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Conference Programme
This year’s DPI/NGO Conference will focus on the facilitation
of individual action plans that address the growing concerns associated
with climate change and its profound and decisive impact on human
well-being. The world is now equipped with a vast body of information,
scientific as well as social and political, all pointing to the
potential devastation of our common world. This conference will
address solutions by helping interested parties to develop concrete
practices that can be both implemented and shared. The goal of
this conference is to build our knowledge of climate change into
the viable habits of everyday practice that ensure a better future.
More than 2,000 Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) and other
civil society partners from 90 countries are expected to attend
the three-day event, from 5 to 7 September 2007, organised by
the Department of Public Information (DPI) in collaboration with
NGO/DPI Executive Committee.
United Nations, government, and NGO representatives as well as
other influential or expert individuals will lead two plenary
sessions, seven roundtables and thirty-two midday workshops to
review the latest scientific evidence on climate change, including
its impact on vulnerable populations, water security, land use,
and the politics of energy. According to experts and scientists,
some of the worst-case scenarios can be avoided by acting swiftly
and decisively at every level of the decision-making process.
Additionally, the conference will highlight the interconnection
between climate change and other Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs). We cannot aspire to have sustainable improvement in the
environment without addressing the root causes of poverty and
the necessity of basic education. The international community’s
ability to meet the MDGs will continue to be challenged unless
all actors including governments, civil society and others take
action now.
The knowledge gained at this conference should assist NGOs in
disseminating information, not just to agencies and governments,
but to friends and neighbours. The information received can help
educate communities of the importance in reducing carbon emissions;
the necessity of encouraging fuel conservation and the search
for energy-efficient alternative fuel sources. Contacts made will
encourage the exchange of best practices and the acceptance of
recommended international standards of behaviour. It will equip
NGOs with the skills to form effective partnerships and create
those viable action plans to carry their efforts forward.
As global citizens, and for the sake of generations to come, we
all have a responsibility to find concrete solutions and to implement
effective, everyday, and meaningful measures. It is not too late
to influence the present and plan for a safer and more sustainable
future.
Conference Schedule
Conference Opening Session
Roundtables
Conference participants can attend four of the following seven
multi-stakeholder roundtables, featuring representatives of the
United Nations, governments, civil society and the private sector.
Each roundtable will have a proactive moderator and four to six
speakers, who will engage in a dialogue with each other and with
the audience. The roundtables will address the following themes:
Conference Closing Session
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