Published: August 27, 2011
UN-NGO Forum Focuses on Sustainable Development and Volunteerism
The annual joint conference of the United Nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which begins next week in Bonn, Germany, will focus on sustainable development, volunteerism and the power of individuals to effect change and transform communities.
The three-day 64th annual conference of the UN and NGOs, organized by the Department of Public Information (DPI), in partnership with the DPI/NGO Executive Committee, Germany and the UN Volunteers (UNV) programme, will be attended by nearly 2,000 representatives from 100 countries and territories, a record level of participation.
"The conference will examine best practices and how to change consumption and production patterns; the links between the green economy and poverty eradication; the role of civic engagement and voluntary action in the achievement of sustainable development." -Kiyo Akasaka, the Under-Secretary for Communications and Public Information
The conference, whose theme is "Sustainable Societies; Responsive Citizens," will start on 3 September and offer NGOs and civil society a chance to interact as they prepare for next year's UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in Brazil.
"It is also an opportunity to recognize the enormous value of volunteering, giving back, and being responsive citizens in this, the 10th anniversary year of the International Year of Volunteers." - Mr. Akasaka
Ambassador Miguel Berger, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Germany to the UN, pointed out that the current global challenges cannot be tackled governments alone, adding that sustainable development is also more than an industrial strategy.
"The active support and the commitment of NGOs are absolutely essential to advance the cause of sustainability." -Mr. Berger
Source: United Nations
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