CONFERENCE DETAILS

As the 54 Commonwealth Heads of Government, CHOGM converge at Abuja-Nigeria for the Annual CHOGM meeting, and the Commonwealth Foundation hosts the Commonwealth Peoples Forum (CPF) alongside between December 1-7, 2003; the Commonwealth Association of Non-Governmental Organisation, CANGO, enlarges the frontiers of participation at the forum and invites, civil society actors, non-governmental organisations, intergovernmental and government representatives operating in any of the 54 member nations, to participate at its inaugural conference at the forum.
CANGO’s Conference 2003 at the forum provides individuals and representatives of civil society, non-governmental organisations, intergovernmental and government representatives with a unique opportunity to share experiences, present their ideas, identify networking interests, build new and strong partnerships, establish intra-national and international alliances, acquire inspiration for greater volunteerism, and be a part of a whole range of events that will impact positively in shaping the future, enriching our world, empowering new progress in civil societies, and enlightening participants in ways that will enhance the fulfillment of their individual and organisational missions, promote world peace, enhance social, political and economic well being within the Commonwealth of nations and beyond its frontiers.

It provides participants with a forum to discus issues of common interests, introduce their organisations, discus their activities and realise better networking partnerships that will advance cooperation and sustainable impact, build governmental, intergovernmental, business and NGO relationships, expand areas of cooperation, enlarge your NGO competence and influence at an international platform.

Highlights of CANGO’s Conference include panel sessions for participants to introduce their organisations and their activities; interactive sessions to share ideas, symposia, ratification of draft byelaws, discussion of typical issues affecting Commonwealth NGOs and states with a view to forwarding a communiqué of NGOs’ position to the CHOGM for action.

NGOs make a difference in the world today. They have proven that they are better than governments and can respond to needs than governments. As at today, NGOs deliver more development service than the United Nations and the European Union combined. The CANGO Founders’ Conference presents you with the opportunity to see different tools that can help NGOs achieve their objectives, and fulfill their missions.

NETWORKING IS POWER: CANGO promotes networking beyond frontiers; opens up the communication channels and expands possibilities about what can be done and what should be done; mobilizing and tapping the conscience and commitment of good people who are able to make a difference in their world. Our focus is to expand and build the capacities of effective organisations for volunteerism and humanitarian service in the Commonwealth.

ELIGIBILITY: NGOs and individuals in any of the 54 Commonwealth Countries are eligible to register as members of CANGO and to participate at the Conference. Also read our “Frequently Asked Questions” section. Details about eligible citizens and countries can be found online at the Commonwealth webite www.thecommonwealth.org/whoweare/comm.html.

Citizens and NGOs of Non-Commonwealth nations can also be members under our Non-Commonwealth membership status. Details about the Abuja Commonwealth People’s Forum is online at: www.commonwealthpeople.com .

REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE: Individuals, governments, business and intergovernmental representatives and NGOs wishing to register for membership and/or attend the CANGO Abuja Conference should duly complete and return the registration and/or membership forms to the CANGO’s Conference office. Nigeria’s Capital Abuja, one of the friendliest modern cities of Africa, hosts the 54 Commonwealths of Governments (CHOGM) Meeting, the Commonwealth Peoples Forum (CPF) and the Commonwealth Association of Non-Governmental Organisations, CANGO Conference It promises to be a landmark event that will shape the future and impact the present within/beyond the Commonwealth sphere of influence.

LODGING: Participants are responsible for their own air and ground travel arrangements and expenses, and accommodation.

However, participants can avail themselves of special hotel rates arranged by CANGO. Participants can also contact the hotels directly to make their arrangement. Details are available at our website http://cangoshq.tripod.com/lodging.html NO E: Delegations from 54 Commonwealth States would be attending the Heads of Government and Ministers meeting (CHOGM) and Commonwealth Peoples Forums. Participants are encouraged to make hotel reservations early as rates are likely to rise close to the Conference dates.

FREE REGISTRATION: Participants from any of the Commonwealth countries can apply for fee waiver. Women and youth are encouraged to apply. Those interested in applying for free registration should not later than September 30, duly complete the registration form accompanied with an application for waiver of registration fees, stating why they need the scholarship and what they expect to learn from their participation. Limited sponsorships not exceeding $1500 for travel and/or accommodation is available. Confirme d scholarships would be notified latest October 30, 2003. NOTE: Registration for membership will not be waived. Besides, registrants from host country, Nigeria, and any of the 32 countries designated as “Small States” by the Commonwealth can apply for 50% rebate on registration fees only.

REBATE: Any one can apply for fee rebate up to 50% of fees payable for conference registration, especially women, youths and citizen of the 32 countries of the Commonwealth designated as Small States. Applicants for rebate should provide information Send us an applica tion letter complete with full name(s) of those attending from an organisation, organisation name, full contact address, phone, fax and email, budget in the last two years, country of residence, nationality of each applicant and country of operation, your passport No., expiry and issue dates, why you need the rebate, what your expectations for the conference are, what you intend to do after the conference, how you hope to expand CANGO membership in your country. Limit your responses to one A4 page please. Duly completed form with payment of 50% fees per applicant, ticking the “I need 50% rebate” in the form. Application is usually successful but the decision of the Fee Waiver, Rebate & Scholarship Committee is final.

SECURITY: The Federal Govern ent of Nigeria has assured all participants of peak security during the duration of the CHOGM, Commonwealth Peoples Forum and CANGO Conferences and wishes all an enjoying stay in Nigeria.

CALL FOR PAPERS: Individuals interested in presenting papers at the Conference should forward an abstract (maximum of one page) on issues of concern and relevance to the Forum. Topics include networking and coalition building, NGO management and leadership, human rights, fundraising and grantmaking, advocac y, environmental, women, youth, media, IT strategy and other issues. Accepted presenters at the conference would be allowed 15 minute presentations. Paper presenters would be notified of their acceptance within 14 days of submission. As many presentations as possible would be accommodated subject to time and space constraints. Deadline for submission of abstract: November 7. Such papers will be considered for publication in the Conference proceedings. All paper presentations (full text) should be sent to CANGO before November 15 to enhance conference programming. Panel Session will also afford NGOs the opportunity to showcase their NGOs and their programs at the Conference. To participate in the panel session kindly send in a brief abstract stating the prime objectives, brief abstract of your paper and a brief biodata of the presenter.

All enquiries to:

CANGO Conference Secretariat, 18/19 Ahmadu Bello Way, Suite TF3, Third Floor , NNDC Building, B0x3266 Kaduna 800001, Nigeria.Tel: 234-62-246201-4, 246253-6 Ext: 2303, Mobile: 234-803-5999921 email: [email protected], [email protected] Website: http://cangoshq.tripod.com (no www pls)