NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2013
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EMBARKING ON THE POST 2015 DEVELOPMENT AGENDA WILL REQUIRE LEVELS OF COLLABORATION AMONG ALL STAKEHOLDERS, THE LIKES OF WHICH WE HAVE NOT SEEN BEFORE. H.E. MR. JOHN ASHE, PRESIDENT OF THE 68TH UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
WELCOME MESSAGE On behalf of the World NGO Day Initiative we would like to thank our Goodwill Ambassadors and Strategic Partners that have attended this week’s various UN events, discussing the post 2015 development agenda - repressing the interest of many NGOs and society at large. We believe that a collaboration is needed between governments, NGOs and the private sector - a civil society in its
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true form, and NGOs have a key role to play more than ever before. NGOs have the opportunity to be the bridge between governments and the private sector or the general public - in order to provide access to education, health, water, sanitation, and gender equality. Not just by meeting the needs of the world’s poorest, but in all countries worldwide - while taking into account national circumstances.
OUR NEW GOODWILL AMBASSADORS We are glad to announce that this month the following NGO leaders have joined our International Goodwill Ambassadors network. It’s our honour to take this opportunity and welcome them to the World NGO Day Initiative’s family.
Mahnaz Afkhami
Founder & President of Women’s Learning Partnership -WLP, Executive Director of the Foundation for Iranian Studies and former Minister for Women’s Affairs in Iran (USA / Iran)
Tarik M. Yousef Jacob Lief Ramadan Assi Matthew Manning Deborah Greebon David Yates Khaled Alrasheed
CEO of Silatech (Qatar) CEO & Founder of the Ubuntu Education Fund (USA) Turkey Country Director of International Medical Corps (Turkey) Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Worldwide Orphanage Relief Coalition - WORC (USA) Executive Director of OneVillage Partners, Board Director of the Center for Community Alternatives (USA) Founder & Chairman of the Genesis Facility Foundation (Canada) Secretary General of the Arab Tourism Experts Association (Saudi Arabia)
OUR STRATEGIC PARTNER’S STORY
“NGOS ROLE IN FUTURE DEVELOPMENT” - WWF FINLAND “In 2013 UN took stock of the progress made under the eight Millennium Development Goals often simply called the MDGs. The result was mostly very positive! Three of the total eight goals have already been achieved two years before the due date end of 2015. Poverty is halved, as many girls as boys are attending school and access to clean water sources has been increased. But progress is not going well on all fronts. Especially the goal on achieving environmental sustainability is lagging behind. The million dollar question, literally, is how we can achieve wellbeing without degrading our planet’s natural capital.
Environment sustainability cannot be neglected
Talks on post 2015, when the mandate period of the MDG has come to an end, have already started. UN’s General Assembly is gathering in September 2013 to discuss the adoption of a new universal development agenda. Without securing the sustainability of the environment the efforts gained on poverty reduction and the other MDGs will be lost sooner or later. In fact, most of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world are directly or indirectly dependent on forest for their livelihoods. Good Governance is a key component important to be added to the new development agenda.
NGOs in a key position
NGOs and the role of the civil society has been essential in delivering the MDGs. NGOs will without any doubt be the case also in delivering future development. While economies are trembling the role of a vibrant civil society and NGOs in achieving sustainability becomes increasingly important.There are
many different types of NGOs, some are watchdogs and whistle-blowers reminding the society of upcoming red flags. Some NGOs focuses on advocacy and like WWF provides the world with useful examples of how solutions can be found to problems related to everything between energy efficiency policies to the protection of pandas in China. Some NGOs have evolved to important implementers of official development aid funds and operate almost like consultancy companies delivering development aid across the world. On a grass root level small, local NGOs provide people a platform to get involved and get their voice heard. Finally, there are big international NGOs, WWF being one of those, working on the highest political level influencing political negotiations. A vibrant civil society strengthens democracy and empowers people to step up and get involved in pushing for and creating a better future.
