http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/337255 The workshop began with an explanation of the new types of technologies and services which the UNIC's are starting to use and how they can be of use to the NGO's and civil society. The new teleconference system that was being used was the main example of how the UN is moving into the future. Although actually working that technology seemed to baffle them, prompting the Mexico City Director to comment that even in the 1st world we can't get things to work!
The NGO's are a very important part of the outreach work that the UN does all over the world. They are the ones who go out into the communities and are on the front lines of addressing the most pressing needs. Therefore, it is imperative that the UN be able to better connect these NGO's so that they may be able to communicate and share solutions to the problems that they are facing in the field.
The representatives from all of the UNIC's stressed the fact that they are compiling databases and information on all of the NGO's with whom they work and making that information public. With the new information centers, individuals will be able to contact their local UNIC and find organizations in their area focusing on any number of different issues. These databases, will hopefully encourage 'horizontal communication' between NGO's who are working toward similar goals. Effective networking and communication is essential if we are to reach the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. There was a special focus on youth participation in particular, because as 18% of the total world population, they are uniquely positioned to take on some of the world's biggest issues with new perspectives, as well as greater knowledge of new technologies.
That is why organizations like Global Youth Action Network are so important. They network and provide links between community organizations all over the world. The Mexico UNIC recognized this when she mentioned GYAN in discussing how to connect isolated NGO's to the resources that are available to them.
All in all it was an informative workshop that demonstrated the increasingly vital role that new technology, along with organizations like GYAN, will play in solving current issues by connecting people!
]]> Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:50:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/337255 http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/334809 There were two panel discussions which were led by moderators and had speakers from all different countries and professions there to lend their unique perspectives to the issue. The first panel concerned the issue of co-operation with the private sector and how to enlist them in the effort to offset climate change. The second was entitled 'The UN at work' and focused on what the UN could do specifically to address the issue. The President of the U.N, Srgjan Kerim, captured the U.N's general policy for most issues in saying that, "The U.N can set the table but the rest of the world has to act". The idea is that if delegates and representatives from all over the world come together and discuss the issue, that they will return to their home countries with the necessary information in order to act locally. What everyone agreed was necessary was the participation of the private sector in any global movement against climate change. Governments can only do half of the work in drafting legislation, private companies must take it upon themselves to decrease their carbon footprint. As the panel member from the Board of Chinese Business Council put it, "we need to develop a good faith collaboration". Both the private and public sectors need to come together honestly and sincerely to solve the problem.
What was stressed over and over was the fact that the poorest countries produce the least carbon emissions but are affected the most by climate change. For example, while U.S and Chinese (the two most polluting countries!) factories and businesses churn out environmentally damaging gases, it is the small, poor villages in Southeastern Asia that are being washed away by tsunamis. It was also noted multiple times that while 20% of the world's population resides in cities, cities produce 80% of total gas emissions. So, it is evident that large cities such as New York carry a larger burden in trying to reduce their carbon footprint. Mayor Bloomburg spoke about some small changes that NYC city is undertaking to combat this problem, such as converting all NYC taxis to energy efficient vehicles, taxing drivers in Manhattan during peek hours and planting 1 million trees within the next 10 years. Although they may seem like small changes, these are the things that do make a difference in the long run. The 1st world and pollutant countries also bear the burden of helping the 3rd world countries develop with new, greener technology with private funding that will help not only in battling climate change but also in battling poverty.
One of the panel speakers, Martin Korr from Indonesia, spoke of the danger of overloading the agenda. We need to focus on the four main areas of attack: finance, litigation, technology and adaptation. If the problem of climate change is addressed on these four fronts then the global community has a chance of succeeding!
As an American, it was interesting to watch this discussion be played out in New York City. After the U.S government refused to sign the Kyoto treaty in 1997, it was a disheartening and embarrassing failure on our part to address this important issue and it seemed as if it would never be taken seriously in the US. But ten years later, it is the issue on everyone's lips and more and more people are taking small steps to do their part. Every citizen, and especially the YOUTH who will have to live with these decisions long after the aging administration, should pressure their government into taking action NOW so that we might have the possibility of saving the earth and saving our way of life!
]]> Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:19:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/334809 http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/272561 Youth Report: Will You Listen?]]> Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:21:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/272561 http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/272559
The Machel 10-Year Strategic Review is an assessment of the work done since the initial study of the effect of armed conflict on children by Graca Machel. This study brought about the position of the Special Representative to the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG-CAAC), and several intiatives by UN agencies, NGOs, governments and regional organizations for concrete action. The 10-Year Strategic Review provides the findings of the current SRSG-CAAC, Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, during several visits to conflict areas, and including recommendations for future action as well. One important suggestion is the participation of youth in decision-making. The presentation of the Youth Report is an important element in the Strategic Review, and reinforces the need for youth voices in the ongoing discussion on armed conflict.

The Youth Report was presented by four young people from conflict-affected areas, and included presentations from the sponsoring member state, Norway, the SRSG-CAAC, Radhika Coomaraswamy, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Hilde Johnson, and the Deputy Executive Director of UNFPA, Ms. Mari Simonen. Well-attended despite the conflicting Stand-Up Against Poverty! program that same morning, the moving presentation featured readings from the report by the youth participants, and a corresponding slideshow. Copies of the Youth Report were available and the young people had the chance to meet and take photos with the high-level representatives from the UN organizations.

However, the difficulties and problems facing the presentation of the Youth Report may be more evocative than what was actually said and presented. The team working on the presentation faced several obstacles; first and foremost, they were barred from presenting to the General Assembly alongside of the Strategic Review. In addition, the difficulties in bringing youth from conflict countries was indicative of the refusal by many states to acknowledge the significance of youth voices at the UN. It was quite disheartening to learn of young people refused visas to travel to New York and present their report. In addition, the work to censor the words of the young people demonstrated the inability of UN organizations and delegates to truly listen to these voices. The demands presented at the end of the reading, a crucial element of the Youth Report, unfortunately, will go unheeded as long as their voices remain suppressed.


