Issue No. 68 - January 2007
Giving Girls Opportunities to Change Their Society: The Upcoming Commission on the Status of Women
Global Civil Society Chapion: Polaris Project
UN Partnerships: Implementing the Millennium Declaration
Who's Who at the UN
What's Happening at the UN
WFUNA Highlights
Inside Global Civil Society: How it Networks
"We the Peoples" Forum
Giving Girls Opportunities to Change Their Society: The Upcoming Commission on the Status of Women
 The MDG's cannot be reached if violence against girls and women is not addressed as violence against women and girls impedes social and economic development of countries, including the opportunity to meet the set Millennium Development Goals. We need to take this into account and have a human rights based approach with a strong gender component in order to do good programming.
-- Rima Salah
Deputy Executive Director, UNICEF
It is an often cited fact that the education of girls is a key to development. According to the UN's Division for the Advancement of Women education, equal rights, and safety from violence for girls are essential to a society's growth and well being. Without access to education, girls are denied the knowledge and skills needed to advance their status. By educating girls, societies stand to gain economically. In addition, educated mothers usually have smaller families, with healthier and better-educated children.
The rights and concerns of girls and young women will be the focus of the fifty-first session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. The theme for this year's conference -taking place from 26 February to 9 March 2007- is "The elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child".
This annual event serves as a venue for member governments of the UN and the global community to meet and discuss the realization of full gender equality. For two weeks they will review the research and findings of UN agencies, consider recommendations from NGOs and, most especially, listen to girls themselves.
The Commission hopes to make concrete recommendations to speed up the attainment of the objectives set forth during the Fourth World Conference on Women (1995) in Beijing, and restated in the Millennium Development Goals -to eliminate discrimination and violence against the girl child and to guarantee girls' rights to education, health care, and their full human development.
The United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women in collaboration with UNICEF organized an Expert Group Meeting from 25 to 28 September 2006. The Group's final report is a critical contribution to this year's session of the Commission on the Status of Women. It addresses four major issues related to the girl child:
- The protection of the girl child
- The girl child in especially vulnerable situations
- Empowerment of the girl child
- The institutional arrangements to accelerate the elimination of discrimination and violence against the girl child
*The final report of the EGM is now available for download at the UN website.
Global Civil Society Champion: Polaris Project
 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".
 Polaris Project takes a comprehensive approach to its work to promote an institutionalization of counter-trafficking capacity matched with implementation on all levels. Since its inception, the organization has realized notable success, including the development of a national grassroots network of volunteers with thousands of members; the launch of the Campus Coalition Against Trafficking campaign; running multilingual 24-hour hotlines that have processed over 5000 calls; and operating the first transitional housing program for trafficked persons in Washington DC. Polaris has also been providing training and/ or technical assistance to government officials, law enforcement, and NGOs from over 33 countries.
When asked to reflect on the opportunities and challenges faced by civil society in tackling such sensitive and difficult social issues, Ellerman responded that "in the U.S. we are luckier than most countries because the government is engaged in this issue and works with NGOs. There is a good partnership between NGOs and law enforcement". Mr. Ellerman commented that in countries where there is a lack of government support, NGOs can still be effective in working to prevent trafficking in the first place, and providing support for victims. The consequences of human trafficking and modern day slavery are devastating and immense. Active civil society involvement is necessary for tackling the causes of these problems and assisting victims.
For more detailed information, or to get involved, please visit the Polaris Project website at: www.polarisproject.org
UN Partnerships in Action: Implementing the Millennium Declaration
 Journalism Competition on Latin America and the Millennium Development Goals
The United Nations Development Programme and the Inter Press Service invite entries for a Journalism Competition on Latin America and the MDGs. The articles submitted must be devoted to the main issues addressed by the MDGs, their causes and ways of overcoming them, and promoting a global partnership for development. The competition will award prizes to the best five reports, features, stories, interviews or news articles of any kind, published between October 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007 in a printed medium with a permanent periodical circulation in Latin America and the Caribbean. For details, go to: http://content.undp.org/go/newsroom/;jsessionid=a7JKKo5dyKB6
From Peacekeeping to Peacebuilding in Burundi
 Deployed in June 2004, the UN peacekeeping mission in Burundi concluded at the end of 2006 and was replaced by the UN Integrated Office. The situation in the post-conflict state of Burundi is still fragile and the UN has pledged to continue its support under the new Secretary-General. To fill gaps in the post-conflict recovery process, the Peacebuilding Fund is expected to pledge $25 million, to support the work of the Peacebuilding Commission in the country. There are many NGOs, such as Action Aid that are working with the Commission and are actively engaged in the post-conflict recovery process in Burundi. The UN peacekeepers may have restored order to the country but now issues of transparency, judicial reform, and humanitarian concerns remain pertinent for achieving long-term security for the people of Burundi.
