name Ms. Brigitte ERNST DE LA GRAETE present position Member, Belgium Francophone Green Party (ECOLO) previous positions Federal Secretary and Spokesperson of the Francophone Green Party“ECOLO” until (1999-June 2002)Director of the European Bureau of Amnesty International (1995-1999)Member of the European Parliament (1989-1994)Alderman of the City of Liege (1983-1988) other positions Member of the Executive board of the European GreensMember of the Liege City Council education Law Degree, University of LiegeSociology Degree, Catholic University of Louvain (UCL) address/telephone Brussels, Belgium languages French, English US travel Attended conference in USAFS Student in Wisconsin at age 16 other travel extensive travel abroad background Ms. Ernst has been an active member of the Francophone green party (Ecolo) since 1981. She started off in local politics as alderman for youth affairs and sports of the city of Liege and thus became the first Francophone green politician to help govern a large city. In her capacity of member of the European parliament. Ernst was a strong advocate of eco-labeling and she took an active interest in third world and human rights issues. After her European mandate. she headed the European bureau of a large human rights NGO and in November ’99. she was elected federal secretary of the Francophone greens “Ecolo”.Read More

J. Donald Woodruff Professor of Gynecology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Baltimore, MD (USA) Education/Training: Swarthmore College B.A. 1954 English Literature Cornell University M.D. 1958 Medicine Bellevue Hospital (Cornell Medical Division) Internship 1958-1959 Medicine Kings County Hospital Residency 1959-1963 OB/GYN Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology Fellowship 1961-1962 Reproductive Biology Professional Experience: 1962-63 Assistant Instructor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology State University of New York Downstate Medical Center 1965-66 Associate, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine 1966-70 Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine 1970-71 Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine 1971-84 Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine 1981-82 Visiting Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto University Medical School, Japan (sabbatical- leave) 1971-84 Professor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine & Chairman Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Pennsylvania Hospital 1987 Visiting Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan 1991-98 Joint Appointment, Professor, Department of Population Dynamics, The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health 1994-Present J. Donald Woodruff Professor of Gynecology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 1999-Present Joint Appointment, Department of Biochemistry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health. Honors and Awards: 1970-71 The Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Distinguished Teaching Award, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine 1970 Honorary Degree – Master of Arts – University of Pennsylvania 1974 Alpha Omega Alpha – Elected to Faculty Membership 1977 Clarence C. Briscoe Teaching Award- Pennsylvania Hospital 1984 Serono Lecturer, 40th Annual Meeting, American Fertility Society 1988 Third Memorial John Rock Lecturer, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine 1988 Eighteenth Annual William Studdiford Visiting Professor, New York University School of Medicine 1988 Eleventh Annual Robert B. Greenblatt Lecturer, Medical College of Georgia 1991 Ninth Isadore Seigel Memorial Lecturer, University of Maryland School of Medicine 1995 Elected to Membership, Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Science 1996 First Honored Alumnus Lecturer, Alumni Day, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn, September 27, 1996 1996 Alvin F. Goldfarb Lecturer, Vanderbilt University, October 26, 1996 1997 25th Annual S. Leon Israel Visiting Lecturer, Pennsylvania Hospital, June 26, 1997 1997 11th Annual Griff T. Ross Memorial Lecturer, NIH, September 26, 1997 1999 16th Annual Howard and Georgeanna Jones Lectureship, Johns Hopkins, December 9, 1999 2000 Poly Prep Country Day School; Distinguished Achievement Award; April 29, 2000 2000 P.A.R.E.S. Philadelphia Area Reproductive Endocrinology Society Recognition of Excellence Award; May 4, 2000 2002 Nokes Lecturer; University of Virginia Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; May 10-11, 2002 Publications: Books MODERN TRENDS IN INFERTILITY AND CONCEPTION CONTROL. Vol. 1 Ed. by Wallach, E.E. and Kempers, R.D., Williams and Wilkins Co. Baltimore, Md. (1979) MODERN TRENDS IN INFERTILITY AND CONTRACEPTION CONTROL. Vol. II Ed. by Wallach, E.E. and Kempers, R.D., Harper and Row Publishers, Philadelphia, Pa. (1982) MODERN TRENDS IN INFERTILITY AND CONTRACEPTION CONTROL. Vol. III Ed by Wallach, E.E. and Kempers, R.D. Yearbook Medical Publishers, Chicago, IL (1985) MODERN TRENDS IN INFERTILITY AND CONTRACEPTION CONTROL. Vol. IV Ed by Wallach, E.E. and Kempers, R.D., Yearbook Medical Publishers, Chicago, IL (1988) REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE AND SURGERY. Edited by Wallach, E.E. and Zacur H.A. Mosby Yearbook Medical Publishers, St. Louis, MO (1994) THE JOHNS HOPKINS MANUAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS, first edition, edited by Lambrou NC, Morse AN, Fox HE, Wallach EE, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA (1999) THE JOHN HOPKINS MANUAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS, second edition, edited by Bankowski BJ, Hearne AE, Lambrou NC, Fox HE, Wallach EE. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia PA (2002) HYSTERECTOMY: EXPLORING YOU OPTIONS. Wallach EE, Eisenberg E. