1996

After the original tri-part leadership disbanded, Bawa Jain continued to chair the Caucus, leading to its active participation in the UN Conference on Human Settlements, known as Habitat II, held in Istanbul in June, 1996. Members of the Values Caucus from New York worked actively with with the Turkish Values Caucus that had formed around this event.

Deborah Moldow was elected Chair at the end of 1996, with and Robert Kauffman serving as Vice Chair. Deborah initiated the innovative Coffee Series, inviting Permanent Representatives to the United Nations to speak on an informal basis with NGOs. This series was originally undertaken under the guidance of H.E. Mrs. Claudia Fritsche, Permanent Representative of Liechtenstein, who was then serving as Vice President of the International Association of Permanent Representatives. Ambassador Fritsche was our first guest, and helped introduce the Values Caucus to other ambassadors, who were delighted to accept our invitation.

The Coffees have been, without exception, wonderful opportunities to learn the perspective from another country, while also getting to know on a personal basis one of its most accomplished diplomats. The ambassadors have also appreciated the open communication with NGOs that is rarely available to them, as well as the warm hospitality demonstrated by the members of the Values Caucus, who are always careful to treat guests with respect.