Santo Domingo, D.R. (September 14, 2004) In support of the UN's initiative Millennium Development Goals, the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (FUNGLODE) participated in the 57 th Department of Public Information (DPI) and Non-Government Organizations (ONG) Conference to discuss the subject of Millennium Development Goals: Civil Society Takes Action , that took place at UN Headquarters in New York, September 8-10.

This Conference constitutes the central event of the NGOs gathering every year at the UN. Its purpose is to raise awareness among the public in general on the Millennium Objectives, and to evaluate the progress made in achieving them, identify obstacles, share innovative approaches to work together and learn effective new campaigns adopted by civil society to sensitize the public, and support North/South development programs.

FUNGLODE, represented by Natasha Despotovich, John R. Gagain, Jr., and Francis Lorenzo, sponsored an Open Dialogue among participants from several countries plus Dr. Lenora Suki, Associate Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University. Participants in the discussion exposed the different programs and initiatives adopted to reach the Millennium Development Goals and their implementation.

The results of the analysis, conducted by the Earth Institute, directed by the well-known economist and assistant to the UN Secretary General, Jeffrey Sachs, regarding the present situation of the Millennium Development Goals in the Dominican Republic, were presented at the event.

Mr. Gagain, Director of the Center for Globalization Studies at FUNGLODE, presented the recently created Presidential Commission for the Development of the Millennium Goals and Sustainable Development, Comisión Presidencial sobre los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio y el Desarrollo Sostenible (COPDES) inspired by Dominican President, Leonel Fernández.

Mr. Gagain added that, after the event, " several participants sent their congratulations to President Fernández praising his national and global leadership for the creation of this Presidential Commission and for being an inspiration to other leaders who would also want to follow the example of the Dominican Republic and create a Presidential Commission on the subject."

This 57 th Conference represents a big step in the consultation process between United Nations and Civil Society towards the Millennium Summit 2005.

www.unngodpiconference.org