A TRIALOG study, written by Annika Kool, on the state of development cooperation in Estonia has been published.
The study speaks of the Estonian Official Development Assistance (ODA) as well as of NGO activity in international development and the relation between the two.
The ODA chapter describes the history of adopting development cooperation policies and the funds given by the government. Descriptions of bilateral activities of ODA and their relation with the NGOs are also given.
The part on NGOs covers the history of NGO engagement in development cooperation. One can learn about the beginnings of the NGDO platform as well as about a number of NGOs in Estonia that are active in development cooperation. A description of NGO projects in developing countries is given.
The study addresses the development education and awareness raising (DE/AR) activities conducted by NGOs, sometimes in cooperation with the government. It also features the presence of Fair Trade in Estonia and its significant increase during the last years.
Download the TRIALOG Country Study on Estonia from the following link:
http://www.trialog.or.at/images/doku/ee_countrystudy_final_dec2007.pdf
Country studies on Lithuania and Latvia will be available soon as well.
Friday, 21 December 2007
Presidency Fund: New Call open! Romanian and Bulgarian NGOs also eligible!
The Presidency Fund is pleased to announce its Fifth and Final Call for Proposals. Please click on the following link to vist the website for details of this Call: http://www.presidencyfund.org/wcm/content/category/19/31/67
Please note that this call is open for participation of all 12 new EU member states! For the first time Romanian and Bulgarian NGDOs are eligible to participate in this Call as well.
Deadline for the preliminary phase is 15 January 2008.
Information provided by Samantha Saldanha, Presidency Fund, ssaldanha@presidencyfund.org
Please note that this call is open for participation of all 12 new EU member states! For the first time Romanian and Bulgarian NGDOs are eligible to participate in this Call as well.
Deadline for the preliminary phase is 15 January 2008.
Information provided by Samantha Saldanha, Presidency Fund, ssaldanha@presidencyfund.org
EU assesses stabilisation and association process in Western Balkans
The External Relations Council, made up of the foreign ministers of EU member states, adopted conclusions on the future of the Western Balkans on 10 December.
The Council’s conclusions reaffirm that ‘the future of the Western Balkans lies in the European Union’ and reconfirm ‘continued support to the region’s course towards the EU.’ They also note that the EU’s engagement in the region, through the Stabilisation and Association process, has made ‘a significant contribution’ to recent progress. According to the Council, these achievements now need ‘to be built on and made irreversible.’
The challenges that countries in the Western Balkans still face include those related to state-building, the rule of law, reconciliation, administrative and judicial reform, and the fight against corruption and organised crime.
Albania has made progress, but the major challenges that still remain relate to good governance and the rule of law, and fighting corruption and organised crime in particular.
Albania and the EU have signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA), and its effective implementation is essential for further progress.
The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has also developed, and a special mention is made of police reform. Concern is expressed however about the political situation, and the slowdown in reforms over the past year.
There are four conditions that still have to be met, including full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal with Yugoslavia, before an SAA can be signed, but the Council has ‘reaffirmed its readiness’ to sign such an agreement.
In the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, some progress has been achieved, but internal political tensions have delayed reforms and diverted political institutions from EU integration priorities. Council conclusions encourage ‘all political parties to deepen political dialogue and cooperation, including on interethnic relations, in order to move ahead in the accession process.’ It also called for an acceleration of the pace of reforms in key areas.
Montenegro has made progress in several areas, including adopting a Constitution and establishing a legal framework and institutions since independence. The conclusions reiterate the need ‘to implement the new Constitution in line with European standards and to continue efforts in broadening consensus on basic features of state building.
Serbia is another country where the signing of an SAA depends on full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal. The Council also called for further reform efforts.
The Council ‘stressed the need for major efforts to strengthen the rule of law, anti-corruption policy and the fight against organised crime’ in Serbia/Kosovo as well as calling for enhanced dialogue between the communities.
Council Conclusions, full text: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/ueDocs/cms_Data/docs/pressData/en/gena/97556.pdf
Information provided by Rebecca Steel, TRIALOG Policy Officer
The Council’s conclusions reaffirm that ‘the future of the Western Balkans lies in the European Union’ and reconfirm ‘continued support to the region’s course towards the EU.’ They also note that the EU’s engagement in the region, through the Stabilisation and Association process, has made ‘a significant contribution’ to recent progress. According to the Council, these achievements now need ‘to be built on and made irreversible.’
