International Progress Organization (I.P.O.)

Sobre nosotros

The International Progress Organization (I.P.O.) is a think tank dealing with world affairs.As an international non-governmental organization it enjoys consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and is associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information. The I.P.O. is not affiliated with any political party or organization.

It is strictly non-partisan, and not aligned with any government. The I.P.O. cherishes its independence and its reputation for tackling complex international issues with candor, toughness and objectivity.

The organization based in Vienna, Austria, sponsors international conferences and research seminars on topics such as democracy, human rights, dialogue of civilizations, conflict resolution, international law, and economic development; monitors elections and the human rights situation in various countries; co-operates with academic institutions and international NGOs on all continents; and publishes the series "Studies in International Relations."

The I.P.O. was founded in 1972 in Innsbruck, Austria, by students from Austria, India and Egypt who were concerned about relations between cultures and civilizations and the growing North-South divide. Today it has members from over 70 countries.

The I.P.O. aims to encourage cultural exchange between all nations, attempts to promote tolerance towards all nationalities and cultures, and emphasizes human liberties, social and economic development, peace, and the international rule of law.

Activities in collaboration with organizations of the United Nations system:
• I.P.O. organizes exchange of experts between nations, with special promotion of exchange of experiences in the scientific field.
• I.P.O. carries out activities which promote: a more humane understanding between people; an open-minded yet critical attitude towards ideological and political systems; freedom of the citizen to choose to live under those political and cultural systems that best enable him to fully develop his individual abilities; elimination of all forms of racial discrimination.
• I.P.O. presents lectures; organizes international meetings; issues research publications on major issues of international affairs; undertakes international monitoring and observer missions.

Projects:
• Monitoring: International monitoring and observer missions
• UN reform: Papers and resolutions on United Nations reform and the advancement of international law
• Democracy: Research papers on democracy; I.P.O. publications on democracy in the international context
• Cultural dialogue: Global dialogue expedition; Interview: World public forum "Dialogue of civilizations"

Prof. Dr. Hans Köchler is the President of the International Progress Organization (I.P.O.).

For other net participants we can offer an expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the field of our work.