UNHQ, Conference Room C
3:00pm-6:00pm, December 6, 2011

Left to Right: Shari Spiegel (UN-DESA), John Langmore (ACUNS), Amb. Chowdhury (PGA Office), Amin Husain (OWS Social Movement)

On December 7-8 the UN General Assembly has held its 5th High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development (FfD) at UNHQ in New York.  The vision of FfD endorsed in the Monterrey Consensus 10 years ago is a long way from becoming reality.  And recent events—from the global financial crisis of 2008-9 to the ongoing democratic uprisings in the Arab World, anti-austerity demonstrations in Europe and Israel, and the Occupy movement’s protests against rising inequality—show that the current international economic system does not support equitable development and sustainable growth.

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, UBUNTU (World Forum of Civil Society Networks) and the NGO Committee on FfD, organized a Civil Society Forum on December 6^th to prepare for the High-level Dialogue and to discuss both the role that rising global inequality is having on development as well as how to more effectively link the global and local agendas related to domestic resource mobilization.

Programme

Background documents:
“Thanks to Nurses Union and Occupy Wall Street, Pressure for Wall Street Speculation Tax Grows”, Sarah Jaffe, AlterNet, November 30
“Innovative mechanisms of financing for development”, Report of the Secretary General “Nurses Call the Question on Obama and Global Financial Transaction Tax — Which Side Are You On?”, Rose Ann DeMoro, Huffington Post, October 28
“The Politics of Inclusion in the Monterrey Process”, DESA Working Paper No. 23
“Pay Back Time”, Report from the May 12 Coalition
“Human Need – Not Corporate Greed!”, NGO Committee on Financing for Development “How to reduce the global financial and economic uncertainties?”, NGO Committee on Financing for Development:
“It’s time to implement an international currency transaction tax!!”, Statement of the Ubuntu Forum
“Globalizing Solidarity: The Case for Financial Levies”, Report of the Committee of Experts to the Taskforce on International Financial Transactions and Development “Grow Together or Pull Further Apart? Income Concentration Trends in New York”, Fiscal Policy Institute Report

November 10, 2011 – UNHQ

Dame Jennifer Shipley, Prime Minister of New Zealand 1997-1999

Following our recent retreat for Permanent Representatives for Rio+20, FES registered a concern expressed by many Member States that achieving success in Rio will require global leadership to pursue sustainable development.  This event allowed former Heads of State Jennifer Shipley (New Zealand), Wim Kok (the Netherlands), Ricardo Lagos (Chile) and Luisa Diogo (Mozambique) to hold a frank and open dialogue with the international community and key stakeholders, opening a discussion on what sort of road map to a green economy allows sufficient flexibility for countries to apply their own options while maintaining the overview necessary to safeguard the resources of the planet.

Programme

Background Publication
“Reflections on the State of Agreement on Key Issues of Rio+20″

November 7 – 11, 2011, New York

Already for the sixth time, FES New York hosted its annual Fall Academy for young policy analysts. This year’s group comprised 14 participants from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Russia. Throughout the week, participants met with UN diplomats, Secretariat, and NGO experts to discuss the UN’s work on peace and security issues, sustainable development and the upcoming Rio+20 summit, and the organization’s most recent reform initiatives.

Program 2011 FESNY Fall Academy

October 21, 2011

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the New York office, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung invited its friends, colleagues and partners to a reception at the United Nations. The honorary speakers were  Ms. Anke Fuchs, Honorary Chairperson, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (right) and H.E. Michelle Bachelet, Under-Secretary-General, UN Women.

FESNY’s Involvement in Global Governance

Speech Anke Fuchs

Speech Michelle Bachelet

Slideshow: Special Event with Jodi Bieber and subsequent reception

Interview with former UN-Under-Secretary-General James Jonah

October 13, 2011

The newly independent South Sudan faces challenges aplenty on its way towards a sustainable, economically viable, democratic and peaceful development. To chart the main obstacles and opportunities for the country, its neighbors and the international community, FES New York hosted a high-level conference with high-level representatives from the North and South Sudan. A Keynote Address was delivered by General (R) Martin Agwai, Formerly the Force Commander of the UNAMID peace operation in Darfur (see picture).

Program

Keynote Address

September 30-October 1,  2011

This FES-sponsored retreat set up an informal space and time for Permanent Representatives and experts from a number of UN missions to discuss issues related to upcoming preparations for the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20).

