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 Music is a source of inspiration to people. It has the power to send a message and to bring people together for a common cause. Renowned German vocalist and activist Wolfgang Hildebrandt is planning to take advantage of the amazing potential of music by organizing a worldwide concert series to promote peace and tolerance. The International World Peace Tour (IWPT), which is inspired by the successes of Bob Geldorf's concerts for freedom and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, will feature performances by internationally acclaimed artists, and speeches by notable politicians and activists. The Tour is planned to be launched in autumn 2007, and will continue to travel around the major cities of the world for the next several years.
IWPT will use its proceeds from the concerts to create and implement a curriculum of peace studies in tour cities, passing along to children a spirit of tolerance and hope. The IWPT Education Program, which will be created by experts in the fields of education and peace studies, will be geared towards elementary school children. The curriculum will include a multimedia aspect to help engage the interests of today's young people.
 Wolfgang Hildebrandt is the founding President and CEO of the International World Peace Tour and he has been performing around the world as a singer. In June 2005, at UN Headquarters, Wolfgang performed two songs that he wrote specifically for the United Nations, under the musical direction of Emmy award winner John Wineglass. UN staff and representatives from member states and NGOs attended the concert that was televised and viewed by millions of people in Europe. Wolfgang has composed dozens of songs on the themes of human rights, unity and peace. Samples are available on his website.
To learn more about Wolfgang Hildebrandt and the IWPT, go to: www.internationalworldpeacetour.org
 "I am a member of a radio club...we promote the rights of children through radio and we sensitize others on bad things that happen in our communities and in the country....I can talk in front of everybody because I believe that if people get to know what is happening they will be able to help us to fight against it. I would love if we could find solutions together...." - Magnoudewa, 14, Togo
 The membership of the Working Group on Girls (WGG) of the NGO Committee on UNICEF in New York is a diverse group representing a variety of ethnic, political, and religious non-governmental organizations. The WGG is dedicated to promoting the rights of girls worldwide, advancing the status of girls, and assisting them to develop their full potential as women. According to the WGG, the biggest challenge for girls, especially those who are marginalized, is visibility. Establishing the visibility of the girl child is fundamental to ensuring the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against them. more info>>
 On 2 February 2007, Working Group I of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) adopted the Summary for Policymakers of the first volume of "Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis". This document, encompassing the work of scientists from 113 countries, assesses the current scientific knowledge of the natural and human drivers of climate change. "We can be very confident that the net effect of human activity since 1750 has been one of warming," co-lead author Dr. Susan Soloman told delegates in Paris at the launch of the Summary.
 The report used stronger language than it has done before in assessing humanity's impact on climate change. The panel concluded that it was at least 90% certain that human emissions of greenhouse gases rather than natural variations are warming the planet's surface. The report warns that continued greenhouse gas emissions at or above current rates would cause further warming and induce many changes in the global climate system during the 21st century that would very likely be larger than those observed during the 20th century.more info>>
 Human trafficking and modern-day slavery is the third largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world, according to the Polaris Project, an NGO based in the U.S. and Japan, working to help victims and find solutions to this devastating problem. Polaris Project was established in 2002, after co-founders Katherine Chon and Derek Ellerman became aware of the issue through a case that occured in their local community in Rhode Island, where five women were trafficked into forced prostitution. When discovered by law enforcement, these women were arrested and deported but their traffickers merely suffered a fine. In response to this shocking case, Ms. Chon and Mr. Ellerman found that there was a need to establish an organization that would advocate for more effective policy, and at the same time would work at the grassroots level and be in direct contact with the victims. Polaris Project was founded on the spirit of the Underground Railroad, bringing together regular people, leaders, and local groups to end human trafficking and modern-day slavery in their own communities. According to co-founder Derek Ellerman, Polaris "created a space for regular people to create a movement against modern day slavery". more info>>
 Many members of the World Federation's community are familiar with Mr. Cedric de Coning, who served as the Secretary-General of UNA-South Africa from 2003-2006. It was during his involvement with the organization, that UNA-SA hosted the first - and quite successful- World Federation African Regional Model UN conference. This event not only strengthened and expanded UNA-SA's membership and activities, but it created new opportunities for young UNA members all over the region. Before getting involved with UNA-SA, Mr. de Coning held several positions with various NGOs and the UN. Earlier in his career, he spent 9 years in the Department of Foreign Affairs, during which time he was posted in Washington DC and Addis Ababa. More recently he served in the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) and in 2002 he was with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) in New York. Throughout his career, Mr. de Coning was involved in academia, balancing the practical, hands-on work with research and policy development. His main areas of focus are civil-military coordination; peacekeeping and peacebuilding; and negotiation, mediation and facilitation. more info>>