Read the Youth Report, and endorse the demands of the young people by signing the online petition.]]> Fri, 26 Oct 2007 12:31:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/272559 http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/266823
I was definitely the youngest person in attendance, which is disappointing as young people, and especially young women are particularly vulnerable to this kind of exploitation. About 30% of global migrants are youth, many of whom are successful and whose remittances are an important financial benefit for the development of their home countries. However many migrants are exploited, amounting to forced labor/slavery and human trafficking, often with little to no legal protection. The United States State Department estimated that out of all those trafficked across international borders each year, approximately 80 percent are women and girls and up to 50 percent are minors.

One of the first questions asked was about how NGOs could better address these issues as governments themselves seem unwilling to confront them. The point made was that nations do not want to admit abuses occur, and often officials are unwilling to confront other nations about the abuse of their citizens for fear of losing emigration privileges and remittance money. The U.S. ambassador said he was supportive of the United Nations trying to convince member nations to respect, work with, and see NGOs as legitimate agents for positive change. His comments reflected the constant debate on UN - Civil Society Relations

In answer to this same question, Kenneth Roth discussed possible plans of action to counter this unwillingness to address the issue. What he suggested was that a regional group of nations could be formed as a block, so that nations with less bargaining power could not be singled out. This would give them greater leverage power to win protections for their citizens abroad, as well as protect them from the possible repercussions of raising the issue. I was delighted by this idea, the obvious strength of networking and communication to promote shared goals.

Mr. Roth ended on an interesting note. Central to protecting the rights of migrant workers and indeed to the success of the 21st century, is a shift in the way we see human migration. He said that as globalization will only increase human migration across the globe, continuing to see a person’s movement across national boundaries as a potential merit for being thrown in prison will continue to erode international human rights and global stability. A person’s location should never deprive them of their rights. Finally he recommended a major task for the next generation of young people to be redefining the rights of migrants and easing the human and economic costs of migration.





]]> Thu, 11 Oct 2007 15:29:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/266823 http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/248395 A few specific workshops focused on the effect of climate change on various youth issues. The following workshops focused on children's issues: "Caring After the Storm: The Impact of Climate Change on Children in Areas Where Rising Waters Create Despair and Destruction", "Youth, Education and Climate Change", and "Small Steps - Big Effect: What Families and Children Can Do to Help Reverse Global Warming". The presence of youth representatives were felt at these smaller workshops. However, youth were also present at the larger, closing session of the Conference. Moderated by the Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, this session featured conference summaries presented by 4 youth participants in the UN International School. Reading aloud from prepared summaries, these 4 participants were the few young people present. Though there were various references to the importance of youth participation in climate change, and the effect of current practices on the future, very few members of the audience represented the youth movement. The conference website, however, featured a section on youth, which included a Youth Education Outreach Initiative that incorporates and encourages advocacy and participation in the global discussion on climate change.
Closing with a beautiful poem and visual presentation by Mr. Rolland Smith, after a lengthy address by Mr. Rajendra K. Pachauri (the chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), the session pointed to the many successes of the 3-day conference, including a formal declaration prepared for the representatives. This declaration stated the goals and objectives of the conference, and suggested several initiatives for the representatives to take. Coming before the UN Climate Change Conference this December in Bali, this conference provided a brief look into the many new findings and positions of the IPCC. However, the role of youth needs to be much more visible and accesible in order to truly create the partnership and the essence of sustainable development that so many representatives stressed.
]]> Tue, 11 Sep 2007 14:40:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/248395 http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/244743 Thu, 30 Aug 2007 13:35:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/244743 http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/244731
The current system of global governance is one without a true world government. Instead, interstate organizations, NGOs, alliances, ad hoc coalitions, treaties and customary international laws function to maintain order in an anarchic system of global politics. As of now, the United Nations is not a true world government; it lacks, among other items, the ability to levy taxes, maintain an effective police force, and most importantly make laws that are truly binding and enforceable. In fact, realist theory stipulates that the world system is perpetually locked in anarchy, and that states are the only actors of any importance. However, despite overwhelming evidence and thought supporting realist theory, the possibility for the emergence of a true world government remains strong. Throughout history, the underlying trend for government organization is undeniably one of larger and larger spread. Empirical evidence points to a continuation of that trend, leading to governments that cover increasingly wide portions of the earth’s area.

Currently, several domestic and international groups exist, urging for continuing coordination and integration into a world government (World Federalist Movement 5). These groups include the World Federalist Movement, the Centre for International Governance Innovation, One World Trust, the Center for the Study of Global Governance, Civitatis International, and Democratic World Federalists. While these groups differ in the details of their philosophy (membership, transition, power, representation, purposes etc.), they are united under their belief in a world federation.

There appear to be three main cultural barriers. First, there currently exists no unifying quasi-global identity; second, each culture currently has a very different moral set, making it near impossible to make laws that do not violate any culture’s sovereignty; last, people in the world are not yet comfortable with the idea that representatives from a completely different culture can create binding laws over them. These cultural gaps must be bridged before federalization can begin to occur.
However, it is probable that all of these obstacles will be overcome via globalization, preventing a scenario depicted by Huntington or Barber. In the modern age, the world has seen an extraordinary amount of international exchange take place in all spheres of life. Most conspicuous perhaps, are the cultural exchanges. Unprecedented levels of tourism, migration and business travel have brought people face to face with others and their cultures. Meanwhile, immense decreases in transportation and communication costs, combined with constantly improving technology, have allowed for media and information exchange like never before. For example, Americans are more comfortable with Chinese culture because of immigration, while Ghanaian children can download Indian movies and gain acceptance of foreign norms. This exchange, over time, breeds cultural familiarity, acceptance, then appreciation.