Supplementary documents from Retreat:
Conference Report “Reflections on the State of Agreement on Key Issues of Rio+20″
Opening Statement by Mr. Werner Puschra (FES)
Opening Statement by Mr. Sha Zukang (UNCSD)
Opening Statement by H.E. Mr. Kim Sook (UNCSD Bureau)
Keynote Presentation | Powerpoint by Mr. Soogil Young (Rep. of Korea Presidential Committee on Green Growth)
Keynote Presentation by Mr. Michael Dorsey (Dartmouth College)

High-Level Conference, Sunday, September 25^th, 2011; 9am-6pm, IMF HQ2 Building, Room HQ2-01-280 (A&B)

Neither national nor international policies adopted in response to recent crises have translated into strong recoveries. The rebound has been especially weak in the labor markets. In addition, the limited role that public policy has played in addressing chronic and increasing inequality—especially the particular challenges presented by group inequalities, which are fuelled by perceived and real injustice, and often have international dimensions—underscores the urgency of finding ways to correct these ineffective policies.  The main objective of this conference, jointly organized by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Club de Madrid and Center of Concern, has been to promote this discussion among influential current and former policymakers and key thinkers in the context of the 2011 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Panelists: Alfred Gusenbauer (Chancellor of Austria [2007-2008]; Member, Club de Madrid), Sigrid Kaag (Assistant Secretary General and Director of Partnership Bureau, UNDP),  Y. Venugopal Reddy (Governor, Reserve Bank of India [2003-2008]; Member, Palais Royal Initiative), Alejandro Toledo (President of Peru [2001-2006]; Member, Club de Madrid), Sanjeev Gupta (Deputy Director, Fiscal Affairs Department, IMF), Chrystia Freeland (Editor, Thompson Reuters Digital), Isabel Ortiz (Associate Director, UNICEF), Michael Kumhof (Deputy Chief, Modeling Unit, IMF Research Department), Raymond Torres (Director, International Institute for Labour Studies, ILO), Richard Freeman (Professor of Economics, Harvard University), Josè Antonio Ocampo (Professor, School of International and Public Affairs), Jonathan Coppel (Economic Counsellor to the OECD Secretary General), Rogério Studart (Executive Director to the World Bank from Brazil), Jomo Kwame Sundaram (Assistant Secretary General, UN-DESA), Emmanuel Moulin (Economic Advisor to French President Sarkozy), Pablo Pereira (Former IMF Executive Director  from Argentina), Ulrich Volz (Senior Economist, German Development Institute), Rishi Goyal (Deputy Chief, Strategy, Policy and Review Dept. IMF)

Programme

Coppel presentation
Kumhof presentation
Moulin presentation
Ortiz presentation
Pereira presentation
Torres presentation

Background Publication
“New Directions for International Financial & Monetary Policy: Reducing Inequality for Shared Societies”

Luncheon Discussion, Thursday, July 28, 1:00pm – 2:45pm at The Century Foundation (New York)

FES New York and The Century Foundation will co-host a discussion about where the Libyan conflict and intervention are headed.

Leading the discussion will be:

• Ibrahim Dabbashi, ambassador and deputy permanent representative of Libya to the United Nations (picture, middle)

• Ian Martin, Secretary-General’s special advisor on post-conflict planning for Libya, United Nations Department of Political Affairs (picture, left)

• Karim Mezran, executive director, Centro Studi Americani, Rome (picture, right)

• Baso Sangqu, ambassador and permanent representative of South Africa to the United Nation

Video of the event

Conference on Civil Society Perspectives, Monday, July 11 9:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. UN Church Center

This year's interactive dialogue of the UN General Assembly on the Responsibility to Protect (RtoP) focused on the implementing role of regional and sub-regional organizations. One day ahead, FES New York co-hosted a half-day conference featuring civil society perspectives on the implementation of R2P. One of the keynoters was Dr. Edward Luck, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the RtoP. (see picture)

Program

Concluding remarks Werner Puschra

General Assembly 12th July

Event Summary

Monday, June 27, 2011, 1:00am-3:00pm UNHQ, Delegates’ Dining Room, New York, NY

In the context of informal dialogues to take place in the UN General Assembly on June 28, 2011 regarding the UN's role in global governance, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and UBUNTU (World Forum of Civil Society Networks) co-sponsor a lunchtime event to emphasize the issue of global inequality within this debate—to UN Member States, UN Secretariat and eminent members of civil society—and to ask how the UN might achieve a greater profile in debates on global economic governance, innovative approaches, as well as how to make the G20 more accountable and responsive to social needs. One of the panelists was Mr. Anwarul K. Chowdhury, Former UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative. (see picture)

Program

Tuesday-Wednesday, June 7-8, 2011, 10:00am-6:00pm
UNHQ, NLB, Conference Room E, New York, NY

This two-day conference on international tax cooperation began with a half-day of general panels on the Role of the UN in International Tax Cooperation and the Impact of Transfer Pricing on Development."  Many delegates from UN Missions took part in the discussion, along with experts from Tax Authorities around the world.  During the remaining one and a half days, tax experts worked on the UN Tax Office's "Practical Manual of Transfer Pricing for Developing Countries."  Organized by FES New York Office, Christian Aid, and Center of Concern.

