Conference. A total of 72 news stories about the Conference appeared in the mainstream and NGO media. Most of the media coverage in English came from North America 60 per cent, followed by Europe 29 per cent. This was likely due to the location of the Conference and geographical origin of Conference participants. There were no articles collected from Africa. One of the reasons for this may be the nature of media monitoring via

10 the Internet. Nearly half of all articles appeared in NGO newsletters and publications, mostly online and print. In comparison to the media coverage of last year s Conference, mainstream media coverage increased by more than ten per cent. The majority of mainstream media articles appeared in news agencies, followed by online media and radio (see Annex I). Similar to last year, the Networking Committee of the Planning Committee held many formal and informal events in order to bring NGO representatives together to share ideas. These events included networking breakfasts where Conference participants held focused conversations on such topics as the MDGs. Two additional formal networking sessions on how to effectively use the UN system took place during the day. NGO representatives also met informally in conference rooms and dining areas to talk and share ideas. Participants also made contacts through the Global Village Wall, a place where participants wrote comments and reactions to featured issues. Other initiatives included a media project entitled How Are You? The Millennium Development Goals conducted under the auspices of the Media Committee of the Conference Planning Committee. The project gave NGO representatives, delegates and United Nations staff the opportunity to have their voices heard. The documentary project videotaped one-minute statements by a range of participants on the impact of the MDGs on their daily lives. DVD copies of the statements were presented to the United Nations Secretary-General and other speakers at the closing session of the Conference. The Intergenerational Committee of the Conference Planning Committee organized an exhibit of colour portraits with text interviews, entitled Global Voices by What Moves You? People of diverse ages and backgrounds gave statements about the relevance of the MDGs to their lives. The exhibit was inaugurated at the opening of the Conference and remained on display until 10 November. On 8 September, Mrs. Nane Annan hosted a luncheon at the Secretary-General s residence for Conference Spectator of the exhibit What Moves You? plenary speakers. Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, the General Assembly President and the Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information also attended. Mr. and Mrs. Annan attended the Conference reception, hosted by the NGO/DPI Executive Committee on 8 September. More than 800 persons, including Conference speakers and participants, attended the reception in the Delegates Dining Room at the United Nations. As each year, the DPI organizers conducted a Conference survey. A total of 354 participants completed the survey of 12 questions, representing a response rate of approximately 20 per cent, which was slightly higher than that of last year. Participants largely commended the Conference s theme calling for the strengthening of partnerships between the United Nations and civil society in the spirit of the Organization s 60th anniversary. Overall, the plenary sessions were considered useful fora to advance the growing partnership between civil society and the United Nations. The participants felt this Conference was particularly effective in promoting networking with 76 per cent reporting that the networking sessions were useful. The Midday NGO Interactive Workshops were considered very useful or useful by the majority of respondents (over 70 per cent). In their comments, some respondents requested that speakers be more dynamic. They said some speeches were too long and not focused on the topics of the sessions. The closing session, featuring Shirin Ebadi, was given the highest rating of any session in this Conference and in those of recent years (See Annex III). Parallel Meetings The United Nations Information Centre, Tehran, in cooperation with the Iranian Civil Society Organizations Resource Centre (ICSORC), organized a series of meetings for Iranian NGOs and their representatives based on the themes of the Conference. Held in seven cities throughout Iran, the meetings took place from 5

11 11 August through 5 September They focused on the Secretary-General s report In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for All, the 2005 World Summit and the 58th Annual DPI/ NGO Conference. Between 80 and 150 people attended each meeting. Participants included civil society representatives, journalists, government officials, academics and students. On 6 July 2005, the China NGO for International Exchanges, a newly established coalition of Chinese NGOs associated with DPI and in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and other Chinese NGOs held the Chinese Forum for the 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference. The event took place at the Diaoyutai Hotel in Beijing, the People s Republic of China. Ramu Damodaran, Chief, Civil Society Service, Outreach Division, DPI and Sister Joan Kirby, representative of the Temple of Understanding and the NGO/DPI Executive Committee, together with more than 70 representatives from over 20 Chinese NGOs participated in the Forum. Focused on the themes of the 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference, participants elaborated their views, put forward recommendations and voiced initiatives on how to help mobilize resources to accomplish the MDGs. Some of these participants traveled to New York and were active participants in the Conference. A preparatory conference was organized jointly by Dakar-based United Nations Information Centre for Cape Verde, Cote d Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Senegal, and the Social Partnership and Engagement for Education and Development (SPEED) Network from 17 to 19 August 2005 at INADES/CERAP and INANDES/FORMATION in Abidjan, Cote d Ivoire. The event sought to promote the 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference to Ivorian NGOs covered by UNIC Dakar and to help them better understand the different activities of the DPI/NGO Section. The event featured an opening and a closing session, four workshops and a plenary session. The Conference focused on the four clusters of the Secretary-General s In Larger Freedom report and the workshops focused on development; peace and security; human rights and the independence of women; and the reform of the United Nations. There were 62 participants, including 28 women belonging to 37 Ivorian civil society organizations of which 22 are women s organizations. Paul Hoeffel Chief, NGO Section, Department of Public Information Co-Chair, Conference Planning Committee Joseph Cornelius Donnelly Caritas Internationalis Co-Chair, Conference Planning Committee 6

12 Summary of Plenary and Round Table Presentations Wednesday, 7 September 2005 Opening Session 10:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. General Assembly Hall SHASHI THAROOR, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, opened the Conference by welcoming Conference participants and commented on how pleased he was to see such a large turnout. The Under-Secretary-General stated that the 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference came at a most auspicious time. In the week following the Conference, nearly 170 world leaders would gather at the 2005 World Summit at the United Nations to discuss a series of far-reaching changes that would significantly alter the international architecture. The themes of the Conference mirrored those of the Summit. The Under-Secretary-General stressed the importance of cooperation among Member States, the United Nations and civil society to achieve better standards of life in larger freedom. He told Conference participants, In no small way, you are the guardians of the reform of the international system. What is more, I hope you will use your voices and your expertise to praise the achievements of the Summit, and, of course, to call for more where more is needed. It was civil society, he added, that would have to watch over world leaders in the coming months and years to ensure that the Summit Outcome Document contained no empty promises, that the commitments made in a flurry of multilateralism in September were met in December and April and June, in 2005, 2010 and Although a grave responsibility, it was one that Mr. Tharoor believed civil society was uniquely suited to taking up, on everyone s behalf. In no small way, you are the guardians of the reform of the international system. What is more, I hope you will use your voices and your expertise to praise the achievements of the Summit, and, of course, to call for more where more is needed. Shashi Tharoor Jean Ping and Shashi Tharoor at the opening session of the conference. JEAN PING, President, Fifty-ninth Session of the United Nations General Assembly, commented on the importance of such a large gathering of civil society representatives immediately prior to the 2005 World Summit. The presence of NGOs one week before the Assembly s high-level plenary meeting demonstrated civil society s desire and responsibility to actively participate in seeking solutions to the problems facing the international community. In addition to NGO and civil society presence at the Conference, Mr. Ping noted the importance of the Informal Hearings of the General Assembly with NGOs, civil society organizations and the private sector that took place from 23 to 24 June These hearings provided a major opportunity for civil society and the private sector to voice their views to Member States, specifically concerning the Secretary-General s proposals for the Summit in September. The hearings, like the Conference, took place at a critical time in the discussion on the outcome for the Summit. Mr. Ping acknowledged that NGOs, civil society and private sector organizations were essential components in their respective communities, nations and the world. The activities of numerous civil society organizations complemented those actions and measures taken by States and international organizations to help promote a better world. Partnerships between States, civil society and the private sector were essential in order to meet the stringent demands of today s world. Due to the high number of civil society representatives present at the Conference, it was apparent that the support of civil society in promoting and 7

