Meg's Update: CSW56 Planning Committee:11-21-2011

Ongoing reports from Sub-Committee groups were shared at today's meeting; it is hoped that this year's event at the UN will model creative, inproved presentations, through the programs and activities that will make up the two weeks sessions. Ms. Soon-Young Yoon, chair of NGO/CSW NY, offered what will be hoped for at this international meeting. She spoke of the need to better prepare new participants, especially youth and girls, to learn from this experience, and carry forward a common vision to be shared with their peers and with others as well. Ms. Yoon encouraged all members to network with other agencies; of special importance would be to bring government officials to our meeting for their learnings and cooperation. Conversation Circles will be introduced, the purpose being to engage 'conversations' between groups around mutual interests, to plan for future collaborations, including working collectively to implement the UN agreements. Caucuses, throughout the weeks, will be for regional lobbying, and importantly for the Outcome document to be sent to Member State representatives. Michelle Bachelet, Executive Director, UN Women has been invited to honor the opening session.