The United Nations Association of New York Invites you to a briefing on

NGOs at the United Nations

Date: Thursday, April 15, 2004

Reception: 5:30 – 6:00 PM

Briefing: 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Church Center for the United Nations

777 United Nations Plaza – 2nd Floor

(44th Street entrance near First Avenue)

Guest Speakers

• Sylvan M. Barnet, Jr. - Rotary International Representative to the United Nations

• Meg Gardinier - Director, Non-Governmental Organizations, U.S. Fund for UNICEF

• Mildred Robbins Leet - Co-Founder of Trickle Up Program, Inc.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have become increasingly important in building strong relationships between the United Nations and civil society, enabling ordinary citizens to become actively involved in furthering the goals of the United Nations. An NGO is any non-profit, voluntary citizens' group which is organized on a local, national or international level. Task-oriented and driven by people with a common interest, NGOs perform a variety of services and humanitarian functions, bring citizens' concerns to Governments, monitor policies and encourage political participation at the community level. They provide analysis and expertise, serve as early warning mechanisms and help monitor and implement international agreements. Some are organized around specific issues, such as human rights, the environment or health. Their relationship with offices and agencies of the United Nations System differs depending on their goals, their venue and their mandate.

Over 1,500 NGOs with strong information programs on issues of concern to the United Nations are associated with the Department of Public Information (DPI), giving the United Nations valuable links to people around the world. DPI helps those NGOs gain access to and disseminate information about the range of issues in which the United Nations is involved, to enable the public to understand better the aims and objectives of the world Organization.

UNA Members – No Charge

Non-Members – $10.00

Students – Join UNA for just $10.00 at the door and attend for free!

(Non-students can join UNA for just $25.00)

Please call (212) 907-1353 by 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 16th to reserve your seat! Bring a potential new member to hear these outstanding speakers! There will be no confirmation of your reservation.