There are basically two schools of thought on the subject of transition to world government: a gradual change or a revolution (Baratta 344). Most scholars today favor a gradual transition, but Glossop also gives merit to a revolution of sorts, likely following a catastrophic war (22). By contrast, Fuchs has given up on revolution and gradualism, noting that “superior force may bring about political integration” (18), citing several historical parallels for expansion by military force. Hamer lists numerous methods of possible transition: reform of the UN, enlargement of the EU, a functional approach – where increasing calls for integration gradually lead to a natural world state, a regionally integrated strategy, and through an evolutionary approach – where smaller organizations generally become more inclusive (131).

Last, the debate over the structure of a federation is very polarizing. The involvement of the UN is much discussed. The general opinion of many organizations, including the World Federalist Movement, is that the most probable path to a world government is via “a constitutional reform of the United Nations, to transform it into a genuine, democratic world federation of nations” (Hamer 131). Generally it is believed that UN structure is currently inadequate, but that reform is possible through amendments to the Charter (Voicu 6). Meyer certainly agrees, calling for an upgrade of UN power to the point of a world government (9). However, not all scholars see the UN as the vehicle to an international government. Strauss advocates for a global parliament operating independently of the UN (1), although a UN reform could still theoretically be used to arrive there. In addition, many disagreements over theoretical organizational structure exist, largely centered around the power distribution between a federal government and nation states. Delbrück notes several differences between forms of transnational federalism, all with different power balances (47). These debates are not of the utmost concern, largely because solutions will evolve naturally over time.

Empirical trends and historical examples suggest that an eventual world government is more than possible, it is probable. Scholars have advocated the benefits of an international federal system for millennia, and recent movements towards integration have generated an increasing amount of interest. Following the second World War, masses of philosophers, academics, and organizations preached the need for a global government, citing numerous advantages in maintaining global security, environmental regulation, economic development, healthcare, and scientific innovation. However, the globe is not yet prepared for a true government, and the UN certainly does not function as one. Before a world federation can be formed, several barriers must be overcome. Cultural obstacles are currently being broken by globalization, and it is not difficult to foresee the emergence of more global identities, communication between differing moral values, and unprecedented levels of comfort with outsiders. Debates remain over technical issues of federation structure and transition, but these will be solved naturally over time. The only remaining question is not if a world government will evolve, but when it inevitably will.

So for those out there who are proponents of the UN system, it is interesting to think about what the optimum structure would be. Do you favor an expansion of UN power and role? Reform? Do you see a world government as a positive goal? Or a negative one? Where would you like the UN to be in 20 years? Feel free to discuss.

Erik Preston
GYAN's UN Assistant]]> Thu, 30 Aug 2007 12:58:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/244731 http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/244289
GYAN’s unique role is of the most interest to the NGO community. They operate largely as a distributor, facilitating NGO coordination and providing technical expertise when needed. This role is described by GYAN: “More than 1,000 organizations have applied for membership in GYAN, representing youth-led, youth-serving and youth friendly agencies of all kinds. GYAN helps its members to share information and resources, building collaborations that leverage experience” (1). In this way, groups working on similar issues can share knowledge, or nearby groups can coordinate to reduce competition over funding and participation. Similarly, GYAN uses it ECOSOC consultative status to provide member groups with a window to the UN, facilitating dialogue and exchange. Using its partnership with TakingITGlobal and their online forum, one of the largest youth networks ever created is managed effectively. As Quinto describes it, “GYAN fills the niche of providing the connective tissue of what has become a global youth movement”...

Similarly, coordinating with the UN is critically important to GYAN’s programs. The main objective is to “increase the active and effective participation of young people within the UN” (Quinto). This is done in a variety of ways. GYAN often will actively represent its member’s interests or provide expertise in direct consultation with the UN, or in seminars and conferences. Frequently, direct advocacy work is performed as GYAN urges for the formation of a youth council within the UN framework (Global Youth Action Network 4). Conversely, the UN often subcontracts surveys and analysis on youth issues to GYAN, which provides the extensive network of individuals and organizations with which to obtain or disseminate information. Overall, GYAN “serves the movement as a central nervous system” (Quinto), uniting its network in representation at the UN...

Working with the UN allows GYAN’s member organizations a unified voice at the global discussion table. The variety of tasks GYAN performs at the UN (advocacy, consultation, lobbying, surveying, disseminating information) are all useful, and mutually beneficial. GYAN and its members have increased participation in international issues, while the UN has access to an extensive feedback network. GYAN has “measurably increased youth participation at the United Nations” (Quinto), and should continue to do so as long as it keeps its UN program a priority...

GYAN also demonstrated the various ways in which NGO involvement at the UN can be beneficial to the global system. While NGOs can currently receive consultative status, it seems that more frequent and integrated involvement could only be positive (White 92). One of the key roles within the UN system is simply promoting new issues and agendas: “International organizations and movements have been very influential in shaping the discourse within which international decision making and action occurs. Concern for the environment, for women's equality, and for disarmament would not have achieved international expression without the backdrop of social and political understandings promoted by NGOs” (Otto 122). Simmons agrees that NGOs help set agendas (84). Furthermore, Donini notes that NGOs can also provide field assistance, and direct programming on the ground (430). GYAN demonstrates a series of other functions NGOs can perform in the UN: disseminating information, representing a network of likeminded advocates, providing a more individual representation, consulting on issues of expertise, and advocacy. It is imperative that civil society continues to integrate into the international system of governance...

Global governance is constantly evolving, and increasingly involving civil society in its decision making process. NGOs have the ability to play a key role in coming years, as their integration and numbers are constantly growing. Their strength lies in their diversity, breeding innovation and adaptability. However, the current fragmented nature of their community is not practical. While some networks between NGOs are forming, the level of coordination and cooperation needed to be truly influential does not yet exist.
The Global Youth Action Network provides an excellent prototype for evolution within civil society. GYAN acts as a distributor, linking the NGO community together to increase coordination, improve efficiency, and provide access to the UN system. They work to reduce overlap, share knowledge, reduce competition for funding and participation, and connect similarly minded groups. This is a novel role for an NGO that provides key services to an increasingly efficient and productive youth movement. GYAN also reveals how structural reform and partnerships can mutually benefit NGOs, as well as movements as a whole. If similar network-based organizations can evolve in all sectors, NGOs could become far more productive and influential globally...

