CANG   "...for a better world"

INVITATION TO THE JOHANNESBURG 2004 CONFERENCE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE COMMONWEALTH, ORGANISED BY THE COMMONWEALTH ASSOCIATION OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS, CANGO,

We write to invite your good self to the 2004 Conference of NGOs in the Commonwealth organized by the Commonwealth Association of Non Governmental Organisations, CANGO tagged "CANGO Johannesburg 2004 Conference" taking place at  Johannesburg South Africa December 13 - 17, 2004. Attached to this invitation is a registration form. The form can also be downloaded online at our website https://cangoshq.tripod.com/cangobase.htm

The Commonwealth Association of Non-Governmental Organisations, CANGO is a free association of non-governmental organisations and voluntary associations in the Commonwealth united in the pursuit of common values of peace, global security, democracy, development, human rights and free trade. Inaugurated during the Abuja 2003 CHOGM, at Protea Hotel (Bolingo Centre), Abuja Nigeria on December 6 2003, with over 100 NGOs from 12 Countries of the Commonwealth in attendance, CANGO is set to promote global peace, strengthen civil society and democratic values around the world. CANGO is not an arm of the Commonwealth Secretariat or Foundation. Details about our Inaugural Conference is available online at https://cangoshq.tripod.com/cangobase.htm

Conference Theme:  Global Development & The Renaissance of Civil Society

Conference Dates: November 24 - 28, 2004

Paper Presentation: Representatives of NGOs, INGOs and interested stakeholders wishin to present paper on any related subject matter in the area(s) of Human rights, fund raising, networking, HIV/AIDS, Gender, Social Justice, Accountability and Transparency and other specialized areas or research findings deemed vital to the NGO community should send in an abstract of not more than one A4 page to cangohq@yahoo.co.uk complete with a CV. Time allotment for paper presentation is 20 minutes maximum

Registration: Participation at the CANGO Johannesburg Conference 2004 is open to interested members of the civil society, representatives of intergovernmental, governmental, international, multilateral, bilateral and corporate organizations and also NGOs in any country of the world, especially NGOs operating in the 54 Countries of the Commonwealth of Nations.

To participate, duly complete the registration form together with applicable fees: Registration Fee of $400 (or equivalent in Nigerian Naira) covers conference materials, conference bag, conference meals, attendance and access to all sessions, and an International Visitors Tour.

The Registration Fee should be made payable to "Commonwealth Association of Non-Governmental Organisations" in certified bank draft, money orders, traveller's cheques, Western Union (Receiver: Dele-Israel) and sent to the CANGO Secretariat Address below by courier, post or hand delivery. Payment is accepted in US Dollars or the Nigerian Naira equivalent at current official exchange rates. Payment can be made directly to the following Account:

Account Name: Commonwealth Association of Non-Governmental Organisations, CANGO Bank: Omegabank Plc, Ahmadu Bello Way, Kaduna Nigeria Account No.: A010A 5535-6

Or at the registration desk at the Johannesburg Venue. Please note that all registration at the venue would attract additional charges. (see form for details) at https://cangoshq.tripod.com/register2004.htm

Vital Information: Visit this website: South Africa at a Glance> All the info you need go online  http://www.sa-venues.com/tourist_and_visitor_information_.htm  

Air Travel, Accommodation and Visa arrangements:  are to be borne by prospective participants. Information about South Africa, accommodation, weather, currency, exchange rates and other pertinent information can be obtained online at http://www.sa-venues.com/tourist_and_visitor_information_.htm  

Visa: This can be obtained from any South African Embassy anywhere in the World. Detail information can be obtained at the South African Department of Foreign Affairs website Click here: http://www.dfa.gov.za/foreign/sa_abroad/index.htm or Department of Home Affairs website 

Visa documents can be downloaded from South African Home Affairs Department Website http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/visa_countries.asp or Application for a visa

Please note that all fees payable for Visa should be made to the Embassy in your country. For a list of embassies worldwide click http://www.sa-venues.com/nationwide_embassies.htm . or http://www.sa-venues.com/tourist_and_visitor_information_.htm  

Benefits of Attending: Attending the Johannesburg 2004 Conference of NGOs in the Commonwealth provides participants with

1. Opportunity to meet and network with other NGOs from across the world 2. Gain fresh insight into new trends in the non-profit sector 3. Acquire new skills and capacities for effective non-profit management 4. Build bridges for resource development for your organization 5. Secure international and local partnerships 6. Contribute to civil society development and be active in the global civil society movement 7. Opportunity to meet people who are making a difference, share experiences 8. market your organization and promote your organizational mission and image.

Towards achieving a conducive environment for a better world, CANGO is mobilizing a global partnership and relationship paradigm with governments, intergovernmental organisations, well meaning individuals and business, and NGOs. The Conference seeks to provide a matrix and platform for the cross fertilization of business and civil society voices.

The 2003 Abuja Inaugural of CANGO was sponsored by Development Clinic International, DECI, the United Nations Children's Fund UNICEF, FedEx Red Star Express and the Conference was held under the Commonwealth Social Platform organised by the Commonwealth Foundation. Please note that CANGO is not an arm of the Commonwealth Secretariat or the Foundation, but an independent association of voluntary organizations and NGOs in the Commonwealth. The 2003 Report is available on request and further information is available on our website https://cangoshq.tripod.com/cangobase.htm

Deadline for all paper abstracts and all first registration status October 30, 2004.  All registrations not confirmed on or before December 1, shall be considered as late registrations and shall attract fees applicable. REGISTRATION IS OPEN TILL 12:00NOON 16TH DECEMBER, 2004

Please direct all further enquiries to cangohq@yahoo.co.uk or call the Convenor at +234 8035999921 (Mobile) 

Should you require any further information and/or explanation, please do not hesitate to contact us.

SPREAD THE WORD.   https://cangoshq.tripod.com/invitation2004.html 

faithfully yours,

Dele-Israel Ikeorha, Ambassador For Peace Convenor CANGO