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD (2003) Bibliography Vlahos NP, Dragisic KG, Wallach EE, Burrough FH, Fluck S, Rosenthal DL. Clinical significance of atypical squamous cells of undermined significance: an analysis based on histologic diagnosis. The Amer. J of Obstet and Gynecol 2000;185:855-900. Phelps JY, Wallach EE, and Moghissi KS. Evaluation and Management of Infertility in (Ransom SB {Ed}) Practical Strategies in Infertility. Philadelphia, WB Saunders and Company, 2000, PP 609-627. Edwards BE, Gearhart JD, Wallach EE. The human pluripotent stem cell: Impact on Medicine and Society. Fertil Steril 2000; 74(1): 1-7 Jurema MW, Wallach EE, Blumenthal PD. Miferistone for Medical Abortion: A Review. Postgraduate Obstetrics and Gynecology, June 2001, Volume 21, Number 13. Jurema MW, Valhos N, Wallach EE. Reproductive Health and Cystic Fibrosis. Postgraduate Obstetrics and Gynecology, January 2001, Volume 21, Number 2. Whelan III, J, Vlahos NP, Jurema MW, Wallach EE. Contemporary Management of Leiomyomata. W.B. Saunders, (eds. Ransom S, Dombrowski M, Evans M, Ginsburg K). Contemporary Therapy in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2002;367-370. Posada MN, Valhos NP, Jurema MW, Bracero NJ, Wallach EE, Garcia JE. Clinical outcome of using ganirelix acetate versus a 4-day follicular phase leuprolide acetate protocol in unselected women undergoing in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril. 2003 July; 80(1):103-10. Vlahos NP, Wallach EE. Uterine Myomas An Overview of Development, Clinical Features and Management. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2004 August; 104 (2): 393-406. Zhao Y, Valhos N, Wyncott D, Petrella C, Garcia J, Zacur H, Wallach EE. Impact of semen characteristics on the success of intrauterine insemination. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. 2004; Vol 21 (no. 5); 143-148. Lyerly A, Belsford E, Bankowski B, Faden R, Wallach E. A quantitative study of individuals’ attitudes regarding their cryopreserved embryos. JFFS Congress Proceedings (in press 2004). Bacero JH, Vlahos NP, Jurema MW, Wallach EE, Garcia JE. Triggering ovulation with two doses of a GnRH agonist after treatment with a GnRH antagonist in IVF-ET. Human Reproduction (Submitted). Lai T-H, Shih I-M, Vlahos N, Ho Z, Wallach EE, Zhao J. Differential expression of L-selectin ligands in the endometrium during the menstrual cycle (in preparation). Abstracts: Posada M, Jurema M, Valhos N, Bracero N, Wallach EE, Garcia J. Should women with poor prognostic factors for controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation undergo in vitro fertilization (COH-IVF) using Ganirelix? American Society for Reproductive Medicine 2001 Annual Meeting. Wyncott D, Vlahos N, Garcia J, Zacur H, Wallach EE, Zhao Y. Intrauterine insemination: Which sperm characteristic matters? ASRM, October 2003. Bankowski B, Zhao Y, Zacur H, Wallach E, Garcia J, Vlahos N. High pregnancy rates with GnRH antagonists and oocyte donors. (ESHRE), Madrid, Spain, June 2003. Coker L, Lawler C, Zhao Y, Bankowski B, Wallach E, Vlahos N. Follicular diameter and hCG administration do not affect pregnancy rates after clomiphene citrate and intrauterine insemination. ASRM Poster Presentation San Antonio Texas, October 2003. Jurema M, Vieira A, Bankowski B, Zhao Y, Wallach E, Zacur H. Ejaculatory abstinence less than 3 days results in a higher pregnancy rate (PR) following intrauterine insemination (IUI). ASRM Oral Presentation, San Antonio, Texas. October 2003. Wyncott D, Vlahos N, Garcia J, Zacur HA, Wallach EE, Zhao Y. Intrauterine insemination; which sperm characteristics matter? ASRM Oral Presentation. San Antonio Texas. October 2003. Bankowski B, Bracero N, King J, Garcia J, Wallach EE, Vlahos N. Ovulation triggering of oocyte maturation with leuprolide acetate versus Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG). Scientific Program, Berlin, Germany, June 27-30, 2004.Read More

Professor and Chairman Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Colorado Health Science Center Denver, Colorado (USA) Dr. Ronald Gibbs has been Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Colorado for over 15 years. He holds the E. Stewart Taylor endowed chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology, which is in honor of the first full-time chairman of the department. Dr. Gibbs received his MD degree at the University of Pennsylvania and was a Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. After completing military service at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., he joined the faculty at the University of Texas from 1976 to 1989, when he became Chair at CU. Dr. Gibbs is certified in basic obstetrics and gynecology and maternal fetal medicine. Dr. Gibbs is nationally known for his expertise in genital tract infections and high-risk pregnancies. His professional activities include: Dr. Gibbs is currently President of the American Gynecologic and Obstetrical Society, the senior academic organization for the specialty. Former Director and Treasurer of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology Former member of the Residency Review Committee Former President of the Infectious Disease Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology Former President Colorado Gynecologic and Obstetrical Society Trustee American Association of Obstetricians & Gynecologists Foundation Dr. Gibbs is married and has two married children.Read More

