A very special tribute to UN’s Ramu Damodaran

The Global NGO Executive Committee (GNEC) will join civil society colleagues worldwide to honor the beloved Ramu Damodaran through a virtual party on Zoom! Thursday, May 13, at 1:30pm. EDT (UTC-4), celebrate Ramu’s remarkable career of service upon his retirement from the United Nations.

All are welcome to register and join!

Ramu has been a special friend and staunch supporter of NGOs around the world. In his position as the UN Deputy Director for Partnership & Public Engagement and the Chief of UN Academic Impact, he was responsible for countless helpful outreach and informational programs, including the UN Chronicle magazine. His earlier UN posts included Chief of Civil Society Service, the Departments of Peacekeeping and special Political Questions, as well as the Executive Office of the Secretary-General.

This appreciation party will be an opportunity to express our gratitude for Ramu’s inspirational world view and long-time commitment to assisting NGOs in their partnership with the UN. Emulating his leadership, #UNwithCivilSociety will continue to strive to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Social Development, please visit ngosocdev.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace, and Security, please visit ngocdps.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-Vienna, please visit ngocsdvienna.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY, please visit ngocsd-ny.org.

Race and Ethnicity in Migration

We invite you to join the second discussion in a series of five global webinars that cover key themes and mobilize civil society around the world.

The webinar will take the form of a global civil society discussion on race, ethnicity and discrimination in the context of migration, proposing both a global outlook and a closer look at some regional and national specificities.

This series will mark the start of an extended global civil society process highlighting priorities on the ground and bringing to light ambitious interpretations of the Global Compact for Migration and states obligations under it. This will be the beginning of an extensive and inclusive civil society mobilization culminating in the International Migration Review Forum.

Register here!

Jointly organised by 7 Global & Regional Civil Society Networks; Migrant Forum Asia (MFA), the Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism (GRFDT), the Cross Regional Center for Refugees and Migrants (CCRM), the Civil Society Action Committee (CSAC), the Alianza Americas, the Climate, Migration, and Displacement Platform (CMDP) and the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM)

Don’t miss the upcoming events of the Civil Society Priorities Webinar Series:

Regular Pathways and Irregular Migration (4 May)
Detention and Return (11 May)
Climate Change and Migration (18 May)

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Migration, please visit ngo-migration.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, please visit facebook.com/NGOCoRIP.

Race and Ethnicity in Migration

We invite you to join the second discussion in a series of five global webinars that cover key themes and mobilize civil society around the world.

The webinar will take the form of a global civil society discussion on race, ethnicity and discrimination in the context of migration, proposing both a global outlook and a closer look at some regional and national specificities.

This series will mark the start of an extended global civil society process highlighting priorities on the ground and bringing to light ambitious interpretations of the Global Compact for Migration and states obligations under it. This will be the beginning of an extensive and inclusive civil society mobilization culminating in the International Migration Review Forum.

Register here!

Jointly organised by 7 Global & Regional Civil Society Networks; Migrant Forum Asia (MFA), the Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism (GRFDT), the Cross Regional Center for Refugees and Migrants (CCRM), the Civil Society Action Committee (CSAC), the Alianza Americas, the Climate, Migration, and Displacement Platform (CMDP) and the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM)

Don’t miss the upcoming events of the Civil Society Priorities Webinar Series:

Regular Pathways and Irregular Migration (4 May)
Detention and Return (11 May)
Climate Change and Migration (18 May)

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Migration, please visit ngo-migration.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, please visit facebook.com/NGOCoRIP.

Strengthening the prevention and treatment of cannabis problematic use

Strengthening the prevention and treatment of problematic cannabis use

a side event of the 64th annual session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND64)

Regardless of the debates on how best to control the use of cannabis through legal channels, it is urgent to respond to the needs of those for whom cannabis use is becoming a real problem. This online event will address on how to improve prevention and treatment programs, focusing on the implementation of science-based programs based on the needs identified by professionals from the field of drugs.

