November 2012 NEWSLETTER ber for an unofficial debate to allow for an exchange of views between the Com ‐ mittees on how to best tackle certain issues such as labor rights in the informal sector. //Recent Events Expert meeting: Conflict prevention in the context of large ‐ scale business investments: From dialogue to action 07 to 08 November 2012, Château de Bossey, Geneva, Switzerland This meeting marked the end of the first year of an initiative that brings together business and peacebuilding experts. The focus is to exchange experiences and iden ‐ tify best practices related to strengthening dispute resolution and prevention sys ‐ tems in fragile contexts. The meeting gathered a small, selected group from compa ‐ nies, business associations, international organisations, as well as non ‐ governmental actors active in peacebuilding, mediation, and conflict prevention, including stakeholders from the Global South. The meeting had the overall objective to take stock and explore concrete options to operationalize a new action framework for conflict prevention in the context of large ‐ scale business investment. Program Background note Advanced Training Course on International Human Rights Mechanisms 04 to 08 November 2012, Geneva, Switzerland This seminar, especially geared to non ‐ governmental participants from the Arab region, gave an overview over the UN human rights system and the instrument of the Universal Periodic Review. A specific focus has been on the work and function ‐ ing of the UN treaty bodies, monitoring the implementation of the core human rights Conventions. Debates with delegations and experts as well as an interactive workshop on the preparation of input to the treaty bodies completed the agenda. Program Outreach seminar: Westafrica and Multilateral Trade 29 to 31 October 2012, Accra, Ghana “Current and Future Challenges for the Multilateral Trading System – Perspectives from West Africa” was the title of a three days outreach seminar jointly organized by the World Trade Organization and FES offices at Accra, Cotonou, Geneva and Berlin. Around 40 civil society activists and journalists participated to better understand the WTO and its role in the international trading system. The dialogue provided a platform for in ‐ depth and critical discussion of the multilateral trade regime and its consequences for development in the West African region. Program Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung  Director: Dr Matthes Buhbe  6 bis, Chemin du Point-du-Jour  1202 Geneva, Switzerland 2 Tel.+41 22 733 3450  Fax:+41 22 733 3545  E-mail: info@fes-geneva.org  www.fes-geneva.org