1956 – 2007, In Loving Memory Founder/CEO eclecTechs™, LLC 35 State Street Northampton, MA 01060 info@eclecTechs.com www.eclecTechs.com EMPLOYMENT eclecTechs™, LLC, (formerly known as The Internet Connection), Northampton, MA Owner; Internet Consultant 1994 – 2007 Internet training via adult education classes; individualized instruction; privately sponsored seminar series from beginner to advanced levels. World Wide Web design and implementation. HTML 2.0 – 4.0, CSS, CGI/perl scripting, JavaScript, Unix, VMS programming. Modem installations; information retrieval; start up and marketing of Internet consulting business; hiring, training and management of qualified staff for firm. Proficiency in all Internet services: FTP, Telnet, Gopher, WWW, email, and USENET services. Business growth rate over 35% each year; complete development of over 200 web sites by early 1999. Additional Internet Courses developed and taught in 1999: Y2K, The Year 2000 Problem New Media, Or, Putting Your Best Font Forward! Cascading Style Sheets, CSS Effective JavaScript Keeping Kids Safe, The Internet for Parents Additional Computer and Internet Courses developed and taught in 1998: Advanced HTML Microsoft FrontPage ’98 Intermediate FrontPage Microsoft Access from Office ’97 Microsoft Word ’97 Small Business Computer Course for Business Owners or Managers Electronic Mail Effectively Using Newsgroups Marketing on the Internet Promoting Your Web Site Mousing Around Introduction to Windows ’98/’95 Intermediate Windows ’98/’95 Additional Computer and Internet Courses developed and taught in 1997: The Internet Lawyer Virtual Commerce for Manufacturers Computer Camp for Adults Microsoft Office ’97 Searching the Web Additional Computer and Internet Courses developed and taught in 1996: Writing a Business Plan using the Internet Finding a Job using the Internet The Internet for Seniors The Internet for Educators Intermediate HTML Introduction to Computers Intermediate Windows ’95 Internet Courses developed and taught in 1995: Introduction to the Internet (email, FTP, Gopher, Telnet, USENET, IRC, WWW) Choosing an Internet Service Provider Exploring the World Wide Web The Internet for Small Business Marketing on the Internet Virtual Commerce and Interactive Marketing HTML – Hypertext Markup Language The Internet for Realtors® Adjunct Faculty at Springfield Technical Community College Instructor for LSSE – Amherst Leisure Services and Supplemental Education Department Previous Employment University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA Technical Manager 1988-1995 Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Management of (postdoctoral) polymer science research group, including computer and Internet equipment in combined facilities of 13 laboratories. Instruction on Internet, Unix, VMS, Windows, DOS, Idris, and system specific instrumentation. Independent Consultant 1987-1989 Departments of Chemistry and Food Science Design and implementation of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) experiments and data analysis for faculty and graduate students. Laboratory Manager 1984-1985 Department of Polymer Science and Engineering Operate, maintain, schedule, troubleshoot computer and scientific equipment for NMR laboratory. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York Research Associate 1986 Division of Nutritional Sciences Teaching Associate 1985 – 1986 Department of Chemistry Full time instructor for four general chemistry laboratory/discussion sections. EDUCATION University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA M.B.A. May 1994. B.S. Chemistry 1985. A.A. Springfield Technical Community College 1980. ACTIVITIES Member, Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau Center Member, Advisory Board,Springfield Enterprise Center Member, Springfield Chamber of Commerce 1996- Member, Northampton Chamber of Commerce 1995- Board of Directors, Northampton Chamber of Commerce 1997- Chair, Northampton Chamber of Commerce Education Committee 1998- Steering Committee Member, Local 5 Western New England National Writers Union 1998-2000 Board of Directors, Western Massachusetts Ad Club 1997-2000 Member, Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) 1995 – Member, Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR) 1995 – Member, National Computer Security Association (NCSA) 1995- Assistant Systems Operator, GENIE Bulletin Board 1991 – 1992 Member, Sunderland Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) 1988 – Canister caretaker volunteer, MSPCA 1987 – Fundraiser, Tompkins County SPCA 1986 – 1987 Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson’s License 1989 – Member, American Chemical Society (ACS) 1984 – 1994 PUBLICATIONS M.A. Masse, J.A. Hirsch, V.A. White, F.E. Karasz. New Polymeric Materials, 1,75-91(1990). “A Multi-Technique Investigation of AsF5 Doping Chemistry in Poly(p-Phenylene Vinylene)”. L.J. Lo, V.A. White, P. Chinachoti. Journal of Food Science, in press. “Effect of Sucrose on Water Binding, Behavior of Wheat Gluten as Determined by Deuterium, Oxygen17 and Carbon13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy”. P. Chinachoti, V.A. White, L. Lo, T.R. Stengle. Cereal Chemistry, 68 (3) 238-244(1991). “Application of High Resolution C13, O17, and Na23 NMR to Study the Influences of Water, Sucrose, and NaCl on Starch Gelatinization”. V. A. White. Proceedings of Technical Conference on Telecommunications R&D in Massachusetts, 1994, 1, (5) 24-35 “Ethical Implications of Privacy in Electronic Mail”. V.A. White. Springfield Chamber of Commerce newsletter, Springfield, MA, November 1996. “Etiquette on the Internet, or Netiquette on the Electronic Frontier.” V.A. White. Business West, Springfield, MA, December 1996. “Making the Web Work for You.” Community Service & Recognition: Career Motivation Program, White Brook Middle School, Easthampton, March 23, 1999. Distinguished Alumni Award to recognize outstanding achievement by a graduate of STCC, Springfield Technical Community College, May 28, 1998. Member of the kick-off panel for STCC’s Entrepreneurship: Making It Happen! January 14, 1998. Invited Internet Presentations: Women in Technology Workshop, Mass Live, January 14, 1999. Panelist, 5th Annual