Newsroom
First Kosovo NGO forum meets in Pristina
PRISTINA 15 December 2000
PRISTINA, 15 December 2000 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the Kosovo Civil Society Foundation are co-sponsoring the first forum of Kosovo non-governmental organizations (NGOs), from 15 to 17 December at the Grand Hotel in Pristina.
The main purpose of the forum is to highlight the role of civil society and to enhance self-empowerment of the NGO community. This includes stimulating dialogue and networking among NGOs, sharing of experiences and lessons learnt. The meeting also aims to facilitate creation of civil society agendas and co-operation in the democratization and development of Kosovo.
The forum will mark the stage dominated by emergency and humanitarian relief functions and activities and will seek to outline the future roles and priorities of the NGO community. Topics to be discussed include human rights, social welfare, women, economic development and NGO partnerships.
The very young but dynamic Kosovo NGO community will use this forum to broaden the horizon of the individual NGOs beyond their own immediate objectives into greater responsibilities. Particular attention will be paid to the participation of minority NGOs and their role in the reconciliation process. A more comprehensive understanding of the range of issues will aim to improve their capacity to play an increasingly active role in the development of a democratic and pluralistic Kosovo.
While representatives from over 120 NGOs are the primary participants, the role of public authorities is also recognized as newly elected mayors and representatives of political parties take part in the event. In addition, the Interim Administrative Council and representatives of UNMIK, OSCE, the European Union and UNHCR have been invited.
The NGO Forum will conclude with remarks by Ambassador Daan Everts, OSCE Head of Mission and Deputy Special Representative for Institution-Building.
A special press desk has been set up where media representatives can obtain more information about the activities of NGOs in Kosovo and the outcomes of discussions, and arrange interviews with panelists and participants.
The annual NGO forum is also intended to become a traditional event of the key representatives of the Kosovo NGO community. The OSCE Mission in Kosovo, through its Democratization Department, has supported the establishment of a network of NGOs that promotes public accountability in the development of democratic civil society in Kosovo.
For further information, contact the OSCE Mission in Kosovo Press Office, tel.: (+381-38) 500-162 or satphone: 871-762-009-948, ext. 260 e-mail: press@omik.org or website: /kosovo
The main purpose of the forum is to highlight the role of civil society and to enhance self-empowerment of the NGO community. This includes stimulating dialogue and networking among NGOs, sharing of experiences and lessons learnt. The meeting also aims to facilitate creation of civil society agendas and co-operation in the democratization and development of Kosovo.
The forum will mark the stage dominated by emergency and humanitarian relief functions and activities and will seek to outline the future roles and priorities of the NGO community. Topics to be discussed include human rights, social welfare, women, economic development and NGO partnerships.
The very young but dynamic Kosovo NGO community will use this forum to broaden the horizon of the individual NGOs beyond their own immediate objectives into greater responsibilities. Particular attention will be paid to the participation of minority NGOs and their role in the reconciliation process. A more comprehensive understanding of the range of issues will aim to improve their capacity to play an increasingly active role in the development of a democratic and pluralistic Kosovo.
While representatives from over 120 NGOs are the primary participants, the role of public authorities is also recognized as newly elected mayors and representatives of political parties take part in the event. In addition, the Interim Administrative Council and representatives of UNMIK, OSCE, the European Union and UNHCR have been invited.
The NGO Forum will conclude with remarks by Ambassador Daan Everts, OSCE Head of Mission and Deputy Special Representative for Institution-Building.
A special press desk has been set up where media representatives can obtain more information about the activities of NGOs in Kosovo and the outcomes of discussions, and arrange interviews with panelists and participants.
The annual NGO forum is also intended to become a traditional event of the key representatives of the Kosovo NGO community. The OSCE Mission in Kosovo, through its Democratization Department, has supported the establishment of a network of NGOs that promotes public accountability in the development of democratic civil society in Kosovo.
For further information, contact the OSCE Mission in Kosovo Press Office, tel.: (+381-38) 500-162 or satphone: 871-762-009-948, ext. 260 e-mail: press@omik.org or website: /kosovo