The Role of Parliamentarians in advancing nuclear abolition

PNND 2009 Assembly and Council Meeting

New York

11-12 October



Dear PNND Members,



You are cordially invited to the Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament 2009 Annual Assembly and Council Meeting in New York from October 11-12 – The Role of Parliamentarians in advancing nuclear abolition.



The Assembly provides an opportunity for PNND members to engage with government representatives, disarmament experts and UN officials on key nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament issues and initiatives. It will include a special forum at the United Nations to discuss the United Nations Secretary-General’s five-point plan for nuclear disarmament.



This is a dynamic time for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. The spread of nuclear technology and ongoing conflicts make the risk of further nuclear proliferation very real. On the other hand, a number of developments provide new optimism for progress, including the resumption of nuclear reduction negotiations between the United States and Russia, increased support for the vision of a nuclear-weapon-free world by world leaders, and renewed action in the Conference on Disarmament and UN Security Council.



PNND has played a role in developing this positive momentum – and can play an even greater role in ensuring success. We look forward to your continuing involvement in PNND activities and in these issues.



PNND Assembly details:



1. Program:

a. PNND Assembly: The Role of Parliamentarians in advancing nuclear abolition

Day 1. Sunday Oct 11: 9:30 – 16:30. Malaysian Mission to the United Nations. Sessions include Utilising the emerging opportunities, Engaging the Nuclear Weapon States, Regional initiatives including Nuclear Weapon Free Zones and Closing the Nuclear Umbrella.

Day 2. Monday Oct 12: 9:00 – 12:30. Bahai United Nations Office. Sessions include National Initiatives, and Partnerships and action proposals

b. UN Forum: The United Nations Secretary-General’s nuclear disarmament plan: Is it feasible? Monday October 12. 13:15-14:45. United Nations Conference Room 7.

c. PNND Council Meeting. Monday October 12. 15:00 -17:00. Bahai United Nations Office. Includes regional reports, PNND activities and events, appointment of the PNND Co-Presidents and Council and funding.

d. PNND delegation meetings. Tuesday October 13. PNND is planning some delegation meetings with key UN officials.



2. Participation

a. The PNND Assembly is open to all PNND members and other parliamentarians interested in joining PNND.

b. The PNND Council Meeting is open to all PNND Council Members as full participants. Other PNND members are welcome to attend as observors which includes the right to speak but not to participate in decision making.



3. Travel details:

We recommend arriving in New York on 10 October as the Assembly starts early on October 11. Please inform us of your travel details.



4. Conference dinners:

There will be an informal dinner on 10 October for those members arriving in time. There will also be a more formal dinner either on 11 or 12 October (details to be confirmed).



5. Costs:

Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs, as well as costs for their dinners. PNND will provide lunches and refreshments during the assembly.



6. Accommodation:

PNND has secured a limited number of rooms at the Beekman Tower Hotel situated at the north end of the United Nations (49th Street and 1st Ave) for a discount rate of US$260 per night. Please let us know as soon as possible of you require one of these rooms.



7. Office support:

Office support for the Assembly will be provided by our parent organisation the Global Security Institute which has an office at 866 UN Plaza, Suite 4050, New York NY 10017. Phone +1 646 289 5170. Fax +1 646 289 5171. Attention Rhianna Tyson or Jim Wurst.



We look forward to seeing you in New York.



Yours sincerely,



Alyn Ware

Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament

PO Box 24-429, Manners Street

Wellington, Aotearoa-New Zealand

Phone: +64 4 496-9629 Fax: +64 4 496-9599

Mobile: +64 021 260 3727 or +1 646 752 8702

alyn@pnnd.org

www.pnnd.org