Global Governance Who Leads: Technology or a Distinct Mindset?

Fourth Annual Global Forum
United Nations Headquarters, New York
April 23-25, 2008

Co-Sponsored by theUnited Nations University, New York Office

From April 23-25, 2008 a diverse group of 400 students, young professionals and entrepreneurs as well as a group of high ranking UN officials, diplomats and representatives from international organizations, religious communities, international experts and corporate sector leaders will convene at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for Athgo’s Fourth Annual Global Forum, titled “Global Governance – Who Leads: Technology or a Distinct Mindset?”

Co-Sponsored by the United Nations University, New York Office, the Forum will have the patronage of the UN Permanent Missions, corporate sector leaders, and academic institutions worldwide. The forum’s objective is to underscore the affects of technological advancement on Global Governance and subsequently its shaping of overall business and political realities.

Speakers Include:

Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director, UN Fund for International Partnerships (UNFIP)
H. E. Ambassador Vanu Gopala Menon, Permanent Mission of Singapore to the United Nations
H. E. Ambassador Bashar Ja’afari, Permanent Mission of Syrian Arab Republic to the United Nations
Mr. Nikhil Seth, Director, Office for ECOSOC Support and Coordination, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)
Graciela Chichilnisky
Professor of Statistics at Columbia University, UNESCO Chair of Mathematics and Economics

The long misunderstood concept of global governance is gaining more visibility in the 21st century, in part due to changes in power distribution of many nations (e.g. unification of European continent), increase in the number of international institutions (e.g. financial – regional development banks; judicial – courts and tribunals), swelling of high-profile international treaties (i.e. in trade, environment, against terrorism) and ultimately the rapid infiltration of technology into almost all aspects of governance and operation. From the surface, the current affairs and realities appear to lead people to common governing systems and exchange. This raises interesting questions about the possible structure of a new system; the likelihood of it becoming a reality; and the entity(s) that will lead the effort and that may set obstacles. The forum will further scrutinize some conceptually interlinked questions:

Sub-themes:

• Have we abolished all the borders? Financial capital and limits
• Global partnership or coexistence?!
• Path to global democracy?!
• Unlikely peacemaker?! Religion and Unity

Forum Overview and Requirements
This highly interactive Global Forum will include a combination of individual presentations, panels and informal discussion sessions. Each presentation and panel will be followed by question and answer periods. Participants will work in small groups throughout the forum. Every group will draft and submit TWO(2) proposals – a policy memorandum and a business model that present innovative approaches to addressing a particular aspect of the program. On the final day of the forum, each group will be asked to present either its policy memorandum or business model on one of the participant panels.

All participants are eligible for scholarships, which range from financial awards to stipends, that covers travel and lodging expenses. Upon completion of all assigned projects, including the personal position paper (up to 1000 words and due by May 4, 2008), participants receive a Certificate of Completion and are eligible for the scholarships (please note that you must attend all forum sessions to be eligible since each day of the program is functionally linked to the previous and the following day of the forum).

Upon successful completion of these requirements, participants will automatically join Athgo’s Alumni Network, which entitles members to receive priority consideration Internships.

Application Requirements: Complete the application
All participants must be between 18 and 32 years of age.
Personal Statement: All applicants must submit a one page personal statement addressingonly one of the following:

• If a newspaper were to do a story about your life to date, what would they write about?
• Describe your unique qualities and passion for your advocacy work and what let you toward that work or schooling
• Describe a moment in your life or a situation that occurred which impacted on how you live your life today

Priority consideration will be given to highly motivated, intellectually curious and socially conscious college students and young entrepreneurs.

Schedule:
April 23, 2008 – Wednesday
April 24, 2008 – Thursday
April 25, 2008 – Friday

Facebook.com:Please join our Facebook Group to connect with other participants.

Fees and Timeframes:

Priority Registration – Prior to March 14, 2008
Members – $75
Alumni – $95
Non-Members – $125

Early Registration – through March 28, 2008
Members – $110
Alumni – $95
Non-Members – $150

Regular Registration – through April 11, 2008
Everyone – $195

Accommodation Package Land Only $525 (US) – optional – includes: 3-night lodging (double occupancy) in New York City (nights of April 22, 23, 24 and checking out on April 25) and in-city transportation. – available through April 1, 2008
NOTE: We have limited number of rooms.

The packages do not include the registration fee.

Fee Reduction Program
Athgo strives to bring together highly motivated and qualified college students and young entrepreneurs to conference series. To this end, we make every effort to ensure that everyone is encouraged to apply, regardless of their means to pay for the registration fees. With the generous support of our sponsors we are able to provide a limited number of participants with significantly discounted rates. For these applicants, we do ask that a minimum payment of $15 is made as a sign of commitment to completing the program. We understand that most of our participants are facing some sort of financial hardship and may have adequate reasons not to pay the full registration fees. However, please be mindful of your peers and respect that this offer is for those who truly could not attend the event due to their financial situation. Because we anticipate a large number of applications for this program, please note we will notify all recipients of our decisions on April 9, 2008. To apply,please complete the application.

Please note that Athgo does NOT offer financial assistance to attend the Forum, however we do provide Scholarships to the Top 10 participants at each event.

Deadline:
All registration fees and all application materials must be submitted (not postmarked) to Athgo by April 11, 2008.

Registration and accommodation package fees should be sent to:

Athgo
NY 2008 Global Forum
13636 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 222
Los Angeles, CA 91423, USA

Further Information:
Please contact the Program Director
Phone: + 1 (818) 345-6734
Facsimile: + 1 (818) 345-0955