13 addressing the major issues was crucial for the planning of humanity s shared future. The future depended on the ability to collectively deal, at all levels, with the numerous challenges facing the world. The actions taken by NGOs provided the building blocks for the construction of a better world that is desired by all. Non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and the private sector are essential components in our respective nations. In many ways, their activities complement the actions undertaken by states and international organizations and they are true partners in this respect. Jean Ping JAN EGELAND, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, noted that the Conference was taking place on the eve of a tremendous opportunity for reform and revitalization at the United Nations. Noting the importance of NGO and civil society presence, Mr. Egeland commented, We must not let this opportunity pass us by. Mr. Egeland s speech focused on the obligation of the world community to fight the root causes of disasters, conflicts and crises. He emphasized that only a partnership between a dynamic civil society sector and a revitalized United Nations would be capable of tackling such global challenges. There were three key points highlighted in Mr. Egeland s speech. The first element stressed was the need for an improved global humanitarian system. As agencies and NGOs, we need the ability to respond always and everywhere with the tools, people and resources needed. Second, Mr. Egeland acknowledged the enormous contributions made by the NGO community, not only international NGOs, but also local NGOs whose courageous staff served on the frontlines assisting and protecting civilians, and often risking their own lives. NGOs, both local and international, were vital Jan Egeland partners of the United Nations and were essential to the humanitarian efforts put forth by the United Nations system. To assist the NGO community, Mr. Egeland called upon the private sector to use its resources and impressive array of expertise to become more involved in humanitarian efforts. Third, Mr. Egeland stressed the need to wake up public opinion and arouse decision makers throughout the world. Public awareness yields generous contributions and such awareness should not be centred on those crises that are part of the evening news. In order to promote a global humanitarian system that is effective, equitable and efficient, every crisis requires the same generosity, the same strength and the same attention. As agencies and NGOs, we need the ability to respond always and everywhere with the tools, people and resources needed. Jan Egeland WAHU KAARA, Ecumenical Coordinator for the Millennium Development Goals, All Africa Conference of Churches; Founding Coordinator, Kenya Debt Relief Network; Founding Member, Global Call to Action Against Poverty, in her keynote address, stated that 2005 had been a monumental year and that from the launch of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty at the World Social Forum in January this year, to the G8 Summit in July, through today, a vibrant voice that is interrogating the dominant discourse is gaining ground across borders. Poverty, according to Ms. Kaara, could not be eradicated without a comprehensive development programme. There was a need to rediscover a development agenda for the new millennium, one in which the debt of poor countries was written off and financial mechanisms were controlled. Most importantly, poor countries needed policy autonomy to define their own development agenda. Ms. Kaara described the other Africa, one that is waging a determined struggle against poverty. She commented that people in Africa were refusing to accept a life of bondage, poverty and injustice. In such a society, meeting the MDGs is top priority. With regards to the September World Summit, Ms. Kaara stressed the need for United Nations reform and observed that if governments arrived to promote their own self-interests, not only would 8

14 the MDGs never be met, but millions of lives would be at stake. A dialogue was necessary between Member States and NGOs in order to accomplish the tasks at hand. The future of the world was at stake and this is why when we from Africa stand up to declare that we shall no longer die, but live for Africa, let the echo of this clarion resonate at all corners of the world. And thus, we will have secured the larger freedoms for us all. For ourselves and our children. It is our heritage at stake. This is why when we from Africa stand up to declare that we shall no longer die, but live for Africa... Wahu Kaara JOAN LEVY, Chair, NGO/DPI Executive Committee, reported that her committee s work in the past year could be defined by three words: communication, partnerships and outreach. The NGO/DPI Executive Committee represented over 1,500 NGOs worldwide and acted as a liaison between the NGO community and the United Nations Department of Wahu Kaara Public Information. In this position, the Executive Committee was responsible for conveying the message of the United Nations to NGOs and, in return, informing the United Nations of the activities and programmes carried out by NGOs around the world. Ms. Levy highlighted a new, innovative and important partnership formed this past year between the NGO/DPI Executive Committee, the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (CONGO) and several other organizations. This initiative, named the Millennium +5 NGO Network, met on an informal basis to discuss ways in which civil society could make a meaningful impact on the General Assembly s Summit Review on the progress of the Millennium Development Goals. Decisions were made by the Millennium +5 NGO Network as to how NGOs could best contribute to the Summit Review. It was decided that a series of side events would be held during the meetings of the various commissions throughout the year. These events helped NGOs focus on a first-ever event at the United Nations, the Informal Hearings of the General Assembly with NGOs, civil society organizations and the private sector that took place from 23 to 24 June As this was the last time she would present the yearly report as Chair of the NGO/DPI Executive Committee, Ms. Levy extended her thanks to all those she had the privilege of working with over the past few years. When we return to our homes we can communicate to our constituents the ideas and issues that emerged from our multi-stakeholder dialogues. Joan Levy JOSEPH DONNELLY, Co-Chair, 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference, encouraged Conference participants to seize the opportunities presented by the Conference and to make their NGO voices heard and counted. As Chairman of the Conference, he announced the absolute and unconditional commitment of the NGO community to the achievement of the MDGs. Civil society representatives had confirmed their readiness for the call for global partnerships that reflected genuine multi-stakeholder participation and not mere polite nods. The human, financial, professional, institutional and personal investments of civil society in the global community were beyond calculation. Partnerships were required to overcome the challenges at hand. Not only Joseph Donnelly 9

15 was it imperative for NGOs and civil society to cooperate with Governments and the private sector, but it was also crucial for NGOs of diverse backgrounds to cooperate so that all may hear their unified voices. Those who attended the Conference had made the first efforts towards uniting the voices of NGOs from around the world. Regarding the role of NGOs and a shared common vision, Mr. Donnelly stressed cooperation in demonstrating that we [the NGO community] can readily demonstrate our enormous abilities and brilliant capacities to create environments where real change can take place. Conference participants were encouraged to network with each other and learn about their common visions of a better future. Change would come, but not without the shared voices of the NGO community. We [the NGO community] can readily demonstrate our enormous abilities and brilliant capacities to create environments where real change can take place. Joseph Donnelly 10

16 In Larger Freedom: The Challenge of Partnerships Wednesday, 7 September 2005 Afternoon Panel Session 3:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Conference Room 4 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference LIZ BURNS, President, International Association for Volunteer Effort, served as the moderator for the afternoon panel session, In Larger Freedom: The Challenge of Partnerships. Ms. Burns stated that civil society s commitment to the MDGs made it imperative to develop effective partnerships. She outlined the themes of the panel discussion which centred around the challenge of forging effective partnerships for development. The panel also looked at the efforts of governments, global corporations and civil society to build capacity in developing countries, promote political stability and good governance, and encourage innovative solutions to common problems. Speakers on the panel were instructed by Ms. Burns to discuss the importance of pooling financing and other resources, the role of NGOs in promoting corporate social responsibility, as well as best practices to improve public health, nutrition, education, the environment and standards of living worldwide. Ms. Burns emphasized that partnerships must be encouraged so that they may effectively address the complex problems that require national, regional and international solutions. In particular, Ms. Burns stressed the need for partnerships between civil society and Governments, without which the MDGs could not be realized. Ziad Abdel Samad, Melba Pria Olavarrieta, Liz Burns, Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Bruce Jenks and Joseph Donnelly. ZIAD ABDEL SAMAD, Executive Director, Arab NGO Network for Development, stressed that while the need for partnerships between governments, the United Nations and civil society was very strong, particularly in the Arab region, the ability to build partnerships was very weak. Civil society s primary concerns in the Arab region were terrorism, occupation and conflict. While real partnerships were needed to bridge the gaps created by these three main issues, there was great concern that bias could alter the success of such cooperation and prevent the formation of proper partnerships. According to Mr. Abdel Samad, development was often overshadowed by complex political issues and was not a priority on some of the agendas of Arab governments. In many Arab countries, civil society organizations were controlled and weak, facing limited resources for development activities. It was essential that Arab governments hear the often-silenced civil society voices. Arab civil society organizations needed the support and understanding of Arab governments so that they may become more involved in the decision-making process that would alter the future of the developing Arab world. Despite the growing trend of civil society s influence in Arab countries, civil society was not involved in policymaking and was therefore unable to make the changes that so many people hoped for. BRUCE JENKS, Director, Bureau for Resources and Strategic Partnerships, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focused his speech on how the UNDP viewed the partnership agenda and why this agenda was so fundamental to the direction in which the Programme was striving to go. While governments and national programmes were essential to development, partnerships must extend beyond national boundaries. In the 1980s, development cooperation was conceived largely as inter-state cooperation. However, in the 1990s there was a vision that dialogue would expand well beyond inter-state relationships. The Millennium Summit and the articulation of the MDGs expressed the need to shift focus away from individual states and towards cooperation. According to Mr. Jenks, it was not possible to accomplish certain objectives on an individual basis. Civil society was necessary for the achievement of such tasks as the MDGs. Accomplishing such global undertakings required a degree of social mobilization which only civil society could effectively deliver. Mr. Jenks mentioned UNDP efforts to reach out to the NGO/civil society community. One of such initiatives was the 11

