In 1999, as global economic tremors continued and fierce political conflicts shook many countries, the world clearly needed a healthier and more democratic policy process. More than ever, it was apparent that the great issues of the day could only be solved through global cooperation and a shared vision for all of humanity.
Global Policy Forum completed its sixth year in 1999. We worked to bring democracy to the global policy process and we promoted human values and priorities in a variety of policy fields.
In 1999, GPF worked on three primary project areas. Our project on the United Nations Security Council brought the values of human security into the Council's deliberations through a growing dialogue between leading NGOs and Council members. Our program on UN finance affirmed the importance of adequate financial support for the UN and encouraged citizens to help find solutions. And our program in social and economic policy brought together policy analysts and NGO leaders to re-think the policy making framework, especially the role of the UN for a democratized policy process.
Our special projects during the year included sanctions, with emphasis on the need for a more reliable, humane and targeted sanctions policy. We worked hard to promote enlarged access for NGOs at the UN and earned a reputation as a very influential force in this area. And we explored the possibility of developing financing through global taxes and fees for international institutions and programs.
We continued to upgrade our office and its technology, so as to create the most efficient and productive environment for our work. Our internship program attracted sixteen outstanding interns from a half-dozen different countries, selected from among over a hundred applicants.
In 1999, we worked with a very large number of partners across the globe, including NGOs, parliamentarians, trade unions and religious organizations, as well as scholars and research institutes. We also enjoyed close working relations with a number of UN offices and government delegations.
During the year, GPF also had the opportunity to speak at a number of major conferences and meetings, to provide interviews to the media, to participate in significant NGO groups and consultation sessions and to address major conferences.
GPF developed its site on the world wide web to a total of over 3,000 pages. As a result of timely, high-quality content, the site won a "Study Web Excellence Award" and the number of visitors more than doubled, reaching over two million hits in total for the year.
GPFs income and expenditures expanded substantially during the year. It is to be hoped that additional funds can be found in 2000 to strengthen and consolidate GPF's programs, to meet the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Global Policy Forum is supported primarily by contributions from generous individuals who join as members. GPF also receives grants from foundations and partner institutions. GPF is incorporated in the State of New York, registered as a charitable organization and recognized by the US Internal Revenue Service as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the revenue code.
Highlights and Annual Reports
