wfn.org | Adventists Encouraged by UN Call for Partnership

[APD_Info_Schweiz@compuserve.com]

August 28, 2000
Adventist Press Service (APD)
Christian B. Schaeffler, Editor-in-chief
CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
Fax +41-61-261 61 18
APD@stanet.ch
http://www.stanet.ch/APD

Adventists Encouraged by UN Call for Partnership

New York, N.Y., U.S.A.        Representatives of the 
Seventh-day Adventist Church attending a top-level 
conference at the United Nations on August 28 said 
they were encouraged by the UN Secretary-General's 
call for partnership with civil organizations.

During his speech to 1,800 delegates meeting in the 
main General Assembly hall at UN headquarters in New 
York, Secretary-General Kofi Annan called for 
"partnerships strong enough to make sure that the 
global market is embedded in broadly shared values 
and practices that reflect global needs.

"Whether your main activity is helping set policy at 
the global level, or working directly to help 
people; whether you work primarily in the developed 
or developing world; whether your concern is the 
advancement of women or education, human rights, 
humanitarian assistance or health - you have shown, 
time and again, a courage and a vision that we must 
all admire. You are our partners in every sense of 
the word. Your voices will be heard, I promise you 
that."

Dr. Jonathan Gallagher, UN liaison director for the 
Adventist Church and leader of the Adventist 
delegation, expressed appreciation for the 
Secretary-General's call.

"We're encouraged by the approach that recognizes 
the great contributions that are being made by non-
governmental organizations," said Gallagher. "More 
and more, world challenges are being met by 
religious and humanitarian groups motivated to care 
for those who are less advantaged. The Adventist 
church is committed to wide-ranging practical 
programs of health, education, and humanitarian aid, 
as well as defending human rights and religious 
liberty. Our presence here endorses our commitment 
to help in whatever area we can, making direct 
contributions to combat such problems as illiteracy, 
poverty, hygiene, food and water shortages, together 
with meeting spiritual needs and promoting freedom 
of conscience." (250/2000)