WORLD FEDERATION OF UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATIONS

FEDERATION MONDIALE DES ASSOCIATIONS POUR LES NATIONS UNIES

A peoples' movement for the United Nations

Geneva, 22 September 2005

Dear Colleagues,

The World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) is delighted and honoured to extend you an invitation to our Conference in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the United Nations. This will be held on 21 October 2005 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

WFUNA is the only Non-Governmental Organization that exists solely to promote the work and programs of the United Nations.   Since its foundation in 1946, it has focused its resources on the advancement of peace and security, as well as promoting the economic and social advancement of all peoples. WFUNA is supported in its aims by more than 100 National United Nations Associations which are directly involved in the field, in programs related to information and education, in particular attempting to eradicate illiteracy and AIDS and to promote the principles of human rights.

The UN no longer remains the sole domain of Member States. Corporate and private sectors, as well as civil society, have become partners to the United Nations challenge. They play a major role in development at a global level and certainly , in furthering the cause of the Millennium Development Goals, established by Kofi Annan. The 60th Anniversary of the United Nations has provided an excellent opportunity for WFUNA to organize an event highlighting this cooperation.

The one-day Conference will be entitled “The United Nations and The Future.” The future of the Organization will be discussed at the next session of the General Assembly and the result of the decision may have an impact on the future of the UN. The membership of the United Nations has changed since its creation in 1945, thus the future reform might reflect the new political realities.  

The Conference will be held under the patronage of the United Nations Office in Geneva. We have confirmed the presence of the Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, Mr. Shashi Tharoor. WFUNA's Honorary President, Mr. Nelson Mandela, will address the Opening Session by a video statement. The President of Latvia, Mrs. Vaira Vike-Freiberga, has been invited in her capacity as Special Envoy of the Secretary General on the Reform of the United Nations .

We would appreciate if you could confirm your participation to the Conference to Ms. Jessica Dyllick at wfuna@unog.ch or by fax at 022 917 0185 no later than 15 October 2005. 

Yours sincerely, 

Bruna Molina Faidutti             

WFUNA Director

WFUNA Geneva Office:

Bureau E4 – 2A

Palais des Nations

Phone 41 22 917 3239; Fax 41   22   917 0185

Email wfuna@unog.ch

Website    www.wfuna.org