ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL NGO SYMPOSIUM
The challenge is now before us - the Asia-Pacific NGOs - to mobilize a strong and visible presence in alll discussions and decision-making processes of the UN Beijing Plus Five Special Session, officially known as Women 2000: Gender Equality, Development and Peace. It will take place on 5-9 June 2000 at UN Headquarter in New York.

Let us, the Asia-Pacific NGOs, once again, accelerate our commitments to these processes of social, economic and political changes, already sparked by the Beijing World Conference on Women in 1995. The review of the BPFA is now underway, and NGOs are once again mobilizing to make our voices heard at the UN Forum.

From August 31 to September 4, 1999, NGOs from the Asia-Pacific region will be hosting a three and a half days Regional Symposium on the Beijing Plus Five Review. This Symposium will review the 12 critical areas of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA) as well as emerging issues not covered in the BPFA that are of importance to the women's movement in this region.

Kasetsart University, Kampaengsaen Campus located approximately 80 kms. outside Bangkok, Thailand will serve as the venue to accommodate approximately 500 -700 women and men from the region. The Symposium will be structured to allow space for national and sub-regional presentations, workshops on the BPFA and emerging issues in the region, as well as adoption of recommendations and cultural activities.

This Symposium sets as our goals to

  • Carry out an extensive information campaign on the BPFA Review process to reach as many women in the region as possible and to encourage them to participate in the Regional NGO Symposium, especially women from sectors that are marginalised such as the indigenous, disabled, elderly, youth, rural and urban poor.
  • Encourage all countries in the region to involve in the review within their own governmental system.
  • National and sub-regional reports will be integrated into a regional NGO report that will be reviewed at this Symposium. This will ensure a regional perspective on implementation, further actions and initiatives and new and emerging trends.
  • Lobbying strategies will be identified from the women's groups to make sure that women's voices are heard at the UN ESCAP meeting
  • Strengthen existing NGO networks and build in new ones to empower the women of Asia-Pacific region.