Some NGOs active in Burundi are:
Human Rights Watchwww.hrw.org/english/docs/2006/12/09/burund14802.htm
Action Aid www.actionaid.org
A list of on-line resources -such as websites, newsletters, and maps- relating to the issues of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament is now available at the World Federation's website: www.wfuna.org/news/nuclear_resources.cfm
Civil Society Involvement in Environmental Governance
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) plays a significant role in catalyzing action to protect the environment through enhanced collaboration with the multitude of civil society actors who share the same purpose around the world. UNEP's strategy on enhancing civil society engagement is based on involvement at the policy level to take into account civil society expertise and views at the intergovernmental level, and on the programmatic level in the implementation of UNEP's work program. The 24th Session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum hosted by UNEP will meet in Nairobi from 5-9 February 2007 to discuss the topic of "globalization and the environment and United Nations reform". Since 2000, UNEP organizes a yearly Global Civil Society Forum (GCSC) in conjunction with this meeting. The GCSC will take place from 3-4 February this year. To register, or for more information, visit: www.unep.org/civil%5Fsociety/
New Secretary-General Renews Commitment to UN Management Reform
 Stressing his determination to follow through on the goal of management reform at the UN, Ban Ki-moon used his first address to staff as Secretary-General to call on them to work with him to help make the Organization more mobile, professional and capable of responding to the expectations of the international community. "The UN must change to meet the demands of the 21st century", Mr. Ban told Secretariat staff after arriving at UN Headquarters in New York for his first working day on 1 January 2007. "That should mean change with continuity," Mr. Ban said. "But we have to show the international community that we are ready and eager to change." He vowed to make meritocracy his watchword on human resources, while allowing for geographical representation and gender balance. He set career development as a top priority, using training, mobility and evaluation; and encouraged staff mobility, not only between departments at Headquarters, but also between New York and the field. For the full article, go to:
www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=21145&Cr=UN&Cr1=staff
Who's Who at the UN
Margaret Chan, a Chinese bird flu expert took office as the new head of the World Health Organization.
Veteran British diplomat John Holmes was appointed as the new UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordination.
Alicia Bárcena Ibarra was appointed as head of the UN Department of Management.
Former senior Indian government official, Ambassador Vijay Nambiar was named as Chef de Cabinet and an award-winning journalist Michele Montas from Haiti was named as the spokesperson for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Former General Assembly president and Swedish foreign minister Jan Eliasson has been appointed as a special envoy to Sudan.
British actor Rupert Everett was named as a Special Representative for UNAIDS.
The Security Council began the New Year with Russia taking over the chairmanship and five new non-permanent members joining the body. The council's new two-year members are Belgium, Indonesia, Italy, Panama and South Africa.
What's Happening at the UN
Committee on the Rights of the Child, 44th session
15 January - 2 February, Geneva
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, 37th session
15 January - 2 February, New York
Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations, regular session
22 January - 2 February, New York
Conference on Disarmament (first part)
22 January - 30 March 30, Geneva
International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust
29 January
WFUNA Highlights
Observations from the Plenary
 A delegation of 8 representatives from UNA-USA's Young Professionals for International Cooperation program attended the World Federation's Plenary Assembly in Buenos Aires, where they successfully worked with other UNAs to launch a Global Young Professionals (GYP) initiative by setting-up the UNA-GYP Task Force. Read an account of the experiences and observations of the delegates in the most recent edition of the newsletter of the New York City Chapter of YPIC. Go to: www.unanyc.org/ypic/Ypic_newsletterDec06.pdf
"HIV/AIDS and Youth" Seminar in Nepal
In cooperation with the Global Anti-Drug and AIDS Association of Nepal and the Russian Culture Centre, the UN Youth and Student Association of UNA-Nepal organized a program on "The Role of Youth in Eradicating HIV/AIDS". The speakers highlighted the importance of eradicating HIV/AIDS through raising public awareness, especially focusing on the role of youth advocacy.
UNA Diaspora Program Initiated by UNA-Haiti
In November 2006, the UNA-Haiti launched a UNA Diaspora Network at an event at UN Headquarters in New York. The UNA Diaspora Network was established to provide a structure for collective action among UNAs with a shared interest in Diaspora communities. Its goal is to address issues that concern the Diaspora through dissemination of information, increased knowledge of the functioning of the United Nations, and providing information on the specific activities of the UN in participants' respective areas of interest.