-Erik Preston]]> Tue, 28 Aug 2007 16:27:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/244289 http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/242895 August 10, 2007
UN Headquarters, NY

Begin running diary.

10:48 AM - It’s raining - not like Wednesday though, subways are still up to speed. But I still don’t own an umbrella. I am currently the only person in the security area wearing nice pants, a dress shirt, a tie, and a worn green “This land is your land” summer camp zip-up hoodie. What a surprise.

11:03 AM - I’m late. Where is this place? The Youth Day program is being held in the Dag Hammarskjöld Library Auditorium.

11:21 AM - Some adolescent young lady behind me has just been impromptu selected to introduce a speaker – the only qualification: she confirms that she is a good reader. Dang, I’m a good reader. That could have been me.

11:23 AM - I have just checked my “Brief Guide to Youth Delegates to the United Nations General Assembly” handbook. The dude on the cover has a huge tie. Could that be the fabled quadruple Windsor??? That’s a good way to be taken seriously as a young person – tie a huge clown knot. I’m rocking a slip knot right now, very casually cool.

11:25 AM - The assembly still hasn’t started. This guy with cornrows and an I-pod is officially pop-locking in the corner. No joke. He’s pretty good too. Eh, I take it back, he’s a B+.

11:26 AM - I find myself pulling an old favorite – looking into the projector and sound room above the auditorium to see what those people are doing in there. Nobody’s there, so sad. They always look so robotic – come on guys, enjoy the show a little bit!

11:36 AM - Lots of kids are taking pictures so they can put them on facebook and show their friends that they were at the UN.

11:40 AM - I have met a British girl sitting next to me. She just commented that it is possible to count the number of people on a guest list and then the number of seats in an auditorium, so why aren’t there enough seats right now? Good point. The auditorium is now overflowed. I keep my mouth shut about how I never put my name on a guest list.

11:41 AM - We’ve started the show. And by the way, no joke, we just did a, “HELLOOOO” – audience murmur – “HELLLLLOOOOOOO!!!” – audience hello. Summer camp style – unbelievable.

11:49 AM - It’s International Youth Day! Sweetness, even though it’s actually on Sunday. “From Ghana to Greece, Bahrain to Bangladesh,” – that’s alliteration, nice. Let me try one: From Canada to Cameroon – hey that was fun.

11:52 AM - Another girl next to me has a copy of the speech from the Secretary-General’s Office. How’d she get that? Some themes: youth work on MDGs, HIV, development, providing energy and idealism, cultivating promise and potential. “Youth are our most valuable resource,” – and you know what? I agree.

11:54 AM - Fred Doulton, our MC, is about to get things “jazzy”.

11:56 AM - The group is called PLAYERS. And you know what, the girl reading the introduction is not even a good reader. It should have been me after all. Ah, the missed opportunities in life.

11:58 AM - Actually, this group is really good. The cornrows guy is in it. They’re funny, good speakers, and just made a Bill Cosby joke. As for the step dance itself, I’m impressed – well rehearsed, pretty cool.

12:05 PM - And we have Kirsten Jordan from TakingITGlobal. Nobody told me that they would be here! That’s our partner network by the way. The highlights: bad joke about having to follow step dance, mentions how geographical barriers have fallen via the internet, asymmetrical technological distribution – need for impoverished to have access.
- I have to say, and no, this is not a shameless plug, that the internet really is a powerful tool for youth in social work. So check out www.takingitglobal.org – it’s like facebook for activists.

12:18 PM - We have heard the word "awesome" a couple times now. It's always mildly entertaining to hear high level diplomats throw out words they have never used before.

12:20 PM - Shoot Nations Photography is now giving a presentation. I remember them because I had to put them in a newsletter once. Highlights: a forum for photo exchange and cultural communication, pictures are actually pretty good, the British girl’s speeches sound way more polished than the American boy’s – shocker, a nice gift of a light box with photos to the UN.

12:34 PM - The City Council of New York makes a Youth Day proclamation. Standard photo opportunity – I’m not a fan.

12:36 PM - A young man gives a speech on youth and the MDGs. It actually is pretty good: connected issues to the youth, personalized, positive tone, good public speaking – wow, nose dive. We have just blamed terrorism on poverty. Ok, this needs to be clarified. The overwhelming evidence shows almost no connection between poverty and terrorism. Terrorists have not evolved in the world’s 50 poorest nations, and furthermore terrorists within nations tend to come from middle income regions. In fact, a certain degree of economic success and political freedom is necessary for terrorism to be possible at all. That should be kept clear.

12:44 PM - Young Professionals for International Cooperation – this is pretty positive. Basically, we’re talking about projects youth can do at home and in our communities. People ought to do more of these, it’s just so hard to see the bigger picture when you’re in 7th grade. Big theme: act locally, think globally.
- Another awkward moment just happened: the lady on stage picked a little kid out of the crowd to encourage participation and totally patronized him. She basically put him on the spot and asked him what the UN does – like anyone could give a one sentence answer for that. Talk about fun for that kid.

12:50 PM - Really, this whole assembly is pretty good. It’s relatively inspiring, personal, and features some impressive projects. More people ought to have seen this, can we webcast?

12:55 PM - Inspiring Youth to Be Seen and Heard: hey this presenter is Japanese – ii desu yo! Ok wow, this is terrifying. This whole presentation is super overly idealistic – I’m just not sold on how much can be accomplished through world wide prayer.
- “When we pray, we can be whole in the moment and forget about the world’s problems.” What?! Oookkkk, let’s try to not forget about the problems we’re trying to solve here.

1:01 PM - Conclusive remarks: Youth can do positive things for communities. Be seen, be heard. Act locally, impact globally. Thanks Mr. Doulton.

