Volume 37 #1 | SEPTEMBER 2024 | |
The Global NGO Executive Committee (GNEC) is a storied non-profit that has for over 60 years, partnered with the United Nations to guarantee a voice at the decision-making table for civil society leaders. GNEC serves the dynamic needs of an evolving global NGO community by providing guidance, information, and strategic support; amplifying communications between Civil Society and the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UNDGC); and facilitating more effective partnerships to advance the UN’s global goals. | |
Information for the Global NGO Community | |
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1992-2024 • Celebrating 30+ years of
The NGO Reporter
Connecting NGOs, the Media, and Civil Society Networks to issues and commentary
from and for the 1600+ UN DGC Affiliates throughout the world
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Welcoming the new fiscal year!
We extend our greetings to all the constituents and Civil Society organisations as we begin the new fiscal year with a newly elected Board. We are working on improving GNEC and finding ways to attain further success.
This edition of the NGO reporter aims to provide a small feature into GNEC as we set out our goals for the year. We would like to introduce you to GNEC and its services. In addition, we would like to invite you to our upcoming events.
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Inside GNEC
What do we aim to achieve and who are we?
The Global NGO Executive Committee is comprised of nineteen representatives elected by organizations officially associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UNDGC).
The Executive Committee was founded to promote a closer working relationship between the United Nations and the NGOs associated with UNDGC. GNEC acts as a liaison between the NGO/CSO community and UN, and help them make more effective use of their affiliation with the UNDGC.
In partnership with the UNDGC, the Executive Committee organizes the Communication Workshops, Town Hall Meetings, Briefings and the annual UN Civil Society Conference (formerly known as the UN DPI NGO Conference), at the UN Headquarters or abroad. These events aim to facilitate collaboration among NGOs, empowers civil society, and increases public understanding of the United Nations’ critical efforts on issues of economic and social development, climate justice, human rights, the rule of law, peace-building, and other SDGs. This event is an important opportunity for NGOs/CSOs from all around the world to network and promote the efforts of their organizations.
The Executive Committee also provides civil society with abundant opportunities to become more knowledgeable about the UN and the NGO/CSO sector through its popular Communications Workshops and other activities throughout the year.
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Inside GNEC- Director feature
Why did you join GNEC and what do you aspire to achieve?
" My first experiences inside UN meetings came in 1980 or 1981. I had no coach or mentor until Lisinka Ulatowska explained a great deal to me about how the UN works.
The rest was a learning experience, showing up from 8 AM to 6 PM each day I was in New York, amounting to about 9,200 days before COVID.
Coalitions and networks of organizations appealed to me, and since the organizations I represented always were both associate with the then-Dept. of Global Communications and accredited to ECOSOC, I spent many hours and days in the NGO Resource Centers, in their various locations within the UN and across the street on First Avenue.
9/11 changed many of the ways in which NGOs gathered and where they gathered, and it was important to work with those very knowledgeable staff members who helped facilitate the meetings of the then-Executive Committee.
The only way, in my view, across decades, was that each of us volunteer as much as possible to bring the message of the UN through the Executive Committee and now in the new name, Global NGO Executive Committee, to the wider public.
Allowing others to offer their contributions through the Executive Committee is, for those with long or short UN histories, another way to share the space, so to speak, and to widen the reach of DGC NGOs.
After the death of Patrick Sciarratta, a long-time friend, I decided that seeking nomination and election would allow me to offer my own gifts of institutional memory and mentoring, along with personal learning.
Interviews always allow the interviewee to reflect on her or his own knowledge.
My one "wish" would be that every organization eventually vote for those running for election. Equally important is digital education offered for no charge through UN agencies and programmes, and I shall do my best to bring this area to as many NGOs as I can during my tenure. "
Richard Jordan
Chair of Strategic Planning Subcommittee
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Inside GNEC- Podcast feature
On the Ground is produced by the Global NGO Executive Committee and hosted by Emmy- winning Broadcaster, Adriane Berg
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On the Ground is produced by the Global NGO Executive Committee and hosted by Emmy- winning Broadcaster, Adriane Berg. We at GNEC offer our services to more than 1,500 UNDGC affiliated NGOs which are on the frontlines of addressing and tackling the most pressing issues of our time.
In each episode, we showcases one amazing NGO that is on the ground, doing the critical social good work needed to help the world achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. If you would like to voice out the work that you are doing and be featured on our podcast, please contact president@gnec.ngo.
"The mission of the podcast is to learn from each other. My experience after a year of podcasting is threefold. First, the greatest breakthroughs come with collaboration. Most successful projects started by finding stakeholders in reaching a goal and working together. Second, that fundraising is only successful if the NGO asks everyone they can- after the last no, comes the first yes that changes the world. Third that the most successful missions have someone that really knows how to navigate the UN. It takes time and a new NGO needs guidance and support. That is where GNEC comes in.
We request upon the readers to let us know if you have a project or approach that can help other organisations. We want guests to be given a platform to tell their success stories and share best practices. This is a pivotal part of success that is enabled through effective communication and collaboration."
