UN Reports |

Autumn 2003

56 Annual United Nations DPI/NGO Conference:
“Human Security and Dignity: Fulfilling the Promise of the UN”
UN Headquarters, New York, September 8 – 10, 2003

By Noema Chaplin, Alternative US Servas UN Rep
& Sharon L. Wallenberg, Main US Servas UN Rep

“The human spirit is not measured by the size of the act, but by the size of the heart”.

Universal security is at the heart of the Millennium development Goals, embraced by all Member States as the blueprint for building a better world in the 21st century. It is central to the campaign for universal immunization and education, food security, adequate housing and full employment. Achieving human security requires a dynamic, innovative partnership between the United Nations, Governments, and non-State actors. The purpose of the Conference is to energize work toward every aspect of human security.

The Conference brings together new voices from around the world. Together, UN experts, world leaders, and others are demonstrating a keen spirit of cooperation in the rapidly evolving relationship between the UN and civil society. Strengthening the UN - NGO relations contributes to the achievement of human dignity and human security.

The world is facing severe economic downturns, increased unilateralism, and widespread public disillusionment with social and political institutions. Often, we must divert already scarce resources, meant for the Millennium Development Goals, to cope with humanitarian disasters. Unfortunately these disasters are frequently the result of man-made conflict. For many people, the degradation of human security is a slow process that captures the attention of the international community only when a humanitarian crisis erupts. Such crises often have deep trans-national consequences. As a result, the benefits of preventative action have become apparent.

True human security flows from the aspiration of people seeking a sense of well-being and dignity in their daily lives, and in the future. This broader, human centered vision, is simple yet powerful. We have to become full actors in the fulfillment of the conditions that allow human security to take place. Questions of human security always fall within the framework of universal rights. Respect for human rights is the best way to ensure human security.

Human dignity is about the promotion, protection and fulfillment of human rights. These are: the basic ones such as the right to food, housing, health and education; and the civil and political rights that allow people to become empowered stakeholders in the development of their society and in the achievement of democratic freedom. To achieve real societal stability and prosperity, people must be able to reach their full potential, and fulfill their creative and spiritual needs. Working together for the achievement of human dignity guarantees human security. A rights approach to security fosters the realization of the Millennium Development Goals.

In the plenary sessions Conference participants discussed basic needs and the psychological synergies needed to achieve healthy societies and personal well-being, and explored the transformational power of education.

This three-day Conference is the premiere event of the year at the United Nations, and brings together 1300 NGO’s, with diverse interests and agendas, to listen, learn, participate, and network with each other. It is one of the few opportunities NGO’s have to come together from around the world and compare notes.

United States Servas UN NGO Representatives participated in all sessions for the three days.

For more information about US Servas' UN activities or to get involved, contact the main US Servas UN Rep, Sharon Wallenberg at sharonw77@hotmail.com.