Program

Tuesday, 17 May 2011,
New York, UNHQ—Delegates Dining Room

Against the backdrop of the most recent experiences with sanction regimes in the conflicts in Côte d’Ivoire and Libya and to examine possible enhancements to the implementation and effectiveness of UN sanctions, FES New York Office convened a roundtable discussion with a unique panel of experts:

H.E. Thomas Mayr-Harting, Permanent Representative of Austria to the UN; (picture, middle)

Loraine Rickard-Martin, Partner, Compliance and Capacity, International (CCI); (picture, right)

Rico Carisch, Partner, CCI;

Sue Eckert, Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Export Administration and Senior Fellow, Watson Institute, Brown University

Several sanctions implementations scenarios were analyzed in terms of their successes and setbacks, thereby aiming for a better understanding of conditions under which Security Council sanctions regimes work best.

Background Paper

Monday 16 May 2011,
New York, UNHQ—Delegates Dining Room

After the referendum in January 2011, which cleared the way towards secession from the North, preparations are currently underway for an independent Southern Sudan as a new member state to the UN when the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) ends on July 9. The discussion brought to the table different international actors in support of Southern Sudan’s transition into an independent, viable, and sustainably peaceful state.

Panelists:
H.E. Mr. Lumumba Stanislaus-Kaw Di-Aping, Representative of Southern Sudan; (picture, right)
H.E. Mr. Baso Sangqu, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the UN;
H.E. Ms. Tine Morch Smith; Deputy Permanent Representative of Norway to the UN;
Ms. Rajakumari Jandhyala, Deputy Assistant Administrator, USAID Bureau for Africa.

Chair:
H.E. Gert Rosenthal, Permanent Representative of Guatemala to the UN and Vice Chair, PBC Organizational Committee.(picture, left)

Program

Tuesday, May 3, 2011, 1:00—3:00 p.m
New York, NY

This FES-sponsored informal discussion allowed delegates involved in upcoming negotiations of a Panel of Experts to monitor systemic risks in the global economy, their root causes and the risks posed to human development the opportunity to discuss various views on the responsibilities, composition and financing of such a panel.

IMF HQ, Sunday, April 17th, 8:30am-5:00pm [meeting by-invitation]

There has been much discussion among governments and in international financial institutions recently of the need to reform the international financial and monetary system, but little talk of the how to do so in the context of development, ensuring that reforms are adequately balanced by universal social protections.  This workshop was organized to promote discussion among current and former, policymakers and key thinkers about whether, in the current debate about the need for a new paradigm for the global economy, a shared societies perspective could make an important contribution and if so how: shared societies for a shared world.  Panels will address why and how we need to reform the present international monetary system as well as policies to create a more equitable world.

Panelists:
John Williamson, Peterson Institute, Emmanuel Moulin, Office of the President of France, Rishi Goyal, IMF, Ambassador Jorge Argüello, Argentina Mission to the UN, Jomo Kwame Sundaram,  DESA-UN, Yi Gang, Peoples Bank of China, P.J. Patterson, Prime Minister of Jamaica, 1992-2006, Jack Boorman, “Palais-Royal Initiative”, Jan Kregel, Levy Economics Institute, Pablo Pereira, Argentina Finance Ministry, Kim Campbell, Prime Minister of Canada, 1993, Ebrahim Rasool, South African Ambassador to the US, Peter Bakvis, ITUC, Isabel Ortiz, UNICEF

Program
Summary
Outcome Publication: “New Directions for International Financial & Monetary Policy: Reducing Inequality for Shared Societies”

Saturday, April 16th, 6:30pm-9:00pm, The Equality Center, 1640 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, Washington DC

“A ’shared society’ is a socially cohesive society. It is stable, safe. It is where all those living there feel at home. It respects everyone’s dignity and human rights while providing every individual with equal opportunity. It is tolerant. It respects diversity. A shared society is constructed and nurtured through strong political leadership.“ –Club de Madrid Shared Societies Project

As more countries are embracing austerity policies, which have profoundly negative social impacts, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Club de Madrid and Center of Concern present a free, public event highlighting the need instead to pursue equitable development and shared societies.

