Shinnyo-en Foundation attends the 60th Annual DPI/ NGO Conference

SEF joins the global NGO community to consolidate efforts to combat Climate Change

The 60th Annual Department of Public Information and Non Governmental Organizations (DPI/ NGO) Conference took place from September 5th through 7th at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.  More than 2,000 representatives from more than 80 countries participated in the event, including four representatives from the Shinnyo-en Foundation; Executive Director Harumitsu Inouye, Communications Manager Mariko Terazaki, Nick Davidson and Intern Jennifer Matsuda.  This year’s theme entitled “Climate Change: How it Impacts Us All” featured a variety of workshops and panel discussions focused on the effects of global warming with a variety of topics such as environmental education in schools, effects of climate change on indigenous peoples, water security, and world energy policies.

Nick Davidson, Jennifer Matsuda, Mariko Terazaki, and Harumitsu Inouye from SEF attend the DPI/NGO Conference at the UN.

One of the SEF participants, Nick Davidson, had this to say about the conference.  “I think it’s so important that the NGO community speaks with a collective voice, especially on an issue as important as climate change.  Personally, I’ve very much enjoyed hearing from all these great panelists and speakers, true leaders in the field of environmental policy.  The whole atmosphere is very inspiring”.

For the first time in the 60 year history of this event, participants produced a Conference outcome document that makes recommendations for individual action as well as a collaborative work to combat climate change. This "Final Declaration" was agreed upon by delegates on Friday, 7 September 2007, during the Closing Session. 

DPI/NGO Section is part of the department’s Outreach Division and acts as its liaison between the United Nations and NGOs and other civil society organizations. It oversees partnerships with associated NGOs and provides a wide range of information services to them. These include weekly NGO briefings, communication workshops, and the annual NGO conference.