International Cooperation and Development

Since its foundation, the UN undertook the duty of fostering international cooperation and development at the economic, social and political levels. Today, the increasing developments in the structure and work methods of NGOs, together with the evolution of their scope of intervention, arouses some question regarding the role of these NGOs in world conflicts and tragedies. The main issue is: shall governments delegate intricate issues -or some of them- to NGOs, or shall they restrict NGOs' scope of intervention to the informative level?

Today, an increasing number of analysts tend to assert that, in the last two decades, NGOs contributed actively and positively in the improvement of international cooperation and development. NGOs prepared as well the ground for the elaboration of development plans and for the establishment of pragmatic policies regarding issues as varied as the access to education, assistance in healthcare, eradication of poverty and the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. Moreover, media coverage of NGOs involvement and humanitarian operations helped arouse consciousness around these issues and improve the existing mechanisms of intervention in international conflicts.

The International Conference to be held on the 12th of February 2008 aims to address the problem of the role of NGOs in international cooperation and development, and the responsibilities that can be delegated to them. With the presence of figures renowned for their practical experience and knowledge of the all hot spots in Africa, the Middle East and all over the world, the debate augurs to be a catalyst for further intensive seminars and discussions in the future.

Contact us or join us in the International Conference on the Role of NGOs in Global Governance for further comprehensive details on international cooperation and development