59th Annual UN DPI/NGO Conference (6-8 September 2006)

 

Minutes of the Second Planning Committee Meeting: 26 January 2006

 

 

 

1. Introductory Commments:

The meeting was called to order by Michaela Walsh who explained the flexibility of the Conference plans she proposed last week.  She recommended that the Conference theme and Sub-Committee co-Chairs should be addressed today in order to speed up the process.

A permanent secretary for the Planning Committee is needed; Judith Symonds is a possible candidate. Joan Kirby volunteered to take minutes for this meeting.

 

2. Review of Conference Time-Line and Terms of Reference for Conference Subcommittees.

A decision was taken to refer the time-line and the terms of reference (both of which were received as attachments with the last minutes) for further refinement to the Subcommittee Co-Chairs. They will bring comments to the next meeting.

 

3. Discussion of Nominations for Co-Chairs:

The following were nominated:

 

Registration:

            Michael Sperling (will involve Manhattanville & Fairleigh Dickenson)

            Gloria Landy

Media:

            Joan Levy

            Jeffery Huffines

Midday Workshops:

            Leslie Wright

            Elizabeth Shuman

            Joseph Donnelly

Intergenerational: Discussion centered around creating a committee exclusively for youth. It was agreed that the work of the United Nations emphasized the intergenerational orientation. It was agreed that the name of the committee be changed to the Multi-Generational Sub-committee.

            Gala Narezo

Helen Hamlin

            Jim Collins

Internet:  Young people needed

            Stephanie Sigg

            Vanessa D’Amato

Events (including fundraising for the Conference):  Conference fundraising would be tied to the Executive Committee’s Fundraising Committee through Michaela.        

 

Sherrill Kazan

            Michaela Walsh

            Janet Stovin

Networking:

            Fannie Munlin

            Jackie Schapiro

 

 

            4. Discussion of Conference Theme:           

Michaela Walsh presented her views. To impact the world, the press, corporations, academia and the younger generation we should deal with issues falling within the framework of the MDGs. We should place the MDGs in a more positive light by witnessing to what has been accomplished and to see what is not working. Her proposed theme:

  • The MDGs, a framework for building a just, peaceful and sustainable world.

 

Other sugggestions included:

  • Millennium + 5: The General Assembly Summit including the proposed reforms of the UN
  • In Kosovo, there was no information regarding the MDGs and it is hard to see any implementation. We should continue to concentrate on them
  • Accountability – there are many dollars missing that could have been used to achieve the MDGs
  • The Institute for Subjective Experience and Research from Germany strongly supports the MDGs. Reconciliation is at the core of the MDGs . Proposed topic: UN MDGs Unity and Diversity
  • The Philippines MDG Campaign has targeted youth and has produced a CD called the MDG Album with songs for each of the Goals.
  • We need a broader framework like the High-Level Session for UN Reform and we can do research on ways to reform and strengthen the UN.
  • There should be room in the theme to discuss partnerships – the essential partnerships of NGOs with the UN.
  • Address the Eradication of Poverty – how can the NGO Community achieve this?
  • MDGs have no hook to attract participants. The international cooperation crisis/ multi-lateralism is in crisis. What partnerships will bring us through the crisis. How are NGOs being accountable to eradicate poverty, responsible to protect, etc.
  • Corporate Accountability – bring representatives from corporate world to Planning Session to advise on what corporations feel is most important.
  • Paul presented his views: accountability and responsibility are cross-cutting hot issues for NGOs and certainly central to the UN reform process, in the private sector, among Member States (responsibility to protect still not well understood and controversial among Member States). The MDGs are themselves now, primarily, mechanisms for accountability among Member States. Suggests  that a candid discussion with a possible title The UN and Its Partners: Responsible and Accountable

 

5. Next Meeting: 2 February 2006, Conference Room 2,  3-5 p.m.

 

Minutes submitted by Joan Kirby, Temple of Understanding