For more information, contact Harvey Dupiton at hdupiton@aol.com
Model UN in Turkey
 The recently formed UNA-Turkey Youth Section is involved in the organization of the 3rd Turkey Model UN Conference (MUNTR) that will be held from 5-9 February 2007 in Istanbul. This year's conference will have five committees: the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Security Council, the Human Rights Council, and the Disarmament and International Security Committee -- discussing a broad spectrum of topics ranging from Disaster Relief, and the Information Society, to Freedom of Expression and Military Utilization of Space. For more information, visit: www.muntr.org
Historic Model UN in Vienna
Have you ever wanted to turn back time? See if you could have done better? Here is your opportunity! The UN Youth and Student Association of UNA-Austria is organizing the 1st Vienna International Historic Model United Nations (HISTOMUN) from 18-22 March 2007. The Model will simulate momentous sessions of the Security Council reacting to various crises, including Palestine in 1948, Korea in 1950, and Somalia and the Balkans in 1992. For details, visit: www.histomun.at
Moscow International MUN
Hosted by UNA-Russia, the 17th annual Moscow International Model UN Conference will be held from 9-13 April 2007. The conference will simulate the work of the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, International Court of Justice and the 4th GA Special Committee. The Moscow International Model UN is considered one of the largest in Europe. Over 800 delegates from various countries participated in the 2005 Conference. Registration ends on 15 March, so you still have time! You can find the agenda and further details at www.modelun.ru .
Belgrade International MUN
The UNA-Serbia is organizing the 4th Belgrade International Model United Nations (BIMUN) in Belgrade from 25 to 29 April 2007. BIMUN will feature comprehensive simulations of UN bodies focusing on real-life agenda items including the most pressing international issues. Students of social sciences and postgraduates from all over the world are invited to participate. Students from the Southeastern European are especially encouraged to take part in the conference in order to develop regional links and partnerships. Application is open until 31 January 2007. For more information about the conference and the application procedure, please visit: www.unaserbia.org.yu .
Inside Global Civil Society: How it Networks
 As they honored International Migrants Day on 18 December, immigrant communities around the U.S. mobilized to condemn restrictive and repressive immigration laws and to call for immigration policies based on the principles of dignity, justice, and equality. The National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights released a statement endorsed by almost 140 organizations calling for greater recognition of the human rights of all migrants. For more information, see www.hrea.org/lists/hr-headlines/markup/msg03207.html
The 7th edition of the World Social Forum brings the world to Africa as activists, social movements, networks, coalitions and organizations from every continent will come together in Nairobi, Kenya from 20 to 25 January 2007. From its modest origins in Porto Alegre in 2001, the World Social Forum has grown into an annual international event with participants from over 140 countries. It is a platform for civil society engagement with issues of importance to all the people of the world. This year, the WSF will focus on the theme of Another World Is Possible, placing social justice, international solidarity, gender equality, peace and defense of the environment on its agenda. For more, go to: www.wsf2007.org
 All over the world, NGOs have been mobilizing to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the devastation it leaves behind. As responses are scaled up, organizations are finding that they need to further develop their own capacity to deliver and support their programs. A new publication is available from The International HIV/AIDS Alliance, which is designed to help organizations identify their capacity-building needs, and plan technical support interventions.
For more information, see www.aidsalliance.org/sw7443.asp
 Join over 1,500 leaders, doctors, professionals, and students from 5 continents for an engaging exchange of ideas and best practices at the 4th Annual Unite For Sight International Health Conference from 14-15 April 2007 at the Stanford University School of Medicine in California. Conference topics include, "The Right to Health: Towards Social Inclusion and Universal Health Care in Latin America", "Antiretroviral Drugs and Issues of Drug Access and Quality in the Developing World" and "Global Progress in Preventing the Burden of Blindness and Other Diseases Caused by Measles and Rubella". For more, go to: www.uniteforsight.org/conference/2007
 Sign-up for UNICEF's new quarterly multimedia newsletter, Media Magic Digest. The inaugural issue shares stories of original youth-driven programs produced in different media including photography, video, radio and print. Subscribe at: www.unicef.org/voy/explore/media/explore_signup.html
How much do you know about the UN? Would you like a free t-shirt? We are still looking for two winners for the UN Quiz. Good luck! Take the quiz here: www.wfuna.org/you/unquiz06.cfm
"We the Peoples" Forum
Share your insights and experiences of participating in networks and partnerships shaping relationships between the emerging global civil society and the UN.
Tell us all about "best practices", new initiatives, and how to optimize the benefits of information communication technologies.
Send your feedback, comments, and suggestions for future issues to the Editor at editor@wfuna.org
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