By CARMEN GLORIA ARRIAGADA

Panoramic View of General Assembly in session during the Opening of the CSD-16 High Level Segment on May 14

Monday, May 5, 2008 was a very special day.  It marked the beginning of a unique two-week period of presentations and intensive discussions between non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government representatives and civil society groups at the Sixteenth Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD-16) held at United Nations (UN) Headquarters, New York. With agriculture as one of its major themes, CSD-16 provided a perfect forum to bring to the fore the issue of the escalating rate of suicide among farmers made vulnerable by a host of socio-economic factors  in general, and Amma’s Farmer Relief Project in particular.

CSD-16 focused on the topics of agriculture, rural development, land, drought, desertification and Africa. Among the participants were various UN Organizations (such as the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Un Environment Program and the Inter-American Development Bank), numerous government delegations to the UN and officials from a number of Ministries and other governmental bodies

Jeannette D. Gurung, PhD, Director of WOCAN, Head of Women's Major Group, while delivering Women's Major Group Statement at May 15 Interactive Ministerial Discussions with Major Groups

(H.E. Ms. Meena Gupta, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Forests of India and Dr. N.B. Singh, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation of India), scientists and authorities from academic institutions, private and public policy entrepreneurs, and the so-called Major Groups encompassing representatives from: i) international and local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), ii) Women, iii)Farmers, iv)Youth and Children, v) Indigenous People, vi)Scientific and Technological Community, vii) Workers and Trade Unions, and viii) Business and Industries.

In July of 2005, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math (M.A. Math) located in Amritapuri, India, was granted consultative status to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. The headquarters of Amma’s international activities, M.A. Math has branch offices around the world including M.A. Center in San Ramon, California, which oversees Amma’s North American operations.

Panoramic view of podium and panelists during May 15 Interactive Ministerial Discussions with Major Group. Federica Pietracci, UN Commission on Sustainable Development (first person in podium from left to right)

As an ECOSOC affiliated NGO, M.A. Math had the opportunity to participate in CSD-16 as part of the NGO major group.  We were also able to register the Farmer Relief Project as a CSD partnership (of local government, NGOs, farmers, women, and children).  This offered the opportunity to make a presentation about the plight of farmers as well as to participate in the CSD-16 Partnership Fair.

On day number two, Tuesday, May 6th, a power point presentation largely developed by AYUDH members in the U.S. served as the basis for a panel discussion on the issue of the high rate of international farmers suicide. This was followed by a lively, informative question and answer period.

(from left to right) Elenita C. Dano ("Neth"), Head of NGOs Major Groups, while delivering NGOs Statement at May 15 Interactive Ministerial Discussions wirh Major Groups

As part of raising awareness and creating an ongoing dialogue on the issue of farmer suicide, an information booth was featured at the Partnership Fair. A key part of the success of the booth was a beautiful and informative display created by AYUDH members.  Many heartfelt thanks to AYUDH for your important contribution to the success of the Farmer Relief Project’s partnership participation.

As the session progressed major groups were lobbied to include the international farmer suicide issue in their statements to the CSD.  By the close of the meeting, the issue of international farmer suicide had been brought to the floor as part of the Women Major Group’s statement on two consecutive days and was also included in the closing statement of the NGO Major Group.

Federica Pietracci, Sustainable Development Officer, Division for Sustainable Development, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (first person in podium, from left to right) at May 15 Interactive Ministerial Discussions with Major Groups.

The conference culminated on Friday, May 16th with the Chairman’s request to adopt the outcome Report of the Sixteenth Session of the CSD.  With Ammma’s grace, the issue of international farmer suicide achieved a new level of awareness.

Reflecting back on these eventful weeks, emerges one of our most enduring memories- the image of the hallways and the Vienna Cafe located in the Conference Wing packed with people conducting animated conversations.

The colorful, bright outfits of the Asian and African women created a beautiful horizon of vibrant orange, yellow and green, reminiscent of the exotic landscapes of their continents.

As we departed the UN at the close of the session, this colorful tapestry of dedication to peace and humanitarian causes served as a vivid reminder of the hope and many opportunities we are all empowered with as we strive to find solutions to the tragedy of international farmer suicide.