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• a time table and programme for the total abolition of nuclear weapons as an integral part of the non proliferation treaty.

The 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development - known as the 'Earth Summit' - attracted the largest number of heads of state ever assembled, as well as the largest gathering ever of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) devoted to these questions.
While the official debates tended to avoid mention of militarism and peace, the NGOs were forthright on this matter. In writing a 'Declaration of the Peoples of the Earth - An Agenda of Action for the Future,' the NGOs said they were leaving the deliberations with the profound feeling that 'in the richness of our diversity, we share a common vision of human society that is based on the values of simplicity, love, peace and respect for life'. They pledged themselves to work for the elimination of military forces of the world which have become 'instruments of protection of the interests of the elite' and transfer of the resources which they are using to other, beneficial ends.
The Earth Charter, adopted by the NGOs at Rio, has become an inspiration for those engaged in the interrelated tasks of peace, development and environmental protection. Its principles are therefore reproduced here in an accompanying box.
Alongside the International Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo in September 1994, a group of more than 100 young people produced The Cairo Youth Declaration. Participants in the International NGO Youth Consultation on Population and Development, they pledged to promote environmental awareness, human rights and reproductive health through action projects such as: workshops, seminars and leadership training for peer education; music, drama and other artistic activities; employment creation and vocational training; lobbying local, national and regional governments, business and media;

Copenhagen Alternative Declaration

(introductory paragraph)

We, representatives of social movements, NGOs and citizens' groups participating in the NGO Forum during the World Summit for Social Development, share a common vision of a world which recognizes its essential oneness and interdependence while wholly embracing human diversity in all its inhabitants in all its racial, ethnic, cultural and religious manifestations, where justice and equity for all its inhabitants is the first priority in all endeavours and enterprises and which the principles of democracy and popular participation are universally upheld, so that the long dreamed creation of a peaceful, cooperative and sustainable civilization can at long last be made possible.

Adopted by over 800 NGOs at the World Summit for Social Development.


and networks for support, sharing of information and collaboration.
Most importantly, the Cairo Youth Declaration serves as a reminder to the adult participants that 'young people's voices must be heard if the UN is to respond to the changing needs of our world. This Consultation has shown the importance of providing a common platform for young people to express their concerns and aspirations and to propose action for the future.'
The strength of NGO involvement in the United Nations system was clearly illustrated at the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen (March 1995). More than 800 organizations participating in the NGO Forum drafted an Alternative Copenhagen Declaration, criticizing the political powers for not doing enough.

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Young people's voices must be heard if the UN is to respond to the changing needs of our world.


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