1 September 2003

• Several heads of state will be participating in the General Debate of the General Assembly new session which will open mid-September. The Secretary General has written to them encouraging them to come to New York and make proposals about strengthening the role of the U.N.

• The General Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) will be held prior to the Assembly session. The head of NGO Section Paul Hoeffel hopes to open new horizons by introducing novel topics in a new format.

• The U.N. Correspondents Association is back on track in its preparation for an Annual dinner where prizes are given in a less formal and more cheerful atmosphere than the usual press briefings.