The program features Kim Campbell, former Prime Minister of Canada, who introduces concept of “Shared Societies,”  P.J. Patterson, Jamaican Prime Minister from 1992-2006, whose recent work in Haiti—combined with his long experience in Jamaica—has shaped his views on how the international community can help to create more equitable development, and Samir Radwan, the Finance Minister for Egypt’s new transitional government, who draws upon his long experience working in the International Labour Organization (ILO) to close the evening with thoughts on how the Arab World can rise to the challenge to create democratic and equitable societies.

Program

Tuesday, April 12, 2011, New York, UNHQ—Delegates Dining Room

To promote the regional and multilateral dimensions of negotiations for a peace process in Afghanistan, FES supported a project of The Century Foundation (TCF) for an international task force co-chaired by Ambassadors Lakhdar Brahimi and Thomas Pickering. On April 12, TCF and FES New York hosted a discussion at the UN with  members of the task force (pictured: Jean-Marie Guéhenno and Sadako Ogata) on their recently launched report.

Program
Report “Afghanistan: Negotiating Peace”

Thursday, March 24, 2011, New York, UNHQ—Delegates Dining Room

As South Africa re-entered the Security Council in 2011, the Council is occupied with numerous crises and conflicts on the African continent. To put these challenges in a broad political context, FES New York and the Center on International Cooperation (CIC), supported by the Mission of South Africa to the UN, organized a week-long information program at the UN for a group of South African policy makers. On March 24, this high-level delegation, with among others, Ms. Ayanda Dlodlo the Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration (picture), presented their views on the challenges for South African foreign policy to a broader audience at the UN.

Program

Tuesday, March 8, 2011, 8:00—9:45 a.m
New York, NY

This FES discussion featured President of the German Development Institute, Dirk Messner, on the need for an International Panel on Systemic Risks in the Global Economy to monitor both short-term and long-term risks, their root causes and the risks posed to human development.  The discussion included delegates from a number of missions preparing for upcoming negotiations related to a Panel of Experts on the global economy.

Friday, March 4, 2011, 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Cervantes Center, New York

Our office worked in conjunction with the Mexican and Spanish Missions to organize a morning of discussions involving a number of UN Missions actively engaged in planning for the Rio+20 Summit.  Delegates were able to explore areas of agreement and disagreement regarding the general aim of IFSD, in the integration in policymaking, implementation and financing of the three pillars of sustainable development.

Thursday, February 10, 2011, 1:15—2:45 p.m.
New York, UNHQ—Delegates Dining Room

The world is facing various interconnected global crises—related to climate change, food security, water and resource scarcity, and the stability of the global economic and financial system. As a consequence, social inequality has increased, millions of jobs are being lost and human development is at stake.This situation presents unprecedented challenges to the multilateral system and its institutional framework. The elevation of the G20 to the Leaders’ level in 2008— now widely perceived as an effective and necessary emergency response to the financial crisis—has raised the stakes for the UN’s inclusive and formal multilateralism, which must now show that it can be as effective in dealing with global crises as the informal clubs of the most powerful countries. This state of affairs raises the urgent question to Member States: What reforms are necessary for the UN to play a leading role in global governance?
Keynote: Mr. Joseph Deiss, President of the sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly. (picture)

Speakers:Ambassador Puri from the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, Ambassador Argüello from the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the UN and, Mr. Martin Lees, International Affairs Expert, The Climate Change Task Force and former Secretary General of the Club of Rome (2008-2010).

What Role for the UN in Global Governance – Program

GA President JosephDeiss’ Speech

Ambassador Argüello’s Speech

Mr. Martin Lees’ Speech

Tuesday, February 8, 2011, 10:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
New York, UNHQ-North Lawn Building, Conference Room 4

Each year the NGO Committee holds a Forum based on the theme to be addressed by the UN Commission for Social Development at its annual meeting.  The priority theme of the 49th Session of the Commission is “Poverty Eradication: Human dignity Demands It.” Coming less than five months after the MDG Summit last September, the Commission provides an opportunity for governments and civil society to discuss effective policies and practices that lead to poverty reduction. During the Forum, the focus is set on three approaches which are regarded as effective in reducing poverty: debt cancellation, microfinance (Pros and Cons) and decent work. Two of the panelists were Kingsley Ofei-Nkansah, General Secretary, Gen. Agricultural Workers Union, Ghana(picture, left) and Jane Stewart, Special Representative and Director, International Labor Organization (picture, right).

