[From nobody Mon Sep 10 20:06:09 2007 X-Apparently-To: delynana2002@yahoo.fr via 217.12.10.216; Sat, 25 Jun 2005 12:03:19 -0700 X-Originating-IP: [213.55.2.207] Return-Path: <bureau-admin@wsis-cs.org> Authentication-Results: mta203.mail.mud.yahoo.com from=ngocongo.org; domainkeys=neutral (no sig) Received: from 213.55.2.207 (EHLO seven.gn.apc.org) (213.55.2.207) by mta203.mail.mud.yahoo.com with SMTP; Sat, 25 Jun 2005 12:03:18 -0700 Received: from seven.gn.apc.org (localhost.localdomain [127.0.0.1]) by seven.gn.apc.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id EFC2A3A58; Sat, 25 Jun 2005 20:03:06 +0100 (BST) Delivered-To: bureau@mailman.greennet.org.uk Received: from mail.gn.apc.org (mail.gn.apc.org [217.72.179.5]) by seven.gn.apc.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id 5D6D23A28 for <bureau@mailman.greennet.org.uk>; Sat, 25 Jun 2005 20:02:16 +0100 (BST) Received: from localhost (unknown [192.168.0.2]) by mail.gn.apc.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id D12051CFB0 for <bureau@wsis-cs.org>; Sat, 25 Jun 2005 20:02:19 +0100 (BST) Received: from homer2.tic.ch (homer2.tic.ch [193.193.144.2]) by mail.gn.apc.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id CFE151CD36 for <bureau@wsis-cs.org>; Sat, 25 Jun 2005 20:02:18 +0100 (BST) Received: from PORTABLEBLOEM (ts003d0161.nyc-ny.xod.concentric.net [66.236.160.161]) (authenticated bits=0) by homer2.tic.ch (8.13.3/8.13.3) with ESMTP id j5PJ1lSn004369; Sat, 25 Jun 2005 21:02:00 +0200 From: "Renata Bloem" <rbloem@ngocongo.org> To: "bureau wsis" <bureau@wsis-cs.org>, <Plenary@wsis-cs.org> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0025_01C579C9.1C0E6520" X-Mailer: Microsoft Office Outlook, Build 11.0.5510 Thread-Index: AcV5uFQcgmna54cET7OMTmTtUxY6Ag== X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.2800.1441 X-Virus-Scanned: by amavisd-new at gn.apc.org X-Spam-Status: No, hits=0.3 tagged_above=-999.0 required=3.9 tests=HTML_60_70, HTML_FONT_BIG, HTML_MESSAGE, HTML_NONELEMENT_20_30 X-Spam-Level: Subject: [CS Bureau] Re: Next GFC meetings Sender: bureau-admin@wsis-cs.org Errors-To: bureau-admin@wsis-cs.org X-BeenThere: bureau@wsis-cs.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.0.6 Precedence: bulk Reply-To: List-Help: <mailto:bureau-request@wsis-cs.org?subject=help> List-Post: <mailto:bureau@wsis-cs.org> List-Subscribe: <http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/bureau>, <mailto:bureau-request@wsis-cs.org?subject=subscribe> List-Id: Civil Society Bureau, WSIS <bureau.wsis-cs.org> List-Unsubscribe: <http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/bureau>, <mailto:bureau-request@wsis-cs.org?subject=unsubscribe> List-Archive: <http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/public/bureau/> Date: Sat, 25 Jun 2005 21:01:44 +0200 Content-Length: 9235 This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0025_01C579C9.1C0E6520 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Dear all, I agree with all of you, but just before we send out a letter (s) let us recall the facts: The GFC was established with the objective to help the President with the Drafting of the Tunis Outcome Document, or rather getting the elements together for this document. Real negotiations will only take place at PrepComs. As a restricted body, the GFC -other than the WGIG- was created without the participation of CS, but also without the participation of many governments and other stakeholders. Modalities for its operations were therefore: To have a number of open meetings for all stakeholders and a number of closed meetings (in which only other governments were allowed to sit in as silent observers). In the two open meetings the GFC held between PrepCom1 and PrepCom2, CONGO each time deplored the fact that this was the only WSIS body not in line with the multi stake holder approach. President Karklins, as his predecessor Samassekou, is very open to CS input, but is nevertheless bound to look always for consensus. (And apparently some members of the Governmental Bureau want to keep some prerogatives for Governments) Therefore CS was invited along with other stakeholders to send their input to these open meetings or in writing (by deadline) to be included in the compilation of contributions which were to be considered at PrepCom2. (CONGO and NGLS had sent out each time notes to the Bureau and Plenary to these effects) At PrepCom2 we had the opportunity to speak to the then draft Outcome Document. (Agenda of PrepCom2). At the end of PrepCom2 there was some sort of agreement that the GFC would not meet any more before PrepCom3, but that all stakeholders were allowed to contribute once more in writing until the deadline of 30 May (on Chapter 1 and 4) which would then be compiled by the Secretariat for PrepCom3. However, during the ITU (so-called open) Consultation on follow up on 2 May (not officially part of the WSIS process) those of us who were there demanded quite strongly to have official consultations within WSIS on follow up for all stakeholders. The Governmental Bureau then decided to have another round of the GFC, beginning with the open meeting on June 13 (you all have received our notes), followed by three closed meetings June 27, July 4, July 11 and another open meeting if needed on July 18. When at the end of the June 13 meeting Karklins announced the next closed round on June 27, he mentioned that (as established for the GFC) other Governments could sit in as silent observers and (!) he would not throw out any silent CS representative, should any be there. Apparently there was another Bureau meeting during which this last part was revoked. So in general what we are now facing is not a new situation (throwing CS out) but rather the rebuke