Women Business Owners Conference, Mt. Holyoke College, November 18, 1998. E-Commerce: Selling on the Internet, Easthampton Chamber of Commerce, July 28, 1998. Internet Services, Web Sites and the World Wide Web, Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, March 1998. The Web for Writers, National Writers Union Conference, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, October 18, 1997 Competing in the Age of the Networked Society – Networking in The Pioneer Valley – Quality Forum ’97, Westfield State College, Westfield, MA, October 9, 1997 Developing a Web Site: What You Need to Know, Office Technology EXPO 97, Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA, May 22, 1997 Tackling the Web, What Businesses Need to Know, University of Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, Easthampton Chamber of Commerce, May 21, 1997 The Internet REALTOR®, 4th Annual Greater Springfield Association of Realtors® Education and Trade Show, Springfield, MA, May 9, 1997 The Internet Lawyer, Greenfield Community College, April 29, 1997 Virtual Commerce for Manufacturers, New Hampshire `97 Software Exposition & Conference for Manufacturers, Nashua, NH, March 28, 1997 The Future of Business on the Internet, Springfield Chamber of Commerce Women’s Partnership, Springfield, MA, November 20, 1996 Doing Business on the Web, University of Massachusetts President’s Office and Small Business Development Center, Hadley, MA, November 20, 1996 The Internet for Realtors, Greater Springfield Association of Realtors, Springfield, MA, July 20, 1996 The Internet and the First Amendment, National Public Radio, Albany, NY, May 1, 1996 Getting to Know the Internet, Career Awareness Conference, United States Postal Service, Springfield, MA, March 23, 1996 Internet for Small Business, Hilltown Community Development Corporation, Cummington, MA, February 21, 1996 Getting to Know the Internet, with D. Heacock and A. Escarcida, Women Business Owner’s Alliance, Springfield, MA, January 25, 1996 Presentation of Web Site, The World Bank, Washington, DC, December 14, 1995 The Internet for Realtors, Greater Springfield Association of Realtors, Springfield, MA, December 4, 1995 The Internet: Changing Relationships and Forging New Practices, CAUSE, New Orleans, LA, November 29, 1995 Empowering Women through the Internet, University of Massachusetts Professional Women’s Network, Amherst, MA, November 21, 1995 Empowering Business Women via the Internet, Zonta Club of Northampton, Haydenville, MA, November 9, 1995 Exploring the Internet for Business, University of Massachusetts Springfield Alumni Club, Springfield, MA, September 29, 1995 The Internet for Realtors, Franklin-Hampshire Association of Realtors, Whately, MA, September 11, 1995 Virtual Commerce, Thomson Financial, New York City, NY, June 21, 1995 “Computer Ethics and the Internet: I – III”, June 15-16, 1995, Massachusetts Education Computing Conference, University of Mass., Lowell, MA “Ethical Implications of Security and Privacy on the Internet”, October 25, 1994, First Annual Massachusetts Telecommunications Conference, University of Mass., Lowell, MA “Ethical Issues in Internet Access from University Housing”, October 10, 1994, Ninth Annual ACUHO-I Information Systems Workshop, University of Mass., Amherst, MA “Societal Ramifications of the National Information Infrastructure”, August 11, 1994, Ninth Annual Computers and Philosophy Conference, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA “Social Ramifications of the ‘Information Highway'”, April 28, 1994, Third Annual Computer Ethics Institute Conference, Brookings Institute, Washington, DC “Computer Ethics and the ‘Information Highway'”, March 30, 1994, School of Management Seminar Series, University of Massachusetts, AmherstRead More

25 October 2004 Dear Dr Luthra, Thank you for your letter of 15 October 2004 and congratulations to the Center on becoming associated with the UN-DPI. I would be pleased to share information about the Woman’s Health and Education Center with relevant WHO departments, however, it will also be helpful to have the following information as well: a copy of the Center’s constitution or equivalent document; copies of its membership lists; list of its officers; copies of its annual reports for the past three years and audited accounts; copies of any evaluations of its projects and/or research reports produced by the Center; if produced, a copy of its publications/media catalogue. I take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in the work of WHO. Yours sincerely, Ms. J.S. Matsumoto External Relations Officer Office of the Civil Society InitiativeRead More

23 February 2005 Dear Dr. Luthra, I have the honour to invite you to address the community of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) associated with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Thursday, 7 April 2005, at the weekly Briefing organized by the NGO Section of DPI. The topic of the Briefing will be “International World Health Day”. Our well-informed NGO representatives would be interested in hearing from you on how your organization is working with the United Nations and with governments to promote maternal health and early childhood care. Other invited speakers include H.E. Chief Arthur Mbanefo, Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations and Dr. Jack Chow, World Health Organization, Assistant Director-General for HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. We respectfully ask that you give a presentation of approximately seven-to-ten minutes so that the remaining time can be devoted to a question-and-answer period. The weekly DPI/NGO Briefings are attended by an average of 200 representatives of national and intemationa1 NGOs that work with the United Nations. The Briefing will take place in the Dog Hammarskjöld Library Auditorium from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. I hope you will be able to join us on 7 April 2005. Yours sincerely, Paul Hoeffel Chief NGO Section Department of Public InformationRead More