17 UNDP effort to have focal points in each of their country offices that would focus solely on building partnerships with civil society. MELBA PRIA OLAVARRIETA, Chief, Special Unit for Attention to Non-Governmental Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico, highlighted the growth of civil society partnerships in recent history. The participation of civil society was a matter that needed to be discussed not only within the United Nations system, but also among national governments and international organisms. She expressed that one of the initiatives of the Mexican Government was to institutionalise dialogue with civil society. Developing effective partnerships requires coordination between the public, private and the social sectors. Agreements were necessary in such areas as human rights, economic promotion, urban and rural poverty, and women s rights. Ms. Olavarrieta stressed that the voices of the people on ballots and in everyday life needed to be taken into consideration. Partnerships were needed to meet the needs and demands of present and future generations. Governments and international organizations must adapt to increasing civil society participation. In addition to the need for partnerships, Ms. Olavarrieta emphasized that in order to promote partnerships there needed to be a greater degree of private sector social responsibility. New forms of governance, coordination and dialogue were needed to confront poverty and other challenges around the world. Developing effective partnerships requires coordination between the public, private and the social sectors. Melba Pria Olavarrieta VICTORIA TAULI-CORPUZ, Executive Director, Tebtebba Foundation, Philippines; Chairperson, Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, expressed her doubt and uncertainty about how equal partnerships could be developed in a world characterized by a tremendous amount of inequality. A recent United Nations report warned that ignoring inequality in the pursuit of development was perilous. Ms. Tauli-Corpuz noted that indigenous people had been sacrificed in order to achieve economic growth. It was necessary to design equal partnerships underpinned by respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms. According to Ms. Tauli-Corpuz, the most fundamental element in building partnerships was engagement in serious and comprehensive dialogue. The establishment of the Indigenous Forum was one of the best global expressions of partnership between indigenous peoples, governments, intergovernmental bodies, NGOs and the academic community. In most cases, Victoria Tauli-Corpuz governments engaged in dialogue after decades of conflict with indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples, who were ignored at the national level, found a space in which to speak up in the Indigenous Forum. Ms. Tauli-Corpuz emphasized that equal partnerships, like that of the Indigenous Forum, were the route to a more peaceful and developed world. Question and Answer Period In the question and answer period that followed, panellists were asked a series of questions about how civil society could better make their voice heard within the United Nations system and about the possibility of a global assembly that would include representatives from both Member States and civil society. Mr. Jenks stated that global governance, particularly the inclusion of civil society in global governance, encompassed a very complex set of issues. One of the critical roles that the United Nations can play to help make the voice of civil society heard is to provide space within the United Nations system for discussion and debate. The first signs of such progress were evident when the United Nations held the Informal Interactive Hearings of the General Assembly with NGOs, civil society organizations and the private sector in June

18 Responding to the same series of questions, Ms. Pria Olavarrieta commented that without successful partnerships between governments, civil society and the United Nations, there would be no change. There was a need to have partnerships to enable alternative options and all actors must play a cooperative role in the process of global change. It was also important that civil society voices were heard first in their communities and then by their governments before change would come on a global level. There was a need to form local networks comprised of NGOs and local governments so that civil society could approach their respective governments without having to go directly to the United Nations looking for change. Several questions pertaining to security and terrorism were addressed to Mr. Abdel Samad. Security is a precondition, is a key issue for development and for the respect of human rights, and terrorism is the result of insecurity and the result of underdevelopment and the result of violations of human rights, he said. Attacking the roots of terror, namely poverty, humiliation and human rights violations, was the only way to stop terrorism. Mr. Abdel Samad remarked that there was too much emphasis on the results of terror and that in order to effectively deal with terror, the root causes of such actions needed to be examined more closely. In addition, civil society organizations within the Arab region must be empowered to help address the issues facing the Arab States. Ms. Tauli-Corpuz focused her response on questions that dealt with inclusion and exclusion of peoples from the United Nations and governing bodies. Using the example of the indigenous community, Ms. Tauli-Corpuz emphasized the need for the inclusion of all peoples on both national and international levels. One of the ways in which the indigenous community overcame extreme exclusion was through the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Fora such as this one would allow the voices of many to be included in policy making strategies. Successful partnerships depended on the inclusion of all. Issues of peace and development would never come about without cooperation and compromise. Summarizing the discussion, Ms. Burns said that the MDGs were an agenda for action to address age-old problems. One of the things that made the Goals different was that never before had there been such universal recognition of the seriousness and universality of those challenges, and never before had there been such universal will to take action. Without partnerships, however, the MDGs would not be achieved. 13

19 A Focus on Human Development: Implementing the MDGs Thursday, 8 September 2005 Morning Panel Session 10:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Conference Room 4 ANWARUL CHOWDHURY, United Nations High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, expressed his hopes that the DPI/NGO Conference, which brought together many stakeholders, would become a stronger and more participatory institution within the United Nations system. He highlighted four important elements of human development: empowerment, which involved the chance to participate; opportunities for women; creating a political space for the poor to organize and get involved; and universal access to basic social services. Mr. Chowdhury stressed that human development should focus on the improvement of the quality of life of all people. This basic foundation of human development was very effectively articulated in the Millennium Development Goals and pointed out that Anwarul Chowdhury and Mamphela Ramphele since the formulation of the MDGs, the Goals had become universally known and accepted and were now encouraging peoples and Governments, all stakeholders, to engage in development efforts in a much more focused way. Turning to the role of NGOs, he stated that the role of civil society and NGOs was absolutely essential as they were the biggest policy advocates for development. In addition to advocacy, NGOs should monitor international agreements and commitments and become part of the intergovernmental process. NGOs should have an opportunity to participate in various intergovernmental forums, maybe now as caucuses, but gradually it can be expanded. NGOs should have an opportunity to participate in various intergovernmental forums, maybe now as caucuses, but gradually it can be expanded. Anwarul Chowdhury DIANA MEDMAN, Founder and Chairperson, Russian Women s Microfinance Network (RWMN); Cofounder and Director, AO Bioprocess, Russia, focused her presentation on corporate social responsibility and microlending as tools for poverty eradication and sustainable development, and her experience as a witness to and participant in Russia s transition to a market economy. With the coming of globalisation, microlending became a new era in combating poverty and supporting women. Ms. Medman described the RWMN and its mission to support development of sustainable, women-focused, locally managed microfinance institutions (MFIs) throughout Russia by creating an effective refinance and technical support structure that provides high quality services to partner MFIs over the long-term. The RWMN, created in 1998 with the support of Women s World Banking, had become Russia s second largest microfinance institution working on a commercial basis. The organization strives to promote a favourable legislative climate for microfinance extension, environmentally friendly practices of microfinance and cooperation with international financial organizations. Ms. Medman concluded her presentation by thanking microfinance activists who have helped promote microlending in Russia and thus foster such vital processes as poverty eradication, middle class building, democracy promotion and women s integration into economic, social and political spheres. [...microlending became] a new era in combating poverty and supporting women. Diana Medman 14