Speakers

Antonio Jesús Molina Fernández – Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Heidi Heilman – Rotary Action Group for Addiction Prevention (RAG AP)
Phaedon Kaloterakis – European Federation of Therapeutic Communities (EFTC)
Ana Afuera – European Coalition for Just and Effective Drug Policies (ENCOD)

Moderator

Lucia Goberna Lehmann – Dianova International

Organized by Dianova International with the support of the European Coalition for Just and Effective Drug Policies, the European Federation of Therapeutic Communities and Rotary Action Group for Addiction Prevention

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the Vienna NGO Committee on Narcotic Drugs, please visit vngoc.org. For more information on the New York NGO Committee on Drugs, please visit nyngoc.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Mental Health, please visit ngomentalhealth.org.

Strengthening the prevention and treatment of cannabis problematic use

Strengthening the prevention and treatment of problematic cannabis use

a side event of the 64th annual session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND64)

Regardless of the debates on how best to control the use of cannabis through legal channels, it is urgent to respond to the needs of those for whom cannabis use is becoming a real problem. This online event will address on how to improve prevention and treatment programs, focusing on the implementation of science-based programs based on the needs identified by professionals from the field of drugs.

Speakers

Antonio Jesús Molina Fernández – Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Heidi Heilman – Rotary Action Group for Addiction Prevention (RAG AP)
Phaedon Kaloterakis – European Federation of Therapeutic Communities (EFTC)
Ana Afuera – European Coalition for Just and Effective Drug Policies (ENCOD)

Moderator

Lucia Goberna Lehmann – Dianova International

Organized by Dianova International with the support of the European Coalition for Just and Effective Drug Policies, the European Federation of Therapeutic Communities and Rotary Action Group for Addiction Prevention

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the Vienna NGO Committee on Narcotic Drugs, please visit vngoc.org. For more information on the New York NGO Committee on Drugs, please visit nyngoc.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Mental Health, please visit ngomentalhealth.org.

The Iran Deal or No Deal

The Iran Nuclear Deal or No Deal

Grassroots organizations from across the country are joining together to present the most recent developments surrounding the JCPOA and what they may mean for the future of Iran and the rest of the Middle East. For those who care about preventing a future war as well as addressing the humanitarian role the U.S. has in Iran, Yemen, and elsewhere, this is the event to join.

Register here: https://secure.everyaction.com/aFVE5ygCQEOMyNrNBjpx_Q2

Featuring:

Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft
Barbara Slavin, Director of the Future of Iran Initiative and a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council
Kelsey Davenport, Director of Nonproliferation Policy at Arms Control Association
Peter Beinart, Professor of Journalism and Political Science at the City University of New York

Moderated by: Jamal Abdi, President of the National Iranian American Council

Note: You are welcome to watch a recording of a previous event (https://fb.watch/3aRHLDJRGL/), which provides a great overview of the topic, but will not be necessary to get the full experience out of this larger event.

This event is co-sponsored by:

Brooklyn for Peace; CODEPINK; Coloradans for Middle East Diplomacy & Peace; Demand Progress; Friends Committee on National Legislation Colorado Advocacy Team; Friends Committee on National Legislation New York City Advocacy Team; Friends Committee on National Legislation New York State Advocacy Team; Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace; Historians for Peace and Democracy; J Street Colorado; J Street NYC; Jewish Voice for Peace – Denver/Boulder Chapter; Long Island Activists; Long Island Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives; Manhattan Project for a Nuclear Free World; Massachusetts Peace Action; National Iranian American Council; New Jersey Peace Action; New York Progressive Action Network; NYPAN Greene; No War Westchester; North Country Peace Group; PEAC Institute; Peace Action; Peace Action Bay Ridge; Peace Action New York State; Peace & Social Justice Committee of the 15th St. Monthly Meeting, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers); Rethinking Foreign Policy, Inc.; Peace Corps Iran Association; Progressive Democrats of Sussex County (Delaware); Progressive East End Reformers; Rocky Mountain Peace & Justice Center; South Country Peace Group; Suffolk Progressives; Syracuse Peace Council; Upper Hudson Peace Action; WESPAC; Win Without War; Women’s Action for New Directions; and Women’s March.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace and Security, please visit ngocdps.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Human Rights, please email the co-chairs at bknotts@uua.org or bobbinassar@gmail.com.

The Iran Deal or No Deal

The Iran Nuclear Deal or No Deal

Grassroots organizations from across the country are joining together to present the most recent developments surrounding the JCPOA and what they may mean for the future of Iran and the rest of the Middle East. For those who care about preventing a future war as well as addressing the humanitarian role the U.S. has in Iran, Yemen, and elsewhere, this is the event to join.