The challenges that countries in the Western Balkans still face include those related to state-building, the rule of law, reconciliation, administrative and judicial reform, and the fight against corruption and organised crime.
Albania has made progress, but the major challenges that still remain relate to good governance and the rule of law, and fighting corruption and organised crime in particular.
Albania and the EU have signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA), and its effective implementation is essential for further progress.
The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has also developed, and a special mention is made of police reform. Concern is expressed however about the political situation, and the slowdown in reforms over the past year.
There are four conditions that still have to be met, including full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal with Yugoslavia, before an SAA can be signed, but the Council has ‘reaffirmed its readiness’ to sign such an agreement.
In the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, some progress has been achieved, but internal political tensions have delayed reforms and diverted political institutions from EU integration priorities. Council conclusions encourage ‘all political parties to deepen political dialogue and cooperation, including on interethnic relations, in order to move ahead in the accession process.’ It also called for an acceleration of the pace of reforms in key areas.
Montenegro has made progress in several areas, including adopting a Constitution and establishing a legal framework and institutions since independence. The conclusions reiterate the need ‘to implement the new Constitution in line with European standards and to continue efforts in broadening consensus on basic features of state building.
Serbia is another country where the signing of an SAA depends on full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal. The Council also called for further reform efforts.
The Council ‘stressed the need for major efforts to strengthen the rule of law, anti-corruption policy and the fight against organised crime’ in Serbia/Kosovo as well as calling for enhanced dialogue between the communities.
Council Conclusions, full text: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/ueDocs/cms_Data/docs/pressData/en/gena/97556.pdf
Information provided by Rebecca Steel, TRIALOG Policy Officer
CARDET hosts event on Lobbying and Advocacy for Cyprus NGOs
Advocacy is about influencing the social, economic and political environment that impacts on disadvantaged people. It is about effecting changes in policy and/or practice of institutions.
On November 23, 2007 CARDET (http://www.cardet.org/) with its partners (MC-MED & CFPA) organized a conference and a workshop with the title Advocacy for Change: The Role of Civil Society. The activities focused on building capacity among NGOs to influence development policy and to engage in dialogue with policy and decision makers. The event gave participants practical tips in designing and implementing an effective advocacy strategy. The keynote speaker was Mikaela Gavas, Policy Advisor on EU development policy for the UK Government's Department for International Development.
The event was successfully attended by more than 50 participants representing NGOs, academic institutions, government officials, funding agencies, and the general public.
Participants received practical guidelines on how to use advocacy techniques to pursue their objectives. The event was supported by the Presidency Fund and the United Nations Development Program, Action for Cooperation and Trust.
The notes from the conference are available online at: http://cardet.org/images/PDFfiles/mikaela_gavas_fin.pdf
Information provided by Charalambos Vrasidas, CARDET, pambos@cardet.org
On November 23, 2007 CARDET (http://www.cardet.org/) with its partners (MC-MED & CFPA) organized a conference and a workshop with the title Advocacy for Change: The Role of Civil Society. The activities focused on building capacity among NGOs to influence development policy and to engage in dialogue with policy and decision makers. The event gave participants practical tips in designing and implementing an effective advocacy strategy. The keynote speaker was Mikaela Gavas, Policy Advisor on EU development policy for the UK Government's Department for International Development.
The event was successfully attended by more than 50 participants representing NGOs, academic institutions, government officials, funding agencies, and the general public.
Participants received practical guidelines on how to use advocacy techniques to pursue their objectives. The event was supported by the Presidency Fund and the United Nations Development Program, Action for Cooperation and Trust.
The notes from the conference are available online at: http://cardet.org/images/PDFfiles/mikaela_gavas_fin.pdf
Information provided by Charalambos Vrasidas, CARDET, pambos@cardet.org
June 22-29, 2008: Development Education Summer School; Netherlands
“Getting eradication of global poverty and social inclusion in the political agenda through development education, campaigning advocacy”
Utrecht will host from June 22 to June 29 the DEEEP/CONCORD Summer School on Development Education (DESS 2008)! The aim of this year DESS is to foster active and effective engagement of non governmental and civil society organisations working on eradication of global poverty and for social inclusion in educational, advocacy and campaigning work around political and electoral processes.