for Karklins who had tried his best to be more open to CS. In light of the new (more open) developments we have just experienced here in New York during the UNGA CS Hearings, we have better positions. It will be good to use them wisely. FYI below the Opening Statement Official Press Releases for the two day Hearings can be found on Fifty-Ninth General Assembly Plenary 105th and 106th Meeting GA/10359 23 June 2005 GA/10361 24 June 2005 Best regards, Renata General Assembly Hearings with Civil Society New York, 23-24 June 2005 Opening Statement by Renate Bloem President of the Conference of NGOs (CONGO) Mr. President Madam Deputy Secretary-General Excellencies Colleagues and friends Ladies and Gentlemen, Today is a historic moment in time: for the first time ever, since the founding of the United Nations, the General Assembly is holding hearings with civil society and the private sector. These hearings represent a significant step forward for the United Nations itself, and for all of us in civil society which overall is such a constant supporter of the principles of the United Nations and of Multilateralism. At the Opening of the hearings my own emotion is strong since the Conference of NGOs (CONGO) has for 57 years worked intensively to enhance the participation of civil society in UN fora. This moment was long awaited by NGOs that have advocated for decades to have a special relationship with the General Assembly, the highest deliberative body of the Organisation. Our appeal has been heard by the Secretary General himself who, following the Cardoso report, in his report "In larger freedom" agrees that "the goals of the United Nations can only be achieved if civil society and Governments are fully engaged" and that "prior to major events, the Assembly could institute the practice of holding interactive hearings between Member States and Civil Society representatives that have the necessary expertise on the issues on the agenda". This moment has now come, and I welcome all Governments who are here to interact with us. The Summit in September does indeed constitute a "major event" that will take place in this very Assembly Hall. The seats will be occupied by world leaders who have the capacity to make decisions that will affect not only the future of the United Nations, but the kind of world we and our children will be living in. It is time for all of us to speak up for what we believe in and for the voices of the world's peoples - particularly women, youth, the elderly and indigenous peoples - to be heard. We come from a great diversity of backgrounds, traditions, interests and values, but we do share a profound conviction that the United Nations is essential and that its effectiveness depends on giving operational reality to the interdependence of development, security and human rights in all its programs. If today is indeed a crucial moment in history, it builds on a long history of growing interaction between governments and civil society. The founders of the United Nations themselves have granted to NGOs, through article 71 of the Charter, a consultative relationship with the Economic and Social Council. The extraordinary cycle of the UN World Conferences held before and especially throughout the 1990's and the process of democratization has in turn led to a remarkable growth in the number of NGOs and civil society movements and the scope and the diversity of their activities. The 2000 Millennium Forum and the activities of the Millennium+5 NGO Network have further enhanced communality through diversity. When on 26 June we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Charter of the United Nations we should never forget that it is proclaimed in the name of "We the Peoples". We mark the evolution of international relations and the emergence of a global civil society which at this time as never before rallies around the Millennium Development Goals and the Campaign and Global Call to Action against Poverty. So it is vital that the General Assembly will listen to these voices and we are grateful to you, Mr. President, and to you Madam Deputy Secretary-General, for your leadership in making this happen. However, the September 2005 General Assembly is very close, and these hearings constitute one of the last moments to take our input into consideration. Representatives of NGOs, civil society and the private sector have come prepared to offer their ideas and recommendations, often based on first hand experience of the issues they are going to address: on poverty and development, on human rights, on peace and security and on the need to shape a more democratic system of global governance by reforming and strengthening the United Nations. This civil society experience and competence in real-world issues is surely what led the Cardoso Panel to call for greater integration of civil society viewpoints at all levels of the United Nations policy discussions. Responsible civil society input enhances responsible government output! We thus hope that in 2005 our voices will not only be listened to but heard, so that we may have a substantive impact on the document to be submitted to the Summit in September. We have the draft of this document to hand and we are therefore in a position to assess the extend to which our contributions to the negotiations are valued by member states. We shall be watching very closely to see which of our recommendations will be reflected in the final document. Let me also express the hope that this hearing will not constitute an isolated event, but that it will help us to move from an historical precedent to a more formal institutionalized way of Civil Society interacting with the work of the General Assembly. We think these hearings are a good