2003

In 2003, The Values Caucus invited many inspiring speakers join us for our monthly meetings. Individuals who are commited to highlighting the importance of values in the work of the United Nations.

We had a conversation with Shashi Tharoor Under-Secretary-General, For Communications and Public Information, on "The Role of Values in the Future of the United Nations". Although this meeting was held in one of the larger conference rooms of the United Nations we managed to create an informal environment for this rare opportunity for the NGO community to meet and have a closer conversation with Mr. Tharoor, touching on his personal sense of mission, ideals and commitments, as an individual and as well as in his capacity as Under-Secretary General.

Dr. Noel Brown President, Freinds of the UN and former Regional Director of the UNEP North American Office, addressed us powerfully on "Value, Responsibility and Opportunity of being and NGO at the UN at theis critical time." He stressed the importance of the theme of the 2003 DPI/NGO Conference, Human Security. He stated that today the world was more insecure and was in fact expressing a culture of fear, with "gated communities" and a "gated world". Human Security is essential in long term planning for the UN. He challenged us saying that the anchors of a just and stable society are disappearing. We are the crew members of this ship; we need to take up the challenge. The UN has the moral capacity; the UN is a megaphone. We should empower the Secretary-General - after all he represents "we the peoples". Provide the Secretary-General with the support and inspiration needed to make the UN hallowed ground, a safe space.