Renate Bloem, co-discussant of the UN study, is since 2000 President of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CONGO). Born in Germany, she completed studies in Medicine, Languages and Literature at the University of Bonn, the University of Munich and Columbia University. She has taught at international schools and cultural institutions worldwide. Active in NGO work since 1985, she is a strong advocate for human rights, particularly of women and children. Her previous civil society positions include President of the NGO Committee on the Status of Women, Co-ordinating Committee Member of the NGO Forum for Health, and Member of the Management Team of the Focal Point on Sexual Exploitation of Children. She represented the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women at the World Conferences on Human Rights (Vienna 1993), Women (Beijing 1995) and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (Stockholm 1996). Subsequently she led CONGO delegations to the World Conference against Racism and the World Summit on Sustainable Development. Together with her CONGO Team she has been at the forefront of guiding, supporting and coordinating Civil Society in the process of the World Summit of the Information Society (Geneva and Tunis). She has further organised regional civil society forums in Asia and Latin America.