Adriane Berg
Director and Chair of Outreach Subcommittee
Host of 'On the Ground'
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The GNEC annual retreat was held on 22nd August 2024 and was a hybrid event to ensure that the entire could be present.
The Annual Retreat is usually a time for the board of the Global NGO Executive Committee to reappraise the incoming board, share our regulations, affirm our commitment to our values and make commitments towards consolidating on the mandate of GNEC including constituting the subcommittees and the advisory board.
The Subcommittee assignments are shared and new incoming Board Members are announced alongside the opportunity for a formal meeting for detailed introductions. We use this opportunity to set out the goals and aspirations of the committee for the fiscal year.
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3rd GNEC Hackathon: Opening Ceremony | |
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Following the success of the previous events, GNEC is proud to present the 3rd GNEC Hackathon to promote greater collaboration and embracing innovation to attain the Sustainable Development Goals.
Save the date and share throughout your network!
You are invited to the Opening Ceremony of the 3rd GNEC Hackathon!
Date: 3rd October 2024
Time: 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Commemoration of 34th United Nations International Day of Older Persons UNIDOP 2024
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The NGO Committee on Ageing calls your attention to upcoming event:
Commemoration of 34th United Nations International Day of Older Persons UNIDOP 2024
New York, 7 October 2024, 10am-1pm EDT
ECOSOC Chamber at the UN Headquarters
Population ageing is a major global trend reshaping societies worldwide. Life expectancy at birth now exceeds 75 years in half of the world's countries, 25 years longer than in 1950. By 2030, older persons are projected to outnumber youth globally, with this increase most rapid in developing countries. This demographic shift has significantly transformed the caregiving landscape, encompassing a wide range of needs for both paid and unpaid support in formal and informal settings. As populations age, the demand for comprehensive healthcare, care, and social support services has grown substantially, particularly for older persons with conditions such as dementia. In recognition of these challenges and opportunities, the 34th commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons will focus on the theme of "Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide".
This year's event will bring together experts to discuss policies, legislation, and practices that strengthen care and support systems for older persons. It will highlight the urgent need to expand training and educational opportunities in geriatrics and gerontology, address the global shortage of care workers, and recognize the diverse contributions of caregivers. The commemoration will also emphasize the importance of protecting the human rights of both caregivers and care recipients, promoting person-centered approaches to care that respect the dignity, beliefs, needs, and privacy of older persons, and for the right to make decisions about their care and quality of their lives.
Mission Statement
Flyer 1
Flyer 2
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International Governance: Reform of the UNSC | |
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Topic: International Governance: Reform of the United Nations Security Council
Date: 20th September 2024
Time: 10-11am New York Time
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Summit for the Future- Action days | |
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ARTICLE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
WE REQUEST THAT YOU SUBMIT YOUR UN/NGO RELATED ARTICLES FOR CONSIDERATION.
Submissions for consideration to the NGO Reporter:
First, all articles must be reviewed for content and quality. Submissions for Consideration should be sent to the: communicationschair@gnec.ngo. The FLIER: should be one page, clear and legible, with all information and links correct and accessible. The ARTICLE: should be 500-800 words – The lead paragraphs may be published in the magazine with a link to the GNEC site, and any related site, where the complete article may be viewed. Commentary and Event-oriented articles on a relevant tone, highlighting recently past or upcoming events are preferred.
The article should not contain any of the following: Advertorial/for-profit message endorsement of any kind. Information unrelated to the work of the UN in some capacity Inappropriate information or language, specific political or religious advocacy The article can be a: Personal Essay Op-ed Narrative• And include photos and/or video content.
Here are some guiding topics to help you get started: Actions your NGO has taken to address the issues presented/discussed at/by the UN. How the UN has shaped or changed your thinking about international issues, the SDGs, pending debates, etc.• Your perspectives on the UNs global development goals and challenges. Experiences with community action of any kind in relation to UN goals or challenges. Stories about global friendships and collaborations that started at UN Conferences, etc.
Submit articles in Word (.doc) format to this address: commschair@gnec.ngo with the subject line “NGO REPORTER SUBMISSION REQUEST : ‘Title of the Article’. Once reviewed, it may take about 14 business days until the article is acknowledged as received and a decision is provided as to its use in the NGO Reporter. Along with the article, kindly provide a brief description about the author (1 -2 sentences), together with relevant information such as a website link, a Twitter handle, and other contact information, if applicable.
Photos bring articles to life: please include HIGH RESOLUTION photographs or video links wherever possible.
Thank you!
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Subscribe to UN DGC Civil Society Newsletters HERE!
Submit an essay to YOUth NEWs HERE
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NGO REPORTER
EDITORIAL BOARD
NGO Reporter
Members
Founder/ former Editor-in-Chief
Late Patrick Sciarratta
Editor-in Chief
Shennon Sequeira
Chair of Communications Subcommittee
COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
We are happy to add names to the editorial team, kindly assist as we need interested GNEC Directors / interns to fill existing spaces.
Recruiting- Very Urgent (NEW)
Available vacancies: Editors, Graphics , Social media influencers. Contact Shennon Sequeira.(communicationschair@gnec.ngo)
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