20 LIU MINGZU, Chairman, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, National People s Congress of the People s Republic of China, commented that five years ago the world had ushered in a new century with the hope of achieving peace, prosperity, happiness and security. At the 2000 Summit, world leaders gathered at the United Nations to commit to achieving the MDGs. According to Mr. Liu, implementing the MDGs was part of China s objective of creating a harmonious socialist society and it is likely that China will achieve most of the Millennium Development Goals ahead of time. Basis for this claim was rooted in the fact that China had already met the target of halving its poor population and had strengthened its compulsory education system. The Chinese Government has also promoted gender equality and women s cultural and political rights. Despite China s efforts, realizing the MDGs by 2015 continues to be an uphill journey and an undertaking of far-reaching significance. Mr. Liu indicated that civil society needed to be more active in the process of achieving the MDGs, specifically by offering advice and suggestions to policy makers. Civil society needs to be a part of the action, not only as benefactors, but also as participants. In addition to the need for civil society, Mr. Liu recognized international cooperation as an indispensable condition for realizing the Goals. Civil society needs to be a part of the action, not only as benefactors, but also as participants. Liu Mingzu MAMPHELA RAMPHELE, Co-chair, Global Commission on International Migration, stressed the need for policy coherence in achieving the MDGs. Policy coherence is the missing link in our ability to meet the Millennium Development Goals, particularly in the field of human development. The MDGs offer the global community a chance to work together and to demonstrate that with a certain degree of cooperation and consistency, the Goals could be met. According to Ms. Ramphele, the MDGs are minimalist goals that the global community has not worked together hard enough to reach. Our sights should be set higher. A lack of policy coherence will only restrain the progress of meeting the MDGs by Ms. Ramphele offered the example of migration. While migration is not explicitly part of any of the MDGs, it is directly related to and has an impact on every one of the Goals. In an interconnected world, we need a better understanding of the linkages between different global concerns and how policy in one area impacts outcomes in other areas. Ms. Ramphele asked that greater attention be paid to migration in relation to human development. Monitoring development in relation to migration was an important aspect that could lead to greater performance by all countries in today s knowledge-driven world. In an interconnected world, we need a better understanding of the linkages between different global concerns and how policy in one area impacts outcomes in other areas. Mamphela Ramphele SALIL SHETTY, Director, United Nations Millennium Development Goals Campaign, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), began his presentation by stating that poverty eradication was the most talked about and least acted upon issue in the human development spectrum. On the subject of human development and poverty, if the number of words spoken on poverty and written on poverty had any correlation, we would have no poverty at all. Mr. Shetty emphasized the need to hold governments around the world accountable for their actions. Civil society was responsible for being the impetus for such change. One way of creating change was to involve the media to promote public awareness and encourage policy change. Through a series of public service announcements and visual images, participants were encouraged to get involved in the different community and regional MDG campaigns around the world. At the 2005 World Summit, world leaders needed to be reminded of their Salil Shetty promises and commitments. Mr. Shetty reiterated the impor- 15

21 tance of the events of 2005, stating, 2005 was a crucial year. Attention needed to be drawn away from the war on terror and the focus returned to international attention to the MDGs. If the number of words spoken on poverty and written on poverty had any correlation, we would have no poverty at all. Salil Shetty Question and Answer Period In the question and answer session immediately following the panel, Mr. Liu responded to a question regarding social and economic development in China in relation to other countries in Asia. Mr. Liu stated that because China was part of Asia, it could not ignore its neighbours. Consequently, the countries that make up the Asian region try to support and promote one another China cannot move forward without the rest of Asia and Asia s development cannot progress without the rest of the world. There was an emphasis on economic, social and cultural cooperation among the developing States in Asia. Conference participants response by a show of hands after Salil Shetty asked the crowd, How many of you are wearing the white band right now? Responding to a statement about the role of women in small and medium-sized enterprises receiving funds through microfinance, Ms. Medman said that women were indispensable managers to such endeavours. Women involved in the management of small and medium-sized projects carried out their work in a compassionate manner that is often sympathetic to the needs of workers. According to Ms. Medman, women were necessary to create a family of management and thus further promote the successes of their microfinance projects. Ms. Ramphele was asked a pointed question about specific problems caused, at least in part, by international migration. In our interconnected world, people are migrating more and more in search of better opportunities. One key impetus for migration has been labelled brain drain, where educated people left their native lands in search of better opportunities elsewhere. To combat this, Ms. Ramphele suggested that all countries, both rich and poor, look at their social sector policies. Citizens should be made to feel important in order to make living in a particular country more attractive and reduce the likelihood of migration. We should all be working towards the kind of world where people have opportunities in their own countries and migrate out of choice and not in search of better opportunities. Ms. Ramphele also mentioned the obvious economic consequences of brain drain whereby the countries that lost part of their educated population to migration were left impoverished. In response to a number of questions about reaching the Salil Shetty talking to NGO representatives MDGs, Mr. Shetty addressed the issues of media coverage of, and funding for the MDGs. Conference participants were encouraged to promote the MDGs through media outreach and through outlets that possessed the ability to spread the word of the MDGs to people currently unaware of them. There s only so much we can do talking to each other, he told participants. In addition, Mr. Shetty described various youth partnerships and campaigns to promote the MDGs. On the topic of funding progress of the MDGs in each country, Mr. Shetty commented, economic growth and wealth doesn t automatically convert into social development, MDGs, or human development unless you have policies which are focused on making that happen. As an example, Mr. Shetty pointed out that while Bangladesh showed slower economic growth than India, Bangladesh had made more progress in implementing the MDGs. 16

22 Collective Security: The Priorities of Civil Society Thursday, 8 September 2005 Afternoon Panel Session 3:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Conference Room 4 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference FATOU BENSOUDA, Deputy Prosecutor, International Criminal Court, moderated the panel discussion entitled Collective Security: The Priorities of Civil Society. Ms. Bensouda explained how the threats facing the global community have changed in the past decades. She noted that the United Nations was created in 1945 to save succeeding generations from the bane of war. In the same line, the United Nations system for peace and security issues was created on the assumption that the main threats to international peace came from wars between states. However, in the twenty-first century, the nature of conflicts came less from states waging war on one another and more from intra-state conflicts such as civil war, acts of terrorism, genocide, etc. Security threats today transcended traditional boundaries and without mutual recognition of the threats of poverty and disease, there could be no Fatou Bensouda and Gareth Evans collective security. Massive and gross human rights violations that were taking place needed to be addressed through prevention. States could not act alone and governments needed to mainstream prevention as one of the fundamental goals of their security policies. Perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions and when massive violations such as genocide occur, and victims cannot turn to governments alone, the International Criminal Court can help bring justice to victims of the most unimaginable atrocities when states were unwilling to do so. Without mutual recognition of the threats of poverty and disease, there could be no collective security. Fatou Bensouda ANTONIO MARIA COSTA, Executive Director, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), geared his presentation towards explaining the ways in which the UNODC cooperates with NGOs around the world. NGOs work on a simple premise one embrace: That no single state or government or organization can really succeed at changing the world alone. The UNODC focuses its efforts not only on the prevention and treatment of drug use and drug trafficking, but also on crime and its victims. In all of these areas there are NGOs, people, and outfits from the private sector who are there to leverage our [UNODC] efforts, to sustain them, and to carry our message to audiences we could never reach working alone. The UNODC depended on various mediums to convey its messages including public service announcements and soap operas, both of which Mr. Costa demonstrated to the audience. The projects carried out by the Office were extensive and revolved around alternative Antonio Maria Costa development. You cannot take away a farmer s livelihood, even when it turns on drug crops, without offering him alternative, sustainable income opportunities. Mr. Costa described a model programme in Doi Tung, Thailand, where local people replaced their fields of opium with legal crops. In order to provide coherent examples of successful NGO campaigns, Mr. Costa concluded his presentation by naming the four most recent NGO recipients of the United Nations Vienna Civil Society Awards, which were presented to civil society organizations for outstanding contributions to the global campaign against drug trafficking, organized crime and terrorism. 17

23 NGOs work on a simple premise one embrace: That no single state or government or organization can really succeed at changing the world alone. Antonio Maria Costa GARETH EVANS, President and Chief Executive, International Crisis Group, expressed his hopes that the 2005 World Summit would be a leap forward in the pursuit of a collective security system. The Summit was the best chance we have had for decades, and the best chance we are likely to have for many years more, to make some fundamental changes. Mr. Evans gave three reasons why the Summit provided such opportunity for change: first, due to widespread recognition of the need for change; second, because of a detailed agenda for change; and finally because the 60th anniversary of the United Nations provided the correct time frame for change to take place. Despite his optimism, Mr. Evans cautioned that the international community was in jeopardy of losing such an opportunity. One key reason why this might have been the case is that politics has prevailed and not enough of the key players have been prepared to look at the larger picture as distinct from their own immediate interests. Mr. Evans then turned to civil society and said All we can do at this stage, I fear, is to make our voices loudly and clearly heard to say that we feel utterly let down and that what is going on right now is just not good enough for us and above all, is not good enough for all the people around the world living in desperate insecurity. All we can do at this stage, I fear, is to make our voices loudly and clearly heard to say that we feel utterly let down and that what is going on right now is just not good enough for us and above all is not good enough for all the people around the world living in desperate insecurity. Gareth Evans DANIEL OPANDE, Former Lieutenant General of Kenya; Former Force Commander, United Nations Mission in Liberia, focused his presentation on the current issues facing Sudan. The duality of Sudan s internal turmoil that includes hostilities in Darfur and maintaining the North-South peace process requires intense international focus and commitment, not just for the individual regions, but for the country as a whole. Sudan, he noted, had suffered from a fragmented and inconsistent approach to intervention on the part of the international community. General Opande noted that while humanitarian aid has focused on developing access to those populations denied adequate food and medical resources, many of the strategic interests of nations associated with aid programmes had deliberately or inadvertently contributed to ongoing instability in Sudan, rather than helping to resolve internal conflicts. The long-term Daniel Opande issues at stake in the Sudan called for a collective approach to humanitarian, economic and security concerns that required an equitable distribution of international resources throughout Sudan. Only through a concerted collective effort focusing on Sudan as a whole, will the international community provide the impetus for establishing stability for the entire Sudan. The entire region of East Africa would benefit from a more stable Sudan that would have the potential to offset negative influences associated with other conflicts in the region. Only through a concerted collective effort focusing on Sudan as a whole, will the international community provide the impetus for establishing stability for the entire Sudan. Daniel Opande HAZUKI YASUHARA, International Coordinator, Peaceboat, called for a more humanitarian approach to international policymaking. The reality is that the current political system is driven by pursuing national interests 18

