MAPW representative to join Australian non-proliferation delegation

MAPW immediate Past President Dr Tilman Ruff has been invited to represent Australian non-governmental organisations on the Australian delegation to the 2008 Preparatory Committee for the nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPTⁱ PrepCom), which begins in Geneva in late April. 

City of Yarra Councillor Jenny Farrar, from Mayors for Peace, is the second NGOⁱ representative.

Dr Ruff is the Australian Chair of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. The invitation to join the delegation comes after a successful round-table discussion on the NPTⁱ PrepCom, where representatives of 19 NGOⁱs - including churches, peace organisations, environment groups and the ACTU - met with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

This is the first time that NGOⁱ representatives have been invited to join an official Australian delegation to an NPTⁱ meeting, and represents a significant advance in recognising the important role and expertise of civil society organisations.

ICANⁱ's Tim Wright will also be attending the PrepCom, as an NGOⁱ participant.