Monitoring Policy Making at the United Nations |
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Events Sponsored or Co-Sponsored
by Global Policy Forum
GPF is the principal organizer of the meetings of the NGO Working Group on the Security Council, which holds some fifty private meetings, briefings or consultations each year with Council Ambassadors. In addition, GPF organizes a number of public events each year, including lectures, receptions, roundtables, dialogue sessions, conferences and luncheons. These events are opportunities for advocacy and education, but they are also occasions for mutual learning, reflection and deeper understanding of issues.
Also See GPF's Pages on:
GPF Europe Events
Meetings of the NGO Working Group on the Security Council (NGOWG)
September 4, 2008: Meeting with Ambassador R.M Marty Natalegawa of Indonesia.
Information about the NGOWG
The Working Group brings together thirty major NGOs for frequent meetings with Council ambassadors. This section provides information about the Working Group's purposes, membership and more.
NGOWG Meeting with Ambassador
Cesar Mayoral of Argentina
January to December 2008
2007
July to December
April to June
January to March
2006
October to December
July to September
April to June
January to March
2005
October to December
July to September
April to June
January to March
2004
October to December
July to September
April to June
January to March
2003
October to December
July to September
April to June
January to March
2002
October to December
July to September
April to June
January to March
2001
October to December
July to September
April to June
January to March
2000
October to December
July to September
April to June<
January to March
1999
October to December
July to September
April to June
January to March
Meetings in 1998 1998
Meetings in 1997 1997
Meetings in 1994-96 1994 - 1996
Conferences, Roundtables, Luncheons
and Other Events
2008
The Right to Food: How Can the UN Respond to the Global Food Crisis? (April 23, 2008 – New York)
Global Policy Forum and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation organized a day-long conference on the global food crisis. Representatives from the UN, NGOs and academic institutions spoke about the causes of the crisis as well as solutions, focusing on the role of the UN.
2007
Demystifying the Iran Crisis: Nuclear Weapons and Mad Mullahs? (November 13, 2007 – New York)
A discussion and fundraising reception to support the work of Global Policy Forum. Special guests were Ervand Abrahamian (CUNY Distinguished Professor) and John Burroughs (Executive Director, Lawyers’ Committee on Nuclear Policy) Each speaker touched upon the historical context of a nuclear Iran in relation to the United Nations and the international community.Policy Luncheon on Iraq (October 19, 2007 – New York)
Iraq experts on Security Council delegations and selected UN staff members had a telephone dialogue with three leaders of major parliamentary blocs in Iraq . The parliamentarians and the delegates discussed the renewal of the UN mandate of the Multinational Force (MNF) in Iraq .
Co-Sponsors: Global Policy Forum, Mennonite Central Committee UN Office and World Council of Churches UN Office.Money may not be everything, but …
Civil Society Perspectives on Financing the International Development Goals (October 15 - 16, 2007 - Bonn)
One year ahead of the United Nations Financing for Development Conference in Doha in 2008, Global Policy Forum Europe, terre des hommes and Social Watch hosted an international seminar on development financing. The meeting served as a brainstorming session. Participants shared experiences and expectations seeking to contribute to the formulation of civil society benchmarks for the Financing for Development Conference.
Full ProgramWhose Partnership for Whose Development? (July 4, 2007 - Geneva)
One day ahead of the "Global Compact Leaders Summit" at the UN in Geneva, an international group of NGOs and researchers sponsored a hearing, to assess the partnership approach of the Global Compact and to propose alternatives for real corporate accountability. For more information, see the speaking notes from this event.Workshop on the Midterm Review of the MDGs (June 22, 2007 - Bonn)
Program in GermanFrom Disaster to Peacemaking (June 12, 2007 - New York) GPF co-sponsored two events at the UN with Worldwatch Institute and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation on how natural disasters and the subsequent international aid response can influence peacemaking in conflict areas. Worldwatch researchers Michael Renner and Zoe Chafe presented their report “Beyond Disasters: Creating Opportunities for Peace” to a group of experts from the UN and NGOs – first at a roundtable and then at a policy luncheon.
