International civil society to meet in Montreal

MONTREAL, Feb. 25 /CNW Telbec/ - Close to a thousand representatives of civil society organizations from all over of the world are expected at the Palais des Congrès in Montreal from August 20 to 23, 2010 where they will participate in the 9th World Assembly of CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, organized for the first time in partnership with the Institut du Nouveau Monde (INM).

Created in 1995 by CIVICUS, a Johannesburg (South Africa) based international organization, the World Assemblies are convened under the overarching theme of "Acting Together for a Just World." They allow civil society representatives to reflect on key world issues, develop solutions emanating from citizen groups, but also to establish fruitful dialogues with representatives of governments, the private sector, donor agencies and the media who also participate in the Assemblies.

"Our planet is facing multiple crises and it is essential that all social actors broaden their dialogue," explained CIVICUS Secretary General Ingrid Srinath at a press conference held in Montreal this afternoon. "Civil society alone cannot find solutions to the problems confronting us. We must act together."

The focus theme of the 2010 World Assembly will be Seeking Out Solutions: Economic Justice, which will be further addressed through the sub themes of development effectiveness and climate. It will mark the kick-off of a three-year period during which the CIVICUS World Assemblies will take place in Montreal.

"We invite civil society organizations from Quebec and from all over Canada to seize this unique opportunity to engage in debates, share their experiences, and create new partnerships around promising projects," declared Michel Venne, INM's executive director. INM will contribute its unique expertise in using participatory approaches to promote rich dialogues and the development of concrete initiatives.

The press conference marked the official opening of the registration period for the 2010 World Assembly. To register or to find out more, visit the World Assembly at www.civicusassembly.org or write to [email protected].

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is an international movement which has members and partners in more than 100 countries throughout the world. Created in 1993, CIVICUS aims to promote the emergence, strengthening, and protection of citizen action, especially in regions where participatory democracy and citizens' freedom of association are threatened.

The Institut du Nouveau Monde is a non-partisan organization whose mission is to promote citizen participation and the renewal of ideas in Quebec. The INM works for justice and social inclusion in the respect of democratic values, open-mindedness, and innovation.

For further information: Margaret Fish, CIVICUS World Assembly Manager, (27-11) 833-5959 ext. 102, [email protected]; Roch Bilodeau, Phare Communications, 1-866-618-7537, [email protected]; Source: Danièle Blain, World Assemblies Coordinator, Institut du Nouveau Monde, [phone], ext. 239, [email protected]