End running diary.


Heading back to the UN next week…

Erik Preston
GYAN’s UN Assistant]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:48:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/242895 http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/240983 August 8, 2007
UN Headquarters, NY

Today, the UN held a seminar and information session on the newly developed Human Rights Council. The event was sponsored by OHCHR (Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights) and WFUNA (World Federation of United Nations Associations). The discussion centered mostly around a recent meeting in Geneva, which outlined and updated upcoming council policy.

A little background info: the Human Rights Council has grown out of the failed UN Commission on Human Rights, which was largely ineffective and often granted high profile positions to nations with considerable histories of human rights violations. The Human Rights Council, formed over a year ago, is based in Geneva and is the “centerpiece of the human rights reform package in the UN”. No longer does the UN simply act as a forum for international conflict resolution, it now attempts to maintain individual safety and fulfillment for peoples in nations everywhere. This shift towards a more local responsibility is headlined by an increasing number of human rights treaties and organizations within the UN system – chief among them the Human Rights Council.

The structure of the council is fairly straightforward. It functions as a subsidiary body to the General Assembly, with 47 member states currently. These states are subject to examination under the Universal Periodic Review system – every four years each UN member state is reviewed by the council, then given recommendations on their human rights policies. States are reviewed with data submitted from three main areas: from the national government itself, from other UN departments, and from outside sources such as NGOs and local individuals. Rather than a trial, a cooperative and constructive dialogue is envisioned for the review, with balanced participation from all regions and sectors.

Some notes from the seminar:
- The council will feature an advisory committee of human rights experts to provide support and advice, as well as research current human rights issues.
- Special procedures for human rights emergencies are in place, but not necessarily well defined at this point. As time goes on, this seems like an area the council could improve upon.
- Individuals and NGOs can file formal complaints to the council, and procedures are in place for addressing these concerns. Reported HR violations are victim-oriented.
- The effort for collaboration with outside NGOs, human rights organizations, and other UN associations is strong. Organizations currently have the ability to submit complaints, provide shadow reports on human rights policy during review, and be present during the periodic review discussion. Continuing this effort to integrate civil society into the discussion on human rights is critical for the council’s success. Individuals and organizations have long contributed to the crusade for human rights in a variety of ways, including recognition of rights violations, promoting and advocating action, raising public awareness, and adding to debates on regional issues. It is certainly encouraging for the youth of the world working individually or in small grassroots organizations to see that the UN has formally recognized the important role of the civil sector.
- As of now, the HR Council has held five regular sessions and four special sessions. While nothing significant has transpired thus far, the framework is seemingly in place for more decisive action in the future.
- After 5 years of operation, the council will be subject to review by the General Assembly. The key point of concern will be how effective the council has been in making changes on the ground, which it was specifically designed to do.
- For regular updates on the council’s actions, check out http://ohchr.org or http://www.hrcouncil.info/, which even features webcasts of sessions.

Some concerns:
- Notably absent from the seminar’s discussion was the topic of cultural relativism vs. universalism. For years, scholars have been weighing in with their view on the debate: should cultural practices be respected as sovereign? Or instead does a universal set of human rights apply across cultural boundaries? In my view, this is something that needs to be more formally addressed by the UN. Without coming to a relatively well accepted conclusion, any action over human rights will be highly contested.
- A large amount of scrutiny has been directed to the Human Rights Council over the issue of Israel. Many feel that an undue amount of attention is paid to the nation, and that a fair balance of human rights issues is not represented. This is certainly a concern, but seems like it will most likely dissipate over time as the council matures. In addition, this claim was harshly refuted by the speaker for the OHCHR.
- The UN, while not intentionally designed to deal with individual rights, has become the perfect vehicle to do so. Due to its superior global awareness, financial means, and perhaps most importantly legitimacy, the UN has a chance to set new standards in international human rights. However, as it is currently designed, the council will be thoroughly ineffective. While its review process seems comprehensive, it offers no real solutions at its conclusion. Nations cannot be expected to simply abandon human rights violations that have become engrained in their government. The Human Rights Council needs to offer more enforceable recommendations, legitimate economic sanctions, a loss of power within the UN, or referrals to the Security Council to become more persuasive with violators. These improved responses can evolve over time, but until an effort is made to address them, the council will remain relatively inconsequential in the world.


Heading back to the UN on Friday for Youth Day…

Erik Preston
GYAN’s UN Assistant
]]> Fri, 10 Aug 2007 17:03:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/240983 http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/76933 United Nations Headquarters
New York, NY
November 17, 2006

On October 13, 2006 Muhammad Yunus and the Grameen Bank were awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for “their efforts to create economic and social development from below” and in so doing, infuse the spirit of capitalism with a sense of social responsibility (nobelprize.org). This award was the culmination of thirty years of dedicated, inspired, and visionary work which began with the founding of the Grameen Bank movement in 1976. Today, the world knows micro-enterprise as a tool of strategic development to serve under-resourced populations and integrate them into the overarching economy. We owe this knowledge to Professor Yunus who carved out the space necessary to create a self-sustaining bank of peer lenders, independent of donors and external organizations.

When Yunus began his work in Bangladesh during the 1970s there was no existing alternative to conventional banking, an elite luxury which was not available to 2/3 of the world. A vision of opening the economic system that globalization makes possible to everyone, even the poorest of the poor, was unprecedented. His dream became a reality in the Grameen Bank, and his goal was to reach 100 million of the most rural and poor families in Bangladesh by 2005. On November 17, 2006 the United Nations honored Yunus’ grand achievement of that goal. To date, he has reached more than 86% of the rural villages in Bangladesh with the Grameen Bank, of which 97% of borrowers are women. The small loans of $150 on average are used by women to initiate or perpetuate their own businesses. This economic freedom and liberation enabled these women to possess a substantiated sense of self-autonomy and legitimacy as able and successful participators in the market economy.