CSocD CSO Forum Program

Mr. Werner Puschra’s Speech

Mr. Martin Lees’ Speech

Tuesday, February 8, 2011, 10:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
New York, UNHQ-North Lawn Building

Each year the NGO Committee conducts a Forum, based on the theme to be addressed by the UN Commission for Social Development at its annual meeting.  The priority theme of the 49th Session of the Commission is “Poverty Eradication: Human dignity Demands It.” Coming less than five months after the MDG Summit last September, the Commission will be an opportunity for governments and civil society to engage yet again on effective policies and practices that lead to poverty reduction. During the Forum, the focus is set on three approaches which are regarded as effective in reducing poverty: debt cancellation, microfinance (Pros and Cons) and decent work.

Monday, February 7, 2011, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
New York, UNHQ-North Lawn Building, Conference Room 4

A Multi-stakeholder Panel Discussion Co-sponsored by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung New York Office and the UN Non-Governmental Liaison Service (NGLS).

Moderated by Mr. Janos Pasztor, Director of the UN Secretary General’s Climate Change Support Team and Designated Head of the Secretary-General’s Global Sustainability Panel Secretariat

Panelists: Ms. Angela Anderson, Program Director, US Climate Action Network, Mr. Mark Fulton, Global Head of Climate Change Investment Research, Deutsche Bank Climate Change Advisors, Mr. Martin Lees, International Affairs Expert, The Climate Change Task Force and Former Secretary General, Club of Rome (2008-2010), Mr. Selwin Hart, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Barbados to the United Nations and AOSIS Lead Coordinator on Finance, Mr. Paul Watkinson (via teleconference), Head of Delegation for France to the UN Climate Change negotiations and Lead Finance Negotiatior for the European Union, Mr. Michael Dorsey, Assistant Professor Dartmouth College, Environmental Studies Program and Director Dartmouth Climate Justice Research Project.

Mr. Martin Lees’ Speech
Mr. Mark Fulton’s Powerpoint and Remarks
Background Note
Program
Videocast

Side Event to the 54th Commission on the Status of Women

Wednesday, March 10th, 10am – 12pm
Bahai’i International Community, New York
The food, environmental and economic crises have challenged civil society organizations (CSOs) and the communities they serve. A broad-based survey was undertaken in 2009, financially supported by the United Nations Secretariat, that measured the impact of the crises on the operating capacity of CSOs around the world and their expectations as they look ahead. This study examines the current situation of CSOs as indicated by responses from 640 civil society organizations worldwide. It also asks what strategies they are undertaking to cope with a drop in revenue and how they plan to strengthen social-service delivery capacities of CSOs during crisis periods.

Program

Side Event to the 48th Commission for Social Development

+++POSTPONED due to inclement weather+++

New date: Friday, February 12th, 1:15pm – 2.45pm
Church Center for the United Nations, New York
The food, environmental and economic crises have challenged civil society organizations (CSOs) and the communities they serve. A broad-based survey was undertaken in 2009, financially supported by the United Nations Secretariat, that measured the impact of the crises on the operating capacity of CSOs around the world and their expectations as they look ahead. This study examines the current situation of CSOs as indicated by responses from 640 civil society organizations worldwide. It also asks what strategies they are undertaking to cope with a drop in revenue and how they plan to strengthen social-service delivery capacities of CSOs during crisis periods.

Program

Executive Summary: “The Global Economic Crisis and Its Impact on Civil Society Organizations and Their Constituencies”

UN Inter Press Service (IPS) Article – “Grassroots Aid Groups Struggle to Stay Afloat”

Friday, December 17, 2010, 1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
New York, UN Private Dining Room 1-3

The new year will start with a bang in Sudan.  The people of Sudan’s South will vote in a referendum on 9 January 2011 to determine the region’s future status, with independence widely seen as a probable outcome.  The UN Mission in Sudan is gearing up to prevent an immediate violent break-up of Sudan after the referendum, but the risk of renewed violence – whether among competing factions in the South or in Darfur – is real. For what contingencies should the international community be prepared?  What and who can sustain a new, independent state in South Sudan in terms of development, infrastructure, and public administration?  Politically, what challenges will other African states and the African Union face if the referendum leads to new state formation? On December 17, FES New York and the Century Foundation organized a luncheon discussion to explore the imminent contingencies and long-term consequences, and to discuss the various options for UN action to prevent the outbreak of further violence.

Program

FES Publication “Sudan and Somalia – Linchpins on the Horn of Africa”

Meeting Notes

December 13, 2010, 10am-2pm

New York, Roger Smith Hotel

In response to recent economic crises, an increasingly large group of high-ranking economists, political advisers and think tanks in the US and the United Nations are seriously re-evaluating economic theory as well as policy. In Europe, Social Democratic Parties and leaders are also debating how to restructure the economy and society in order to better deal with the economic, social and environmental challenges of the twenty-first century, which transcend national borders.
Therefore the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) New York office organized a small and informal roundtable meeting and working lunch where alternatives to mainstream economic models and new thinking about economic policy were discussed.

