This page is background information, last updated in May 2002 and still available for reference. For the latest on the Special Session on Children, please go to the Special Session index.

Information for NGOs

NGO participation in the Special Session

The NGO Steering Group of the NGO Committee on UNICEF, in close collaboration with UNICEF, will continue to facilitate the participation of NGOs at the Special Session on Children. For detailed information and updates on these events, see the sections Agenda & Activities and Preparatory Process.

GA Plenary
Only a very limited number of NGOs can make statements in the plenary. The list of NGO speakers for the plenary has been approved by the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee and the President of the General Assembly prior to September 2001. A very limited number of NGOs can also observe the debate in Plenary. There will be additional spill-over space in an adjacent conference room for a live telecast of the proceedings.

Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole
A limited number of NGO representatives will have the opportunity to make statements in the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole.

Supporting Events
The NGO Steering Group in collaboration with UNICEF s co-ordinating a variety of supporting events. NGOs who had previously planned and registered workshops will receive re-confirmation letters that must be returned to the NGO Steering Group by 31 March 2002. No new supporting events can be accommodated due to space limitations. Individual NGO exhibit space is not available.

NGO Briefings
NGO-organized briefings by members of the Bureau, UNICEF and NGOs on the progress and development of the Special Session on Children are scheduled for 9 and 10 May, 8:15 - 9:00 AM. Conference Room 4.

NGO Plenary Sessions
With a focus on moving forward with the goals of the Outcome Document, the NGO Steering Group has organized thematic sessions for each day of the Special Session for Children from 1-3 PM. Conference Room 4.

8 May: Broad-based NGO approaches: This plenary will focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the Outcome Document, the process of developing national plans of action, global commitments made by governments, the role of NGOs and other key actors at the international level.

9 May: Regional approaches: NGO representatives will pinpoint government and NGO
commitments at the regional and national levels. They will discuss how local and regional NGOs can work with partners and governments to develop and monitor national plans of action.

10 May: Under 18 participants will present approaches to moving the Children's Agenda as described in the Outcome Document Forward. The Under 18 NGO representatives will develop the format of this session.