Union Association For Human Rights To Participate In UN Civil Society Conference, Nairobi 2024

The 2024 UN Civil Society Conference, a pivotal gathering for global civil society organizations, commenced today at the United Nations headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. This event marks a significant opportunity for these organizations to present a global perspective on pressing issues, fostering discussions among senior UN System officials, leading international civil society organizations, youth innovators, academic figures, public opinion leaders, and the international press.

Mariam Al-Ahmadi, Vice President of the Union Association for Human Rights (UAHR), is at the forefront of the UAE's civil society representation. She leads a delegation of human rights experts aiming to contribute valuable insights and advocate for human rights advancements. The conference has attracted over 3,700 participants from a wide array of international bodies, mechanisms, and more than 400 international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) engaged in various humanitarian and developmental sectors. It also sees participation from numerous companies and institutions dedicated to advancing human development programs worldwide through the adoption of modern technologies.

Recognized as the foremost event for civil society engagement within the United Nations framework, the Civil Society Conference precedes the highly anticipated Summit of the Future scheduled for September. The UN Department of Global Communications organizes this two-day event, running from May 9 to 10. Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division at the UN communication department, highlighted the extensive registration for the conference, noting that over 3,600 representatives from 2,750 entities had registered. This includes around 400 representatives from 64 governments, seven inter-governmental organizations (IGOs), 37 UN entities, and over 100 media reporters. Notably, 70 percent of registrants are from Africa, with youth aged 18 to 34 making up 40 percent of all registrations. Among these young participants, climate issues stand out as a primary concern.

In a video message to attendees, Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly, emphasized the need for robust collaboration and engagement from all sectors to ensure that the upcoming Summit catalyzes impactful global action. He pointed out that civil society's involvement is crucial in driving action-oriented outcomes from the Summit. Francis specifically mentioned several key documents expected to emerge from the Summit – including the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations – underscoring the vital role civil society plays in this transformative process.

The UN Civil Society Conference thus serves as a critical platform for dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders committed to addressing global challenges through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships. With its focus on harnessing modern technologies and promoting human development programs, the conference aligns with broader efforts to navigate current and future challenges effectively.

With inputs from WAM