In September 2019, the first Global Forum of People’s Organizations on Hansen’s Disease was held in Manila, Philippines. Representatives of 23 People’s Organizations from 18 countries came together to discuss a wide range of topics. The recommendations made by the participants of the Forum were presented at the opening session of the 20th International Leprosy Congress (ILC).
The circumstances of many people affected by Hansen’s disease and their families have changed drastically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The activities of People’s Organizations have also had to be temporarily suspended or scaled back. However, many have managed to resume their activities at an early stage, responding flexibly to the restrictions necessitated by the pandemic and taking steps to meet the needs of the communities they represent.
Building on these experiences, we are planning to hold a second Global Forum as a platform for people affected by Hansen’s disease to discuss what challenges they face and the vision of the future they wish to create moving into the post-COVID era.
Further to this, we are planning to establish an Organizing Committee consisting of representatives of People’s Organizations to discuss the specifics of the Global Forum. Taking regional balance into account, the Organizing Committee will consist of five organizations, one from the Americas, two from Africa, and two from the Asia-Pacific region (including one from India, the host country). Please register your organization’s interest in applying to become a member of the Organizing Committee and/ or participating in the selection process of organizing committee members via the means outlined below. Your organization is welcome to register and participate in the selection process even if not applying to become a member of the Organizing Committee.
The Global Forum is scheduled to be held in Hyderabad in early November before the 21st ILC. Details will be announced as soon as they are decided.
Criteria for applying to become an Organizing Committee Member
・The organization must be a People’s Organization on Hansen’s Disease
・The representative from the organization must be able to participate in the meetings of the Organizing Committee, which will be held intensively from July to October
Selection Process and Announcement of Results
・Every organization that has registered its interest to participate in the selection process of organizing committee members will have a right to vote to decide on the membership.
・Once the application is closed, organizations who have registered will be able to vote for organizations other than themselves that they wish to see as members of the Organizing Committee.
Details on how to vote will be sent at a later date to the contact e-mail address provided at registration. Organizations who have applied to become a member of the Organizing Committee must complete this voting process in order to qualify to become a member.
・5 organizations will be selected and announced to all participating organizations by the end of July and meetings of the Organizing Committee will commence.
How to register
Please register your organization’s interest in applying to become a member of the Organizing Committee and/ or participating in the selection process of organizing committee members via the Google Form below by 18th July:
One organization may only submit an application once.
