The NGO Section of the Department of Public Information is pleased to announce the 55th Annual Conference for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI). The NGO Section of DPI organizes the Conference in cooperation with the Executive Committee of Non-Governmental Organizations associated with DPI. 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, 9-11 September 2002.

This year's Conference title "Rebuilding Societies Emerging from Conflict: A Shared Responsibility", will explore the role of the international community in supporting societies emerging from conflicts, focusing on those contemporary examples that have been the subject of concerted United Nations involvement. It will examine the common experiences of these efforts, their shortcomings and successes, highlighting best practices that people have developed to live together peacefully. The Conference will feature speakers including United Nations and Government officials and NGO representatives who have first-hand field experience, and citizens who have lived through the violence or are in the forefront of civil society efforts of recovery and re-establishment of the rule of law.

It will also draw on the experiences of cultural leaders, journalists, academics and medical professionals whose work has focused on understanding the process of recovery and reconciliation and the painstaking efforts at peace building in societies emerging from conflict. Among the possible examples that will be the focus of discussion are the post-conflict situations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Afghanistan, East Timor, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Africa. The conference will also review efforts underway to address potential post-conflict conditions in countries like Angola and Sudan.

The Conference will open on 9 September in the General Assembly Hall with addresses by keynote speakers. The Conference will feature five morning and afternoon panels, as well as thirty 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. These will include representatives of NGOs, academia, the private sector and the media who have first-hand field experience, as well as citizens who have lived through the violent conflict or are in the forefront of civil society efforts of recovery and the re-establishment of the rule of law.

Last year, more than 2,000 people from 90 countries, representing more than 600 NGOs registered for the Conference, which has become the premier NGO event at the United Nations Headquarters. Unfortunately, after the opening day, which concluded with a reception for over 700 participants, the next two days of the Conference were disrupted by the tragic events of 11 September. The Conference, however, held a special session on 13 September 2001 that demonstrated that the spirit of volunteerism and the valuable work performed by the United Nations and non-governmental organizations would continue even under the most difficult circumstances.

We would like to point out that the Conference is intended for NGOs that are associated with the Department of Public Information (DPI) or in consultative status with ECOSOC. We extend this invitation to members and staff of these organizations, especially those involved in the production of their organizations public information materials. Please note that we must limit the number of participants from any one organization to no more than five persons in order to allow others to participate. We also encourage community leaders, educators, youth, and the media to attend.

In addition, non-affiliated NGOs may be invited to attend the conference, at the discretion of DPI. Interested NGOs with relevant experience in the thematic area of the Conference may contact the United Nations Information Centres/Services in their country/region and inform them of their interest in attending the Conference. DPI will consider issuing invitations to NGOs based on recommendations from UNICs/UNISes. Note that UNICs/UNISes may be replicating the Conference on a national level and may welcome your participation in their event

All participants, including those who already have a UN grounds pass, are required to pre-register for the Conference. Please register soon 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 9 September. All registration forms must be received by 20 July 2002. Registration forms should be returned to the NGO Section of the Department of Public Information at:

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

Unfortunately, the Department of Public Information cannot provide any financial assistance to NGOs and their representatives invited to attend the conference. Also, be advised that the DPI/NGO Section cannot assist NGO representatives in obtaining United States visas, and we cannot fax confirmation letters to United States 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

We look forward to your participation in the conference.

Accreditation
Form 2006

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