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Conference Of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council Conference Of NGOs
UN SECRETARIAT
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The Secretariat, an international staff working at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and all over the world, carries out the diverse day-to-day work of the Organization. It services the other principal organs of the United Nations and administers the programmes and policies laid down by them. At its head is the Secretary-General, who is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council for a five- year, renewable term.

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UN Secretariat:

English: http://www.un.org/documents/st.htm
French: http://www.un.org/french/documents/st.htm

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan

English: http://www.un.org/News/ossg/sg/index.html
French: http://www.un.org/french/aboutun/unsgf.htm

Following his election in December 1996, the Incoming UN Secretary-General. Kofi Annan, met with the Board in Geneva on 4 July 1997. This was a well-attended meeting, with many observers from member organisations. The discussion was free-flowing, with exchanges between the Secretary-General and NGO representatives covering the entire range of UN work. It was at this meeting that the Secretary-General announced his Forum of the Millenium proposal for the year 2000.

SECRETARY-GENERAL MEETS WITH CONGO DELEGATION

In a meeting on 20 November 2000, Secretary General Kofi Annan congratulated Renate Bloem on her recent election as CONGO president and expressed appreciation for the work of Past President Afaf Mahfouz over the past three years. In the course of a meeting conducted in an atmosphere of warm understanding and with twelve 12 NGO representatives led by Ms. Bloem, NGOs present:

  • Expressed support for the implementation and follow up of the recommendations of both the MILLENNIUM FORUM and the MILLENNIUM SUMMIT.
  • Commended the Secretary-General for success in obtaining signatures and ratification of treaties by Member States, noting in particular that of the INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT.
  • Expressed support for follow up and translation of the commitments made at the two "PLUS-FIVE" CONFERENCES into time-bound goals.
  • Emphasized the ROLE OF NGOs in bringing greater international attention to UN meetings and to cooperation in its humanitarian work.
  • Urged dialogue on ongoing NGO ACCESS ISSUES, especially at Headquarters in New York.
  • Sought inclusion of NGOs in discussions on new facilities being planned to the south of existing headquarters in New York.

In the course of his responses and discussion, the Secretary General noted:

  • Promises made at the MILLENNIUM SUMMIT have to be implemented at the country level: with the involvement of Member States, NGOs and the business sector. An annual reporting system is being designed to cover these promises, and he urged a follow-up meeting with the Deputy Secretary-General to discuss NGO partnership.
  • He hoped NGOs would be involved in the CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS on Small Arms, Children, Racism, and Financing for Development and that they would give special attention to the Least Developed Countries Conference.
  • He looked forward to increased networking among NGOs and cooperation between NGOs and the Secretariat on follow up to the PLUS FIVE MEETINGS.
  • Stating, "This is your house", he encouraged further discussion with his staff to develop a mechanism to address any ACCESS questions that might exist.
  • Regarding NEW FACILITIES, he wants to bring NGOs into the discussion and to brief them about the master plan, for which there is as yet no financing.
  • He emphasized his efforts to be transparent about THE GLOBAL COMPACT, and wants more information made available on the Internet. He stressed the need to sensitize corporations to follow core labor standards and to protect the environment. He encouraged NGOs to work with the UN, the private sector and trade unions on the issues addressed in the compact.

Renate Bloem thanked the Secretary General for the meeting and expressed a hope for continued dialogue with him and his Executive Office. She stressed CONGO's openness to assist in the mobilization of the NGO community for upcoming UN meetings, its readiness to facilitate the flow of more information about UN activities and her goal of more inclusiveness for all NGOs, especially those in developing countries, through strengthened outreach, dialogue and training.

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