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	Participants Countries and organizations Conference documentation Conference programme				Concluding Words from the Secretary General, Krister Kumlin Some concluding words from the Secretary General, Krister Kumlin Only the future can tell what impact, if any, the 2004 Stockholm International Forum: Preventing Genocide will have on the ability of the international community to confront and prevent threats of genocide. Some people take the view that the very fact that Prime Minister Göran Persson took the initiative to hold this conference has already had considerable importance. Government offices all over the world have been led to analyse genocide as a phenomenon and consider the practical ways and means that are available to us, as well as their limitations. At the Forum itself, academic experts and politicians have been able to pursue an open discussion of some key features of today’s international scene. A range of concrete suggestions to improve our methods of reacting have been put forward during the Forum. A great deal depends upon how the different points and suggestions made are followed up by the international community, by the UN and the EU, and by relevant NGOs and the academic world. The proposals made by UNSG Kofi Annan in his opening speech – that a special committee be established to supervise the application of the Genocide Convention, and that a special representative or rapporteur be appointed in order to bring genocidal situations to the attention of the Security Council – hold particular promise. I am glad to note that discussions in New York regarding the appointment of a special rapporteur for genocide questions are now very close to a conclusion. The establishment of such a focal point for genocide matters within the UN system will fill a longstanding need. Within the EU context, discussions on how to incorporate genocide within the new security policy structure are well underway, and discussions concerning the responsibility of governments to protect their populations, and the norms that should apply for international intervention if they don’t, will continue to be pursued in various fora. I understand that many of the academic experts and NGO representatives that participated in Stockholm will have a follow-up meeting in England, with the Aegis Trust as one of the main organizers. The need to create educational centres and increase educational efforts directed towards groups that are liable to come into contact with early signs of genocide and genocidal situations was clearly demonstrated in Stockholm and the first steps are now being taken towards the establishment of a network of such centres. It is of course very much up to participating governments to live up to their obligations under the Final Declaration. I can think of no better measure of success of the 2004 Stockholm International Forum than if the commitments made are respected in the future. Finally, I would like to thank all those of you who have assisted me at various levels in preparing for and organizing this conference, our academic advisers, track chairs, rapporteurs, all the hardworking volunteers and last but not least, my excellent colleagues in the secretariat. >> Back to top				Introduction Opening Session Plenary Sessions Workshops, Panels and Seminars Closing Session and Declarations Other Activities Reception at the Stockholm City Hall Concluding Words from the Secretary General, Krister Kumlin
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