NGO BRIEFING CALENDAR FOR APRIL 2005 7 April Topic: Promoting Maternal and Child Health Campaigns (In observance of World Health Day, 7 April) Speakers: Ian Smith, Advisor to the Director-General, World Health Organization H.E. Mr. Aminu Bashir Wali, Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations Rita Luthra, President, Women’s Health & Education Center 14 April Topic: Water: Gender Perspectives (In observance of the International Decade of Water and the Commission on Sustainable Development, 11-22 April, New York) Speakers: June Zeitlin, Member, Commission on Sustainable Development, NGO Women’s Caucus, Executive Director, Women’s Environment and Development Organization H.E. Mr. Crispin Grey-Johnson, Permanent Representative of the Gambia to the United Nations (invited) Ethnè Davey, Member, Steering Committee, Gender and Water Alliance, Water Program Manager, Department of Water Affairs & Forestry, South Africa 21 April DPI/NGO Communications Workshop Topic: Access to Information : ngocalendar.org Moderator: Joan Kirby, Chair, Communication Workshop Committee Morning Session: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Topic: A Comprehensive NGO Online Calendar: Why, When, Where, How? Speakers: Lilia Vazquez, Chief, Special Projects Unit, Internet Service, DPI Dan Uitti, Webmaster, NGO/DPI Executive Committee Ayse Toprak, Intern, DPI/NGO Section Rik Panganiban, Communications Coordinator, Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CONGO) Open discussion of NGO experiences and recommendations Afternoon Session: 1:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Topic: Making it Happen: The Nuts and Bolts Rik Panganiban, Communications Coordinator, Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CONGO) Dan Uitti, Webmaster, NGO/DPI Executive Committee 28 April Topic: Report from Sudan: UN/NGO Perspectives Speakers: Christopher Coleman, Officer-in-Charge, Senior Political Affairs Officer/Africa Desk, Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) H.E. Mr. Elfatih Mohamed Ahmed Erwa, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Sudan to the United Nations (invited) John Prendergast, Special Adviser to the President, International Crisis Group (invited) Briefings are held in the Dag Hammarskjöld Library Auditorium from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. unless otherwise indicated. Thematically relevant UN videos are usually screened at 10 a.m. before the Briefing. NGO Briefings are available on audio cassette. Contact the DPI/NGO Resource Centre. To receive our monthly Calendar and the weekly DPI/NGO Link newsletter electronically, please e-mail dpingo@un.org. Check the DPI/NGO Section’s website at http://www.un.org/dpi/ngosection or call our hotline at 212-963-6847 for information and any changes in our Briefing programme. E-mail address: dpingo@un.org. More information is available at our DPI/NGO Resource Centre, tel.: (212) 963-7233/4 or 963-7078; fax: (212) 963-2819Read More

Research Training Fellow, UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Program of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction Department of Reproductive Health and Research World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Birmingham Women’s Health Care NHS Trust Birmingham, B15 2TG, (UK) Dr. Luciano E. Mignini has extensive experience in conducting research in reproductive health especially the role of homocysteine in mapping the theories of preeclampsia. His work is widely published in various journals and books. He is also on the faculty of Centro Rosarino de Estudios Perinatales (CREP), WHO Collaborative Center in Maternal and Child Health, Rosario 2000, Argentina. This Center was founded in 1984 by a group of obstetricians from the city of Rosario with the aim of improving maternal-infant health of the population through research, the training of human resources and the planning of activities related to health care. CREP’s constitutional act states how these actions will be achieved. It includes research and teaching activities enabling the design of guidelines for perinatal care, publication of research papers, participation in and organization of scientific meetings on perinatology, organization of pre- and post-graduate teaching programs and fellowships and also the creation of a specialized library as well as a perinatal database. The Center became a civil association with legal status Nº 10.265 in 1984 and was registered at the National Public Registration Office for Non-Profit Institutions under Nº 302 on August 21st, 1987. In February 1993 it was designated by the Ministry of Health of the Municipality of the City of Rosario as Co-ordinator of Research Activities conducted in all of the city’s hospitals in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. In July 1993, under resolution N° 928/93, it was approved an Agreement of Collaboration in Research and Post-graduate Education between the Center and the Post-Graduate School of the School of Medicine of the National University of Rosario. In April 1994, taking into account CREP’s extensive expertise, the World Health Organization designated it as Collaborative Center in Mother-Child Health and Population.Read More

