Midday Workshops

(2) “Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.”

- Article 26 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Midday Workshops have been an integral part of the DPI NGO conference since its early days. They continue to be among the most sought-after events during the packed three days.

Midday workshops are organized for NGOs by NGOs. They are vehicles for peer to peer discussions, to exchange ideas and experiences and share approaches to common problems. The ultimate goal is to have participants take home information and knowledge that they can use in their activities.

The subjects of the Midday Workshops are chosen to enhance the conference themes and to represent thematic as well as regional balance. They are designed to be interactive, and to foster lively audience participation under the leadership of facilitators and expert speakers.

A Committee representing different areas of the NGO world, including NGO partners in Geneva and Paris, have assisted in the selection of this year’s offerings. From the large number of Midday Workshop Proposals received to date from many regions of the world we realize that there is keen interest by NGO participants to exchange experiences, find common ground and share their stories with others working in the field of human rights.

The Committee has worked hard to accommodate as many as possible of the exciting proposals that have been submitted, especially from NGOs and partners new to this process. Some workshops will also offer the opportunity to hear speakers from the plenary session in a more intimate setting and with more chances to ask questions.

We invite all conference attendees to take advantage of this opportunity and join us each day from 1:15 – 2:45 (13:15 – 14:45) for a look at grassroots efforts to secure and implement what we are here to celebrate and affirm: Human Rights for all.