Luncheon on Iraq Policy Issues with Iraq Experts from the Security Council and the UN (May 22, 2007 - New York )
Kristele Younes of Refugees International, spoke about the Iraqi refugee crisis and James Paul of Global Policy Forum, introduced the new study “War and Occupation in Iraq ”
Co-Sponsors included Global Policy Forum, Refugees International and Mennonite Central Committee.Reception to Launch the Report “War and Occupation in Iraq" (May 8, 2007 - New York )
Over fifty of GPF’s friends and donors gathered in New York at the home of Board member Dinni Gordon for a pre-release party of the “War and Occupation in Iraq" report. Special guest Denis Halliday, the former UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, gave a speech and GPF’s Jim Paul and Céline Nahory introduced the report and talked about the research and writing process.Workshop on The Precarious State of Public Finance (March 29, 2007 – Berlin)
Joint workshop by the DGB-Bildungswerk, GPF Europe and terre des hommes. Program in GermanGlobal Public-Private Partnerships – Privatisation of Multilateralism? (January 23, 2007 - Nairobi)
At the World Social Forum 2007 in Nairobi, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and Global Policy Forum Europe organized a joint workshop, critically assessing the development of “global partnerships” between government and private actors. The workshop aimed to trace the scale and scope of these global “partnerships,” and to discuss their limits, risks and side-effects. Panel discussants included representatives from Consumer Information Network, Social Watch, People’s Health Movement and Third World Network.
2006
Book Launch: Christian Fundamentalism vs. Progressive Advocacy (October 20, 2006 – New York)
GPF co-sponsored a book-launch event of Faith in Public Life’s Executive Director Jennifer Butler’s book on the increasing influence of the Christian Right at the UN and beyond.The Global Climate Crisis (October 3, 2006 - New York)
Global Policy Forum and International Catholic Organizations Information Center organized a two-part event on global warming. After a screening of Al Gore’s film, “An Inconvenient Truth,” three panelists – Michael Renner from Worldwatch Institute, Mohammad Reza Salamat from DESA, United Nations and James Tripp, General Counsel at Environmental Defense – discussed global climate change and steps to address it.
Challenges for Reconstruction and Peace in the Aceh Province, Indonesia (April 26, 2006 – New York)
Global Policy Forum organized a Brown Bag Luncheon with Michael Renner of Worldwatch Institute. Renner talked informally about his recent trip to the Aceh province. His presentation with photos, maps, and satellite images covered the problems of the post-tsunami reconstruction, the shaky peace agreement between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Jakarta government, and ongoing challenges to the political process and democratization.The Situation in Haiti and the Role of the UN (April 2006 – New York)
GPF invited Brian Concannon, Director of the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti, to talk at a brown-bag luncheon about the situation in Haiti and the role of the UN.The Challenges of UN Finance (March 22, 2006 – New York)
Global Policy Forum and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation organized a high-level meeting on the financial difficulties of the United Nations. The event focused on the current state of UN finances, including the US-imposed six-month spending cap on the regular budget, preventing the UN to spend funds beyond June 30, 2006. Our meeting also looked at the scale of assessments and longer-term trends. The meeting brought together NGOs, UN officials and diplomats to share information, discuss key issues, and consider action to strengthen the UN’s finances and head off the crisis.
Enhancing NGO Relations with the United Nations – The Missing Element in the UN Reform Agenda (February 15, 2006 - New York)
Global Policy Forum, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions opened a dialogue with UN delegates and members of the UN Secretariat on the future of NGO participation at the United Nations. Participants discussed reform proposals for greater NGO participation; best practices that can be enhanced and replicated; and areas where governments are most resistant and where political progress appears possible. Discussion also centered on the role NGOs can play in future deliberations on UN reform and what steps are necessary to engage new NGO players and social movements in the work of the UN.
