REPORT
The Asian Civil Society Forum (ACSF): December
9-13, Bangkok
UN-NGO Partnerships for Democratic Governance in Asia
MINH NGUYEN
Pax Romana-ACMICA delegate
The first "Asian Civil Society Forum" (ACSF) was
held from 9 to 13 December 2002 in Bangkok attended by more
than 500 NGO delegates from over 30 countries with representatives
from several UN agencies. The conference, convened by the
Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United
Nations (CONGO), attempted examined the diverse needs and
challenges facing NGOs in Asia, and their role in promoting
democratic governance and sustainable development.
Understandably, Asian religious and socio-political pluralism
meant that issues raised in the various workshops and plenary
were specific and diverse. Yet what was clear among the participants
was the need to strengthen the UN, foster more grassroots
participation and the participation of youth in such institutions,
and to build solidarity across the region to promote the goals
of peace, human rights and sustainable development.
The Forum adopted a Statement stressing the importance of
implementing the commitments made at the recent UN conferences
including the Millennium Development Goals of the UN Millennium
Assembly (2000) and civil society's involvement in its implementation.
The Forum also adopted a "Guidelines for Action"
that calls on the UN, governments and civil society actors
in Asia to forge genuine partnership to take action on these
issues. Civil society was reminded of its obligations to members
and stakeholders to maintain independence and transparency.
Minh Nguyen attended this forum as a Pax Romana-ACMICA Australian
observer on the invitation of Pax Romana-ICMICA.
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