"If the process of democratization does not move forward at the international level, democracy at the level of the nation-state will also diminish", former United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali said, commenting on the recent launch of a Campaign for the establishment of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly. "In the process of globalization, problems which can only be solved effectively at the global level, are multiplying and requirements of political governance are extending beyond state borders accordingly. Increased decision-making at the global level therefore is inevitable", Boutros-Ghali argues. "We need to promote the democratization of globalization, before globalization destroys the foundations of national and international democracy."

According to Boutros-Ghali, the establishment of a Parliamentary Assembly at the United Nations "has become an indispensable step to achieve democratic control of globalization."

These remarks are part of a message which Boutros-Ghali addressed to the supporters of the Campaign for a UN Parliamentary Assembly. The Campaign advocates citizen representation at the United Nations and was launched in ten countries on five continents during the past three weeks. The most recent event took place on 12 May in Mumbai, India. The Campaign's core document, an appeal for a UN Parliamentary Assembly, is endorsed by 398 Members of Parliament, 57 non-governmental organizations and further 620 individuals from more than 100 countries. Dr. Boutros-Ghali is one of the initial signatories.

Further events of the Campaign were organized in Berlin, Berne, Brussels, Buenos Aires, Dar Es Salaam, London, Madrid, Ottawa, Rome and Vancouver. More than 30 local Members of Parliament and various civil society representatives participated.

Dr. Boutros-Ghali is a leading voice in support of international democracy and of the proposal to create a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly. He served as the sixth Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1992 to 1996.

MORE INFORMATION AND CONTACTS
Secretariat of the Campaign for a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly
c/o Committee for a Democratic UN
Phone: +49-6131-6278376
Internet: http://www.unpacampaign.org/

Weblink to Boutros-Ghali's message:
http://www.unpacampaign.org/documents/en/BBG200705.pdf

Weblink to UNPA Appeal text:
http://en.unpacampaign.org/appeal/

Weblink to UNPA Appeal list of signatories:
http://en.unpacampaign.org/appeal/support/