2005
Corporate Accountability (November 28 - 29, 2005 - Berlin)
Terre des hommes, DGB Bildungswerk, Global Policy Forum Europe and World Economy, Ecology and Development Association (WEED) organized a two-day workshop on corporate accountability.Towards the UN Reform Summit: Positions of Governments and Civil Society Demands (September 1, 2005 - Berlin)
The Development and Peace Foundation (SEF) and United Nations Association Germany, in cooperation with GPF Europe, are organizing a seminar for journalists and experts in preparation to the UN Summit.Alternative Perspectives for Democratic UN Reform: Challenges for the Millennium+5 Summit (June 22, 2005 – New York)
In conjunction with the UN General Assembly - NGO hearings for the Millennium+5 Summit, a group of NGOs organized a critical dialogue to examine to what extent current UN reform proposals can contribute to a stronger and more democratic UN, and promote a more just, peaceful and equitable world. The event also raised issues and concerns not adequately reflected in the reform process, but which have been on the peoples’ agenda for long time. Organized by: Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Global Policy Forum, International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations, Social Watch, Third World Institute, International Union of Students, All Africa Student Union, International Peoples Network for the United Nations, Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy, Southern Caucus of NGOs for Sustainable Development, Pan African Movement, Indigenous World Association, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, Abolition 2000 New YorkTowards a Global Package Deal? (June 13 – 14, 2005 - Berlin)
In the lead up to the Millenium+5 Summit in September 2005, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and Global Policy Forum Europe (GPF) invited stakeholders and experts from North and South, governments and civil society in a policy-oriented dialogue on how to strengthen the United Nations. The discussion focused on the UN Secretary General's report In Larger Freedom and assessed positions of governments and civil society in preparation for the Millennium+5 Summit.
The International Finance Facility (IFF) - Doubling Aid to Halve Poverty? (May 31, 2005 – Berlin)
This event was organized in cooperation with VENRO (Verband Entwicklungspolitik Deutscher Nichtregierungsorganisationen). Program in GermanToward a More Secure World? The Report of the UN-High-Level-Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change (February 23, 2005 - Berlin)
A panel of eminent speakers, including ministry, NGO representatives and academics will join Lord David Hanny, member of the UN High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change in a discussion of the High Level panel's 2004 report on UN reform. Participants will discuss some of the controversial recommendations made by the panel and will discuss which recommendations the UN will likely take into consideration. In short, the speakers will analyze and criticize the High Level Panel's "comprehensive vision of collective security." Organized by: The Friedrich Ebert Foundation, the Institute for Development and Peace and GPF Europe
2004
Globalisation and Tax Justice (December 6-7, 2004 - Bonn)
Working language of the conference is German.Strengthening Coalitions for Social Justice in Europe (November 20-21, 2004 - Berlin)
1st European Social Watch Conference hosted by DGB Bildungswerk, terre des hommes, Global Policy Forum Europe and Eurostep
The year 2005 will mark the 10th anniversary of the Beijing Women’s Conference and the Copenhagen Social Summit. It will also be the half way point between these events and the 2015 target dates. There will be a UN Summit in September 2005 on the implementation of the Millennium Declaration and the MDGs. This event provides an important opportunity for civil society organizations to work for more effective policies towards poverty eradication and social justice in North and South. Social Watch, a global network of more than 400 NGOs and citizens groups, plays and important role in this process.
Global Compact Counter Summit - Exploring Real Corporate Accountability in the UN System (June 23, 2004 - New York)
On the day before the Global Compact Leaders Summit, an international group of NGOs held a “Counter-Summit,” to critique the Compact and propose alternatives for real corporate accountability.
Sponsored by: EarthRights International, Global Policy Forum, Women’s Environment and Development Organization, World Economy, Ecology and Development Association Co-sponsored by: Berne Declaration, Corporate Europe Observatory, Friends of the Earth International, Greenpeace International, Groundwork, Infact, International Center for Law in Development, Institute for Policy Studies, Tebtebba Foundation, Third World Network, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, World Federalist Movement
See the: Joint Civil Society Statement on the Global Compact and Corporate AccountabilityGlobal Policy Forum's Tenth Anniversary Reception (May 5, 2004 - New York)
In celebration of GPF's Tenth Anniversary, we hosted a reception that was attended by 175 friends and supporters, including NGO colleagues, diplomats, UN staff, donors and other friends.
