3^rd Baltic NGO Forum in Turku

Representatives of non-governmental organisations from the BSR will meet in Turku, Finland, on 9-11 May 2003. All in all, some 400 civil society participants are expected to come and share their experiences and plan joint activities. The previous Forum took place in S. Petersburg. The main theme, as confirmed by the first international preparatory meeting in Turku in mid-October, will be "Northern Dimension - Human Dimension? Strengthening the Civil Society in the Baltic Sea Region".

Mrs Tarja Halonen, President of Finland, has agreed to be the Patron of the Forum, which takes place under the auspices of the Finnish Presidency of CBSS, the Council of Baltic Sea States.

The main issues to be discussed in the Turku Forum include such issues as social exclusion and inclusion, sustainable way of life, relationship between civil society and public authorities as well as human rights and equality. Much time is reserved for working groups and self-organised interest group meetings.

We invite all NGOs to come to Turku in May 2003! For further information, contact the Finnish NGO Organising Committee (paivi.karna@venajaseura.fi) or the undersigned. See You in Turku!

Mr Mikko Lohikoski
Chair, Finnish Organising Committee
e-mail: mikko.lohikoski@turkti.fi