Monitoring Policy Making at the United Nations |
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About GPF
Introduction
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About Global Policy Forum
Mission
Students at the school in Fatu-Ahi, East Timor
Source: United Nations
Global Policy Forum’s mission is to monitor policy making at the United Nations, promote accountability of global decisions, educate and mobilize for global citizen participation, and advocate on vital issues of international peace and justice.GPF responds to a globalizing world, where officials, diplomats and corporate leaders take important policy decisions affecting all humanity, with little democratic oversight and accountability. GPF addresses this democratic deficit by monitoring the policy process, informing the public, analyzing the issues, and urging citizen action. GPF focuses on the United Nations – the most inclusive international institution, offering the best hope for a humane and sustainable future.
Basic Facts
GPF is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, with consultative status at the UN. Founded in 1993 by an international group of concerned citizens, GPF works to strengthen international law and create a more equitable and sustainable global society. We place a heavy emphasis on networking to build broad coalitions for research, action and advocacy. GPF’s main office is strategically located across the street from UN headquarters in New York. GPF also has a European office, located in Bonn, Germany.Programs
GPF uses a holistic approach, linking peace and security with economic justice and human development. We put our energy into well-focused and unique programs in which GPF has a special analytical and organizational edge. GPF’s main programs cover peace and security, Iraq, global social and economic policy, globalization, UN finance, UN reform, NGOs, International justice, Empire, and the changing role of states and sovereignty. More information on GPF Programs.International Internships
Nolizwe, Michael and Line
Preparing the Weekly E-Newsletter
GPF's international internship program brings annually about 15 university students and young professionals from many different countries, to work in three teams at our office in New York. A highly-competitive process selects outstanding young people to receive training and gain experience in global issues. More information on the GPF Internship Program.Website
The website is GPF's major public outreach vehicle and one of the world’s largest in the global policy field. Since it was first launched in 1996, the site has grown rapidly, both in size and in popularity. The website now contains almost 30,000 text files and on average, in one week, it attracts more than one million hits from almost 150,000 visitors. Among the worldwide visitors are students and scholars, journalists and NGO staff, diplomats and UN officials, as well as concerned citizens. The site has won a number of prizes and its major sections are now among the top selections of major search engines.
Media & Public Speaking
Executive Director James Paul
in an Interview with National Public Radio
GPF provides frequent interviews to US and international media, bringing alternative interpretations into many mainstream media outlets. In 2007, GPF gave about 150 interviews. GPF also provides public speakers and organizes international events and conferences.Research & Publications
GPF does original research in its areas of special concern and publishes each year a variety of reports – major policy papers, shorter specialized texts, statements, and tables and charts. These papers educate and inform the public and they often develop new ideas that are useful to policy makers, NGO leaders, advocacy experts and the UN community. Some of these papers are published in partnership with other NGOs or NGO networks. Over the years, GPF has published papers on: Security Council reform, UN sanctions, the UN financial crisis, NGO access at the UN, corporate accountability, global taxes, the fall of the dollar, oil in Iraq and much more. Several GPF reports have been translated and published in other languages, including French, German and Arabic. All GPF's publications can be accessed on the website. More information on GPF Publications.Conferences, Meetings & Other Events
The Challenges of UN Finance, March 2006
GPF organizes the NGO Working Group (NGOWG) on the Security Council, bringing together thirty major NGOs for private and informal meetings with Security Council ambassadors and high UN officials. Every year we organize about 50 such meetings, facilitating discussion and action on peace, conflict, disarmament and humanitarian issues. In addition, GPF organizes a number of public events each year, including lectures, receptions, roundtables, dialogue sessions, conferences and luncheons. These events are opportunities for advocacy and education, but they are also occasions for mutual learning, reflection and deeper understanding of issues. Previous events have covered topics including Security Council reform, corporate accountability, the UN Global Compact, global taxes, sanctions, and UN finance. More information on GPF Events.Staff
Executive Director James Paul heads the GPF staff in New York. Ciara Gilmartin serves as Security Council Program Coordinator and Katarina Wahlberg works as Coordinator of Social & Economic Policy programs. James Wong acts as computer systems administrator. Interns and volunteers from many countries give vital support to the regular GPF staff. Jens Martens is Director of the European Office. More information on the GPF Staff.Board
Joel Krieger, Professor of Political Science, Wellesley College, serves as chair of GPF’s ten-member Board of Directors. Other members are: professors Margaret Burnham, Paul Chevigny, and Diana Gordon, NGO leaders Peter Davies and Catherine Dumait-Harper, GPF director James Paul, policy analyst Michael Renner, lawyer Aruna Chandra Spencer and UNIFEM senior official Barbara Adams. More information on the GPF Board.Finances & Fundraising
GPF has a budget in 2008 of $350,000. GPF receives more than half its annual funding from individuals. The remainder of its funding comes from foundations, partner organizations, fees and other sources. More information on how to Support GPF.
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