The United Nations at 60: Past Accomplishments & Future Prospects

Topic:

At sixty, the United Nations remains a remarkable achievement in international cooperation. As a human organization, the United Nations is not perfect. Nevertheless, in this imperfect world, it continues to provide a forum for all nations and all peoples. One needs only to look at the roster of member nations to understand the significance of this forum, where nations can agree — or disagree — openly and peacefully. There is cause to celebrate the United Nations at sixty. Plan to come to the conference sponsored by the United Nations Association of Wake County on September 10^th, 2005 from 9:00am to 3:00pm at Exploris Museum.
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Background:

Sixty years ago, representatives from 51 countries signed the United Nations Charter pledging to: maintain peace and security; cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems; and to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. In this year's General Assembly meeting, beginning in late September, the current 191 members will be reviewing the progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals which were approved in the UN Millennium Summit in September 2000.

The principal Millennium Development Goals approved were the following:

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Develop a global partnership for development

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Speakers and Sessions:

The conference on September 10^th will look at some of the major achievements in the last 60 years, especially focusing on the foregoing development goals. Wenyan Yang will present the keynote address, "Sixty Years of Remarkable Achievements and Daunting Challenges", followed by three concurrent sessions with workshops that will delve in some depth into the principal millennium goals.

Carah Ong, Deborah Owen and Dr. Daniel Figgens will lead a workshop focusing on "Peace and Security", including nuclear issues, terrorism, and recent proposals for UN reforms in this area. Maria de Bruyn and Shahin Momenian will lead a second workshop will focus on "Human Rights", particularly as it affects women, children and health. Jerrold Berke, Ray Buchanan and Mwila Chigaga will lead a third workshop exploring "Sustainable Development" focusing on decreasing poverty and hunger, and related environmental issues. All workshops will be expected to cover what the UN is doing and how the United States is relating to the UN programs.

After the workshops, participants will re-convene for lunch with live entertainment in the form of authentic Venezuelan Dance directed by Saida Kriz.

This will be followed by the closing session, "Millennium Development Goals and the Future of the UN" to be presented by Dr. Jerry Pubantz.
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Sponsors:

The following organizations have already agreed to be co-sponsors of the UN-60 Conference:

• Adel Fahmy,
• the Association of International Women for Human Rights,
• Code Pink,
• Exploris Museum,
• Family Health International,
• the Forest Foundation, Inc.,
• the Foundation for P.E.A.C.E.,
• the Human Rights Coalition of North Carolina,
• the International Visitors Council,
• Ipas, Chapel Hill NC,
• Dr. Jelokhani & Associates,
• NC Peace Action,
• Pullen Memorial Baptist Church,
• the Social Concerns Ministry of the Community United Church of Christ,
• the Triangle World Affairs Council,
• the West Triangle Chapter of the United Nations Association, and
• the Woman's Club of Raleigh

We would be pleased to have additional co-sponsors.

An organizational co-sponsorship would entail informing your membership about the conference and, if possible, making a cash contribution of $50 or more. Sponsors will be listed in the Conference program and they will receive one free entry to the Conference
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Price:

The Conference price (lunch included) is $25, $10 for students. The financial contributions by co-sponsors will be used to cover the reduced cost for students and to cover travel and local lodging costs for out-of-state speakers.

Please download, print and fill out a registration form.
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Date and Time:

Saturday, September 10^th 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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Place:

Exploris

201 East Hargett Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
Phone: (919) 834-4040
[Directions & Maps]

Free parking is available on the street and in the city lot.

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Reservations and Information:

Please download, print and fill out a registration form.

Questions about the conference or co-sponsorship should be directed to one of the co-chairs for this UN 60 Conference:

• Behjat Dehghan [behjat@aiwhr.org], or
• Ann Seng [919-461-2499 or twoanns@nc.rr.com].

If you are able to support us financially, you can make the check out to UNA-Wake Co. and mail it to

J.L. Roush, UNA
P.O. Box 98381,
Raleigh, NC 27624

To register now for the conference, and ensure attendance, please mail your check for $25 ($10 for students and minimum income) to the above address.
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