 Young people play an important role in the fight against poverty and other problems facing the world. William Gyude Moore, one of the speakers at this year's Youth Assembly (August 16-18), is an example of an active, committed and enthusiastic young leader: "I am a citizen of the world and I aim to address structural injustice and violence." Born in Cape Palmas, Liberia, Gyude and his family had to flee from the country's civil war in 1990. They became refugees in the Ivory Coast, where they were thrown into poverty and lived on less than $2 a day for a while - a fate that 515 million people around the world share. It was experiencing this hardship that motivated Gyude to advocate fair trade in the world, and especially in the U.S., where he now lives. "It makes no sense for one group of people to live in seemingly perennial lack while others live in great wealth," he insists. More>>
  Latin America can no longer be ignored in the landscape of international relations. The countries in this vast and diverse part of the world are major players in international economics and politics. The Latin Economic Forum, held in April at UN Headquarters, brought together Latin American business, government, and community leaders to work towards identifying immediate and pragmatic solutions to some of the region's most pressing problems. The discussions focused on reducing poverty, using corporate social responsibility as a business contribution to sustainable development, implementing new business strategies and technologies to ensure a prosperous economy, and strengthened governance. More info>>>
In a time of competing agendas, limited resources, and further challenges, NGOs and other civil society organizations often have to struggle to survive and succeed in their mission. In 2002, Pamela Hawley founded UniversalGiving (www.universalgiving.org), a social entrepreneurship nonprofit organization whose mission is to create a global platform for action where anyone can contribute time or resources to exceptional organizations. This free, web-based service connects donors and volunteers with civil society organizations around the world. It is a valuable, mutually beneficial, and easy-to-use tool for NGOs and donors. What differentiates UniversalGiving from other similar services is that 100% of the donations go directly to the NGO or project of choice. Instead of charging a fee or percentage from the donations, UniversalGiving provides a customized service for corporations which generates their revenue. More Info>>>
 While UN reform is the priority topic for many civil society organizations, Josep Xercavins i Valls the Coordinator of the UBUNTU Secretariat, and others are campaigning for a larger-scale, more comprehensive reform movement that includes not just the UN, but the major international financial institutions as well. Established in 2000, the main objective of the World Forum of Civil Society Networks - UBUNTU, is to unite efforts and to build bridges of dialogue amongst national and international organizations that are focused on promoting peace, development and human rights. This initiative is a forum for civil society, intended to "build a family of collaborating international NGOs". Since 2001, UBUNTU has been promoting the World Campaign for In-Depth Reform of the System of International Institutions. More Info>>>
 ATHGO (Alliance Towards Harnessing Global Opportunities) International's mission is training, motivating, and inspiring future generations to become decision-makers and diplomats with the skills and vision to cope with the rapid changes and challenges of the 21st century. The organization hosts several educational symposia each year, where young people have the opportunity to network with each other and professionals in the field. This year, ATHGO will host five such events, the first one at UN Headquarters in New York, from 25 to 27 April 2006. WFUNA will be co-hosting a panel with the Global Youth Action Network. The panelists will be young entrepreneurs and activists who will discuss their ideas, experiences and tips with the over 350 participants. The panel will take place on 26 April at 1:50pm in Conference Room 3. (www.athgo.org)
Armen Orujyan is founder, President and Chairman of the Board of ATHGO International. For over a decade, Armen has had direct working relationships with various NGOs promoting human rights, democratic values, and young diplomats. More Info>>>
Foreign Minister of Uganda
 Mr. Olara Otunnu has been immersed in the United Nations system for decades. He is a self-described vagabond, who has worn many hats: as a lawyer and Professor, Foreign Minister in his birth-country of Uganda, Permanent Representative of Uganda to the UN, President of the International Peace Academy, and most-recently, as UN Under Secretary General for children in armed conflict. Under his leadership, the UN Security Council unanimously passed the historic resolution 1612, instituting formal and comprehensive compliance measures for the protection of children. Mr. Otunnu's latest venture combines his academic, governmental, UN, and civil society experiences. In the fall of 2005 he established the LBL Foundation for Children, an independent, international institution, devoted to promoting protection, hope, healing and education for children in communities devastated by war. The Sydney Peace Prize and German Africa Prize awarded to Olara Otunnu in 2005 and 2002 respectively served as catalysts for the formation of LBL. More Info>>>