Register here: https://secure.everyaction.com/aFVE5ygCQEOMyNrNBjpx_Q2

Featuring:

Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft
Barbara Slavin, Director of the Future of Iran Initiative and a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council
Kelsey Davenport, Director of Nonproliferation Policy at Arms Control Association
Peter Beinart, Professor of Journalism and Political Science at the City University of New York

Moderated by: Jamal Abdi, President of the National Iranian American Council

Note: You are welcome to watch a recording of a previous event (https://fb.watch/3aRHLDJRGL/), which provides a great overview of the topic, but will not be necessary to get the full experience out of this larger event.

This event is co-sponsored by:

Brooklyn for Peace; CODEPINK; Coloradans for Middle East Diplomacy & Peace; Demand Progress; Friends Committee on National Legislation Colorado Advocacy Team; Friends Committee on National Legislation New York City Advocacy Team; Friends Committee on National Legislation New York State Advocacy Team; Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace; Historians for Peace and Democracy; J Street Colorado; J Street NYC; Jewish Voice for Peace – Denver/Boulder Chapter; Long Island Activists; Long Island Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives; Manhattan Project for a Nuclear Free World; Massachusetts Peace Action; National Iranian American Council; New Jersey Peace Action; New York Progressive Action Network; NYPAN Greene; No War Westchester; North Country Peace Group; PEAC Institute; Peace Action; Peace Action Bay Ridge; Peace Action New York State; Peace & Social Justice Committee of the 15th St. Monthly Meeting, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers); Rethinking Foreign Policy, Inc.; Peace Corps Iran Association; Progressive Democrats of Sussex County (Delaware); Progressive East End Reformers; Rocky Mountain Peace & Justice Center; South Country Peace Group; Suffolk Progressives; Syracuse Peace Council; Upper Hudson Peace Action; WESPAC; Win Without War; Women’s Action for New Directions; and Women’s March.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace and Security, please visit ngocdps.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Human Rights, please email the co-chairs at bknotts@uua.org or bobbinassar@gmail.com.

Global Alliance for the Rights of Older Persons’ workshop for the 11th Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing session (OEWG11)

The Global Alliance for the Rights of Older Persons (GAROP) and the NGO Committee on Ageing-NY are pleased to invite you to a workshop for the 11th virtual Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing session (OEWG11) on Thursday, March 25, 2021 – 7:00 – 9:00 EST (12:00-14:00 CET)

This preparatory event will be hosted with support by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA).

Objectives of the meeting:

To build a common understanding of the current status of the OEWG process
To discuss our shared goals for the outcomes of OEWG11
To agree on collective action that NGOs can take throughout the week

Working language: The workshop will be run in English and there will be no interpretation provided. We are planning to have some breakout sessions and chat information accommodate French and Spanish speakers during the workshop.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrcOqurDgqGtYpv8a1l9hmk3UpeWbUaen6

Draft Programme:

Welcome and opening remarks

Acknowledgements – Dr. Kiran Rabheru (Chair, GAROP) & Dr. Cynthia Stuen (Chair, NGO COA-NY)
Opening remarks – Ambassador Squeff, Chair of the OEWG

Scene-setting and connecting

Updates about the session (Amal Abou Rafeh, UNDESA)
Q&A

Developments since OEWG10

Intersessional events/outcomes
COVID-19 and political momentum

Breakout rooms: English / French / Spanish

Preparing our strategy for participation in OEWG11

Expectations and objectives for the session
Ways in which civil society can participate and have impact:
- Visibility
  - Age With Rights and social media
  - Side events
- Reviewing the timetable for the week ahead

Contacts: Susan Somers, NGO Committee on Ageing NY: sbsomers5@aol.com and/or Ellen Graham, GAROP Coordinator: ellen.graham@rightsofolderpeople.org

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Ageing-NY, please visit ngocoa-ny.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Ageing-Vienna, please visit ngoageingvie.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Ageing-Geneva, please visit ageingcommitteegeneva.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Intergenerational Solidarity, please email the vice chair at susanneseperson@gmail.com.

Global Alliance for the Rights of Older Persons’ workshop for the 11th Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing session (OEWG11)

The Global Alliance for the Rights of Older Persons (GAROP) and the NGO Committee on Ageing-NY are pleased to invite you to a workshop for the 11th virtual Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing session (OEWG11) on Thursday, March 25, 2021 – 7:00 – 9:00 EST (12:00-14:00 CET)

This preparatory event will be hosted with support by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA).

