In 2005, the General Conference of Mayors for Peace decided to establish a special office devoted solely to the 2020 Vision Campaign. Ypres, Belgium, a city which, like Hiroshima and Nagasaki, has experienced the devastating effects of war, stepped forward, offering to host the Campaign Secretariat. The office was officially opened in July 2006, by Mayors Akiba and Dehaene
The International Secretariat’s job is to ensure the viability and effectiveness of the 2020 Vision Campaign within the guidelines and the General Meeting and the oversight of the Board. To this end, it works in close cooperation with the Hiroshima Secretariat and the Executive Cities.
From June 2007 the office has been staffed full-time and the basic operation of the International Campaign Secretariat is now supported by funds solicited from the member cities. Alongside the office manager, the office is staffed by volunteers, including interns and European Voluntary Service (EVS) participants.
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