HUNGARY: National exhibiton and conference of Hungarian Civil society

To promote intra- and cross-sectoral dialogue and increase the visibility and public understanding of civil society in Hungary was the goal when the first nonprofit expo, the showcase of Hungarian civil society organisations was organised in 1996. Entitled CIVILIÁDA 2006 the event will take place for the 11th consecutive year in Budapest on 18-19 October, 2006 with the main emphasis on NGO opportunities, civil society developments in Hungary and the future of Europe. Numerous civil society organisations will be represented and provide information on their programmes, activities and introduce themselves to the general public. The organisations exhibiting at CIVILIÁDA 2006 are active in a wide range of fields including: EU integration, environment, employment, youth, service providers, consumer protection, human resources, health, disabled and many others. The organisers pay special attention to organisations coming from the countryside to be able to actively take part. The European Economic and Social Committee will run a stand for the third consecutive year at the event. The EC Representation in Hungary, the Civil Office of the Hungarian Parliament, the Foreign Ministry, the Hungarian Civil Fund will also have their own stand. The opening of Civiliáda 2006 will be a national NGO conference in the Congress Hall of the Hungarian Parliament on 18 October, 2006 with the participation of approximately 500 participants represent a cross-section of Hungarian civil society. The keynote address of the conference will be delivered by Mrs Katalin Szili, Speaker of the Parliament. During the two days CIVILIÁDA 2006 is expected to attract 3,000-3,500 visitors. CIVILIÁDA 2006 is organised by the European House, a Budapest-based Hungarian civil society organisation. www.civiliada.hu