24 and power for the few over the greater need of human security for the many. The voices of the people need to be heard and to be reflected in the conduct of governments. One of the key themes of Ms. Yasuhara s presentation was her strong support for nuclear disarmament. She outlined two clear perspectives about the struggle for nuclear disarmament. One was looking at the issue only as political, as a power struggle between nations, where national interests of only one or two countries outweigh the human interest of the rest of the world. The other perspective addressed disarmament as a moral, ethical and humanitarian issue. According to Ms. Yasuhara, nuclear disarmament would only be achieved if the problem was viewed through a humanitarian, rather than a political lens. I believe that the future of human kind depends on how Hazuki Yasuhara we approach and deal with problems from a humanitarian point of view. Ms. Yasuhara called for strict adherence to Article Nine of the Japanese Constitution that denounces the act of war and the use of force as a means of settling international disputes. I believe that the future of human kind depends on how we approach and deal with problems from a humanitarian point of view. Hazuki Yasuhara Question and Answer Period Responding to a question about drug use and prevention, Mr. Costa explained some of the awareness campaigns created by UNODC and added that the UNODC worked to create an environment in which drug addicts could receive assistance. Civil society has historically played a key role in the administration of drug abuse prevention and should remain actively engaged in such work. Asked about human trafficking, Mr. Costa stated that there was a need for an international law against trafficking in humans. The Protocol against Trafficking in Persons, an optional protocol developed at the Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, had recently been ratified by a number of countries and had entered into force. Despite the slow process of ratification and the difficulty in turning international instruments into domestic legislation, the Protocol did not address a statute of limitations. The UNODC works hand in hand with civil society to promote awareness of both human trafficking and drug abuse prevention. Mr. Evans responded to a series of questions pertaining to the 2005 World Summit. When asked how NGOs could help assure that the Summit yielded desired outcomes, Mr. Evans suggested that NGOs inform their governments, in particular those countries creating most of the difficulties, that their practices are against the spirit of the Summit and would not go unnoticed. Representing a plethora of voices, it was important for NGOs and civil society to find an organized way to articulate what was going horribly wrong. With regards to the adoption of the Summit Outcome Document, Mr. Evans recommended that the present process of trying to reach consensus be abandoned. A small group of key players should get together under the auspices of the Secretary-General to try and get as close as Antonio Maria Costa talking to Conference participants possible to a consensus that broadly reflected the majority thinking in the United Nations system. When asked about the role of youth and women, General Opande responded that both played a critical role in conflicts and conflict resolution. Unfortunately, in many of the conflicts General Opande had witnessed, youth had often worked to destroy themselves and their countries by following the orders of adults and terrorizing their 19

25 own people. The future they destroyed by carrying weapons was their own, not that of the adults who sent them to the frontlines. Youth needed to cooperate and work towards peace. Women, on the other hand, had been very encouraging and had played a major role to buttress peace, particularly in Sudan. The women of Darfur were vocal in ensuring the return of peace to the region. The women needed the youth and the international community to say with them enough is enough. Also with regards to the role of youth, Ms. Yasuhara provided an optimistic view of the role of youth in conflict prevention. Ms. Yasuhara pointed to the energy and enthusiasm of youth and the necessity to end nuclear proliferation. The focus of youth, she continued, was not on politics or power struggles, but rather on a concern for the future of humanity. In addition, Ms. Yasuhara emphasized the need for communication. With knowledge of suffering, people were more prone to empathize with victims and, as a result, said communications should lead to decision-making that is shaped by humanitarian perspectives. 20

26 A Dialogue: The Future of the United Nations Friday, 9 September 2005 Morning Panel Session 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Conference Room 4 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference JEAN PING, President, Fifty-ninth Session of the United Nations General Assembly, gave the opening remarks for the panel entitled A Dialogue: The Future of the United Nations. He informed Conference participants that it was not possible to have a dialogue on the future of the United Nations that did not take into account the multipolar dimensions of all players, including civil society. It is important to note that states are not alone in the world. New actors, including NGOs, now had a voice. Consequently, the United Nations system, over the past several years, had begun to include civil society. One major example that the General Assembly President highlighted was the Informal Hearings of the General Assembly with NGOs, civil society and the private sector that took place in June He commended the DPI/NGO Conference, which for the first time, had organized round table discussions that brought representatives of civil society together with representatives of Member States to examine the decisions to be made at the 2005 World Summit. Dialogue on the future path of the United Nations was crucial. The international community could take new strides toward a more Jean Ping peaceful world if all States, in close cooperation with all actors in the global community, managed to make dialogue a true virtue at the heart of international relations. MARK MALLOCH BROWN, Chef de Cabinet, Executive Office of the Secretary-General, emphasized the need for the Summit to expand beyond its normal audience and recommended that civil society be as broadly represented as possible. The responsibility to ensure a successful Summit outcome lie with civil society. It was up to NGOs, in a collective and unified voice, to challenge Summit participants to hear their constituencies and rise to the occasion. Without an impetus from the civil society community, a positive result was unlikely. Mr. Malloch Brown stated that NGOs had a tremendous opportunity to upstage states in the days prior to the Summit. What was said to the media provided an arena to critically push the teetering Outcome Document towards success and away from failure. The Organization faced a possible Summit of empty words and broken promises and Mark Malloch Brown civil society must unite and force summiteers to produce a document that all were proud of and that made civil society representatives return home feeling as though they had made a difference. Compromises would not be enough. Civil society, by making a prominent contribution to the Summit, could help earn itself a place as a partner of the United Nations. JOHAN LøVALD, Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations, focused on the possible partnerships between the United Nations, Member States and civil society. After sitting in on the civil society hearings in June, I am more than ever convinced that we as government representatives must expand on partnership with the NGO community. Without your dedication, insights and inputs in the global debate, and without your eagerness 21

27 for results, we would be seeing much slower progress. While acknowledging the importance of civil society s cooperation with the United Nations, Ambassador Løvald suggested that civil society first partner with Member States. Partnership at the national level is essential if NGOs are to be heard at the international level. Among other suggestions made for the Summit Outcome Document, Ambassador Løvald tackled the issue of expanding civil society s participation at intergovernmental meetings. Relaying that such inclusion would provide practical difficulties, particularly in regards to availability of physical space, the Ambassador offered a realistic suggestion. Ambassador Løvald recommended that the General Assembly invite special Johan Løvald consultations, panel discussions and hearings between Member States and civil society prior to high level meetings. Throughout his speech, Ambassador Løvald made reference to Norway s continued efforts to build and strengthen the connection between Norway and Norwegian civil society. In order for functioning states to exist, governments and the public sector must cooperate. Partnership at the national level is essential if NGOs are to be heard at the international level. Johan Løvald BERNICE ROMERO, Advocacy Director, Oxfam International, reiterated the importance of partnerships between civil society and United Nations Member States. By forging alliances, civil society could take advantage of historic opportunities to make a real difference in the world in their struggle to eliminate poverty and injustice. Whether nuclear proliferation, Iraq, global trade, the spread of infectious disease or climate change, there are thousands of challenges that directly affect the lives of the citizens of one country but are beyond the control of one government alone. Ms. Romero encouraged governments to stop filling their hollow promises with words and begin taking strides towards debt cancellation, sufficient aid and helping Southern Bernice Romero receives a standing ovation from the panel for her speech governments achieve the MDGs. To make the World Summit meaningful, Ms. Romero stressed the need for Member States to commit to an Outcome Document that contained four key commitments. First, Governments must agree their collective responsibility to protect civilians facing large-scale atrocities such as genocide and ethnic cleansing. Second, Ms. Romero pointed out the need for Governments to commit to meeting and exceeding the MDGs. Third, there was a need for Governments to establish a legally binding agreement to ensure weapons do not reach the hands of repressive regimes and criminals. Finally, Ms. Romero called for Governments to improve the international response to all humanitarian disasters. Whether nuclear proliferation, Iraq, global trade, the spread of infectious disease or climate change, there are thousands of challenges that directly affect the lives of the citizens of one country but are beyond the control of one Government alone. Bernice Romero 22

