(September 16, 2005) "We're six billion voices and this world will do what we say," was a common theme of the United Nations Department of InformationÌs Non-Government Organization conference at the UN 7-9 September 2005. This statement expressed a realization that the collective voice of people around the world is a superpower that can and should be heard.

To citizenry who get their world news from packaged sound bytes, this premise may sound presumptuous. In actuality, it was an invitation. As Jean Ping of the Gabonese Republic and president of the 59th UN General Assemly stated, "It is time for sivil society to participate actively to seek solutions that the entire international community faces."

Ping and others encouraged the 4,500 NGO representatives in attendance to take stock of the United Nations' endeavors that led to creation of the Millennium Development Goals of 2000. But more importantly, conference speakersÌ urged the worldÌs populace to remind government leaders that five of the fifteen years allotted to implement the MDGs have already elapsed.

To the mantra, "2015 Is Now," speakers and attendees assessed global governance, especially in regard to human rights with its various sub-issues: poverty and hunger, primary education, gender equality, child mortality, maternal health, HIV/AIDS, environmental stability, and global partnership for development.

The NGO community sought fruitful dialogue with representatives of the UN's Member States, and ambassadors from some of countries did come to speak and listen. Secretary-General Kofi Annan took time out from intense negotiations over United Nations reform to address the NGOs in their final plenary session.

Will the voices of the planet's people and these high level peace makers be heard? Will the actions of NGOs individually or in conjunction with Members States help to build a better world? While some speakers expressed doubt, most felt that the MGDs could be met - if people speak as one.

More than one presenter said that on most initiatives, approximately 170 of the UNÌs 191 Member States will agree. The problem, they reported, is that this majority acts like a minority while the minority, which usually includes key members of the UN Security Council, acts like a majority.

Implementation of the Millennium Development Goals will require that the majority not be marginalized by a vocal minority but align themselves with the voices of the populace to create a better world of peace, partnership and renewal.



Author's bio: Robert M. Weir is a freelance writer whose topic niche is people, environmental issues and outdoor adventures. He is currently writing the biography of John McConnell, the creator of the Earth Flag and founder of the original Earth Day, which is celebrated at the UN on the vernal equinox. Mr. Weir can be reached through his web site at www.robertmweir.com; e-mail: Robtweir@aol.com