We Must Harness Volunteer Spirit in Service of Planet, Secretary-General Says as Sixty-fourth Annual DPI/NGO Conference Opens in Bonn

Says Torch Bearers of Conference, Greatest Allies of United Nations. Should Take What They Learned, Raise Awareness Back Home about What Is at Stake

“We are exhausting the capacity of our planet to guarantee our sustainable future,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a video message today as the sixty-fourth annual United Nations Department of Public Information/Non-Governmental Organization (DPI/NGO) Conference opened in Bonn, Germany. “The solution lies in a fundamental transformation of our consumption patterns and lifestyles,” he added, thanking the large number of representatives from non-governmental organizations in attendance.

Making opening remarks this morning were Kiyo Akasaka, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information. The Conference also heard keynote speeches by Vandana Shiva of Navdanya International, Grace Aguiling-Dalisay of VSO Bahaginan, Achim Steiner, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, and Felix Dodds, Chair of the Conference.

Participants viewed a video montage which showcased individuals and organizations, highlighting their work and the importance of volunteerism and civil society in supporting communities around the world.

See full Press Release.