For the first time, participants will be divided into two groups, beginners (with less than a year of experience) and advanced (2 years experience), in order to give the opportunity to all to benefit from the one week long learning process.
3 working groups have been established, namely
1- How to involve political parties and citizens to put eradication of global poverty and social inclusion on the political agenda at local level,
2- how to involve political parties and citizens to put eradication of global poverty and social inclusion on the political agenda at national level and influence national government’s position in international organisations,
3- Getting eradication of global poverty and social inclusion on the political agenda at European and regional level. Each working group will have the two experience level.
Furthermore, some 5 thematic sessions- each of about 120 minutes- have been thought: participants will be able to follow 3 different thematic sessions, on three different evenings.
A- role of migrant organisations and diasporas in getting eradication of global poverty and social inclusion on the political agenda
B- how to approach political parties , elaborate political demands and monitor politicians work
C- shifting the paradigm: young people from target groups to partners of political campaigns and education activities
D- EU decision making process on Development: role of the European Institutions, National and local governments
E- How to effectively address and engage different segments of citizens and politicians sharing common norms and values.
F- Democratic governance and the millennium development goals> holding governments accountable.
After the experience from the previous DESS, the market place session is going to be anticipated to the first days of the week, so to facilitate the “getting to know each other” process. An audiovisual tool exhibition is also foreseen, as well as a fundraising session.
Participants are welcome to apply to their national platform by January 15th at the latest. DEEEP is expecting around 100 participants to take part in this week long learning process.
For more information, download the DESS 2008 presentation and application form: http://www.deeep.org/english/about_deeep/summer_school/2008/index.php
Or contact Angelo Caserta: a.caserta@deeep.org, and Rina Froklage: r.froklage@coswmbrabant.nl
Information provided by Chiara Tripepi, DEEEP, c.tripepi@deeep.org
Utrecht will host from June 22 to June 29 the DEEEP/CONCORD Summer School on Development Education (DESS 2008)! The aim of this year DESS is to foster active and effective engagement of non governmental and civil society organisations working on eradication of global poverty and for social inclusion in educational, advocacy and campaigning work around political and electoral processes.
For the first time, participants will be divided into two groups, beginners (with less than a year of experience) and advanced (2 years experience), in order to give the opportunity to all to benefit from the one week long learning process.
3 working groups have been established, namely
1- How to involve political parties and citizens to put eradication of global poverty and social inclusion on the political agenda at local level,
2- how to involve political parties and citizens to put eradication of global poverty and social inclusion on the political agenda at national level and influence national government’s position in international organisations,
3- Getting eradication of global poverty and social inclusion on the political agenda at European and regional level. Each working group will have the two experience level.
Furthermore, some 5 thematic sessions- each of about 120 minutes- have been thought: participants will be able to follow 3 different thematic sessions, on three different evenings.
A- role of migrant organisations and diasporas in getting eradication of global poverty and social inclusion on the political agenda
B- how to approach political parties , elaborate political demands and monitor politicians work
C- shifting the paradigm: young people from target groups to partners of political campaigns and education activities
D- EU decision making process on Development: role of the European Institutions, National and local governments
E- How to effectively address and engage different segments of citizens and politicians sharing common norms and values.
F- Democratic governance and the millennium development goals> holding governments accountable.
After the experience from the previous DESS, the market place session is going to be anticipated to the first days of the week, so to facilitate the “getting to know each other” process. An audiovisual tool exhibition is also foreseen, as well as a fundraising session.
Participants are welcome to apply to their national platform by January 15th at the latest. DEEEP is expecting around 100 participants to take part in this week long learning process.
For more information, download the DESS 2008 presentation and application form: http://www.deeep.org/english/about_deeep/summer_school/2008/index.php
Or contact Angelo Caserta: a.caserta@deeep.org, and Rina Froklage: r.froklage@coswmbrabant.nl
Information provided by Chiara Tripepi, DEEEP, c.tripepi@deeep.org
CONCORD is looking for an Aid Watch Project Coordinator
CONCORD is looking for an "Aid Watch Project Coordinator" (renewable 6 month contract). The position is based in Brussels.
