«CURRENT EVENTS»

BALTIC SEA NGO FORUM

The First Baltic Sea NGO Forum took place in Lubek (Germany) May 28-29, 2001. Participants represented 151 organizations from 10 countries. The Forum was held under the aegis of the Baltic Sea Countries Council, which is currently chaired by Germany.

The Forum participants stressed the important role NGOs can play in increasing democracy in the Baltic Sea region. They demanded that the governments of Baltic Sea countries obey international and national laws on access to information and urged them to give all human rights (civil, political, economic and cultural) top priority in their policies.

Baltic Sea NGO representatives stressed the importance of sustainable development in the region. They said that the atomic power industry presented a real environmental danger to the Baltic Sea region.

The Forum participants noted the great importance of cooperation with youth NGOs. They noted that the International Volunteer Service has contributed significantly to the development of a civil society in the region.

According to NGO representatives, cooperation between government and non-government organizations should be based on mutual understanding, equal-in-rights dialogue and free access to information. This cooperation should aim to: strengthen civil society, promote sustainable development and create new ties in Northern Europe.

Ecological North West Line,
St.-Petersburg

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