28 Question and Answer Period Asked how NGOs could make a difference in the days leading up to the Summit, Ambassador Løvald stated that he was hopeful that there was still a broad majority of Member States that called for substantial results. The underlying problem, he continued, was that the majority often remained silent. It was important that countries that supported the Outcome Document stand up, be counted and speak up. Non-governmental organizations should use their networks and intensify dialogue with their government representatives. Ms. Romero added that it was necessary to show that there was a constituency for the issues at hand. In the days immediately prior to the Summit, NGOs needed to use their contacts in the media and get opinions published. Arousing public opinion would get the point across that people truly cared about the outcome. Ms. Romero continued by stating certain key provisions that must appear in the Outcome Document. Governments had to commit to the following: a collective responsibility to protect civilians, the achievement of the MDGs, a binding agreement on the arms trade and reform of humanitarian assistance. For a successful Summit outcome, Mr. Malloch Brown stressed the need for compromise among all participants. Developing countries wanted the outcome to be focused on the MDGs. Many states hoped for a strong security component that included the formation of the Peacebuilding Commission, the Human Rights Council, a definition of terrorism and management reform within the United Nations. Mr. Malloch Brown called for states to cease bickering, put an end to hollow promises and get with the programme. 23

29 Envisioning a Secure World Friday, 9 September 2005 Round Table #1 11:00 a.m. 12:45 p.m. Conference Room 4 Moderated by PAUL VAN TONGEREN, Executive Director, European Centre for Conflict Prevention, the round table, Envisioning a Secure World focused on themes such as the definition of security, creating common ground to build human security and enhancing one s own security while simultaneously ensuring security for others. The world must advance the causes of security, development and human rights together. Humanity would not enjoy security without development, would not enjoy development without security and would not enjoy either without respect for human rights. Mr. van Tongeren stated that there needed to be a shift of focus away from reacting to conflicts and towards preventing conflicts. He also recommended that United Nations leadership in the field of conflict prevention was crucial and suggested that there be an Under-Secretary-General for Peace and Security. There was also an immense need for partnerships between the United Nations and civil society organizations rallied around the causes of peace and security. FELICITY HILL, Political Advisor on Nuclear and Disarmament Issues, Greenpeace International, began by saying that security has traditionally been understood in military terms as protection of the boundaries and integrity of States, and as something guaranteed by states to citizens. However, Ms. Hill pointed out that this was not the only definition of security. Protecting our planet and our environment was crucial to human security. Ms. Hill questioned whether political change could keep up with the rapid pace of climate change and whether it would be fast enough to protect the security of the planet. In addition to climate change, Ms. Hill discussed the dangers and threats provided by nuclear weapons and the overuse of natural resources. The practice of governments coming together to make promises that they did not keep must end. If promises had been kept, we would have preserved so much more of our water and air resources, all of our inventive brain power wouldn t have gone into dreaming up ways to kill people en masse as the height of science and economic sophistication. If promises had been kept, we would have preserved so much more of our water and air resources, all of our inventive brain power wouldn t have gone into dreaming up ways to kill people en masse as the height of science and economic sophistication. Felicity Hill ANNE O MAHONY, Regional Director, Concern Worldwide, began her discussion by highlighting the interwoven relationship between violence and poverty. Not only is violence a result of poverty, but absolute poverty creates a sense of hopelessness which in turn creates an environment which is conducive to a growth in violence. Ms. O Mahony described the vicious cycle of conflict and poverty, highlighting the examples of Somalia, Haiti and Afghanistan. While other speakers painted a picture of a dismal future, Ms. O Mahony was much more optimistic. The solutions are complex and varied, involving many actors including civil society, conflict leaders, governments, NGOs, the United Nations and donors, but they are not insurmountable. She asked Conference participants to be ambitious about the future and choose to live in a global village where the health and well being of humanity depended on an interconnected society that believed in building a better world. ANDRE KAMENSHIKOV, Executive Director, Non-violence International Newly Independent States, said that there was enormous potential for international cooperation with local civil society actors in conflict areas. For example, Mr. Kamenshikov suggested that when an issue arose concerning the need for food aid, there should be a representative of the international system to turn to at the local level. There needed to be international representation at the local level when it came to conflict prevention and peacebuilding. To solve this dilemma and ensure that conflict prevention received as much attention as food aid, Mr. Kamenshikov recommended that an agency be created within the United Nations system with the mandate and capacity to work locally in conflict areas. 24

30 LJUPCO JORDANOVSKI, President of the Assembly of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, illustrated a number of challenges faced by today s global community, not the least of which was the need to maintain international peace and security. Mr. Jordanovski pointed out his astonishment that people had not learned sufficient lessons from the two World Wars of the previous century. World Wars I and II were not the impetus for future international peace and security as had previously been assumed. Mr. Jordanovski Georg Kell, Andre Kamenshikov and Felicity Hill proposed a number of steps towards achieving greater levels of security. One of his main examples as to how to promote peace and ensure security was to redefine the concepts of sovereignty and nation states, looking at both through the lens of the protection of human rights. GEORG KELL, Executive Director, United Nations Global Compact Office, reflected on the role of business in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. While commerce often promoted peace among trading states, it could also be the root cause for disruptions and serious conflict. Violence, among its many consequences, proved to be a cost element and a severe barrier to investment. The ways in which business was conducted must also be addressed. There remained a tremendous gap in available tools and incentives to bring about a shift in the mindset of corporations to promote more peaceful and less partial business practices. To date, the role of business in conflicts had not been a focus of a large number of inquiries. Mr. Kell suggested that the theme of business in conflicts had not yet received the political attention it deserved. 25

31 Eradicating Poverty: Timelines and Lifelines Friday, 9 September 2005 Round Table #2 11:00 a.m. 12:45 p.m. Conference Room 3 ANN VENEMAN, Executive Director of the United Nations Children s Fund (UNICEF), moderated the round table entitled Eradicating Poverty: Timelines and Lifelines. Ms. Veneman stated that more than 315 million people could be freed from the shackles of poverty, especially in Africa, if countries were to follow through on their commitments to implement the MDGs. An estimated 1.1 billion people still live on less than $1 a day, and at the current rate of progress, 44 countries will not meet their child development goals by the target year of In October, UNICEF would announce a major global initiative to stem the direct impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on children, including the orphan crisis and the reduction in child education. Another initiative would be launched to address maternal development and good health. Ms. Veneman stressed that progress required a great deal of commitment at the state level. Uwem Robert Otu, Hanifa Mezoui, Ann Veneman, Sylvan Barnet and Hicham El Guerrouj. UWEM ROBERT OTU, President of the African Youth Movement based in Nigeria, focused his presentation on how water, a key engine driving human development, should be made available to all persons. Mr. Otu discussed a number of partnerships implemented for the sole reason of providing potable water to those in need in the hope that the little partnerships we forge amongst each other will help us survive. In addition to his comments about water, Mr. Otu also stressed the need to protect, educate and respect women in poor communities. We must not forget our women, since increasing women s education and participation in the cash economy translates into improved health, nutrition and education for children. For example, Mr. Otu noted the successes of Nigeria s Federal Ministry for Women s Affairs and Social Affairs in educating, training and mobilizing women nationwide to promote better living standards, improved family planning and healthcare, higher literacy rates and women s entrepreneurship. We must not forget our women, since increasing women s education and participation in the cash economy translates into improved health, nutrition and education for children. Uwem Robert Otu SYLVAN BARNET, Representative to the United Nations, Rotary International, stressed that economic self-sufficiency, particularly among women in rural Africa, was key to poverty eradication. Throughout his discussion, Mr. Barnet mentioned the work of Rotary International and its 60-year relationship with the United Nations system. Mr. Barnet explained that the organization had accomplished such feats as helping to establish microcredit banks and endowing numerous school lunch initiatives. In addition, Rotary International continued to be actively engaged in programmes and partnerships worldwide that support and promote the achievement of the MDGs. Such partnerships, however, needed to recognize the importance of civil society s cooperation with each other and not just with states. We are all partnering as never before to address the world s problems. By working together we have the opportunity to multiply our successes. 26

