Programme
"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."
- Article 1of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
This year’s DPI/NGO Conference is significant for two main reasons. One is the fact that for the first time in its 60-year history the annual meeting will take place outside of the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The second reason is, of course, the fact that 2008 marks the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
We
are pleased to announce that Madame Simone Veil has agreed
to be the key note speaker at this year’s 61st Annual
DPI/NGO Conference in Paris, France 3-5 September.
Madame Simone Veil is considered one of the world’s most courageous, powerful and influential people and a tireless advocate for human rights. We are honoured to have her participate in the Paris conference.
The Conference aims to raise awareness among the worldwide NGO community, especially among those not working specifically in this field, on the important role that the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, and its attendant Convenants, has on all facets of NGO work. The meeting will give an opportunity for wide cross sections of the global NGO community, civil society organizations, grassroots constituencies, UN agencies and organizations, Member States, and representatives of the media, academia, the private sector and other institutions to share knowledge and experience about how best to promote and contribute to the advancement of human rights around the world.
The Conference runs from September 3-5 September 2008. What makes this year’s session different is the new format. Not only will there be the customary roundtable discussions but this year for the first time these will be followed by breakout sessions. These sessions it is hoped will give greater opportunity for exchange of ideas in smaller more personal groups. Details of the speakers involved in the Roundtable discussions as well as their biographies will be posted as they are confirmed. Emphasis this year will be on participation and opportunity for real dialogue and these will take place in the daily Midday Workshops that will be organized by NGOs. The Conference programme will also include Opening and Closing sessions, which will feature eminent speakers in the field of human rights. These will be posted as soon as they become available.