If the next generations are to benefit from development, then development has to be sustainable. This is the challenge we all face. Yet, the best solutions are often the simplest ones, and the theme of the 64th annual UN DPI-NGO conference, being held in Bonn, Germany from 3 to 5 September, says it all: Sustainable Societies, Responsive Citizens.
If the next generations are to benefit from development, then development has to be sustainable. This is the challenge we all face. Yet, the best solutions are often the simplest ones, and the theme of the 64th annual UN DPI-NGO conference says it all: Sustainable Societies, Responsive Citizens.
The 64th Annual UN Department of Public Information/Non-Governmental Organizations Conference is being held in Bonn, Germany from 3 to 5 September. "The United Nations organizations in Bonn are working towards sustainable development worldwide. Bonn, as the UN city in Germany, is the perfect host for this years UN DPI-NGO Conference - Sustainable Societies; Responsive Citizens, " stated Flavia Pansieri, Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme.
UNV is honored to contribute its support to the 64th UN DPI-NGO conference for so many reasons. This is a very special year for UNV. Its not only its 40th birthday as an organization, but 2011 is also the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers.
Throughout 2011 and together with a wide range of partners and stakeholders UNV is promoting the values of volunteering, recognizing the positive impacts of volunteering, building and reinforcing volunteering networks, and facilitating peoples contributions to peace and sustainable development through volunteering.
Sustainable development is an enormous task that needs an enormous response, and only through engaging every citizen of the world is it to be met. Therefore, we need to connect the dots between sustainable development and civic engagement. We have to find new ways to strengthen and encourage the planets most incredible resource its people into a force for transformation of their own communities.
Ms Pansieri explained that "We need to adapt to the impact of climate change were already feeling. We have to cut back greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce natural disaster risks. Thats going to require the ingenuity and solidarity of governments, businesses and academia. And every citizen has to get involved."
Grassroots environmental activism was built on volunteerism. Think of Chico Mendes in Brazil, the Chipko movement in India, Wangari Maathais Green Belt Movement in Kenya, just to name a few. Volunteering helps sustain community-based projects because responsive citizens are a precious community asset.
Looking ahead to Rio+20, we have to connect the dots between sustainable development and civic engagement. The engagement of people in discussing what is at stake in the Rio+20 agenda is important as is the active participation of people in realizing the results.
After all, it is ordinary people who have the most to lose if we fail to find sustainable solutions, but the most to gain if we succeed. Imagine, millions of active citizens working with governments and institutions to achieve sustainable development, and a better, more peaceful, world. The theme of the 64th DPI-NGO conference says it all: Sustainable Societies, Responsive Citizens.
Watch the press conference launching the 64th annual DPI-NGO conference: