Ninth Conference of Spouses of Heads of State and Government of the Americas

This year, for the first time, the Ninth Conference of Spouses of Heads of State and Government of the Americas will include a program dedicated to activities of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). This innovation is a result of the commitment made at the last Summit of the Americas to mobilize NGO resources, in pursuit of social and economic development objectives in the Americas. Many objectives and projects supported by the Spouses during past conferences arose out of cooperation with NGOs and volunteer organizations.

The NGO program at the Ninth Conference will help build international linkages and cooperation, encourage sharing of innovative ideas, and provide NGOs with useful information on multilateral initiatives, including potential sources of funding.

Each Spouse has been invited to bring two NGOs from her country -- one active in the field of early childhood development, and the other involved with women’s health -- to participate in this new dimension of the Spouses Conference. Canada is inviting an equal number of Canadian NGOs working in these two fields. Approximately 60 NGOs from Canada and the Americas will take part in activities each day.

During the Conference, the Spouses will visit an NGO Fair for one hour each morning. The first day of the Fair will focus on the theme of early child development, while the second day will be dedicated to the issue of women’s health. In the afternoon, NGO representatives will get together in workshops, where they will impart their experience relating to the specific projects the Spouses will be endorsing this year.

Industry Canada is sponsoring a cybercaf� where NGO representatives can learn how to do specialized internet research on the Conference themes. International organizations and Canadian government departments will present their programs and activities at multimedia kiosks.

Delegates and media will also be invited to meet NGO representatives, and to visit the Fair.