beginning and could be repeated at the start of each General Assembly session. Finally, Mr President, I want to pay tribute to you for setting up a Civil Society Task Force to assist you in preparing for the Hearings and to thank the members of the Task Force for the tremendous amount of work they have done in a very short time. We have come to a point in time where multi stake holder partnerships between governments, international organizations, civil society and the private sector, are not an option any more, but a vital necessity for achieving the Millennium Development Goals. We are entering a new era when governments and civil society must work hand in hand to relegate wars, poverty and violations of human rights to the dustbin of history. That is the new Millennium the world needs! Renate Bloem President of the Conference of NGOs (CONGO) 11, Avenue de la Paix CH-1202 Geneva Tel: +41 22 301 1000 Fax: +41 22 301 2000 E-mil: rbloem@ngocongo.org Website: www.ngocongo.org The Conference of NGOs (CONGO) is an international, membership association that facilitates the participation of NGOs in United Nations debates and decisions. Founded in 1948, CONGO's major objective is to ensure the presence of NGOs in exchanges among the world's governments and United Nations agencies on issues of global concern. For more information see our website at www.ngocongo.org . ------=_NextPart_000_0025_01C579C9.1C0E6520 Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable <html xmlns:o=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" = xmlns:w=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" = xmlns:st1=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" = xmlns=3D"http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV=3D"Content-Type" CONTENT=3D"text/html; = charset=3Dus-ascii"> <meta name=3DGenerator content=3D"Microsoft Word 11 (filtered medium)"> <o:SmartTagType = namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name=3D"State"/> <o:SmartTagType = namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name=3D"City"/> <o:SmartTagType = namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name=3D"country-region"/> <o:SmartTagType = namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name=3D"place"/> <!--[if !mso]> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} h3 {mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0cm; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0cm; font-size:13.5pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline;} span.EmailStyle17 {mso-style-type:personal-compose; font-family:Arial; color:windowtext;} @page Section1 {size:595.3pt 841.9pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> </head> <body lang=3DEN-GB link=3Dblue vlink=3Dpurple> <div class=3DSection1> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>Dear all,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>I agree with all of you, but just before we send out = a letter (s) let us recall the facts:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>The GFC was established with the objective to help = the President with the Drafting of the Tunis Outcome Document, or rather = getting the elements together for this document. Real negotiations will only = take place at PrepComs. &nbsp;As a restricted body, the GFC -other than the WGIG- = was created without the participation of CS, but also without the participation of many = governments and other stakeholders. Modalities for its operations were therefore: To = have a number of open meetings for all stakeholders and a number of closed = meetings (in which only other governments were allowed to sit in as silent = observers). &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>In the two open meetings the GFC held between = PrepCom1 and PrepCom2, <st1:country-region w:st=3D"on"><st1:place = w:st=3D"on">CONGO</st1:place></st1:country-region> each time deplored the fact that this was the only WSIS body not in line = with the multi stake holder approach. President Karklins, as his predecessor Samassekou, is very open to CS input, but is nevertheless bound to look = always for consensus. (And apparently some members of the Governmental Bureau = want to keep some prerogatives for Governments)&nbsp; Therefore CS was invited = along with other stakeholders to send their input to these open meetings or in = writing (by deadline) to be included in the compilation of contributions which were = to be considered at PrepCom2. (<st1:country-region w:st=3D"on"><st1:place = w:st=3D"on">CONGO</st1:place></st1:country-region> and NGLS had sent out each time notes to the Bureau and Plenary to these effects)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>At PrepCom2 we had the opportunity to speak to the = then draft Outcome Document. (Agenda of PrepCom2). &nbsp;At the end of = PrepCom2 there was some sort of agreement that the GFC would not meet any more before = PrepCom3, but that all stakeholders were allowed to contribute once more in = writing until the deadline of 30 May (on Chapter 1 and 4) which would then be compiled = by the Secretariat for PrepCom3.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>However, during the ITU (so-called open) Consultation = on follow up on 2 May (not officially part of the WSIS process) those of us = who were there demanded quite strongly to have official consultations within = WSIS on follow up for all stakeholders. The Governmental Bureau then decided = to have another round of the GFC, beginning with the open meeting on June 13 = (you all have received our notes), followed by three closed meetings June 27, = July 4, July 11 and another open meeting if needed on July = 18.