United Nations, July 20, SPA -- One thousand activists from more than 115 countries are participating in a three-day conference beginning at the United Nations later today on the role of civil society in the prevention of armed conflict. The conference, organized by the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict, is the first of its kind at the United Nations. The focus is to urge societal institutions, such as non-governmental organizations, to participate in creating peace at local, regional, and international levels. Over 30 panels, including ones organized according to regional groups, will be available to participants. The Arab world is well-represented by heads of civil society groups from Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, and the Maghreb region, among others.--SPA1258 Local Time 0958 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/278032