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

 

 

Minutes of the Fourth Planning Committee Meeting: 9 February 2006

 

 

 

1.0        Introductory Comments:

Michaela Walsh chaired the meeting.  The agenda for the meeting and the minutes from the last meeting were approved.   The Conference Co-Chairs reported on progress in establishing the organizational and administrative framework for moving ahead on planning for the 59th Congress.

 

2.0  Review of Terms of Reference for Conference Subcommittees

 

Six subcommittees reported on progress to date. The Chair requested that all subcommittees submit the following information by the 9th February meeting:

·         their terms of reference,

·         guidelines,

·         time-frames and

·         list of members.

 The subcommittees were encouraged to make a best effort to share their information among committees. Paul Hoeffel said that everyone on the Planning Committee should be on a subcommittee and should assume responsibilities and be proactive in their involvement.

 

Request that all Committee members respond to meeting invitations and requests.

 

Media Relations

The committee will focus on publicizing the Conference through NGO publications and their networks.  Contributors are requested to “tell a story” and emphasize people and human interest to illustrate what NGOs and partnerships are trying to achieve.   WSPCA offered their services to publicize the Conference through their worldwide network.

 

Multi-generational

The subcommittee sees its role as a bridge between the Planning Committee and the outside world on behalf of the Conference.  Their second goal is to be inclusive and find common ground between the generations. They will involve as many young people as possible and focus on involving youth leaders.  They will undertake a viral outreach campaign, which will encompass the MDGs among other issues.  In addition, the subcommittee plans to host a workshop on best practices.

 

Networking Committee

The subcommittee has examined the effectiveness of previous networking efforts and will submit their plans and outline of goals for the next meeting.

 

Events and Fundraising

They are in the process of discussing fundraising venues, Conference tote bags and other promotional items.  They are already planning to have a journal for the Conference in 2007.

 

 

 

Internet

Michaela Walsh has approached a corporation to contribute developing and promoting existing Conference website.

 

Midday Workshops Committee

Leslie Wright and Elizabeth Schuman reported that the co-chairs met to discuss the guidelines and timetable.  The guidelines were slightly altered and submitted to Michaela.  The timetable and format for the application form will be discussed at the first meeting of the Committee.

 

Troubleshooting

The subcommittee has Joseph Donnelly as a Co-Chair and benefit from his experience as Conference Chair in 2005.Caritas interns will be available to assist with Conference preparations.

 

1.0  Conference Theme and Title

 

Paul Hoeffel encouraged the group to decide upon a title meeting now that focusing on the  MDGs had been agreed upon by virtual unanimity at the last meeting.  The title should be no more than 6 – 8 words and reflects the sub-themes of partnership, security, accountability. 

 

Words/Concept to Include in the Title.  Discussion participants found common ground around the some of the words/concepts that should be included in the title and reflect a continuity of language on these issues as below.  In addition, the message should convey that governments are implicated and need to be part of these partnerships.

 
  • NGOS, Role of NGOs
  • Partnerships
  • Taking concrete actions
  • Development                                                                                                                            
  • Better World
  • The UN
  • Our, We the people
  • Effective(UN issue)

Selected Title Suggestions.  An fruitful exchange was held between  meeting participants.  Title suggestions included:

 

  • Fulfilling the People’s Agenda:  Global Partnerships for the Future
  • Partnerships for a Better World
  • NGOs:  Working/Partnering with the UN for a Better World
  • Fulfilling the MDGs:  Global Partnerships for Development
  • Partnership Strategies for Our Future:  Peace, Justice and Sustainability
  • NGOs & the UN:  Concrete Actions for a Better World
  • The UN & Its Partners:  Fulfilling the People’s Agenda
  • Effective Partnerships for Global Security and Development
  • Effective Partnership Strategies for Human Rights, Security and Development
  • Building Partnerships for Effective UN Reform
  • Effective Partnerships for Our Security and Development
  • The People’s Common Agenda:  the MDG

 

*It was moved and agreed that Paul Hoeffel and Michaela Walsh would decide the title for the Conference, taking inspiration from the discussion and proposals.

 

2.0  Plenary Sessions

 

The following themes were proposed by Michaela Walsh as a basis for determining the substance and titles for the plenary sessions:

 

  • Leadership, Governance and Civil Society
  • Accountability and Transparency
  • Science and Education
  • Communication and Information Technology
  • Values and Multiculturalism

 

Discussion Items/Issues. The following issues were discussed relating to the plenary session themes.

 

  • Panel composition.  Each panel should have a representative from business, government, NGO, UN, academia or media (to vary with panels)
  • Invite 4 New Heads of Government to Speak.  It was suggested that the four new heads of government  be invited to speak:  Liberia, Chile, Ecuador and the Prime Minister of Germany

* It was moved and agreed that the informal contacts should be made to four new heads of government to explore an invitation for the Secretary General.

 

  • Role of Moderators.  There was firm agreement that there should be very strict guidelines for panel moderators:
    • Moderators should be limited to a five minute introduction to the session and introduction of each panelist.
    • They should be strong and  actively involved in ensuring discipline in timing of panel presentations
  • Continue the Precedent of Member State Round-tables.  It was agreed that it was important to continue this important precedent of involving Member States in the dialogue and possibly expanding the Round-Tables. And the planning committee should explore the potential for following the suggestions from last year to expand this format.
  • Three Pillars:  Peace, Development and Security
  • One plenary should be led by a young leader
  • Format:  Explore the potential for a Town Hall Format, like a TV talk show.  This conference should move beyond the talking heads style and involve participants and be more interactive.  This idea supports the round-table concept with Member States and the potential for more interaction and “speaking out.”
  • Need to explore how to incorporate the arts into the programme.
  • Explore avenues for linking to the G8

 

3.0  Other Items

 

3.1  Involvement of UN Information Centers

The role of UN Information Centers in promoting the Conference was discussed and agreed that they are an important resource to be mobilized.

 

 

3.2  Appointment of a Round-table Enhancement Committee

A committee was named to explore how to make the Round Tables an opportunity for a lively and effective NGO discussion with the government representatives. A Committee was named: Joe Donnelly, Carol Zinn, Michaela Walsh, Joan Kirby to recommend ways to make the Round Tables more effective.

*It was moved and agreed to appoint a Round-Table Committee

3.3  Regional Meetings

 

The option of having regional meetings was discussed.  Should there be a UN headquarters conference every other year with a regional meeting on alternate years to improve outreach and involvement on a global basis or would this risk  loosing the place and cache of holding the meeting at UN headquarters.

 

·         What would be the implications for participation of UN leadership?

·         Developing countries are interested in coming to UN headquarters

·         What are the financial implications?

·         Would Geneva be a viable alternative?

·         What should the alternatives be during the renovation of UN’s headquarters?

 

4.0  Next Meetings: 

 

  • 16 February and 23 February will be for Subcommittee Co-Chairs only and will be held in the Trusteeship Council from 3- 5 p.m. 
  • 2 March will be the next full Planning Committee meeting.

 

Minutes submitted by Judith Symonds