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>When at the end of the June 13 meeting Karklins = announced the next closed round on June 27, he mentioned that (as established for = the GFC) other Governments could sit in as silent observers and (!) he would not = throw out any silent CS representative, should any be there. Apparently there = was another Bureau meeting during which this last part was revoked. = <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>So in general what we are now facing is not a new = situation (throwing CS out) but rather the rebuke for Karklins who had tried his = best to be more open to CS. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>In light of the new (more open) developments we have = just experienced here in <st1:State w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on">New = York</st1:place></st1:State> during the UNGA CS Hearings, we have better positions. It will be good = to use them wisely. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>FYI below the Opening Statement = <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>Official Press Releases for the two day Hearings can = be found on <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>Fifty-Ninth General Assembly = Plenary<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>105<sup>th</sup> and 106<sup>th</sup> = Meeting<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>GA/10359 23 June 2005 <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>GA/10361 24 June 2005<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>Best regards,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>Renata<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font = size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span = style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font = size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span = style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font = size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span = style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font = size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span = style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span = style=3D'font-size: 12.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span = style=3D'font-size: 12.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font = size=3D5 face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:18.0pt;font-family:Arial'>General = Assembly Hearings with Civil Society<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter = style=3D'text-align:center'><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:State w:st=3D"on"><font size=3D4 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;font-family: Arial'>New York</span></font></st1:State></st1:place><font size=3D4 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Arial'>, 23-24 June = 2005<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font = size=3D2 face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Opening = Statement by<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font = size=3D2 face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Renate = Bloem<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font = size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>President of the Conference of NGOs (<st1:country-region w:st=3D"on"><st1:place = w:st=3D"on">CONGO</st1:place></st1:country-region>)<o:p></o:p></span></fo= nt></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-align:justify'><font size=3D2 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></fo= nt></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-align:justify'><font size=3D2 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></fo= nt></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-align:justify'><font size=3D2 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></fo= nt></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-align:justify'><font size=3D2 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Mr. = President<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-align:justify'><font size=3D2 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Madam Deputy = Secretary-General <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-align:justify'><font size=3D2 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Excellencies<o:p></o:p></spa= n></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-align:justify'><font size=3D2 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Colleagues and friends = <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-align:justify'><font size=3D2 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Ladies and Gentlemen, = <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-align:justify'><font size=3D2 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></fo= nt></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-align:justify'><font size=3D2 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbs= p;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Today is a historic moment in time: for the first time ever, since the founding of the = United Nations, the General Assembly is holding hearings with civil society and = the private sector. These hearings represent a significant step forward for = the United Nations itself, and for all of us in civil society which overall = is such a constant supporter of the principles of the United Nations and of Multilateralism. At the Opening of the hearings my own emotion is strong = since the Conference of NGOs (CONGO) has for 57 years worked intensively to = enhance the participation of civil society in UN fora.&nbsp; = &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-align:justify'><font size=3D2 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></fo= nt></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal = style=3D'text-align:justify;text-indent:36.