December 10, 2002	Tuesday	Shawwal 5,1423

BANGKOK, Dec 9: Representatives from more than 150 civil society organizations from all over Asia began their week-long consultation with UN-related organizations to identify issues and ways and means that will promote human rights and sustainable development.

The conference, officially known as Conference of Non-Government Organisation in consultative relationship with the UN or CONGO, will run through Friday, when estimated 450 participants will exchanges views and visions with UN representatives in people-centred security and social, economic, political rights and environments.

Lee Seong-hoon, convener of this conference, hoped that the conference will enable Asian NGOs to understand relevant UN mechanisms to help them with their works. He said that because the power of state in very strong, networking among Asian civil society can balance with state power.

He added that as the conference has attracted numerous experts in various sectors, participants can learn and share each other’s resources and experiences and establish good empowerment to strengthen NGOs capacities and activities.— Nation/Asia News Network.