New, innovative ways to work
NGOs will as before continue to fill the gaps where the official government structure fails to deliver for example education, health services and environmental conservation to give a couple of examples. But also new, innovative ways of working together needs to emerge such as partnerships between NGOs and the private sector as well as NGOs and the Government. These joint initiatives give insight motives to operate and gives continuity to the efforts. There is no doubt that NGOs are getting increasing recognition but NGOs need to continue to clearly articulate the benefits their organisations are bringing to the world in order for the civil society to get recognition that it truly deserves.”
Liisa Rohweder is the Secretary General of WWF Finland and acts as the Chairperson of WWF International’s Communications and Marketing Committee. She is also the chairperson of one of the 14 Global initiatives of WWF International, the Living Himalayas Global initiative. Living Himalayas Global Initiative focuses on water security of India, Nepal and Bhutan. She is a Doctor of Science (Econ.) whose dissertation dealt with sustainable development. WWF is one of the world’s largest conservation organizations with offices in over 80 countries. Its global mission is to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the biodiversity of life on Earth. WWF is following the post 2015 talks closely. NGO will do its utmost to bring up the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources and climate change to the very highest level in the new development agenda.
OUR STRATEGIC PARTNER’S STORY
“SUPPORTING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO BE ACTIVE CITIZENS!” - ABILIS FOUNDATION
“Disability is not inability. Persons with disabilities should be observed as equal citizens, who have talents and skills to contribute to society. Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) as NGOs have an important role in improving the situation of persons with disabilities in the Global South (developing countries)” . explains the Executive Director of Abilis Foundation, Marjo Heinonen. “People with disabilities in developing countries need our support to become stronger to advocate and improve their living conditions. The global policy, Post 2015 agenda, is needed to strengthen inclusion of vulnerable groups in all development activities. Without including the rights of people with disabilities no sustainable results can be achieved. All development work should be inclusive” .
Abilis Foundation is a development fund, founded by people with disabilities in Finland in 1998. Its mandate is to support the activities leading to the empowerment and capacity building of persons with disabilities in the Global South (developing countries). Grants are given only to disabled people’s organizations. Abilis Foundation supports activities that contribute toward equal opportunities for people with disability in society through human rights, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. Abilis supports people with disabilities to be active citizens, participate and recognize their full rights. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to get organized and advocate their issues through their own organizations (DPOs as NGOs). Abilis Foundation gives small grants to projects initiated by persons with disabilities. Abilis supports organizations that are running by persons who have any type of a disability. Organisations that are run by parents of children with disabilities can also be supported. The Foundation funds annually more 250 new projects in about 40 countries. Over the last 15 years, the Foundation has granted more than 2300 projects. Many of them have built capacities of individual group members, but also their organizations. Abilis office is located in Helsinki, Finland and has 11 permanent staff members. Please read more www.abilis.fi and have a look in our Facebook-site.
OUR GOODWILL AMBASSADOR’S STORY TARIK M. YOUSEF, CEO OF SILATECH
Tarik M. Yousef was appointed in March 2011 as Chief Executive Officer of Silatech, a Qatar based regional social initiative which works to improve opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship in the Arab world.
“As I look around the world, I cannot help but be heartened by the tremendous advances humankind has made in recent decades. Whether in terms of economic prosperity, healthcare, technology, or political and social empowerment, there is much to celebrate. And as I look at my region, the Arab world, I am happy that we are finally beginning to realize the importance of unlocking the productive potential of our youth. But there is much work to be done, as our young people face daunting obstacles. Arab youth continue to struggle with education systems that fail to provide them with the skills they need for the job market, financial and regulatory regimes that inhibit entrepreneurship and enterprise growth, and numerous other obstacles to securing quality, formal employment — giving the MENA region the world’s highest regional rate of youth unemployment. While the obstacles faced by young people in the Arab world are indeed difficult, I am excited by an infusion of creative and innovative approaches to finding solutions to these challenges. Whether put forward by governments, international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector or social entrepreneurs, the “youth space” is bubbling with new ideas and new enthusiasm for investing in the lives of young people. Moreover, there is a newfound recognition that a multi-sectoral approach — involving governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and civil society, and “social enterprises” — provides the most effective means to tackle challenging developmental problems. These challenges require collective efforts, as well as a willingness to innovate, to evaluate what works best, and to learn from the experiences of others. I believe these principles apply not only to the work of Silatech around Arab youth, but are more broadly applicable to a much wider set of concerns. As we look forward to solving the great developmental challenges of our time — whether they involve environmental conservation or poverty eradication, gender equality, universal education or youth empowerment — let us do so while recognizing the unique contributions each sector can bring to the table. And let us, as NGOs and representatives of civil society, take the lead through innovative strategies and effective, sustainable partnerships for action.”
