7th Global Forum on Reinventing Government: Building Trust in Government
26 June 2007
Hosted for the first time by the United Nations, in partnership with the Austrian Government, the 7th Global Forum on Reinventing Government will offer plenary sessions, workshops and meetings, designed to contribute directly to the Millennium Development Goals by strengthening state capacity and improving the quality of governance.
Over the course of four days, the conference will examine best practices and alternative strategies for "Building Trust in Government". Senior officials will have the chance to exchange innovations in government reinvention, share perspectives with international colleagues and discuss different methods of strengthening public confidence. The conference also aims to promote better international and regional cooperation, while giving government officials an opportunity to exchange good practices and experiences.
Participating in the Forum will be heads of state, prime ministers, ministers, parliamentarians, government officials, experts, CEOs, representatives of international organizations and civil society organizations.
Comments by Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General, United Nations:
Trust between citizens, between member states, and in government itself is one of the most vital needs for peace and the prosperity of humankind. Our ability to work together to confront common threats and promote mutually beneficial objectives – such as the Millennium Development Goals – requires that we nurture this invaluable commodity.
Thus it is appropriate that the theme of this 7th Global Forum on Reinventing Government is “Building Trust in Government”. I know from my own experience in government that there is no easy path to this goal. Trust has to be earned over time, through consistent and cumulative efforts.
The Global Forum provides an ideal venue to consider measures to increase confidence in government actions. Transparent, accountable and effective governance is one of the surest ways to do so. Enhancing popular participation in the policymaking process is another. The discussions in Vienna are well placed to generate other innovative avenues to connect governments with the governed.
The United Nations has actively supported the Global Forum since 2002. This year, we are also proud to host it. I hope that all Member States will seek to make this their event by sharing perspectives, experiences and strategies. By working together, we can reinvent government in ways that matter to ordinary people everywhere, and thereby secure their trust.
Venue: UN Headquarters, Vienna
Date: 26-29 June 2007
Speeches now posted: www.7thglobalforum.org/Forum_Information/plenary.htm
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