56th Annual DPI/NGO Conference Human Security and Dignity:
Fulfilling the Promise of the United Nations

“Achieving human security requires a dynamic, innovative partnership 
among the United Nations, Governments and non-State actors.”
—Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations

Three thousand people from one hundred organizations, many countries, of different ages, and of different colors of skin and form of dress struck a hopeful note at this conference, which met from September 8-10, 2003. The remembrance of Sergio Viera de Mello and the other UN staff killed in Baghdad and the continuing war in Afghanistan and Iraq lent a somber tone of reality and sadness to the quest for human security. There were frequent prayerful remembrances of these civil servants and the suffering people in these countries and too many others.

The presentations linked the theme of the conference to the UN Millennium Goals agreed to in the year 2000, the elimination of poverty, attacking the Aids pandemic, etc. The presentations included:

• Psychological Aspects of Human Security and Dignity revealing the effects of war, famine and trafficking on children as well as adults.

• Educating for a Secure Future calling for help for the children and training for local leaders with examples of best practices from the U.S., India, Sierra Leone and Albania.
  Comments: We have focused too much on economic growth; focus needed on illiteracy, especially education of girls; ultimately development is about people. All else is a means to that end. Teach integrity and dignity which are more important than productivity.

• From Oppression to Empowerment with examples of best practices from South Africa, Malawi and the Ukraine.

• Sustainable Development in the Context of Globalization, Guyana, India, the Green Cross in Switzerland and others.

There were also 31 midday workshops to choose from. I attended: “Women's Stories of Inclusion and Exclusion from the Abrahamic Traditions’ Sacred Texts Their Application to Contemporary Issues,” presented by Jewish, Christian and Moslem women looking at Sarah and Hagar, Miriam and the Daughter of Pharaoh, Ruth and Naomi, all of whom are known to the three traditions and are seen as strong women who helped each other in patriarchal societies and also suffered from exclusion. This was a rich and reverent exchange of belief. (More notes are available on this workshop on request from Sister Bernadette.) “Human Security and Civil Rights Violations: The Fine Line,” presented by heroines of the Civil Rights movement in the U.S. and a lawyer. They related the past struggle to the struggle of people of color now as a result of the Patriot Act. The presenters and audience were dynamic, well informed and inspiring. “Acting on Human Dignity and Security: From Participatory Theater to Reality on the World Stage,” was presented by a Brazilian who had been jailed, tortured and exiled under Brazil's military regime. He used participatory theater to allow oppressed people to tell their own stories. The presenter was deeply committed, greatly talented and inspiring.

The annual NGO Conferences are a good opportunity for networking among the NGOs, mutual support in our efforts towards the Millennium Goals and a source of inspiration and hope. 

Sister Bernadette Sullivan, SFP