Professor Yunus has brought not only the material wealth needed to bring families out of the deprecating system of poverty but has also created the space for women and families to socially re-invent themselves. As an Ambassador from Chile says of the Grameen Bank during the ceremony, “The program cultivates self esteem and gives people the accomplishment of achieving their own success and development with their full human rights”. Sometimes the most powerful obstacle in breaking the cycle of poverty is to transcend the socially and personally imposed visions of stagnancy that poverty brings: My mother was poor and uneducated, therefore I am poor and uneducated, and therefore my daughters must all be poor and uneducated…The Grameen Bank brings an end to that cycle, for when a daughter looks upon her mother as a part-owner in a Bank with the ability to provide for herself and her family, she will see her own future in a new light.

On November 17, 2006 I entered the United Nations for the first time. Although I have spent three and a half years attending college in New York and have a profound interest in globalization, international policy, advocacy networks, and intergovernmental institutions I had never been inside the United Nations building. With my NGO pass in hand I crossed the few short blocks from the GYAN headquarters office on 43rd street to the UN. The ceremony was held in one of the conference rooms near the café, and as I filed into the space it became apparent that there were no assigned seats, reserved sections or lines to wait in. Was this how all the UN ceremonies and meetings were? In the address by Mark Malloch Brown, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, he remarked on the special ‘open nature’ of the tribute. As an honor to Professor Yunus, his honoring ceremony was made to be as non-hierarchical as the “man of the people” himself. It was because of the reflection of Yunus’ values and life work that I, a first-timer at the United Nations, was able to sit in the company of ‘friends’ of this magnificent man.

The ceremony was divided between the gracious and inspiring words of Professor Yunus and the praise of his admirers which included several UN Ambassadors, the Deputy Secretary General Mark Malloch Brown and the President of the General Council Haya Rashed Al Khalifa. In his introduction Professor Yunus is referred to as the ‘spokesman’ for the movement of microfinance and Deputy Secretary General Brown explains that his honor links to a whole community of activists who are a part of the success of microfinance. Professor Yunus makes a further effort to separate himself from the spotlight, “All the borrowers of micro-credit are truly honored; they are the true Nobel Laureates”. This statement is evidenced insofar as the borrowers of micro-credit take out loans, pay them back, and provide the solid majority of the deposit money (in the case of Grameen Bank, 67% of deposits come from the borrowers). Although the borrowers themselves are incredibly deserving of the Nobel honor, I believe that Professor Yunus merits additional acknowledgement for having the strategic insight and capability to engineer the system from the ground up.

He stated in his acceptance speech that “peace and poverty eradication are two sides of the same coin…the world’s poor need global attention to attain sustainable peace”. Yunus has always believed that the system of global economy must include everyone. He does not exclude even the poorest of the poor from this consideration; “poverty is not created by the poor people it is created by policies and institutions”. No conventional institution would ever lend money to beggars; a concept still so riddled with suspicion that it made the audience at the UN laugh in disbelief. However, without the tools to enhance their resources and production beggars have been kept immobile and without opportunity to become participating members of economy and society. To help balance the disparity that existed in resource appropriation between the poor classes and the rest of the population, the Grameen Bank started a lending program exclusively for beggars. Interested beggars were given loans to buy merchandise to sell door to door instead of begging. Today there are 84,000 beggars in the Grameen program, of whom many have started to beg less or have left begging completely.

Professor Yunus thanks the UN for aligning with the activists and supporting the seedlings of micro-credit at the beginning; culminating in naming 2005 as the international year of micro-credit to support the 100 million family goal of the Grameen Bank. However, after thanking the UN he urges its members to take a stronger position on micro-credit and bring it throughout the world as a tool to end poverty and reach the said Millennium Development Goals. Today, the Grameen Bank has a new goal: to reach 275 million families by 2015. In his speech thanking Professor Yunus for his noble work an Ambassador from Chile aligns himself behind the conviction that “micro-credit presents a real solution for achieving the MDG (Millennium Development Goals) as it has already proven able to reach set goals...If such programs are further supported (by the UN) there will be much progress made in the way of achieving these MDGs.” For the disbelievers out there Yunus stresses that “funding is not a problem, the institution is the problem” a statement which he surely substantiates in the reality of the Grameen Bank; as it does not rely on any institution to generate and maintain its funding.

There are certain people who posses the kind of radiant energy that one can feel just by being in his or her proximity. Professor Yunus is one of those people. The man was so soft-spoken, so eloquent and gracious, which only enhanced the persuasion and confidence of his project. Too often it is easy to get overwhelmed by poverty: it is so big, there is so much to be done, where to start, no sign of progress...we must need some huge revolutionary answer equally as formidable as the problem of poverty itself to accomplish anything at all. With his soft gaze and strong voice Professor Yunus reminds us that “it is not only the grandeurs that always bring the change”. Although the loans are minimal and for that reason challenge our notions of big change, the impact of micro-credit is revolutionary in its ability to make-over the confidence and expectations of its borrowers and open the eyes of the world to the power of the poor in achieving their own development.

Professor Yunus will give the Nobel Lecture in Peace on December 10, 1:00 p.m. (CET) at the Oslo City Hall in Norway (attendance by invitation only). The lecture will be published on this site at the same time: http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2006/yunus-lecture.html

Leila Orchin
GYAN Intern
]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2006 13:54:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/76933 http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/76105 Today is my last day as an intern at GYAN here in New York, but this is not the end of my adventure with GYAN. First of all I want to deeply express my gratefulness to all of the GYAN team members, thank you very much for this amazing time, thank for having offered me one of the biggest experience in my life. MERCI du fond du coeur.