32 HICHAM EL GUERROUJ, professional athlete and UNICEF National Goodwill Ambassador for Morocco, reminded Conference participants of the role of sports as a catalyst in promoting human development as well as development of local communities and nations. Mr. El Guerrouj outlined seven major advantages to playing, a right guaranteed by Article 31 of the Child s Rights Convention. Sport promoted and provided the following benefits: healthy lifestyles, a school of life, a space for socialization, gender equality, a way to peace, a channel for communication and mobilization, and a development strategy. Mr. El Guerrouj provided a number of examples to promote the positive contributions of sport. One example, taken from the World Health Organization, showed that for every dollar invested in sports, three dollars would be saved in medical costs. However, the development potential of sports remains poorly utilized because decision makers do not give sports the interest it deserves and because civil society has not yet realized the potential of sport as a strategy for social and economic development. HANIFA MEZOUI, Chief, NGO Section, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, urged Governments to develop strong partnerships with the private sector and with civil society organizations in pursuit of development and poverty eradication. Ms. Mezoui promoted a two-pronged strategy for poverty eradication. On one hand, direct measures have to be taken to enhance the access of those in extreme poverty to the food they need for an active life. In addition, efforts must be made to create sustainable exit strategies from poverty. For developing countries, the following steps must be taken to eliminate poverty: remove trade barriers, reduce or reverse tariff escalation, open borders for foreign investments, and improve quality assurance and food safety programmes. However, none of this was possible without a concerted effort by the international community. Poor people are allowed the same dreams as everyone else. What matters is that we make an earnest effort to fulfill those dreams. 27

33 United Nations and Civil Society Friday, 9 September 2005 Round Table #3 11:00 a.m. 12:45 p.m. Conference Rooms 5/6 WILLIAM PACE, Executive Director of the World Federalist Movement - Institute for Global Policy, moderated the round table United Nations and Civil Society. Mr. Pace accentuated the need for civil society to assume a more prevalent role in the United Nations system. Association with the Department of Public Information and consultative status with the Economic and Social Council did not sufficiently represent the voice or level of commitment of civil society. The United Nations needed to reciprocate the dedication civil society demonstrated to the Organization. Civil society could no longer stand idly by and accept its current position within the United Nations system. Without greater access to and influence in the United Nations, the voice of civil society was likely to remain unheard. PAUL TENNASSEE, Representative to the United Nations, World Confederation of Labor, called for a drastic reform of the United Nations, governments in the North and the South, corporations and civil society organizations. Administrative and political reforms at the level of the United Nations will not be enough to ensure the achievement of the MDGs. It must be accompanied by equally radical reforms among all stakeholders. None has a monopoly on wisdom or is sufficiently equipped to deal effectively with poverty eradication. While non-governmental organizations enjoyed consultative roles through their affiliation with the Economic and Social Council and the Department of Public Information, such organizations were denied consultative and advisory roles in key decision-making organs such as the General Assembly and the Security Council. There existed a major defect in the relationship between civil society groups, the United Nations and other international organizations. The UN and all international institutions have to give meaning to the consultative policymaking processes by including the inputs of CSOs when they are consulted. This is a major deficiency in the relations between CSOs, the UN and other international institutions. Paul Tennassee ALEJANDRA SCAMPINI, Coordinator of Educational Programmes, Lobbying and Advocacy, Red de Educación Popular entre Mujeres, Uruguay; Representative of the Feminist Task Force of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, emphasized the need for civil society representatives to work together to become part of the new United Nations system. Without the voices and input of civil society, the United Nations is nothing more than a hollow shell. While progress had been made throughout the preceding decades, especially in regards to the role of women and gender equality, the results were not adequate. More pronounced transformations were necessary and no matter how strong previous efforts have been, change will only occur if the international community works together to achieve common goals. Civil society and the international community are charged with the responsibility of ensuring a more credible United Nations, capable of sustaining a more democratic world. MARTIN THÜEMMEL, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations, stressed that while the role of civil society has recently become more prominent in the United Nations system, civil society must demand an expansion of formal relationships, which must extend beyond partnerships with the Economic and Social Council and the Department of Public Information. In addition, Mr. Thüemmel emphasized the need to include nongovernmental organizations from developing countries in decision-making processes. Historically, only civil society in more developed regions have had the ability to communicate the wishes of the international community. It was time that less prominent NGOs had a voice in the United Nations system. The voices of civil society heard within the walls of the United Nations should not be limited to those who are able to travel to New York. Civil society from the South must find a way to communicate their positions so that the United Nations is truly able to hear the voices of those most often ignored. 28

34 Spare No Effort: 2015 Is Now Friday 9 September 2005 Afternoon Round Table 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Conference Room 4 JUAN SOMAVIA, Director-General, International Labour Organization, moderated the panel discussion entitled Spare No Effort: 2015 Is Now. Mr. Somavia stated that although the United Nations had an open-door policy towards civil society in the 1990s, it appeared as though such a relationship had begun to falter as governments now had a much less open position towards civil society organizations. The process underway was one where Governments were slowly moving towards a global community of diverse actors that included more than just NGOs. The United Nations, civil society, businesses and trade unions had to cooperate because none was capable of surmounting all of the challenges facing the international community. The future involved a new institutional design geared in the direction of increased dialogue. If today s institutions failed to move in such a direction, progress would lead to a dialogue divide. Mr. Somavia said that his greatest concern was the seriousness of the job crisis and the lack of attention it is being given in the international arena. The political consequences of such a problem were pervasive. In ten years, official employment had grown 25 per cent. Nearly 90 percent of jobs created were in the informal sector, and youth unemployment was three times the rate of adults. Mr. Somavia called for civil society to take action and play the Juan Somavia important advocacy role that the world s unemployed demand. CYRIL RITCHIE, Secretary, Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CONGO) declared that without civil society engagement, the United Nations was incapable of meeting the aspirations of the world s peoples. Mr. Ritchie asserted that if civil society was pledging to spare no effort, there was no doubt in his mind that such effort would amount to nothing less than 100 per cent. Mr. Ritchie questioned the level of commitment on the part of states and urged civil society to influence their respective governments to respect the need for change. Civil society organizations were permanent defenders of thousands of causes that were designed to make the world a better place. The United Nations was at a crossroads and was ready for change. Missing political will needed to be replaced with eagerness to make the world a better place. Mr. Ritchie called for a Secretary-General that could purge the United Nations of the ambassadorial micromanagement that had plagued the Organization. In addition, the United Nations needed a budget that allowed for the hopes of the people to be realized. Civil society needed to remind Governments of their commitments and obligations to Cyril Ritchie honour and respect their world. LARS-HJALMAR WIDE, Ambassador and Chef de Cabinet, Sixtieth Session of the United Nations General Assembly, focused his presentation on the issues and the new ideas of the Swedish General Assembly Presidency. He stated that the creation of the new United Nations human rights machinery, the Peacebuilding Commission and a better and more effective United Nations Secretariat was the highest priority of the incoming General Assembly President s agenda. He also stressed that reform of the Security Council would not be neglected, however, given its sensitivity, the details still needed to be decided. One of the aims of the Swedish General Assembly Presidency was to start thematic debates on issues of common interest, thus trying to bring in some new blood into the work of the Assembly so it would reflect to a higher degree the real problems of the world and have a culture of more interactive debate rather than prepared speeches. He asserted that Jan Eliasson, President of the 29