He began his career in 1997 as an economist at the International Monetary Fund, and joined the faculty of Georgetown University in 1999, where he held the positions of Associate Professor of Economics in the School of Foreign Service and Sheikh Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah Chair of Arab Studies at the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies. Between 2006 and 2010, he served as the Founding Dean of the Dubai School of Government and nonresident Senior Fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He co-founded the Middle East Youth Initiative at the Brookings Institution in 2007, where he has since served as nonresident Senior Fellow. He received his PhD in economics from Harvard University. His policy experience includes working at the African and Middle East Departments of the International Monetary Fund, the Middle East and North Africa Region at World Bank, the United Nations Development Program, and the Millennium Project at the UN. At present, he is nonresident Senior Fellow at the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy at the American University in Beirut; Research Fellow of the Economic Research Forum; member of the MENA Advisory Panel at the World Bank; and, Chair of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on the Arab World, 2011-2013.
OUR GOODWILL AMBASSADOR’S STORY
MAHNAZ AFKHAMI, FOUNDER & PRESIDENT OF WOMEN’S LEARNING PARTNERSHIP (WLP)
Women’s Leadership and Political Participation in Lagos, Nigeria
“Across the world, the structures of power that determine women’s unequal status in society are really very similar, in spite of surface differences of style and implementation. We as a Partnership have decided that the only way we can change these structures is through exchange of experiences and strategies and building solidarity across borders, religions, and cultures. Over the past several decades, women’s NGOs have worked together across national boundaries and diversities to clarify our purpose, hone our strategies, and create a shared vision for the future we seek. We have strengthened our ability to advocate, bring attention to abuse, propose legislation and policies, and make sure that these laws and policies are used to change the lives of people on the ground. We’ve come a long way. And there’s still a long way to go. But with the tools and strategies that we have created together – one woman at a time, one organization at a time – we’re getting there. We know our cause is just. We are committed. We are inspired. We will fight. And we will get our rights.”
Mahnaz Afkhami is Founder and President of Women’s Learning Partnership (WLP), Executive Director of Foundation for Iranian Studies and former Minister for Women’s Affairs in Iran. She founded the Association of Iranian University Women and served as secretary general of the Women’s Organization of Iran prior to the Islamic revolution. Afkhami has been a leading advocate of women’s rights for more than three decades. She serves on several advisory boards including the Global Fund for Women; Women’s Rights Division of Human Rights Watch; the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, and chairs the Advisory Board of the International Museum of Women. She created the concept and mobilized support for the establishment of the United Nations Asian and Pacific Centre for Women and Development (APCWD) and the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW). Among her publications which have been translated into several languages are Faith and Freedom; Women in Exile; Leading to Action: A Political Participation Handbook for Women, and Victories Over Violence: Ensuring Safety for Women and Girls.
WLP Training on Women’s Leadership in Yemen
Mahnaz Afkhami speaking at Fortune “Most Powerful Women” Summit 2011. (From left to right: Campbell Brown; Mahnaz Afkhami; Jami Miscik, President and Vice Chairman, Kissinger Associates; Dalia Mogahed, Executive Director and Senior Analyst, Abu Dhabi Gallup Center; Melanne Verveer, former Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, US State Department.