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>This = moment was long awaited by NGOs that have advocated for decades to have a special relationship with the General Assembly, the highest deliberative body of = the Organisation. Our appeal has been heard by the Secretary General himself = who, following the Cardoso report, in his report &#8220;In larger freedom&#8221; agrees = that &#8220;the goals of the United Nations can only be achieved if civil = society and Governments are fully engaged&#8221; and that &#8220;prior to major = events, the Assembly could institute the practice of holding interactive = hearings between Member States and Civil Society representatives that have the = necessary expertise on the issues on the agenda&#8221;. This moment has now come, = and I welcome all Governments who are here to interact with = us.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-align:justify'><font size=3D2 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></fo= nt></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal = style=3D'text-align:justify;text-indent:36.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>The = <st1:City w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on">Summit</st1:place></st1:City> in = September does indeed constitute a &#8220;major event&#8221; that will take place in = this very Assembly Hall. The seats will be occupied by world leaders who have the capacity to make decisions that will affect not only the future of the = United Nations, but the kind of world we and our children will be living in. It = is time for all of us to speak up for what we believe in and for the voices = of the world&#8217;s peoples &#8211; particularly women, youth, the elderly and indigenous peoples &#8211; to be heard. We come from a great diversity = of backgrounds, traditions, interests and values, but we do share a = profound conviction that the United Nations is essential and that its = effectiveness depends on giving operational reality to the interdependence of = development, security and human rights in all its = programs.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-align:justify'><font size=3D2 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></fo= nt></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal = style=3D'text-align:justify;text-indent:36.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>If today = is indeed a crucial moment in history, it builds on a long history of growing = interaction between governments and civil society. The founders of the United = Nations themselves have granted to NGOs, through article 71 of the Charter, a consultative relationship with the Economic and Social Council. = </span></font><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span lang=3DEN-US = style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>The extraordinary cycle of the UN World Conferences held before and = especially throughout the 1990&#8217;s and the process of democratization has in = turn led to a remarkable growth in the number of NGOs and civil society&nbsp; = &nbsp;movements and the scope and the diversity of their activities. The 2000 Millennium = Forum and the activities of the Millennium+5 NGO Network have further enhanced communality through diversity. </span></font><font size=3D2 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p= > <p class=3DMsoNormal = style=3D'text-align:justify;text-indent:36.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>When on = 26 June we celebrate the 60<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the signing of the Charter = of the United Nations we should never forget that it is proclaimed in the name = of &#8220;We the Peoples&#8221;. We mark the evolution of international = relations and the emergence of a global civil society which at this time as never = before rallies around the Millennium Development Goals and the Campaign and = Global Call to Action against Poverty. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal = style=3D'text-align:justify;text-indent:36.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>&nbsp; = &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal = style=3D'text-align:justify;text-indent:36.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>So it is = vital that the General Assembly will listen to these voices and we are grateful to = you, Mr. President, and to you Madam Deputy Secretary-General, for your = leadership in making this happen. However, the September 2005 General Assembly is = very close, and these hearings constitute one of the last moments to take our = input into consideration.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal = style=3D'text-align:justify;text-indent:36.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Representatives of NGOs, civil society and the private sector have come prepared to offer their = ideas and recommendations, often based on first hand experience of the issues = they are going to address: on poverty and development, on human rights, on = peace and security and on the need to shape a more democratic system of global = governance by reforming and strengthening the United Nations. = &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal = style=3D'text-align:justify;text-indent:36.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>This = civil society experience and competence in real-world issues is surely what led the = Cardoso Panel to call for greater integration of civil society viewpoints at all = levels of the United Nations policy discussions. Responsible civil society = input enhances responsible government output! <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal = style=3D'text-align:justify;text-indent:36.