Address Telephone Number UMA 4581 402-559-4212 – office 983255 Nebraska Medical Center 402-559-5015 – office fax Omaha, NE 68198-3255 Email: nagarwala@unmc.edu USA Objective Providing comprehensive gynecological and urogynecological care, and participating in student, resident teaching along with research and surgical activities. Special Interests Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Myomectomy. Laparoscopic Management of Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis. Laparoscopic and vaginal Urinary Incontinence Procedures. Laparoscopic and vaginal Pelvic Prolapse Procedures. Laparoscopic Infertility Surgery. Laparoscopic Lysis of Adhesions. Interstim placement for Intractable urgency, frequency. Education and Training Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic and Urogynecological Surgery, sponsored by American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopists (AAGL) and Society of Reproductive Medicine (SRM), Preceptor : Dr. C.Y. Liu, M.D., Director, Chattanooga Women’s Laser Center. 7/2001-7/2002. PGY 4, Chief Resident, OB/GYN, Penn State Geisinger Health System, Danville. 7/99 -6/2000 PGY 2-3, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Penn State Geisinger Health System, Danville. 6/97 -6/99. PGY-2, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California at Los Angeles. Aug 96 – Nov 96. PGY-1, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California at San Francisco. June 95- July 96. M.D., Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, The Pennsylvania State University, May 1995. M.S., Molecular and Cell Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, 1990, G.P.A. – 4.0 / 4.0. B.Pharm., Pharmaceutical Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology, India.1986, G.P.A.- 3.94/4.0. Fellowship Training Extensive training in complex laparoscopic procedures with special emphasis on Endometriosis, Pelvic Floor Reconstruction, Urogynecologic and Reproductive Surgery procedures. Residency Training Excellent evaluations throughout the residency training. Developed strong interest in providing most compassionate and humane care to a multicultural and diverse population. Actively involved in resident and medical student teaching. Worked on clinical research topics such as evaluating the largest vertical pocket of amniotic fluid as an indicator of Amniotic Fluid Index. Observational training in advanced endoscopic surgery for one month with Drs. C.Y.Liu and C. Koh. Clinical Work Experience Assistant Professor, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, Oct 2002 – current. Consultant for Labor and Delivery at Eastridge Hospital, Chattanooga, TN, Aug 2001-June 2002. Staff Physician at Nason Hospital, Roaring Springs, PA, July 2000-June 2001. Currrent Research Activities An Open-Label Study of the Efficacy and Safety of 5 and 10 mg Vesicare ( Solifenacin Succinate) in patients with Overactive Bladder Symptoms. VOLT Vesicare Open-Label Trial Principal Investigator for UNMC site. IRB approval # 290-04 FB. Comparison of Efficacy, Cost-Effectiveness, and Patient Satisfaction of Ondansetron or Granisetron plus Dexamethasone or Dexamethasone alone in Preventing Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting. PONV Study Secondary Investigator and Primary surgeon. IRB approval # 156-03 FB Urethral Retro-Resistance Pressure correlation with Urodynamic Measurements in normal Females using Gynecare Monitorr Device – Residency Program Education. Laparoscopic Surgical and Urogynecological minimally invasive surgery evaluations. Clinical Advancement Activities Laparoscopic Task Force, Gynecology Representative at The Nebraska Medical Center Educational Speaker for Pfizer, Watson, Wyeth, Odyssey and Yamanouchi. Storz Hysteroscopic Advances, Boston, March 2005. SIS Summit – Multidisciplinary conference for biomaterials, Cook Biotech., Santa Fe, March 2005. Speaker’s Bureau program for Odyssey, February 2005. Gynecare TVT-O Training Program, January 2004. Boston Scientific Innovations in Pelvic Floor Reconstruction and Stress Urinary Incontinence Program, September 2004. Interstim Therapy Training Program, August 2003. Cook Stratasis Mentor Program, June 2003. Research Work Experience Research Scientist, October 1986-August 1991, Zetachron, Inc., State College, Pennsylvania. Co-Inventor on two U.S. patents for sustained release super cooling drug formulations and enteric acting dosage forms. Designed and developed dosage forms for controlled-release oral and buccal delivery systems for drugs under these categories: analgesics, antihypertensives, CNS stimulants, bronchodilators, antiemetics, antihistamines, antibiotics, hormones, and vitamins.Worked on stability and kinetics of new dosage forms using dissolution apparatus, spectrometry, chromatography, and pH meters. M.S. Thesis on Parathyroid Hormone receptors on osteoclasts, June 1989 – December 1990. Used gel chromatography, iso-electric focusing, advanced light and fluorescence microscopy. Presented a poster and a seminar on this research work at a graduate research exhibition and at the American Society for Cell Biology meeting. Graduate coursework: Neurophysiology, Evaluation of Cell Functions, Molecular Biology and Cell Regulation, Tumor Virology and Oncology, Carbohydrates, and Mathematical Methods. Academic Honors and Awards Earned academic grade of honors and excellent evaluations in all clerkships during the third and forth year of medical school. High scores on all. National Board Subject Examinations for clerkships (93rd-100th percentile). Consistently achieved honors grade and top rank in almost all courses, both basic science and clinical, during the first two years of medical school. AWARDS Jerome J Hoffman Postgraduate Prize at the AAGL 33rd Annual Meeting, San Francisco, November 2004. Best Fellow Award -2002 at The Chattanooga Women’s Laser Center by Hospital and OR Staff. Best Resident Teaching Award for 1999-00 at PSGHS by Thomas Jefferson Medical Student Committee Selected for the 1999 ACOG Wyeth-Ayerst Resident Reporter Program for ACOG Berlex Laboratories PGY-2 Best Teaching Resident Award for 1997-98 at PSGHS Selected for the 1998 CREOG/Wyeth-Ayerst Educational Resident Reporter Program. Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, elected during the junior year of medical school Hammond Award for outstanding academic performance in the first, second, and third year of medical school. Only student in medical school class to win the award for three consecutive years Virchow Prize for excellence in Pathology from the Department of Pathology in 1993 First Rank holder in thel 986 batch of B.Pharm students and University-wide gold medalist G.P. Nair Award from the Indian Drug Manufacturers Association in 1986. Publications Agarwala, N. Laparoscopic hysterectomy for morbidly obese patients, Submitted for presentation at the AAGL 34th Annual Meeting Agarwala, N., Cohen, A. Experience with Laparoscopic Hysterectomy in a teaching University Hospital. Submitted for presentation at the AAGL 34th Annual Meeting Agarwala, N. Laparoscopic bilateral uterosacral ligament suspension for vaginal prolapse. Submitted for presentation at the AAGL 34th Annual Meeting Agarwala, N, Briggs, A,. Laparoscopic Sacral Colpopexy for recurrent vault prolapse, Video presentation for the AAGL 34th Annual Meeting Agarwala, N. To compare synthetic and biologic materials for tension free sling in women with stress incontinence. Presented at American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ 53rd Annual Clinical Meeting, May 2005. Agarwala, N. Ortiz, A., Colpocleisis and tension-free vaginal sling for pelvic prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. Presented at American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ 53rd Annual Clinical Meeting, May 2005. Agarwala, N. To identify urodynamic characteristics of long term Burch colposuspension failures. Presented at American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ 53rd Annual Clinical Meeting, May 2005. Agarwala, N., Liu, C.Y. Safe entry Techniques During Laparoscopy: Left Upper quadrant Entry Technique Using the Ninth Intercostal Space – A Review of 918 Cases. The Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Vol 12, No 1, 55-61. Agarwala, N., Liu, C.Y. To evaluate biomaterials for mid-urethral sling procedures. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ 52nd Annual Clinical Meeting, May 2004. Agarwala, N. Simple technique for reduction of post-operative gas pain after Laparoscopy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ 52nd Annual Clinical Meeting, May 2004. Agarwala, N., Liu, C.Y. Laparoscopic Uterosacral Vault or Uterine suspension: Our experience. The Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Vol. 10, No. 3 Supplement, Aug 2003. Agarwala, N., Liu, C.Y. Minimally Invasive Management of Stress Urinary Incontinence. Current Opinions in Obstetrics and Gynecology. October 2002. Agarwala, N., Liu, C.Y. Laparoscopic Appendectomy – A review of 317 cases. The Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, 10(2), 166-168, 2003. Agarwala, N., Liu, C. Y. Long term results of Laparoscopic Burch Colposuspension. Submitted to The Journal of American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Agarwala, N., Liu, C. Y. Urinary Incontinence in Women and Current Treatments. Chapter for a book published in Argentinia. Agarwala, N., Nair, S.G., Ghosh, T.K. Experience with Neoadjuvant Methotrexate, Vincristine, Adriamycin, Cisplatin (MVAC) in Locally Advanced Cervical Carcinoma Proceedings of American Society of Clinical Oncology 2000; vol.19; 9: 1569. Agarwala, N and Gay, C.V. Specific Binding of Parathyroid Hormone to Living 0steoclasts. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 1992; vol. 7; 9: 531-539. Snipes, W and Agarwala, N. The Molecular Basis of Human Disease and approaches to its treatment. Science and People – The Woodburn Press, 1993. ISBN 0-9612798-5-0. This book was intended for youngsters to motivate them to study life sciences, and for a large adult population that had little knowledge of human diseases. Continuing Medical Education American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 53rd Annual Clinical Meeting, San Francisco, May, 2005. International Congress of Gynecologic Endoscopy AAGL 33rd Annual Meeting, San Francisco, November, 2004 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 52nd Annual Clinical Meeting, Philadelphia, May, 2004. International Congress of Gynecologic Endoscopy AAGL 32nd Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, November, 2003 PG Courses: Complications of Laparoscopic Surgery, Hysterectomy Alternatives. Plenary session speaker: Laparoscopic Uterosacral Vault or Uterine Suspension Osler Institute Review Course in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Philadelphia, May, 2003 International Congress of Gynecologic Endoscopy AAGL 31st Annual Meeting, Miami, November, 2002 PG Courses: Laparoscopic Surgery-Outer limits, Laparoscopic Pelvic Floor reconstruction. Plenary session speaker: Laparoscopic Appendectomy Experience. International Congress of Gynecologic Endoscopy AAGL 30th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, November, 2001 PG Courses: Laparoscopic Management of Endometriosis, Laparoscopic Urogynecology American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists District III, 2000 Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, October, 2000 Poster Presentation: Experience with Neoadjuvant MVAC in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer. Obstetrics and Gynecology Review Course, Chicago Area Schools of Medicine, Chicago, June, 2000. American Society of Clinical Oncology Poster Presentation: Experience with Neoadjuvant MVAC in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer. Advances in Gynecologic Surgery and Oncology 36th Annual Clinical Meeting, New Orleans, May, 2000 Course Directors: Dr. Philip DiSaia and William T. Creaseman Seventeenth Annual Houston Everett Memorail Course in Urogynecology Course Director: Dr. Cundiff, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, February, 