OUR GOODWILL AMBASSADORS WORLDWIDE Ms. Aicha Bah Diallo (France and Guinea) Vice President of the NGO Liaisons Committee of UNESCO Mr. Taj Hamad (USA) Secretary General of World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations Dr. William F Shija (UK and Tanzania) Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Dr. Sakena Yacoobi (Afghanistan) Executive Director of Afghan Institute of Learning Dr. Mahabub Hossain (Bangladesh) Executive Director of BRAC and BRAC International, BRAC Centre Dr. Tarik M. Yousef (Qatar) CEO of Silatech Ms. Mahnaz Afkhami (USA/Iran) Founder & President of Women’s Learning Partnership (WLP), Executive Director of Foundation for Iranian Studies Ms. Marie Lydia Toto Raharimalala (Madagascar) Vice Chairperson of FAWE Forum for African Women Educationalists Dr. Hezron Mc’Obewa (Kenya) Executive Director of NGOs Coordination Board Ms. Sharmila Karki (Nepal) Chairperson of NGO Federation of Nepal
Ms. Nancy Gofus (USA) Chief Operating Officer of the Public Interest Registry, (PIR) (PIR is the official manager of .ORG and .NGO. domains) and Board Chair of Volunteers of America Mr. Chhith Sam Ath (Cambodia) Executive Director of the NGO Forum on Cambodia Mr. Suon Bunsak (Cambodia) Executive Secretary/Chief of Secretariat Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee Mr. Sugeng Bahagijo (Indonesia) Director of International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development Mr. Guntis Ulmanis (Latvia) Former President of Latvia
Jacob Lief (USA) CEO & Founder of the Ubuntu Education Fund Mr. Matthew Manning (USA) Founder & CEO of Worldwide Orphanage Relief Coalition (WORC) Ms. Heather Mansfield (USA) Founder of Nonprofit Tech for Good Ms. Khady Koita (Senegal) Co-founder and President of La Palabre and award-winning women’s right activist Mr. Hayford Siaw (Ghana) Editor-in-Chief of NGO News Africa and United Nations Volunteers Award winner- 2010 & 2011
Mr. Rayyan Hassan (Philippines) Executive Director of NGO Forum on ADB Secretariat
Ms. Sung-Joo Kim (South Korea) Chairwoman and CEO of MCM Holdings and SungJoo Foundation
Mr. Zafar Iqbal (Pakistan) Founder/Executive Director of The NGO World Foundation
Mr. David Yates (Canada) Founder & Chairman of Genesis Facility Foundation
Mr. Khalid Alrasheed (Saudi Arabia) Secretary General of the Arab Tourism Expert Association
Ms. Zhanna Guzenko (Russia) Chairperson of the Barents Regional Youth Council
Mr. Ramadan Assi (Qatar) Turkey Country Director of International Medical Corps
Major General Roddy Porter (UK) Director-General of the Royal Overseas League
Ms. Deborah Greebon (USA) Executive Director of OneVillage Partners, Board Director of The Center for Community Alternatives (CCA)
Mr. Filippo Addarii (UK) Director of EuropeLab at Young Foundation, Senior Research Associate at Global Climate Forum
The World NGO Day Initiative seeks to empower NGOs, small or large - to play a more inclusive role in the world; encourage further collaboration and cooperation; and provide a platform for different NGO groups to work together. These objectives are key components of what is expected in the work of the organisations that seek to complement the work of established public sector institutions for public good. In this world of ever challenging economic and social issues, governments alone cannot succeed in meeting the demands and needs of entire populations. The contribution of other bodies, particularly NGOs, is necessary. In the world today, problems caused by political activities, health epidemics, food and water scarcity, lack of educational materials, NGOs are increasingly being called to participate in providing solutions and facilities. E-mail: info@worldngoday.com | Website: www.worldngoday.com | Twitter: @YourNGODay | Facebook: www.facebook.com/YourNGODay © 2013 World NGO Day Initiative’s Secretariat