35 Sixtieth Session of the General Assembly, aimed to put the initiatives taken at the United Nations to a field test to see how diplomatic decisions translate into action. Ambassador Wide went on to say that the cooperation with civil society that began with the Informal Hearings of the General Assembly with NGOs, civil society organizations and the private sector, would continue and the new General Assembly President would look into how relationships with civil society could be further developed.... to bring in some new blood into the work of the Assembly so it would reflect to a higher degree the real problems of the world and have a culture of more interactive debate rather than prepared speeches. Lars-Hjalmar Wide MELBA PRIA OLAVARRIETA, Chief, Special Unit for Attention to Non-Governmental Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico, spoke of the changing face of the United Nations system. The agenda had transformed, new issues had evolved and new actors had emerged on the global stage. Non-governmental organizations today have to strike a balance between working within the UN and working to change it. One issue that Ms. Pria Olavarrieta emphasized was the need for civil society to act on a local level before attempting to tackle problems facing the international community. We have to make international issues part of local and political campaigns. There was also a need to make governments understand how NGOs think and operate and a need for NGOs to understand the inner workings of governments. Once each can better understand the other, progress, cooperation and partnerships were more likely. With common goals, results were more attainable. Civil society had the responsibility to work together with the international system and to protect our world. When I say and hear spare no effort, and every voice counts, I can only think that the world was not only inherited by us, by our parents, but also loaned to us by our children. Question and Answer Period In response to a question about how the 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference would directly affect the Summit Outcome Document, Ambassador Wide commented that the direct effects of the civil society community were many and difficult to pinpoint. Because of the Conference s proximity to the Summit, the impact of the Conference on the Outcome Document would be limited. However, the Conference provided another example of the inclusion and importance of the civil society voice within the United Nations system. What has an influence is the ongoing dialogue with civil society in all of its aspects. Within the document there were a number of areas that have been enhanced because of the active participation of civil society. Some of these areas include development, gender issues and the environment. When asked about the contribution that multinational corporations made to the issue of poverty, Mr. Ritchie commented that their role was multifaceted and often contradictory. On one hand, multinationals created numerous jobs that resulted in lower levels of poverty as a result of employment. However, there was concern about the way in which business among multinational corporations was conducted. Mr. Ritchie pointed out a number of efforts, including the United Nations Global Compact, which strived to promote corporate social responsibility and hold multinationals The panelists for Spare No Effort: 2015 Is Now receive a standing ovation. accountable for their business practices. 30

36 Ms. Pria Olavarrieta responded to a question that suggested changing the name of the United Nations to be more inclusive. She proposed that the name of the institution did not matter. Whatever the intergovernmental body was to be called, it needed to represent a strong body of nations united towards the common goal of a more peaceful and more secure world for all of the earth s inhabitants. On the issue of job creation, Mr. Somavia said that the issue at hand was that governments did not include job creation as a national priority. What governments had to do was to make work policy an objective and not the eventual result of economic policies. Economic growth was not enough to promote jobs. Employment was not necessarily generated as a result of an improving economy. Strident efforts were needed to create jobs and allow for job-led economic growth in a country. 31

37 We the Peoples: Every Voice Counts Friday, 9 September 2005 Closing Session 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Conference Room 4 SHASHI THAROOR, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, during the closing session of the 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference, once again thanked Conference participants and reminded them that their hard work would pay off. In the three days of the Conference, a difference had already been made. It was clear that the opening of a new phase of civil society engagement with the United Nations would begin. In addition, both civil society and Member States looked forward to joining campaigns and advancing a shared agenda. A strong advocate of many of the issues valued by civil society, the Under-Secretary-General emphasized his keen interest in human security, human development and human rights. Introducing Secretary- General Kofi Annan, Mr. Tharoor pointed out that even at his busiest time, on the eve of the 2005 World Summit, the Secretary-General had insisted on addressing the DPI/NGO Conference, a true testament to the importance of civil society in the United Nations system. In his closing remarks, Mr. Tharoor assured Conference participants that their voices are being heard. And your message is clear. You have demanded that the Member States do the right thing and ensure that the outcome of next week s World Summit is a truly worthy event, worthy of the support of you the NGOs, you, the civil society and of the hundreds of thousands of individual citizens. In the days leading to the World Summit, NGOs demonstrated that the reform of the United Nations needed to strengthen the Organization so that the United Nations was prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century. And your message is clear. You have demanded that the Member States do the right thing and ensure that the outcome of next week s World Summit is a truly worthy event, worthy of the support of you the NGOs, you, the civil society and of the hundreds of thousands of individual citizens. Shashi Tharoor KOFI ANNAN, Secretary-General, noted that the remarkable turnout of civil society representatives at the 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference, the biggest in history, was further proof of civil society s commitment to the global mission of the United Nations. The NGO revolution was among the list of major issues and events that had helped shape Kofi Annan s nine-year tenure leading the Organization. The Secretary- General recognized the enormous presence of civil society around the world and the efforts of NGOs to work hand-in-hand with the United Nations. The truth is that NGOs are working with us everywhere: alongside us whenever crisis strikes; right behind us in advocating for women s rights, international criminal justice and Kofi Annan greets Joseph Donnelly at the Closing Session of the Conference. action on global warming; and often far out in front of us identifying new threats and concerns. On the eve of the 2005 World Summit, which was potentially of tremendous consequence for all peoples, NGOs had made a significant impact on the process of making sure every voice was heard. Now that civil society s role in the Summit negotiations was nearly over, the Secretary-General urged participants to closely review what happened next. Whatever is decided and achieved, the United Nations cannot move ahead on its 32

38 own. The Secretary-General urged civil society to monitor developments at the national level and help assure that promises were kept. In conclusion, the Secretary-General noted the importance of the relationships between the United Nations and the NGO community. The relationship between us can never be measured by the number of NGOs attending global conferences or taking part in meetings at UN Headquarters. What really matters is what happens out there, in the world and on the ground. The truth is that NGOs are working with us everywhere: alongside us whenever crisis strikes; right behind us in advocating for women s rights, international criminal justice and action on global warming; and often far out in front of us identifying new threats and concerns. Kofi Annan SHIRIN EBADI, Founder and Former President, National Association in Support of Children s Rights; President, Human Rights Defence Centre, Iran, began her keynote address by thanking Conference participants for the opportunity to join the activists to discuss the challenges we face together. The primary theme of Ms. Ebadi s speech was the relationship between governments and NGOs. She declared that all NGOs must be independent from their respective governments and indicated that civil society must act as the mediating force between the general public and government. The most important function they perform is to convey the needs, Shirin Ebadi receives a standing ovation from Shashi Tharoor, Paul Hoeffell and Kofi Annan. wants, and at times, concerns and criticisms of the people to the governments, offering ideas to correct shortcomings or improve existing conditions and matters. Ms. Ebadi suggested that the international community take an active stance to ensure that no socities exist where governments obstruct the work of NGOs. One major concern was the presence of government NGOs, GONGOs... that present the agenda of the autocratic state while pretending to be non-partisan and by doing so prevent the true voice of the people from being heard. With regards to United Nations reform, Ms. Ebadi recommended that international human rights NGOs become new members of the body that will replace the Human Rights Commission. As a result of their expansive outreach, such organizations could act without the fear of governments. While Ms. Ebadi recognized that many of her suggestions came across to listeners as idealistic, she nonetheless encouraged civil society representatives to think idealistically and act in a pragmatic manner. We all know that significant human accomplishments often begin with a dream. I would also suggest that international human rights organizations such as the International Federation of Human Rights, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch become voting members of the new body that will replace the Human Rights Commission. Shirin Ebadi JOSEPH DONNELLY, Co-chair, 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference, reiterated that it had been an honour to work as the Co-chair of the Conference. The 1,788 registrants who had arrived from 86 countries out of the 124 registered, and from 698 organizations of the 1,200 registered, had conquered some of the silence. We have come to this historic house where challenge, renewal and partnership are imperative to confirm our absolute and unconditional commitment to humanity. Mr. Donnelly asked Conference participants what voice they had heard and what new voice each would take home to ensure that no voice went unheard. NGOs had faced numerous challenges, but they had also taken advantage of many opportunities. Despite positive efforts, there was much more that remained to be done. It seems now that this 58th Annual Conference will be recorded in the United Nations archives as part 33

39 of the critical moment, the kairos moment, when needs, challenges, peoples and partners met in full force to assure our constituencies, six billion people around the world, that this Summit opportunity will not be squandered. We have come to this historic house where challenge, renewal and partnership are imperative to confirm our absolute and unconditional commitment to humanity. Joseph Donnelly Shirin Ebadi, Shashi Tharoor and Kofi Annan. 34