OUTREACH DIVISION’S NGO RELATIONS OF UNITED NATIONS PUBLIC INFORMATION DEPARTMENT

LAUNCHES WEBSITE FOR PARTICIPANTS OF SIXTY-FIRST ANNUAL DPI/NGO CONFERENCE

The Outreach Division’s NGO Relations of the Department of Public Information (DPI) of the United Nations on Thursday, 3 July, launched its own website (www.un.org/dpi/ngosection/conference) designed to provide useful information -- in English and French -- to the community of non-governmental organizations (NGO) and other actors of the civil society worldwide interested in participating in and/or contributing to the work of the sixty-first annual DPI/NGO Conference.  The website will constantly be updated and completed as more information becomes available.

This year’s Conference is different from all the previous ones for two main reasons.  It is indeed the first time ever that it is held outside the United Nations Headquarters -- namely at United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Headquarters in Paris.  It also marks the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, signed in 1948 in Paris.  The Declaration is the first universal statement spelling out the basic principles of the human rights, to which peoples of all nations are entitled.  As a tribute to that memorable event, the Conference has chosen the theme:  “Reaffirming Human Rights:  The Universal Declaration at 60”.

The premier NGO event of the year, in conjunction with the United Nations, will take place 3 to 5 September.  It is organized by the Department of Public Information, in partnership with the NGO community, and, this year, with the assistance of UNESCO, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Government of France.  It will be opened by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message and is expected to generate greater awareness of human rights issues and renewed commitment from non-governmental organizations in that area, including from developing countries.

The aim of the Conference is to highlight effective ways in which civil society, in partnership with other interested parties, can contribute to the advancement of human rights at the global, regional, national and local levels.  A major feature of the conference will be its emphasis on active participation, whether through involvement in the five round tables, the 42 midday workshops or several breakout sessions.  Furthermore, a number of special events will also be held at that time, including an art exhibit on the history of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a display of sketches on human rights themes, as well as displays of posters, photos and panels dedicated to that subject.

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For information media • not an official record