Before I leave I want to share with you my experience in the small world of the United Nations and the Civil Society. I am saying small world because it’s been my feeling about the UN, it is the heart of the global world. When I arrived I was really impressed by all these diplomats, I have always heard about all their protocols and their obscure diplomatic language…So my surprise was big the day some of them came to sit at my table to share a coffee, this day my old prejudices disappeared. These people around me were just joking around or making fun of each others speeches during the formal meeting. No these people are not cold bureaucrats locked up in their tower; they are really dedicated to their job. I have been delighted to discover that even though international and national policies can appear as a “cold monster”, there is still room for true human relationship. Every single day diplomats, experts, teachers or simply activists work together to solve the problems of humanity, putting all their hearts and brains at the service of the people of the earth.

I also have to confess that the UN system needs to be reformed urgently. The first reason is the UN system needs to focus more on efficiency and real results for all the people. Also the UN system has to be more reactive to act faster or to simply act. All these devoted people working at the UN have in common the enthusiasm to make a better world, but the absence of success these last years for the institution has blown a wind of cynicism in this small village. Cynicism is one of the worst plagues in the political world because it makes people lose their enthusiasm, their ideas, their hopes and it finally leads to passivism and negativism. I would like to quote Master Yoda preventing us from falling into the dark side...More seriously this is not just a joke, we have to save our fervor and dreams from the dark side of humanity, we shouldn’t listen the others saying we can’t do anything else to better the world. This is where the role of youth is fundamental, because they are the ones carrying all the dreams and utopias, all the enthusiasm and love, when you are young everything is possible.

To conclude and to come back to the UN, most of the young people I met there were involved in the Civil Society so this is why the UN has to work more closely with the NGO world and the youth in order to bring a new fresh wind of enthusiasm and youngness inside this 60 years old institution.

Benjamin Sourice
Vote humble serviteur...]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2006 18:48:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/76105 http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/71519
During my time working around the UN there has been a constant debate on how civil society can and should be involved and have access to UN decision-making processes. There have been many previous reports and recommendations on this issue, among them the Cardoso Report, but the debate is ongoing. Civil society is obviously always pushing for more access, arguing it brings expertise, accountability and urgency to the processes. Governments argue the UN is a forum where governments make decisions and that the number and diversity of civil society organizations is too large to handle.

Under this context, the General Assembly President organized a meeting where civil society representatives in New York met with UN officials and governments to discuss how the relationship can improve. A number of NGOs had gone together and prepared a statement outlining their recommendations. The most interesting ones were:

• Appointment of an NGO Focal Point for the UN system - Today there exists a number of NGO Focal Points within the UN system, often one for each department and agency, and with each comes a different registration process and different procedures for engagement. It can be very confusing for NGOs to figure out how it is possible to get involved, especially for young people engaging with the UN for the first time. One focal point and one office that NGOs can contact, along with uniform registration procedures, will make life a lot easier for many NGOs.
• Establishment of a trust fund for Southern NGOs - Participation at the UN remains dominated by Northern NGOs or northern representatives of International NGOs. The travel costs for Southern NGOs to come to New York are often too great for organizations already struggling with little resources. A trust fund dedicated to increasing southern participation would of course be most helpful. However, such a fund does already exist for bringing youth delegates to the UN, and it has been painfully empty. There are also visa restrictions - especially young people from Africa can be stopped at the US embassy even with funding and approval letters from the UN.
• Virtual representation and regional engagement - One of the more interesting and relevant recommendations for young people is the use of technology and virtual representation. Video conferencing could enable young people to participate from their home countries. Although not ideal, it would solve the funding and visa problems that stops many youung people from participating. Another recommendation is to engage civil society more in the regional processes and in the work of the UN country offices. Although this is currently happening in many countries there is a lot of potential for bigger involvement, and it would also be more relevant to those participating.Other recommendations included to improve the the way civil society hearings are organized, to improve the actual physical space for civil society when the UN building is eventually upgraded, and to grant more funding and responsibility to the UN Non-Governmental Liaison Service.
  
  The recommendation that received the most applauce, though, was regarding the entrance for civil society to the UN building. Currently we have to walk through the visitor's entrance, along with tourists and through a security screening, while government delegates and UN staff can go through more accessible entrances. I couldn't believe that after the whole debate on improving civil society access, this was what seemed to be the biggest concern. It's a minor issue that would perhaps save 5 minutes when entering the UN building, but would do nothing to further substantiate our participation.
  
  There was not much said about youth until Emily Freeburg of the NGO Committee on Youth stood up and spoke about the contributions young people can make to the UN, and the specific challenges young people have when trying to participate. Certainly the UN can improve the conditions for young people, including funding, training, and recognition as key stakeholders.The potential of technology and the knowledge and innovation of young people to utilize it is also certainly worth exploring.
  
  The UN is trying to improve its relations with civil society, but the way the system works right now it will take a while. Civil society can continue to advocate and lobby as we have been doing for the past years, repeating the same thing over and over until eventually someone hopefully listens, or perhaps a new way of thinking is required?]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2006 23:32:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/71519 http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/69263 International Forum on the Eradication of Poverty, which opened on November 15, 2006, was devoted to the review of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty. Agreed upon at the 1995 World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, and formally launched at the fiftieth session of the General Assembly, the Decade pursued the goal of eradicating absolute poverty and reducing overall poverty, through decisive national actions and international cooperation among international organizations, governments and Civil Society. The NGO community and the academic community were widely represented at the conference but unfortunately there was a dramatic absence of official diplomats and people from the business world.
  
  The panelists’ presentations were really interesting and relevant, mostly without complacence for the United Nations which was criticized for the lack of action on simple solutions that have been proven effective, and instead focusing on complex and indirect ways of eradicating poverty. Maybe that explains the absence of the UN diplomats…
  
  Ms Wahu Kaara, representing African women, delivered a vibrant and passionate speech urging the UN to wake up and to embrace its responsibility to face the challenges of the world before it is too late. She encouraged the people to take action outside the box and to find alternative strategies to eradicate poverty. According to her, poverty is not only a question of wealth but also a question of freedom. She said “poverty is when you cannot make your own decisions concerning your own daily life”. Given that, poverty is a matter of domination and control over the people who are maintained in an unequal relationship. Children and women suffer from a double alienation, which makes the burden of poverty heavier on their shoulders. As human beings they suffer from the global poverty depriving them of a decent life, but they also suffer a second alienation as “minors” in the society and family system depriving them of their most basic Human Rights and freedom. The actual capitalist system and its institutions are made to maintain the gap between rich and poor, between people over-consuming and others dying of under-consumption. She reminded us that the money needed to save all the people from hunger, a few billion dollars a year, equals the money that people in the West spend on food for their pets. Poverty cannot be only defined any longer as a purely economic issue but we also need to recognize it as a social and historical product. We want to make poverty history but we should admit that history also made poverty.
  