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></fo= nt></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal = style=3D'text-align:justify;text-indent:36.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>We thus = hope that in 2005 our voices will not only be listened to but heard, so that we = may have a substantive impact on the document to be submitted to the <st1:City = w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on">Summit</st1:place></st1:City> in September. We have the = draft of this document to hand and we are therefore in a position to assess the = &nbsp;extend to which our contributions to the negotiations are valued by member = states. We shall be watching very closely to see which of our recommendations will = be reflected in the final document.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-align:justify'><font size=3D2 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></fo= nt></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal = style=3D'text-align:justify;text-indent:36.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Let me = also express the hope that this hearing will not constitute an isolated event, but = that it will help us to move from an historical precedent to a more formal institutionalized way of Civil Society interacting with the work of the = General Assembly. We think these hearings are a good beginning and could be = repeated at the start of each General Assembly session.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal = style=3D'text-align:justify;text-indent:36.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></fo= nt></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal = style=3D'text-align:justify;text-indent:36.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Finally, = Mr President, I want to pay tribute to you for setting up a Civil Society = Task Force to assist you in preparing for the Hearings and to thank the = members of the Task Force for the tremendous amount of work they have done in a = very short time. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal = style=3D'text-align:justify;text-indent:36.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></fo= nt></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-align:justify'><font size=3D2 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbs= p;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We have come to a point in time where multi stake holder partnerships between governments, = international organizations, civil society and the private sector, are not an option = any more, but a vital necessity for achieving the Millennium Development = Goals.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-align:justify'><font size=3D2 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></fo= nt></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal = style=3D'text-align:justify;text-indent:36.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>We are = entering a new era when governments and civil society must work hand in hand to = relegate wars, poverty and violations of human rights to the dustbin of history. = That is the new Millennium the world needs! <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-align:justify'><font size=3D2 = face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></fo= nt></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Arial'>&nbsp;<span = lang=3DEN-US><o:p></o:p></span></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span lang=3DEN-US = style=3D'font-size: 11.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span = style=3D'font-size: 11.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>Renate Bloem<br> President of the Conference of NGOs (<st1:country-region = w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on">CONGO</st1:place></st1:country-region>)<br> 11, Avenue de la Paix<br> CH-1202 <st1:City w:st=3D"on"><st1:place = w:st=3D"on">Geneva</st1:place></st1:City><br> Tel: +41 22 301 1000<br> Fax: +41 22 301 2000<br> E-mil: <a = href=3D"mailto:rbloem@ngocongo.org">rbloem@ngocongo.org</a><br> Website: <a = href=3D"http://www.ngocongo.org">www.ngocongo.org</a></span></font><o:p><= /o:p></p> <div> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span = style=3D'font-size: 12.0pt'>&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DArial><span = style=3D'font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>The Conference of NGOs (CONGO) is an international, membership association that facilitates the participation of NGOs in = United Nations debates and decisions. Founded in 1948, <st1:country-region = w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on">CONGO</st1:place></st1:country-region>'s major objective is = to ensure the presence of NGOs in exchanges among the world's governments = and United Nations agencies on issues of global concern.&nbsp; For more = information see our website at <a = href=3D"http://www.ngocongo.org">www.ngocongo.org</a></span></font><o:p><= /o:p></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span = style=3D'font-size: 12.0pt'>&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal = style=3D'mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New Roman"><span = style=3D'font-size:12.0pt; color:navy'>.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span = style=3D'font-size: 12.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p> </div> </body> </html> ------=_NextPart_000_0025_01C579C9.1C0E6520-- _______________________________________________ Bureau mailing list Bureau@wsis-cs.org http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/bureau ]