This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to work for a ground-breaking pan-European project to assess European Aid. The Aid Watch Project Coordinator will play a key role in planning and delivering the advocacy, campaigning, media and capacity building work of Aid Watch. This will mean working effectively with the different groups in charge of implementing the main strands of the Aid Watch initiative, namely: .
- European Aid Report 2008 group
- EU Aid Effectiveness group
- Aid Watch Advocacy group
Further details about the main tasks and responsibilities and employment conditions are available at: http://www.concordeurope.org/Files/media/internetdocumentsENG/1_Home/Petitesannonces/AID-WATCH-PROJECT-COORDINATOR.doc
Download the Application form from:
http://www.concordeurope.org/Files/media/internetdocumentsENG/1_Home/Petitesannonces/CONCORD-Aid-Watch-Project-Coordinator---Application-Form.doc
Please send the completed application form, in English only, (CVs will not be accepted), by e-mail to: ester.asin@concordeurope.org
Closing date: 31st December 2007
Interview dates: 7th & 8th January 2008
Aimed start date: Immediately
Information provided by CONCORD
This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to work for a ground-breaking pan-European project to assess European Aid. The Aid Watch Project Coordinator will play a key role in planning and delivering the advocacy, campaigning, media and capacity building work of Aid Watch. This will mean working effectively with the different groups in charge of implementing the main strands of the Aid Watch initiative, namely: .
- European Aid Report 2008 group
- EU Aid Effectiveness group
- Aid Watch Advocacy group
Further details about the main tasks and responsibilities and employment conditions are available at: http://www.concordeurope.org/Files/media/internetdocumentsENG/1_Home/Petitesannonces/AID-WATCH-PROJECT-COORDINATOR.doc
Download the Application form from:
http://www.concordeurope.org/Files/media/internetdocumentsENG/1_Home/Petitesannonces/CONCORD-Aid-Watch-Project-Coordinator---Application-Form.doc
Please send the completed application form, in English only, (CVs will not be accepted), by e-mail to: ester.asin@concordeurope.org
Closing date: 31st December 2007
Interview dates: 7th & 8th January 2008
Aimed start date: Immediately
Information provided by CONCORD
January 24, 2008: EU budget - What role for NGOs? Brussels
The EU Civil Society Contact Group (CSCG) is inviting to the CSCG conference "Building a value based EU budget for the future - What role for NGOs?" to take place on January 24 2008 in Brussels.
European values and policy priorities need to be better reflected in the EU budget. The EU budget for a long time has been the result of negotiations between national interests. It is time for the EU budget to become a real European budget. The ongoing EU Budget review (a consultation is running until April 15 2008) is meant to generate debate about the vision for the EU and how it relates to the budget.
The EU Civil Society Contact Group’s conference on January 24 wants to stimulate the debate among NGOs by asking
- Which priorities for the EU and how to reflect them in the EU budget?
- How can NGOs work in solidarity to influence the future EU Budget?
In the morning session NGOs will have the opportunity to learn more about the EU budget (priorities, management, resources, consultation) and how NGOs can engage in budget work. Please note that the number of participants for the morning session is limited to 25. Please register quickly. The afternoon conference offers a framework for broader political discussions.
Turn to the following website to download the programme and registration form as well as a briefing on the EU budget review consultation:
http://www.act4europe.org/code/en/actions.asp?id_events=125
Please register before January 15, 2008.
For further questions please contact CSCG coordinator Regula Heggli at: coordinator@act4europe.org
The EU Civil Society Contact Group (CSCG) brings together eight large European NGO platforms in the following fields: culture (EFAH), development (CONCORD), environment (Green 10), human rights (HRDN), lifelong learning (EUCIS), public health (EPHA), social (Social Platform) and women (EWL). Together they work to develop the dialogue between civil society organisations and the EU institutions as an essential part of strengthening participatory democracy.
European values and policy priorities need to be better reflected in the EU budget. The EU budget for a long time has been the result of negotiations between national interests. It is time for the EU budget to become a real European budget. The ongoing EU Budget review (a consultation is running until April 15 2008) is meant to generate debate about the vision for the EU and how it relates to the budget.
