Announcement

The NGO Section of the Department of Public Information is pleased to announce the 54th Annual Conference for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI). The NGO Section of DPI in cooperation with the Executive Committee of Non-Governmental Organizations associated with DPI organizes the Conference. The Conference is open to representatives of NGOs associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI), those in consultative status with the United Nations through the Economic and Social Council, and those working with UN agencies and programmes and with UN Information Centres and Services. The Conference will be held at United Nations Headquarters in New York from Monday to Wednesday, 10-12 September 2001.

The working title for this year's Conference is NGOs Today: Diversity of the Volunteer Experience. While non-governmental organizations associated with the United Nations strive to be more professional, more inclusive and more accountable in their work, it remains the spirit of volunteerism that provides the people power, the energy and most of the funds required to carry out their diverse activities.

The conference will address the broad range of voluntary support that organizations and individuals provide to the NGO community, including office work, fieldwork, fundraising, outreach and events. From country to country and region to region, there are diverse ways in which this volunteerism manifests itself. The Western-style philanthropic traditions are by no means the only models. Volunteerism is an expected way to participate in and contribute to the betterment of society in many cultures. The Conference will explore the diversity of the volunteer experience around the world and identify ways in which this essential spirit can be amplified and put to better use, particularly in the context of the United Nations. The subject of volunteerism will be viewed in conjunction with the International Year of Volunteers 2001 (IYV), which provides a unique opportunity to highlight the achievements of the millions of volunteers worldwide and to encourage more people globally to engage in volunteer activity.

The Conference will open on 10 September in the General Assembly Hall with addresses by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the President of the 55th General Assembly, Mr. Harri Holkeri. After keynote addresses, the Conference will feature five morning and afternoon panels, as well as numerous Midday NGO Workshops. Speakers will include eminent personalities, high-level government and UN officials, and representatives of civil society from all regions of the world. Last year, over 1,700 people from 58 countries, representing 465 NGOs, attended 53rd Annual DPI/NGO Conference: Global Solidarity: The Way to Peace and International Cooperation, and we expect an even greater number this year. Letters of invitation and registration forms have been sent to NGOs associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI) and those in consultative status with the United Nations through the Economic and Social Council. Members and staff of NGOs, especially those involved in the production of public information materials, are encouraged to participate. We also encourage community leaders, educators, youth, and the media to attend. Please note that we must limit the number of participants from any one organization to no more than five in order to allow others to participate.

All participants, including those who already have a UN grounds pass, are required to pre-register for the Conference. Please register immediately in order to ensure timely receipt of your confirmation letter and a special invitation to the Conference Reception organized by the NGO/DPI Executive Committee on 11 September. Also, be advised that the DPI/NGO Section cannot assist NGO representatives in obtaining U.S. visas, and we cannot fax confirmation letters to U.S. embassies. Arrangements for travel, visa and accommodations, as well as all expenses related to participation in the Conference, must be provided for entirely by the participants or their sponsoring organization. All registration forms must be received no later than 20 July 2001. The completed registration form should be returned to the NGO Section of the Department of Public Information:

DPI/NGO Resource Centre, Room L-1B-31
United Nations
New York, NY 10017 USA
Fax: (212) 963-2819

If your organization would like to send representatives but have not received the invitation letter and registration form, please contact the DPI/NGO Resource Centre at the address or fax above, at tel.: (212) 963-7233/7234/7078, or e-mail: dpingo@un.org.
We look forward to your participation in the conference.

Accreditation
Form 2006

22-23 Feb. 2006 Annual DPI/NGO Orientation
Programme