Objectives of the meeting:

To build a common understanding of the current status of the OEWG process
To discuss our shared goals for the outcomes of OEWG11
To agree on collective action that NGOs can take throughout the week

Working language: The workshop will be run in English and there will be no interpretation provided. We are planning to have some breakout sessions and chat information accommodate French and Spanish speakers during the workshop.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrcOqurDgqGtYpv8a1l9hmk3UpeWbUaen6

Draft Programme:

Welcome and opening remarks

Acknowledgements – Dr. Kiran Rabheru (Chair, GAROP) & Dr. Cynthia Stuen (Chair, NGO COA-NY)
Opening remarks – Ambassador Squeff, Chair of the OEWG

Scene-setting and connecting

Updates about the session (Amal Abou Rafeh, UNDESA)
Q&A

Developments since OEWG10

Intersessional events/outcomes
COVID-19 and political momentum

Breakout rooms: English / French / Spanish

Preparing our strategy for participation in OEWG11

Expectations and objectives for the session
Ways in which civil society can participate and have impact:
- Visibility
  - Age With Rights and social media
  - Side events
- Reviewing the timetable for the week ahead

Contacts: Susan Somers, NGO Committee on Ageing NY: sbsomers5@aol.com and/or Ellen Graham, GAROP Coordinator: ellen.graham@rightsofolderpeople.org

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Ageing-NY, please visit ngocoa-ny.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Ageing-Vienna, please visit ngoageingvie.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Ageing-Geneva, please visit ageingcommitteegeneva.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Intergenerational Solidarity, please email the vice chair at susanneseperson@gmail.com.

Promoting evidence-based drug policies and interventions enshrined in human rights in Europe

Dear all,

On behalf of the Association Proyecto Hombre, it is a pleasure to inform you that, in the celebration of the 64^thsession of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, we are organising an on-line side event on behalf the EU Civil Society Forum on Drugs titled “Promoting evidence-based drug policies and interventions enshrined in human rights in Europe.” It is supported by the European Union, the Governments of Portugal and Spain, and the Council of Europe.

The event will take place online via Zoom on 15 April from 9.00 to 9.50 a.m. (CET – Vienna time). You do not need to register in advance.

Please do not hesitate to contact me and/or Anna Ollo should you have any questions.

Best regards,

—

Buenos días,

En nombre de la Asociación Proyecto Hombre, es un placer informarle de que, con motivo de la celebración de la 64ª sesión de la Comisión de Estupefacientes de las Naciones Unidas, organizamos un evento telemático en nombre del Foro de la Sociedad Civil sobre Drogas de la Unión Europea, con el título “Promoting evidence-based drug policies and interventions enshrined in human rights in Europe (Promoción de políticas e intervenciones de drogas en Europa, basadas en la evidencia y en los derechos humanos).” Contamos con el apoyo de la Unión Europea, los Gobiernos de Portugal y España, y el Consejo de Europa.

El evento tendrá lugar a través de la plataforma Zoom el próximo 15 de abril de 9.00 a 9.50 a.m. (CET – hora de Viena), y será en inglés. No es necesario registrarse con antelación.

Por favor, no dude en contactarnos si tiene alguna duda.

Atentamente,

Begoña Gómez del Campo, Tecnica de Incidencia y Proyectos Internacionales

Event access link here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_E71WRejcT9uFQDxRGWy_HA

Speakers:

Marie Nougier, International Drug Policy Consortium, on behalf of the EU Civil Society Forum on Drugs
Edith Hofer, European Commission, European Union
Péter Sárosi, Rights Reporter Foundation, representative of the EU Civil Society Forum on Drugs
Dr. Joan R. Villalbí, Delegate of the Government for the National Plan on Drugs, Ministry of Health, Spain
Hannah Bardell, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Rapporteur for the report on “Human rights and drug policies in Europe: a baseline reference”

Moderator: Oriol Esculies, International Commissioner of Association Proyecto Hombre

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the New York NGO Committee on Drugs, please visit nyngoc.org. For more information on the Vienna NGO Committee on Narcotic Drugs, please visit vngoc.org.

humanitarian law