Program

Friday, December 3, 2010, 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
New York, The German House

Timely, coherent and sustainable funding remains an ongoing challenge for the international community when helping countries to establish lasting peace. This discussion, organized by FES New York and the Permanent Mission of Germany, aimed at developing an understanding of where and how the PBC’s and the World Bank’s comparative strengths are to be captured in mobilizing resources and coordinating policies for sustainable peace-building. By revisiting some of the joint experiences of the first five years of the existence of the PBC, the debates also lead to the formulation of some practical suggestions for the PBC’s years ahead.

Program

Meeting Notes

Monday, November 15 – Friday, November 19, 2010
New York

Also this year, FES New York hosted its annual Fall Academy. 17 young policy analysts from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East came to New York to learn hands-on about the work of the United Nations. Throughout the week, participants met with UN diplomats, Secretariat, and NGO experts to discuss the UN’s work on peace and security issues, the MDGs, and the organization’s most recent reform initiatives.

Program

October 29-30, 2010
Tarrytown, New York

Since 2005, the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)  has undergone substantial changes in its modalities, which will be reviewed by the General Assembly during its 65th session. This review, together with current trends towards an increasingly complex global economic and social development environment, requires a re-evaluation of the role of ECOSOC in global economic governance. Towards this end, a high-level debate with participants from the UN Missions, Secretariat, and officials from the G-20 took place at this year’s ECOSOC Retreat.  It was hosted by the FES New York, the UN Department of Social Affairs and the Permanent Missions of Germany, Malaysia, Mauritius and South Korea.

Program

Background Note

Speech by Werner Puschra

President’s Summary

Wednesday, October 27 2010, 1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
New York, Presidents’ Room, Harvard Club of New York City

Next month, the Group of 20 summit in Seoul will bring the leaders of the world’s largest national economies together, once again, to chart and coordinate international economic policy. Since the debut of G-20 summits two years ago, debate has raged about whether the grouping makes a substantive contribution to economic policymaking – and about whether it should enlarge its competence to begin dealing with other issues as well. The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and The Century Foundation hosted a discussion of these issues, led by three exceptional practitioner-analysts of diverse views.

Program

Tuesday, October 26 2010, 1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
New York, The Century Foundation

Three decades of grinding war in Afghanistan have had a common denominator: a long, porous border with Pakistan. Today, those borderlands have become the spawning ground for Islamic militants challenging the governments in both countries. To explore the complex relationships among Afghan and Pakistani Taliban and governments, the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and the Century Foundation organized a luncheon discussion with an exceptional panel.

Program

Tuesday, October 19, 2010, 1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
New York, Baha’i Conference Room, 866 UN Plaza, First Floor

In recognition of numerous diplomats and civil society leaders coming to New York for the First Committee, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Global Action to Prevent War organized a lunch-time panel to build on these high level discussions. This event helped to explore responses to the current problems and opportunities of the Conference of Disarmament, including a review of alternative settings for negotiating disarmament agreements.

Program

Report

Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 3:00 p.m.  – 5:00 p.m.
Washington D.C., IMF

Program

Presentation “Multidimensional Poverty Index: A new approach to Global Poverty” (by Sabina Alkire)

Presentation “World Financial Crisis: Possible Futures” (by Manuel Montes)

Working paper: “Who are the MDG Trailblazers? A new MDG Progress Index” (by Benjamin Leo)

Friday, September 17, 2010, 1:00 p.m.  – 3:00 p.m.
German Mission to the UN

As a preparatory event for the September 2010 MDG Summit, FES New York, Global Policy Forum and Social Watch convened a high-level luncheon panel to discuss alternative measures and models of development and link them with political discussions about the concrete actions needed to achieve progress in economic and social development.

Highlights from the panel:

· “The present model of development is not working – even for the countries that created it!”
–Roberto Bissio (Coordinator, Social Watch)

· “We advocate investment in women and girls because of the multi-generational multiplier effect.”
–Helen Clark (Administrator, United Nations Development Programme)

· “The development of a new paradigm is not something that can be imposed top down, but has to be the product of a consensus in the country.”
–René Ramírez (National Secretary of Planning and Development, Republic of Ecuador)

· “The Financial Transaction Tax combines the interests of those in developing countries with those in developed countries-that is why it is so important.”
–Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul (Member of Parliament, Germany)

Program

Report

FES Publication “Steps Out of the Global Development Crisis. An Agenda for Change” (by Jens Martens)

September 1 to 2, 2010
Seoul, South Korea

In the beginning of September, former Presidents and Prime Ministers from the Club of Madrid exchanged their views with the Korean G20 Presidency ahead of the G20 Summit which will take place on November 11th and 12th in Seoul. The world’s largest forum of former democratic political leaders presented a set of key recommendations focusing on the strengthening of global governance besides further efforts in the financial crisis management.