  Concerning the social and economic progresses during the last decade, the presentation of Mr Roberto Bissio, Executive Director of Third World Institute, was the clearest and the most complete. According to him, one of the most worrying parts of the problem was that progress on many indicators had actually slowed down in the past decade. The Millennium Development Goals were based on the 70’s and 80’s economic rhythm, but the speed of progress had declined in the 90’s making it difficult to achieve the MDGs even if they were not really ambitious. The rhythm of social improvement has been declining over the last decade and we are assisting to a destruction of the social system dues to the globalization of the economy, he also said. Since 1990, the world has witnessed elimination of barriers to investment and creation of new rights for corporations, without commensurate rights for the people in developing countries. He also raised the issue of non-compliance by the rich countries of all the promises they had made, which related to increased aid, creation of fair trade conditions and solution to the debt problem of the poor nations. While debt relief had been announced this year for some of the most heavily indebted countries, those measures had yet to be put into practice…
  
  To conclude with more hope, we should recognize the progresses made by the non-profit business sector such as the great initiative of the One laptop per child initiated by Nicholas Negroponte. Lot of panelists have highly praised the huge progresses against poverty made by the micro-credit initiative, invented by Mohammad Yunus the actual Nobel Prize for peace. Yunus received an award at the UN last week and his work will be the topic of a coming article.
  
  We should keep fighting to make poverty history and to design a new world society led by equity and justice for all. All these devoted persons show us the right example and pave the way for a better future. Don’t Give Up the Fight my friends.
  
  Benjamin Sourice
  GYAN Intern
  ]]> Tue, 21 Nov 2006 15:02:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/69263 http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/66331
  Asociación Cultura de Paz and < a href=http://www.unoy.org/> the United Network of Young Peacebuilders (UNOY) organized a two-week lobbying program at the UN for the Culture of Peace with a team of young people from all around the world.
  
  The Culture of Peace is a “set of values, attitudes, modes of behaviour and ways of life that reject violence and prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes. It aims to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation among individuals, groups and nations” (UN Resolutions A/RES/52/13: Culture of Peace and A/RES/53/243: Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace).
  
  The Culture of peace can be achieved through the implementation of 8 key points which are:
  • foster a culture of peace through education
  • promote sustainable economic and social development
  • promote respect for all human rights
  • ensure equality between women and men
  • foster democratic participation
  • advance understanding, tolerance and solidarity
  • support participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge
  • promote international peace and security
  
  
  Benjamin Sourice, an intern with GYAN, participated in the team which advocated for the involvement of young people in the peace-building policies within the United Nations, but also for a better peace education and non-violence culture. It was a really interesting opportunity to discover the small world of the UN and the diplomatic mechanisms. The team managed to visit more than 60 missions and met several youth delegates but also international organizations such as The Alliance for Civilizations which showed a great interest in our multicultural team. This unique experience taught us that youth have a great role to play into the UN policy-building and that their representation has to be fostered to make them key partners.
  
  Benjamin Sourice
  GYAN intern]]> Wed, 15 Nov 2006 19:28:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/66331 http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/66147
  
  “The true measure of the success for the United Nations is not how much we promise, but how much we deliver for those who need us most.” - Ban Ki-moon in his acceptance speech to the General Assembly.
  
  These last years an urgent need for UN reform has been raised to strengthen its impact and to overcome the fragmentation of the UN system. A high level panel, consisting of the prime ministers of Pakistan, Mozambique and Norway, was set up to find solutions to help the United Nations bring more coherence in its policy and to deliver as one. GYAN attended a meeting where the report of the panel was presented to Civil Society.
  
  The panel started with going through the UN system’s weaknesses, principally a “lack of focus on results” and an inability to deliver on its promises. They also pointed out that “inefficient and ineffective governance and unpredictable funding have contributed to policy incoherence, duplication and operational ineffectiveness across the system.”
  
  From these criticisms they built up a core of clear recommendations to establish a new UN strategy and new governance, managerial and funding mechanisms to empower the UN. They recommended “the establishment of One UN at the country level, with one leader, one programme and one budget” which should be developed in partnership with the country in line with its own national priorities. They advocated for a stronger coordination between the UN, national governments and also a better inclusion of the NGOs in the implementation of the development policies at the local level.
  
  Finally they recommended strengthening the action of the UN on the Millennium Development Goals and the protection of the environment which are the very challenges the world has to face nowadays. They recommended the establishment of a UN Development Coordinator and also that the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) should be upgraded and have real authority as the environmental pillar of the UN system.
  
  The UN is going through a real ambitious reform to overcome its weaknesses and to bring coherence into its work. They want the Civil Society to be a key actor in the implementation of this new policy. The UN is willing to deliver as one to improve its results, but is the Civil Society willing to be less divided between the different fields of action? Many NGOs push for particular actions in their specific fields of involvement, creating divisions within Civil Society. As the One-UN idea, it is time for all NGOs to work together to be a coherent partner for all policy makers and to work for real effective results. Network organizations, such as GYAN, are a good way to bring unity and credibility as well as coherence. We all share the same dream to make a better world, but we all have our own ideas on how to make it better. Isn’t unity the very first goal to be achieved before we face the bigger ones?
  
  Benjamin Sourice.
  Intern at GYAN New York
  ]]> Tue, 14 Nov 2006 17:50:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/66147