UNA-DR Participates at the 59th Annual DIP/NGO Conference
New York, USA, September 21st, 2006

Over 2,500 representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society activists from more than 90 countries participated in the 59th Annual DPI/NGO Conference.  This event was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from September 6-8, 2006, and aimed to examine ways to strengthen the collaboration between the local communities and the worldwide institutions.  The main topic discussed throughout the conference included the “Unfinished Business: Effective Partnerships for Human Security and Sustainable Development.”   
 
This meeting between the non-governmental organizations, which lasted for a period of three days, was organized by the Department of Public Information (DPI), in collaboration with the Executive Committee of DPI/NGOs and with the participation of associated NGOs and those NGOs recognized as consultative entities by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. The conference had as its main objective, to consolidate goals achieved by the non-governmental organizations and the civil society in debates at the United Nations. These also include the interactive round tables discussions presided by the President of the General Assembly with representatives of the non-governmental organizations, the civil society and the private sector.

The speakers of the Conference were asked to present their accomplishments using examples of effective collaboration in the real life, in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). To ensure an increased exchange of opinions and experiences, the delegations of the NGOs included a representative younger than 30 years old.

The conference is celebrated annually, on the eve of the opening period of the General Assembly sessions, establishing itself as a recognized open forum in order to promote new contacts, and reinforce the exchange of opinions, specific knowledge and recommended practices about different subjects.  Over the last years, there has been more encouragement towards the creation of strategic alliances, including invitation for the Member States to dialogue with the participants in the conference.  This year, a forum was prepared to elaborate politics that help to promote the collaboration between the NGOs and the United Nations. In addition to the five plenary sessions and six round tables, there were thirty workshops hosted for the NGOs, in which had the participation of representatives from the civil society, the United Nations, the governments and the private sector.

Related Links:
www.globalfoundationdd.org/frameset_projects.html