Recommendations and Press Release

Paper “What Role for G20?” (by Werner Puschra)

Wednesday, June 23, 2010, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Park Hyatt Toronto, Queens Park South conference room, Toronto, Canada

This dynamic, day-long program took place prior to the G20 summit in Toronto. The event attracted more than 300 attendees and had two high-profile keynote speakers: Paul Martin, the former Prime Minister of Canada and first chair of the G20, and Jomo Kwame Sundaram, ASG for Economic Development. The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, the Munk School of Global Affairs and the Centre for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (CERES) at the University of Toronto invited the broadest possible participation from governments, academia, think tanks, trade unions, and civil society in this day of round-table discussions during a week of alternative G20 Summit events.

Program

Presentation “The Spirit of BrettonWoods and Global Governance Reform” (by Jomo Kwame Sundaram)

Speech by Klaus Barthel

Event Summary

Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 7:00 p.m.  – 9:00 p.m.
Courtyard Marriott Downtown, 475 Yonge Street, Spadina A&B Room

Program

On the occasion of the fourth G20 Summit in Toronto, June 2010, the FES launched two new volumes:
“Canadian Perspectives on Global Economic Governance and the G20 “
FES New York, International Policy Analysis, June 2010

Download

“The G20: A Global Economic Government in the Making?”
FES Berlin, International Policy Analysis, June 2010

Download

Monday, June 21, 2010, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
The Palm Too Restaurant, 840 Second Avenue, New York (Between 44th & 45th St)

The current financial has driven Europe into a severe political turmoil. Challenged by public sector deficits, high unemployment, and slow economic growth, European governments make policy adjustments at the expense of social spending. At stake is not only whether Europe will be able to sustain social cohesion, but also, whether Europe’s global commitments will suffer, for instance preventing a second dip global recession, contributing to the Millennium Development Goals, or combating climate change. To address such topics, FES New York hosted a debate with former and current members of European social democratic governments and with distinguished academics that provided an outlook on Europe´s future position in the world.

Program

Wednesday, June 16, 2010, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, The Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation, and Global Policy Forum
Church Center for the UN 777 UN Plaza (44th street), 10th Floor Meeting Room, New York

This half-day conference, co-hosted by FES New York, The Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation and Global Policy Forum, considered the current state of UN financing.  Against the backdrop of the current global economic crisis, this event was looking ahead to discuss proposals towards a world institution that is better equipped with addressing future global challenges.

Program

May 27 – 28, 2010
Faculty House, 64 Morningside Drive (between 116th and 117th Streets), New York

The financial crisis of 2008/09 has brought about a wide range of policy measures, and these measures have helped to circumvent a major global recession. The crisis has also reinforced the need for structural reforms—especially in the banking and financial services sector—that still have to be addressed by governments. In addition, the crisis has shown the need for policy coordination on a global level: prudent regulation and supervision on a national level alone is not sufficient to ensure that we lay the groundwork for a sustainable growth path.This conference, co-hosted by FES New York and the Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. Center for Leadership and Ethics brought together the latest academic research and industry best practices on corporate governance and compensation in the financial industry as well as the latest proposals for reform and regulation of these practices.

Program

Governance, Executive Compensation and Excessive Risk in the Financial Services Industry

Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and the Permanent Mission of Germany to the UN
Conference Room, 22nd floor, Permanent Mission of Germany to the UN, 871 United Nations Plaza
This side event to the NPT Review conference provided the opportunity for an off-the-record exchange between the Bundestag’s leading parliamentarians on nuclear disarmament –representatives of government as well as opposition faction– and participants to the Review conference. UN Missions, nuclear disarmament experts, and non-governmental organizations addressed a number of key challenges for nuclear disarmament and Germany’s potential role towards that end.

Program

Thursday, April 22, 2010, 9 am – 11 am

Spring Meetings Civil Society Forum
CSO Room A, World Bank Main Building (1818 H Street NW)

The financial crisis that began in the fall of 2008 came on the heels of great turbulence in the energy sector, with increased global demand for oil pushing prices to record highs.  The burden of mitigating and adapting to climate change complicates matters further in terms of financing a green recovery.  These inter-related crises show that the global economy needs a new paradigm for growth, one in which better financial regulation and green-jobs creation can ease the impact of the financial crisis while at the same time enabling policies to promote investment in sustainable and efficient energy systems for countries at all levels of development.  This panel discussion provides a report-back from key figures involved in the April 21, 2010 FES/Brookings Institution experts roundtable on governance challenges in financing green and sustainable energy policies and offers the opportunity for dialogue with members of civil society gathered for their policy forum prior to the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings.

