latest news

• CSDF 2008 - Civil Society Development Forum - 27-29 June 2008, New York Component

  Download the CSDF 2008 Outcome Document

  The New York component of CONGO's Civil Society Development Forum 2008 (CSDF 2008) - “A Platform for Development: Countdown to 2015 - Implementing the internationally agreed development goals and commitments in regard to sustainable development” was held 27-29 June 2008. The Outcome Document of the CSDF 2008 is now available online. CONGO also organised midday NGO briefings in collaboration with the UN NGO Section, UNDESA throughout the week of the High-Level Segment of ECOSOC's Substantive Session.

• Advisory Committee of the Human Rights Council

  Inaugural session - 4 -15 August 2008

  The first session of the new Advisory Committee of the Human Rights Council, which replaces the former Sub-Commission on the Promotion and the Protection of Human Rights, will mostly focus on establishing its working methods and will also address issues as requested by the Council. The Advisory Committee is mandated to provide expertise and advice to the Human Rights Council and to conduct substantive research and studies on thematic issues if interest to the Council.

• Annual DPI/NGO Conference

  3-5 September 2008, UNESCO, Paris

  The 61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference "Reaffirming Human Rights: The Universal Declaration at 60" will be held 3-5 September 2008 in Paris, France. Information bulletins are produced and distributed periodically by the Co-Chairs of the Planning Committee.

• Preparations for the UNCTAD Trade and Development Board (15-26 September 2008)

  TDB hearing with Civil Society will take place on 17 September 2008

  In the aftermath of the holding of the 12th UNCTAD Ministerial Conference, the UNCTAD Civil Society Outreach Unit convened a debriefing meetings with NGOs in Geneva and called NGOs for consolidated feedback and inputs in preparation of the up coming 55th session of the UNCTAD Trade and Development Board (15-26 September) and of its Civil Society Hearings. It was agreed that CS follow up meetings would take place to prepare this event and identify the main themes of the Hearings' Agenda. CONGO and NGLS co-convene the second follow up meeting, which will take place on Friday 18 July, 10.30-11.30, at the CONGO Offices meeting room.

• President of ECOSOC Addresses the CONGO Board

  29 February 2008, New York

  In his speech delivered before the newly elected Board of the Conference of NGOs, Leo Mérorès, President of ECOSOC commended CONGO initiatives and programmes and shared his vision of the upcoming Annual Ministerial Review and the Development Cooperation Forum. President Mérorès emphasized the strategic role CONGO has played in its 60 years of history in strengthening the relationship between the NGOs, the United Nations and the Council and recognized the Conference of NGOs as "a major development partner in the promotion of coherent and consistent approach towards our common development goals." Read the full speech below.

• 23rd CONGO General Assembly - New President/Board

  5-7 December 2007, CICG, Geneva

  The 23rd CONGO General Assembly, held through 5-7 December 2007 at the International Conference Centre (CICG) in Geneva, ended its proceedings with the election of a new President, Liberato Bautista from the United Methodist Church/General Board of Church and Society and of a new Board.