A Summary of the Outcomes of the NGO Consultation on the Millennium Review during the Commission on Social Development

Underlying ideas that were repeated most frequently in the interventions:

1. What outcomes do you consider most critical for Heads of State to adopt at the Millennium Review Summit?

• Heads of State should commit to linking military expenditure to expenditures on development programming.   A direct linkage in the form of a percentage of military spending (7% of military budgets) was proposed.
• Debt relief must be a priority for Heads of State.
• Provision of education to the poor (including primary and university level).
• Need for full employment, livable wages.
• Heads of State should commit to concrete timelines and their previous commitment of resources.

2. How can NGOs help develop a strong unified voice for civil society while respecting its tremendous diversity?  

• Human security and social development has a direct relation to peace and security; a link must be made to ensure relevance of development to governments.
• NGOs should stress a broad Copenhagen approach, not fight for a narrow focus.
• Include voices from the global south where possible, while recognizing the global reach of international NGOs.
• Make commitment to use networks as conduit for opinions originating from those outside of M+5 center (i.e. World Social Forum, Davos).
• Encourage other NGOs to join committees through the internet and e-mail in order to add their voices.

3. How can NGOs strengthen and coordinate their advocacy efforts at the global, national and local levels?  

• Need for NGO monitoring of governments with respect to previous commitments made.
• While recognizing the slow progress on Cardoso, governments must be encouraged to have more positive engagement with NGOs.
• NGOs need to provide education and awareness building of the MDGs for the general public and unaware NGOs.   NGOs should involve the media in this process where possible.
• Efforts such as GCAP, Millennium Campaign can help coordinate NGO action at national and international levels.