 The voices of youth are getting stronger. In 2005, young people moved beyond just talking about the issues that are important to them, and have begun to take action at an unprecedented scale. According to the first WFUNA Youth Program Coordinator, Incia Khan, "it is no longer just about getting their voices heard; young people are mobilizing their governments, and affecting the policymaking process. They are now at a new, innovative level of interaction with governments on many global issues". Amongst the most significant and exciting youth events that took place this year were, the UN World Programme of Action for Youth Review in New York, the World Youth Congress in Scotland and UNICEF's massive "Unite for AIDS, Unite for Children" Campaign. More Info >>
 Co-director of the UNIHP and editor of Global Governance
Thomas G. Weiss is a Presidential Professor at The Graduate Center of The City University of New York and Director of the Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies, where he is co-director of the UNIHP and editor of Global Governance. The UNIHIP has embarked on tracing the origin and analyzing the evolution of key ideas and concepts about international economic and social development born or nurtured under UN auspices. The motivations behind these ideas, as well as their relevance, influence, and impact are being assessed as part of this program. More Info>>>
 The 2005 Nobel Peace Prize Winner
The decision to award the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its Director Mohamed ElBaradei was announced in early October by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. The recipients will share the prize in two equal parts. This honor was bestowed upon IAEA and Mr. ElBaradei by the Committee "for their efforts to prevent nuclear energy from being used for military purposes and to ensure that nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is used in the safest possible way". More Info>>>
E xecutive Director of the Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND)
Mr. Samad is active within several different civil society organizations, including Social Watch, CIVICUS and the International Council of the World Social Forum. He is very interested in how to create real partnerships between civil society and the UN and how to reflect these partnerships between civil society and governments at the national level. More Info >>
 International representatives of disability non-governmental organizations and national human rights institutions
A young lawyer from Australia, attended the 6th session of the UN General Assembly's Ad Hoc Committee on a Comprehensive and Integral Convention to Promote and Protect the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities from 1 to 12 August 2005. More Info>>>
Thelma Ekiyor is the Regional Coordinator of Women in Peacebuilding (WIPNET), a network that she formed with a small group of women in West Africa who felt strongly that they could play an active role in promoting peace in their communities and creating peace building constituencies. Jody Williams, recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for her leadership of the campaign to eliminate antipersonnel landmines, for change around which diverse networks can mobilize their members and the wider community. More Info>>>
 "Mayors for Peace" - led by city leaders from Hiroshima and Nagasaki - is a non-governmental organization (NGO) supported by 554 cities in 107 countries and regions. The aim of the group is to build bridges of international cooperation at the community level to help revitalize the long-term vision of a world free of nuclear weapons. More Info>>>
 The honorary chairman of the All-China Youth Federation
He was recognized with the UN Environmental Program's new environmental award for "outstanding achievements" in the efforts to mobilized 300 million Chinese youth to protect the environment as part of the China Mother River Protection Operation. More Info>>>
President of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference
She is a recipient of the UN Environmental Program's new environmental award for outstanding and innovative leaders as "Champions of the Earth". The Inuit Circumpolar Conference represents some 155,000 Inuit people in Canada, the United States, Russia and Greenland. More Info>>>
 Mercy Corps, Program Leader (Banda Aceh Indonesia)
Pont led Mercy Corps into Banda Aceh within 24 hours of the earthquake and tsunami in 2004. Mercy Corps is providing humanitarian relief to more than 100,000 survivors and is one of the leading humanitarian agencies in the region.
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 Chairman of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation
He was Deputy Secretary of State under President Reagan, was entrusted with the Chairmanship of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and a and long-time supporter of the United Nations. More Info>>>
 Chairperson of "No to Nuclear Weapons"
Ingrid Eide is a dedicated activist in support of the United Nations - promoting peace and the empowerment of women and a member of the Board of UNA-Norway.
More Info>>>
 The Nobel Peace Prize Winner of 2004
Wangari Maathai of Kenya is the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize 2004. She was praised by the awarding committee as "a source of inspiration for everyone in Africa fighting for sustainable development, democracy and peace".
More Info>>>
 Director of "Development Policy Perspective on Global Governance in the Context of the UN System" for the German Development Institute (GDI)
The GDI conducts studies on development policy issues for public institutions worldwide and advises them on current aspects of cooperation between industrialized and developing countries. More Info>>>
 Executive Secretary of the Beijing Model UN Conference
Miss Li Jing, an International Law student at the China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU) played a leadership role in the first WFUNA Asia/Pacific Model UN Conference on the Millennium Development Goals, hosted by UNA-China in Beijing from 19 - 21 August 2004. More Info>>>
 United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Until June 2004, Louise Arbour was a member of the Supreme Court of Canada. From 1996-2000, Ms. Arbour acted as the chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. More Info>>>
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