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UN/ -- 03 October 2006 -- The
People Speak (TPS), has launched its fourth
season of national and international forums on
international policy and the role of the United
Nations. "In
an era of globalization and difficult
international challenges, The People Speak is
emerging as a premier opportunity for citizens
-- and young people especially -- to talk about
the world around them and how the United States
and other nations can work together to solve
issues like global "The
People Speak has always featured discussions in
coffee houses and living rooms, auditoriums and
meeting halls. This year, we are delighted that
our new, highly interactive
website empowers citizens even more to talk
about these issues across borders, backgrounds
and interests," Wirth said. Coordinated by the United Nations Foundation, The People Speak is a partnership of diverse civic organizations, including Americans for Informed Democracy, International Debate Education Association, League of Women Voters, National Forensic League, Religions for Peace, and the United Nations Association of the United States of America. The
theme of The People Speak 2006 is: "Working
together in the World: What's in it for the Forums
on these topics are expected to be held between
September 5 to November 30, 2006, during which
time TPS partners anticipate organizing more
than 14,000 discussions across the The new, technologically advanced website, developed by the Center for International Governance Innovation provides extensive background information, kits on organizing an event, a calendar of existing events, discussion forums and blog postings on TPS topics. "We're proud to be a partner of The People Speak because we realize that discussion of our country's relationship with the United Nations has never been more important," said Seth Green, President of Americans for Informed Democracy. "Today's greatest challenges -- from climate change to infectious disease to the spread of deadly weapons -- cross borders and require global solutions. An effective U.S.-U.N. partnership is critical to meeting these challenges and dialogue is the first step toward building this partnership." "By focusing on the topics of The People Speak, our debates enable students across the country to learn about international issues and participate in ongoing dialogue," said Liz Leach, The People Speak Coordinator of the National Forensic League. "Member high schools of the National Forensic League will be holding a number of inter-generational debates between high school speech students and residents of retirement communities." "Religions for Peace-USA is pleased to be part of the People Speak because it gives religious people an opportunity to speak his or her mind about the most pressing issues shaping our world," said Bud Heckman, Executive Director of Religions for Peace-USA. "Religious communities are our largest social networks and offer profound motivations for people to work on violence and security, energy and climate change, and other development issues such as the Millennium Development Goals. We can't let religious extremists, opportunistic politicians, and a sensationalist media co-opt the voice of people of faith and goodwill." "The
League of Women Voters has been a strong
supporter of the United Nations since
1945," said Zaida Arguedas, Deputy
Executive Director of the League of Women
Voters. "The League is proud to be a
partner of TPS for a fourth consecutive year.
Through the organization of over 56 forums
across the nation we have found that there is a
real thirst among citizens to learn more about
the UN and to be more involved on issues that
impact this country. One of the most popular
themes over the years has been issues of peace,
security and human rights." "A
proud partner of the People Speak 2006, Launched
in October 2003, The People Speak was created to
raise awareness and initiate discourse about
international issues and the United Nations'
role in the world. Since its inception The
People Speak has sponsored more than 19,500
events reaching individuals in all 50 states and
46 countries. Working with partner
organizations, the program continues to develop
new ways to increase discourse and reach people
of all ages in communities across the ~~~~~~ MaximsNews.com, An Independent Voice from the U.N., provides commentary and analysis from leading world figures: King Abdullah II (Jordan), HRH Prince Zeid Ra'ad Zeid Al-Hussein (Jordan), Sir Brian Urquhart, Hans Blix, Amb. Richard Holbrooke, Anwar Ibrahim, Bianca Jagger, Shashi Tharoor, Kerry Kennedy, Ian Williams, Stephen Schlesinger, Sen. Timothy E. Wirth, Marc Morial, Barbara Crossette, Amb. Jayantha Dhanapala (Sri Lanka), Amb. Pierre Schori (Sweden), Amb. William H. Luers, Mehri Madarshahi, Gloria Feldt, Jeffrey Laurenti, Rodney D. Smith, Rory O'Connor, Genevieve Stamper, Max Stamper and others.
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