2000 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology ACOG 47th Annual Clinical Meeting, Philadelphia, May, 1999 Clinical Seminars: Preeclampsia and Hypertension: Prevention and Management, Gynecologic Oncology for the general OB/GYN, Management of abnormal pap smears. International Congress of Gynecologic Endoscopy AAGL 27th Annual Meeting, Atlanta, November, 1998 PG Courses: Pelvic Floor Reconstruction, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Advances in Female Voiding Dysfunction and Pelvic Disorders Conducted by The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, October, 1998 Course Directors: Rodney A. Appell, M.D. and Mark D. Walters, M.D. Advanced Endoscopic Surgery with hands-on laparoscopy lab Conducted by AAGL and Ethicon Endo-Surgery Institute, August, 1998 Course Directors: Grace M Janik, M.D. and Charles H. Koh, M.D. Advanced Endoscopic Gynecologic Surgery with hands-on lapraroscopy lab Conducted by AAGL and Ethicon Endo-Surgery Institute, June, 1998 Course Directors: Mark W. Surrey, M.D., Thomas L. Lyons, M.D., and C. Y. Liu, M.D. All Michigan OB/GYN Review Course – May 18-22,1998 Advanced Gynecological Surgery Course Directors: Michael S. Baggish, M.D. and John L. Marlow, M.D., January, 1998 Advances in Gynecology: Modem Management of Uterine Fibroids and Endometriosis, Palm Springs,1995 Presentations Women’s Watch Program – Lecture on Urinary Incontinence in Women, May 2005. Cadaver Lab, Laparoscopic Principles Workshop, Urogynecology Procedures Resident Lecture Series, 2004-2005. It happens to the best of Us – Speaker at the Olson Center Brown Bag Lecture Series, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, April 2005. Management of Overactive Bladder- Trospium as a new medication– Speaker at Urology and Family Practice Groups, Sioux Falls, March, 2005. Urodynamic Principles, Resident Lecture Series, March, 2005. Urogynecological Surgery, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Menopause – Operating Room Personell Morning Lecture Series, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Three lectures in 2004 Management of Overactive Bladder – Speaker at Family Practice Grand Rounds, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, September 2004. Laparoscopic Hysterectomy – Wyeth Representative Teaching Program, March 2004. Advances in Hysteroscopic surgery – Grand Rounds, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, March 2004. There is help for Incontinence – Nursing Students Educational Program, University of Nebraska, Omaha, April 2004-5. Management of Overactive Bladder – Speaker at four outreach programs, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, January- February 2004. There is help for Incontinence – Speaker at the Olson Center Brown Bag Lecture Series, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, January 2004. What’s New in Incontinence – Grand Rounds, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, August 2003. Advanced Laparoscopy – Grand Rounds, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, March 2003. Evaluation of Incontinence – 32nd, 33rd and 34th Annual Family Practice Review Course, Best practices for the 21st century, University of Nebraska Medical Center, April 2003-5. Surgical Anatomy, Laparoscopic Evaluation of the pelvis, Electrosurgical principles in surgery – Resident Lectures, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 2002-2003. Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence – 3rd year Student Lectures, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 2002-2005. Normal reproduction and Infertility – 2nd year Medical Student Lecture, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 2002-2004. Normal menstrual cycle, Menorrhagia and Metrorrhagia – 2nd year Medical Student Lecture, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 2002-2005. The menstrual cycle and abnormalities – Introduction to Medicine Lecture, Physician Assistant Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 2002-2004. There is help for Incontinence – Speaker at the Spring Women’s Conference, Renew, Refresh, Revive: A Day of Women’s Wellness, Omaha, March 2003. Common Medical Conditions of Aging – Speaker at the 6th Annual Omaha Women’s Health and Wellness Conference, October 2003. Surgical principles of Incontinence Surgery – Women’s Lecture Series at the Eastridge Hospital, Chattanooga, April 2002. Certification American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) Oral Examination– completed in 12/04 Written examination for ABOG -completed in 6/2001. Completed United States Medical Licensing Examinations Step-I. II, and III. CREOG In-Training Examination-Standardized scores: 242 -PGY-1, 239 -PGY-2, 236 -PGY-3&4 Licensure Licensed to practice in the state of Pennsylvania, Nebraska and Tennessee Memberships The American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopists, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Medical Association, Alpha Omega Alpha, California Medical Association and Pennsylvania Medical Society, American Association for Advancement of Science.Read More

9 November 2004 Dear Dr Luthra, I acknowledge with thanks your letter of 20 October 2004, introducing your Organization. We have taken due note of your initiative. Please be advised, however, that as UNESCO is mainly devoted to the promotion of intellectual cooperation in education, science, culture and communication, it would seem more appropriate for you to contact the World Health Organization, WHO, which should be able to help you in connection with your request which focuses on health related issues. Thanking you for your interest in UNESCO and wishing you every success in your activities, I remain, Yours sincerely, Massoud Abtahi Chief Section of International Non-Governmental Organizations and FoundationsRead More