Post Speaker Program - Nan Aron

UNCLAS KUALA LUMPUR 000781 SIPDIS FOR EAP/PD AND EAP/MTS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KPAO MY SUBJECT: Post Speaker Program - Nan Aron ¶1. (U) SUMMARY AND COMMENT. As part of Embassy Kuala Lumpur's public diplomacy efforts to promote rule of law, Post hosted U.S. Speaker Nan Aron for a non-governmental organization (NGO) outreach program in early September. During her visit to Kuala Lumpur, Aron shared her expertise with a wide variety of rule of law-oriented NGOs and other nongovernmental representatives with the goal of enhancing their capacity and ability to advocate for change in Malaysia. ¶2. (U) Post's civil society outreach program satisfied a surprisingly large appetite for information and knowledge about public interest promotion. In particular, the program was well-attended by NGOs working on women's rights and health issues. Aron's programs also reinforced the Mission's goal of promoting rule of law and strengthened its relationship with civil society organizations. END SUMMARY AND COMMENT. ¶3. (U) As part of Embassy Kuala Lumpur's public diplomacy efforts to encourage voices in support of rule of law in Malaysia, Post hosted U.S. Speaker Nan Aron for a non-governmental organization (NGO) outreach program in early September. Aron is founder and President of Alliance for Justice, a national association of American public interest and civil rights organizations. ¶4. (U) Civil society organizations in Malaysia operate in an often unwelcoming, restrictive environment which impedes their effectiveness and ability to influence the government. During her visit to Kuala Lumpur, she shared her expertise with a wide variety of civil society representatives in order to enhance their capacity and ability to advocate for change. Aron spoke about NGO management, creating public awareness campaigns, and the role of public interest litigation in shaping public policy with NGO representatives, other public policy audiences, and the public. ¶5. (U) Aron's September 2 program at the Central Market Annexe in Kuala Lumpur attracted an audience of 75 human rights, environmental, arts, health, community assistance, animal rights, good governance, and Muslim women's rights NGO representatives. The diverse group included members of Sisters in Islam, Malaysian Aids Council, Women's Aid Organization, Eco-Warriors, World Wildlife Foundation, Era Consumer, Mercy Malaysia, National Cancer Society, and many others. Aron emphasized creating effective communication strategies, developing effective group spokespersons, fundraising, and donor development and cultivation. ¶6. (U) At INPUMA (International Institute of Public Policy and Management),Malaysia's premier public policy graduate program, Aron focused on public interest litigation and the role of lawyers and litigation in shaping public policy. The well-received program was attended by civil society representatives from the Malaysian Bar Council, Amnesty International, Transparency International, and Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute, as well as INPUMA staff and students. KEITH