UN NGO Conference opens with spotlight on global citizenship to achieve 2030 Agenda

05:00 PM May, 30 2016

Sudanese Online
SudaneseOnline Press Release-Phoenix Arizona USA
My Library
Short URL



Gyeongju, Republic of Korea (ESCAP News) -- The 66th United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI) / Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Conference, opened its session in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea today with its gaze fixed firmly on mobilizing global civil society to support implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At the opening ceremony, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon highlighted that the contribution of NGOs, academia and youth will be key to achieving the SDGs, for without the participation of NGOs and civil society groups, no initiative, however visionary, can be fully achieved.

“I am such a strong believer in NGOs, I constantly call on governments to expand space for you to operate,” said the Secretary-General in his address to conference delegates. “Four days ago, at the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity, I denounced shrinking democratic space and I urged freedom for civil society organizations and human rights defenders. Unfortunately, that freedom is under threat, including at the last place this should happen: at the United Nations. I call on Member States to stop constricting NGO engagement.”

In his address, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Kyo-ahn Hwang reaffirmed the country’s commitment to fostering global citizenship.

“We worked very hard so that global citizenship was reflected in the SDGs,” said Prime Minister Hwang. “Global citizens need to fulfil the basic values of humanity. They need to be proactively involved in solving global issues. This conference, under the theme of ‘Education for Global Citizenship: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals Together’ will encourage people to become involved.”

The conference, held from 30 May to 1 June 2016, is being underpinned by three pillars: Formal Education; Informal Education and Training; and Advocacy and Public Information, which will be examined as a means to eliminate inequalities that create barriers to learning.

Over the next three days, the roundtable discussions, workshops and youth caucuses will focus on education as an entry point for implementing and achieving the SDGs, culminating in an action agenda for NGOs and academia, to concentrate efforts and catalyze successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

Cross cutting themes such as gender equality and climate change will be a strong focus, along with importance of learning from marginalized and vulnerable groups, including indigenous people and the LGBT community.

Co-Chairs of the conference, Dr. Scott Carlin, Associate Professor of Geography at Long Island University and Dr. YuKang Choi, NGO Representative to the United Nations for Dream Touch for All, highlighted that the conference is an important opportunity to raise awareness and mobilize civil society around the SDGs.

“The NGO/DPI Conference will bring the civil society voice to the United Nations, and foster NGO support for implementation of the 2030 Agenda,” said Dr. Carlin.

“This is the first time the conference is being hosted in Asia, providing an opportunity for NGOs in the region to tap into networks and enhance their ability to lobby governments for commitment to SDG implementation,” added Dr. Choi.

More than 2000 people were in attendance for the opening session. The conference is being organized in cooperation with the NGO/DPI Executive Committee, the Government of the Republic of Korea and the National Organizing Committee of Korea.

30 May 2016AS air operations to Sortony are now open and the provisional schedule includes direct El Fasher-Sortony-El Fasher flights on Sundays and Mondays, the UN's humanitarian office (OCHA) reported last week.


Topics related to the subject or the author



• Campaigns to boost low voter turnout in Darfur referendum
• UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan to start second mission to the coun
• Unicef, Sudan start polio shots
• National Congress Party transforming the Sudanese army into mercenaries
• Ministry refutes USA concerns on Darfur referendum
• Why did the Sudanese opposition forces refuse to sign the Roadmap Agreement proposed by the AUHIP؟
• Khartoum students oppose faculty relocation for tourist attractions
• UAE stresses readiness to expand investments in Sudan
• Sudanese Pound drops sharply against US Dollar: SDG13
• Foreign Ministry Summons US Charge d'Affaires and Protests over Washington Statement on Darfur Refe
• Sudan army claims victory in Sarrong, Jebel Marra
• Memo of Understanding Signed between Judiciary of Sudan and International Islamic University of Mal
• Joint statement on violations of human rights and humanitarian law in Sudan’s conflict areas deliv
• Sudan participates in AU Finance Ministers' Economic Committee
• Three protesters held on day 1 of Darfur referendum
• Hassabo informed on ongoing steps for establishment of Sudanese-Chadian Agricultural Bank
• New refugees, economic hardship in Yida camp, South Sudan
• Headlines of Khartoum Newspapers on April 11, 2016
• Bakri Hassan Salih Calls for Concern with Environment Culture
• EU and Sudan to strengthen dialogue and cooperation
• Bakri Informed on Implementation of Development Projects in East Sudan States
• President Deby of Chad to visit Sudan next week
• Bakri Appreciates Germany Support to Development and Peace in Sudan
• President Al-Bashir leaves for Egypt
• Sudan Investment Forum to kick-off Wednesday under resident Al-Bashir's auspices
• Israel interested in ties with Sudan, deputy defense minister says
• Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, following judicial
• FCO Press Release: Minister for Africa visits South Sudan
• Foreign Ministry: Report of UN Secretary General on Sudan Included Positive Aspects
• Statement attributable to the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ms. Ma
• Conference of Arab and India Foreign Ministers Affirms Support to Sudan
• Israel Supplies South Sudan Government With Wiretapping Equipment
• President Al-Bashir Issues Decision to Open Border with South Sudan
• Freedom House report: Sudan still among world’s worst
• Sudan Government announces cancellation of monopoly on three petroleum commodities
• Sudan:More price hikes expected
• State Minister for Culture informed on Progress of Work at Project of Sennar as Capital of Islamic
• Health services deteriorating in Port Sudan
• National Reform Party: Parties and Movements Participating in Dialogue are Making Real Peace
• First Vice - President Calls on Newly-Appointed Information Attaches to Enhance Sudan Image Abroad
• Bakri Hassan Salih in Al-Fasher: Darfur Started to Recover from War
• Bakri and Musa Discuss Number of Important Issues
• First Vice-President Reviews Situation in Blue Nile State
• Bakri to address first national conference for environment issues and upgrading of urban conduct
• First Vice - President: There is No Alternative for Federal Government
• Sudan, Niger indicate keenness on emphasizing bilateral relations in all domains
• Signs of tension easing between Sudan and US
• The next stage will witness achievement of peace and national reconciliation: Sudan’s Vice Presiden
• Sudan and Egypt open Gostul-Eshkheit Crossing on Thursday
• Sudan participates in COMESA Summit in Addis Ababa
• Sudanese-German talks discuss Berlin Declaration
• Sudan’s president sends letters to his Kenyan and Ethiopian counterparts

Arabic Forum