GFDD and FUNGLODE Partake in ECOSOC Innovation Fair

As members of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) with consultative status, Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE) were invited to participate in the ECOSOC Innovation Fair, June 30 -July 3, 2008, from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm at UN Headquarters in New York City. During the exposition, selected private, public, non-profit and civil society organizations showcased innovative sustainable development initiatives pertaining to the thematic areas of: environmental preservation, biodiversity, sustainable technological advancement, industrial development, poverty alleviation and agricultural development.

The objective of the forum was to promote the exchange of experiences related to proven sustainable development strategies, in an effort to fulfill the
UN Millennium Development Goals. Organizations showcasing projects at the Fair included: All India Shah Behram Baug Society (India), Legiao da Boa Vontade (Brazil), Women’s Federation for World Peace International (Niger and Senegal), Inter-Press Service International (Italy), Adventist Development Relief Foundation (Peru), International Movement ATD Fourth World (Madagascar), Yachay Wasi (Peru) and Help Handicapped International (India).

GFDD and FUNGLODE displayed materials highlighting development gains achieved through the following initiatives: the Dominican Republic Coral Gardens Project, the Dominican Republic Global Film Festival (DRGFF), the Global Media Arts Center (GMAI), InteRDom, Dominicanaonline.org and the United Nations Association of the Dominican Republic (UNA-DR).

While participating in the ECOSOC Innovation Fair, GFDD and FUNGLODE representatives also attended the opening session of the ECOSOC 2008 Development Cooperation Forum. The Forum was initiated to strengthen the Economic and Social Council. Its purpose is to identify challenges to international development cooperation and propose recommendations for more effective policies and strategies, while serving as a platform for the exchange of successful experiences. Some 450 participants attended the conference, representing ministries, multilateral organizations, civil society, parliaments and the private sector. The keynote addresses given during the opening session were given by Leo Mérorès, President of the Economic and Social Council; Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary General, UNDESA; and Louis Michelle, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid. Topics of pressing concern raised and evaluated included: The necessity for developing countries to work to a greater extent towards increasing financial assistance