2003
Luncheon and Informal Discussion on Iraq (April 4, 2003 - New York)
661 Committee experts, members of the NGO Working Group on Iraq, and key UN staff discussed Iraq's humanitarian needs, the delivery of humanitarian assistance through a modified Oil-for-Food Programme, humanitarian access during and immediately after the war, human rights dimensions and the role of the UN. Co-Sponsored by Global Policy Forum, the Quaker UN Office and the Mennonite Central Committee.
2002
Memorial Meeting for Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen (November 7, 2002 - New York)
Memorial Meeting to honor the life of Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen (1920-2002), lifelong supporter of the United Nations, editor of the UN Calendar, organizer of hospitality towards UN and Mission staff, and active in the NGO movement for 60 years. Ruth was a board member of Global Policy Forum.Luncheon and Informal Discussion on Iraq Sanctions (October 15, 2002 - New York)
661 Committee experts, members of the NGO Working Group on Iraq, and other sanctions policy experts will discuss Iraq's humanitarian needs, the Goods Review List measure, and the possibilities for future Security Council initiatives. Co-Sponsored by Global Policy Forum, the Quaker UN Office and Save the Children-UK.Hans von Sponeck, former UN Assistant Secretary General and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq (May 20, 2002 - New York)
Speaking on "Iraq Sanctions: the Humanitarian Crisis and What We Can Do About it." Organized by: Global Policy Forum in partnership with the NGO Working Group on Iraq, the Mennonite UN Office and the Quaker UN Office.Luncheon and Informal Discussion on Iraq Sanctions (May 15, 2002 - New York)
661 Committee experts, members of the NGO Working Group on Iraq, and other sanctions policy experts discussed Iraq's humanitarian needs, the Goods Review List measure, and the possibilities for future Security Council initiatives. Co-Sponsored by: Global Policy Forum, the Quaker UN Office and Save the Children-UK
2001
NGO Breakfast with German Parliamentary Delegation from the Green Party (October 26, 2001 - New York)
The German delegation included Christian Sterzing, MP (Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Parliament; European Affairs Spokesman and Political Coordinator Working Group IV: Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Disarmament of the parliamentary group), Joern Boehme (Coordinator Working Group IV: Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Disarmament), Helmut Breiderhoff (Advisor on North-South policy) Ulrich Fischer (Advisor on Human Rights policy), Andreas Koerner (Assistant to Winfried Nachtwei, MP, member of the Defense Committee), and Uta Stitz (Assistant to Rita Griesshaber, MP, member of the Foreign Affairs Commitee and Deputy Politcal Coordinator, Working Group IV)."Quo Vadis IMF? A Reform Debate" Roundtable IV on Financing for Development (October 22, 2001 - Washington, DC)
NGO Strategy Workshop organized by the Henrich Böll Foundation, World Economy, Ecology and Development Assoc. (WEED) and Global Policy Forum. Rainer Falk presented a paper entitled The Reform of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
World Environment Day (June 5, 2001 - New York)
Event to honor the environmental legacy of Rene Jules Dubos (1901-1982) and to introduce "Vital Signs 2001: The Trends That Are Shaping Our Future". Organized by: Global Policy Forum, The United Nations Environment Programme, The Rene Dubos Center for Human Environments, and The Worldwatch Institute."Global Taxes for Global Priorities" Roundtable III on Financing for Development (May 5, 2001 - New York)
Organized by: World Economy, Ecology and Development Association (WEED), Heinrich Boell Foundation and Global Policy Forum. Background paper: Global taxes for Global PrioritiesThe Landmine Ban: Implications for Humanitarian Advocacy (March 27, 2001 - New York)
Luncheon and discussion with Don Hubert, the author of a recent study by the Humanitarianism and War Project on this topic. Most of the luncheon was devoted to a discussion among NGO representatives, delegates and UN officials, to consider the lessons to be drawn from the landmine experience and its implications for our future efforts.