Program

Event Summary

Governance Challenges in Financing Green and Sustainable Energy Policies

Friday, April 16, 2010

United Nations/The Century Foundation

To globalize the transatlantic debate, this year’s delegation of “Global Atlanticists” – comprising 25 representatives from the various political German factions in Parliament – for the first time came to the United Nations in New York.  Discussions with the UN secretariat, member state diplomats, and policy experts, revolved around the UN’s current role in two key challenges for international cooperation:  The global economic crisis and Afghanistan.
Program IX. Annual Meeting of the Global Atlanticists

List of Participants

Monday, March 29, 2010
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and The Century Foundation
New York, Harvard Club
This day-long conference focused on the challenges for nuclear disarmament on three levels: First, the implications of the current review of NATO’s strategic doctrine for the role of nuclear weapons. Second, the continued value attached to nuclear weapons by political and military circles in nuclear-armed states, both inside and outside the NPT regime. And third, the effectiveness of the NPTand international treaty regimes towards global nuclear disarmament.

Program

Side-Event to the Fourth High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development

Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 1:15 pm – 2:45 pm
New York, United Nations Headquarters
In the run-up to the Fourth High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development, the FES and the Chilean Mission host a panel discussion on the impact of the global crisis on CSOs worldwide and the constituencies that they serve.  This survey, supported by the UN-Department of Economic and Social Affairs, was undertaken in 2009 to assess the impact of the crisis on CSOs around the world and on the constituencies that they serve.  Altogether, 640 CSOs worldwide contributed to the study, which provides new insights into regional differences in response to the crisis, and–for those experiencing drops in revenue–strategies they are adopting in order to cope.  The study also reveals different strategies to strengthen the social-service delivery capacities of CSOs during periods of crises.

Program

Wednesday, 17 March 2010
New York, German Mission to the UN, 871 United Nations Plaza
This expert-level roundtable discussion addressed whether the U.S. administration’s Nuclear Posture Review and NATO’s revised role for tactical nuclear weapons could turn into a window of opportunity for nuclear disarmament. Participants from the UN Secretariat, Member States and the expert community had the opportunity to discuss the effects of these strategy reviews for the NPT Review Conference in May 2010.

Program
FES-SIPRI Publication

Thursday, February 10, 2010, 1:15—2:45 p.m.
New York, UNHQ—Delegates Dining Room

We are threatened with a perfect storm of global crises, so intimately connected they cannot be resolved separately. The ecosystems on which we absolutely depend are being degraded at an alarming rate; humanity is grossly overusing the resources of the planet; rising stress on water and productive land, compounded by the effects of climate change, is reducing food security; levels of hunger, poverty and deprivation are again increasing; the global economic and financial systems have proved to be unstable and inequitable; the division between rich and poor is widening; millions cannot find employment; and, in this complex and dangerous situation, it is estimated that an additional 2.3 billion people will arrive on this planet by 2050. Humanity is in the midst of a systemic crisis. The underlying root causes are our current concepts of growth, development and globalization, which must be changed.On the occasion of the 2011 Commission on Social Development, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is sponsoring a high-level panel discussion on the challenges to multilateralism and the role of the UN in global governance.

Program-Draft

2 February 2010, 10am – 5pm
New York

2010 marks the 15th anniversary of the Commission for Social Development at the UN, which took place initially in Copenhagen in 1995.  This Forum showcases civil society’s views on  issues such as  social exclusion and integration and aims to create an atmosphere of social inclusion through interactive panels and breakout sessions.  Featured speakers include Commission Chairperson, Ambassador Leslie Christian, Permanent Representative from Ghana, as well as representatives of the Club de Madrid’s Shared Societies Project, FES NY Director Werner Puschra.  The event also features a presentation of survey results from a recently completed study co-sponsored by DESA-DPSD, the FES, the NGO Committee on Social Development and UN-NGLS to determine the impact of the 2007-2009 financial crisis on Civil Society Organizations.

Program

1 February 2010, 6 – 8pm
New York

In Anticipation of the 48th Commission for Social Development, the NGO Committee for Social Development, the Bahá’í International Community and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung host a Welcome Meeting for speakers and facilitators of the forum to share expectations and strategize for the forum.