Welcome to DPI NGO! This is the first of a series of special blog reports that will be posted over the next ten days about this 64th Annual DPI/NGO Conference: Sustainable Societies, Responsive Citizens. Hilary Ratcliffe is the first to report back on her busy day here in Bonn.
We have just eaten lunch with representatives of Girl Guides from Germany where we shared information about our two organizations. This was a very useful time where we got to know one another and shared experiences of DPI/NGO so far. We agreed that we can and should try and work together wherever possible. A great developing partnership!
I am as busy as ever at conferences like this… Though so far DPI has been very efficient so despite a packed schedule with hardly a moment to catch your breath, it is easy to navigate. For those of you who have been to CSW and experienced the lengthy registration process, DPI is fabulous! A 5 minute registration process start to finish!
Today we began at 8.30am with a briefing session for our delegation. We have some wonderful members from SIE joining us who are doing a great job in promoting Soroptimist International. Incoming SIE President Kathy Kaaf organised an excellent exhibition stand and we have all taken turns to “man” (or should I say “woman”?!) the stand. We have had great interest and introduced many delegates to SI through the inevitable question, “What is a Soroptimist”? But of course many have heard of us already, either through our local work or through previous engagement with SI at UN conferences and meetings. There has been plenty of media interest and there were lots of photos taken yesterday.
There have been some very good sessions and workshops covering topics from FGM and reproductive health, to the importance of the volunteering. The buzz words/phrases of the conference are “The Green Economy" with lots of attention being paid to the forthcoming Rio+20 meeting in Brazil next summer. We have be able to speak in one of the round tables and in several workshop so the banner of Soroptimist International is flying high!
We had a lovely reception last night hosted by the city of Bonn with stilt walkers, a message from the mayor and much networking. Our youth delegate, Sandra, from the Cameroon (SI Bamenda) was able to talk to the overall head of this conference –so look out for photo!
Must dash now! I have got to go to a meeting to discuss strengthening the statement from this conference. We are trying to increase the visibility of education and the role of women and girls in the final draft.
So onwards and upwards as we work hard on behalf of you all.
Hilary Ratcliffe
SI Programme Director