2000
"The Future of Overseas Development Assistance" Roundtable II on Financing for Development (December 4, 2000 - Berlin)
Organized by: World Economy, Ecology and Development Assoc. (WEED), Heinrich Boell Foundation and Global Policy Forum."Corporate Investments: Towards Accountable Development" Roundtable I on Financing for Development (November 8, 2000 - New York)
Organized by: World Economy, Ecology and Development Assoc. (WEED), Heinrich Boell Foundation and Global Policy Forum.Luncheon with Delegates on Iraq Sanctions (November 3, 2000 - New York)
Co-Sponsored by Global Policy Forum and the Quaker UN OfficeThe Millennium Forum (May 22-26, 2000 - New York)
"The occasion of the third millennium presents a timely opportunity for the only global organization, in terms of its membership as much as of its areas of work, to identify the challenges that it will face in the future and to engage in an imaginative exercise to enhance and strengthen a unique institution". Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
As a companion event, and further to the Secretary-General's recommendation, civil society organizations organized and held the Forum at United Nations Headquarters. Global Policy Forum's Executive Director, Dr James Paul spoke at this event and chaired a session on Strengthening and Democratizing the UN.
1999
Millennium Mobilization (October 23, 1999)
Worldwide events to protest the United Nations financial crisis.Humanitarian Crisis of Iraq Sanctions (March 11, 1999 - New York)
Denis Halliday, former UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq speaking on Iraqi sanctions. Presented by NGO Peace Caucus & Global Policy Forum
1998
Third Worldwide Vigil on the UN Financial Crisis (October 23, 1998)
Democracy and Development, a meeting on the Bretton Woods Institutions, the United Nations and Finance for Development (July 31, 1998)
An informal consultation among NGOs working on the World Bank, the IMF and the UN. Co-sponsored by: Amnesty International UN Office, WEDO. List of participants"A Hard Look at Sanctions" (May 28, 1998 - New York)
Public Meeting to Discuss How Sanctions are Used, How they Hurt, What are the Alternatives? Co-Sponsored with: the Peace Caucus. Speakers: Joseph Stephanides, Deputy Director, Security Council Affairs, UN Secretariat; Antonio Patriota, Counsellor, Mission of Brazil to the UN; Kathy Bergen, Middle East Education Program, American Friends Service Committee; James Paul, Executive Director, Global Policy Forum, Sonya Ostram, Peace Action.Consultation on "Innovative Financing for Development: global taxes, fees and charges" (April 29, 1998 - New York)
Organized by: ISMUN. Speakers: Amb. Hans Dahlgren (PR of Sweden), James Paul (GPF), Kevin Baumert (GPF), Jan Lonn (ISMUN)
1997
Second Worldwide Vigil on the UN Financial Crisis (October 23, 1997)
Held in forty-five cities, including twenty-three in the United States.Luncheon in Honor of Andrew Clapham, UN Representative, Amnesty International (September 10, 1997)
Roundtable on Social and Economic Rights (May 2, 1997 - Columbia University, New York)
Organized by: Global Policy Forum together with The International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH). A meeting of leading practitioners and theorists in the emerging field of social and economic rights to develop joint strategies and coordinate action, with particular emphasis on the United Nations. Thirty-five participants tackled a day-long agenda. See summary of the discussions and photos.
1996
Worldwide Vigil on the UN Financial Crisis (October 23, 1996)
Global Policy Forum organized this vigil, in partnership with the World Federation of United Nations Associations and the World Federalist Movement. CONGO, the DPI-NGO Executive Committee and dozens of other NGOs organized and participated. Vigils and related events took place in thirty-two cities around the world. The link provides extensive additional information.Discussion Group on "The UN Financial Crisis" (September 11, 1996 - New York)
DPI NGO ConferenceLuncheon in honor of Amb. Colin Keating of New Zealand (July 31, 1996 - New York)
Organized by: Global Policy Forum, the World Federalist Movement, the Lawyers' Committee for Nuclear Policy and the International Federation of Human RightsNGO Emergency Meeting on the Financial Crisis (April 22, 1996 - New York)
Speaker: Susan Mills, Director, UN Office of Financial Management. Organized by: Global Policy Forum, the World Federalist Movement and the DPI/NGO Executive Committee.Conference on "The Fate of Democracy in the Era of Globalization" (March 14-16, 1996 - Wellesley College)
