In Search Of Global “Social Contract”—Geneva 2000 Forum Launched
(IPS) In a clear attempt to forge a new global partnership on development, governmental and non-governmental representatives, and civil society groups shared the same platform Sunday night at the official launching of Geneva 2000Forum which is seeking to establish a social contract to conquer the old common enemy poverty and other obstacles to social development worldwide.
Officially entitled Geneva 2000: The Next Step in Social Development, the forum which was launched at the Geneva International Conference Centre is widely expected to provide a unique platform for constructive dialogue.
No major United Nations gathering of any sort is complete without the vital contribution of civil society, Secretary-General United Nations Kofi Annan said in his address to the opening ceremony. “Your presence is at least as important as mine”, he told participants.
Swiss Federal Councillor Ruth Dreyfuss, and Cristian Maquieira of Chile, Chairman of the
Preparatory Committee for the General Assembly Special Session in Geneva, were among other speakers at the opening .
Dreyfuss said. The Forum is a further expression of the recognition of the NGOs’ crucial role in fighting poverty and achieving a more equitable society..
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Has the world lived up to its 1996 commitments..?
Solidarity 2000 starting 17th of June!
MS's big summer event Solidarity 2000 will start very soon now, with a week-long variety of debates and arrangements. The activities range from encounters between young people from Balkan, Africa and Central America to big conferences on the planet's social development and environment.
Judge by yourself:
The 1996 Copenhagen Social Summit final report in English, French and Spanish.