Press Release – 17 October 2007

Kofi Annan launches
Global Humanitarian Forum

GENEVA, Switzerland, 17 October 2007 – Today former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, launched the Global Humanitarian Forum. The launch event was attended by some three hundred representatives of governments; intergovernmental, non-governmental and civil society organizations; as well as academia and the business community. Mr Annan presented the Forum’s mission to foster dialogue and broker partnerships that strengthen the international community’s ability to address humanitarian challenges. It will also seek to generate increased investment in prevention and preparedness.

The growing and complex interdependence of humanitarian problems calls for a strengthened multidisciplinary approach and the engagement and cooperation of a broad range of actors. Mr Annan said that he hoped to “build a stronger global community to tackle the humanitarian challenges of today and tomorrow.”

The composition of the Forum’s Foundation Board reflects the Forum’s aim of bringing together stakeholders from all sectors and disciplines. The Board comprises high profile public figures from government, civil society, the military, humanitarian organizations, the business community and academia. “The experience and commitment of our Board members will be the real foundation of our Forum” said its President Mr Annan.

Meeting prior to the launch, the Forum’s Board agreed on the objectives and strategic work plan of the organization. The Forum will engage in a variety of activities and events including expert workshops to establish stronger links across sectors, and will also commission targeted research. In its first phase the Forum will focus on the humanitarian impact of climate change on the poor and most vulnerable, which Mr Annan called “one of the most significant emerging humanitarian concerns we now face.” The work of the Forum will feed into and follow-up on an annual high-level meeting, the first of which is scheduled for June 2008.

Key-note addresses at the launch were delivered by Professor Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University and Dr Rajendra Pachauri, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the organization which was jointly awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize along with former US Vice-President Al Gore. Dr Pachauri emphasized in his speech the urgency for action to support the poor and vulnerable while Mr Sachs focused on climate change as a challenge for sustainable development.


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Cécile Coutau
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