The EU Civil Society Contact Group’s conference on January 24 wants to stimulate the debate among NGOs by asking
- Which priorities for the EU and how to reflect them in the EU budget?
- How can NGOs work in solidarity to influence the future EU Budget?
In the morning session NGOs will have the opportunity to learn more about the EU budget (priorities, management, resources, consultation) and how NGOs can engage in budget work. Please note that the number of participants for the morning session is limited to 25. Please register quickly. The afternoon conference offers a framework for broader political discussions.
Turn to the following website to download the programme and registration form as well as a briefing on the EU budget review consultation:
http://www.act4europe.org/code/en/actions.asp?id_events=125
Please register before January 15, 2008.
For further questions please contact CSCG coordinator Regula Heggli at: coordinator@act4europe.org
The EU Civil Society Contact Group (CSCG) brings together eight large European NGO platforms in the following fields: culture (EFAH), development (CONCORD), environment (Green 10), human rights (HRDN), lifelong learning (EUCIS), public health (EPHA), social (Social Platform) and women (EWL). Together they work to develop the dialogue between civil society organisations and the EU institutions as an essential part of strengthening participatory democracy.
Update on the activities of FOND
November and early December 2007 counted three important dates for the Romanian NGDO platform FOND.
The first one was the meeting of the CONCORD working group EPAN in Romania, at Sinaia resort on the 12-13th, organized in partnership with TRIALOG. Read more about the meeting on Enlargement, Pre-Accession and Neighbourhood at:
http://trialog-information-service.blogspot.com/2007/11/epan-working-group-meeting-in-romania.html
The second one was the European Development Days, 7-9th November, in Lisbon, where the Romanian MFA, in partnership with FOND was invited to participate. The Romanian stand in the Development Village at the Lisbon International Fair had as main objective to show throughout a photo exhibition and printed materials, its transition from a beneficiary state to a donor state. Moreover it provided information on the humanitarian aid and cross-border cooperation projects implemented so far in developing countries by the Romanian NGOs, providing also the full description of the national development cooperation strategy. The Romanian delegation was formed of representatives from the civil society, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affaires, academics and journalists. Romania was represented by Petre Roman, former Prime Minister, in Le club de Madrid, an organization that promotes the strengthening of democracy worldwide, formed by former heads of state and governments, and that was present at the event.
Another important date for the platform was the beginning of a series of meetings with parliamentarians or Euro-parliamentarians, newly elected and ready to focus on the European agenda in collaboration with the Romanian civil society that is trying to put forward the development cooperation issues.
Visit the FOND website for more information: http://fondromania.wordpress.com/
Information provided by: Claudia Iatan, National Platform Coordinator, FOND, Romania
The first one was the meeting of the CONCORD working group EPAN in Romania, at Sinaia resort on the 12-13th, organized in partnership with TRIALOG. Read more about the meeting on Enlargement, Pre-Accession and Neighbourhood at:
http://trialog-information-service.blogspot.com/2007/11/epan-working-group-meeting-in-romania.html
The second one was the European Development Days, 7-9th November, in Lisbon, where the Romanian MFA, in partnership with FOND was invited to participate. The Romanian stand in the Development Village at the Lisbon International Fair had as main objective to show throughout a photo exhibition and printed materials, its transition from a beneficiary state to a donor state. Moreover it provided information on the humanitarian aid and cross-border cooperation projects implemented so far in developing countries by the Romanian NGOs, providing also the full description of the national development cooperation strategy. The Romanian delegation was formed of representatives from the civil society, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affaires, academics and journalists. Romania was represented by Petre Roman, former Prime Minister, in Le club de Madrid, an organization that promotes the strengthening of democracy worldwide, formed by former heads of state and governments, and that was present at the event.
Another important date for the platform was the beginning of a series of meetings with parliamentarians or Euro-parliamentarians, newly elected and ready to focus on the European agenda in collaboration with the Romanian civil society that is trying to put forward the development cooperation issues.
Visit the FOND website for more information: http://fondromania.wordpress.com/
Information provided by: Claudia Iatan, National Platform Coordinator, FOND, Romania
Maltese NGO active in Sri Lanka: Tsunami Relief Project
During the past two years the Maltese NGO Koperattiva Kummerc Gust (KKG) has been working on the Tsunami Relief Project which it embarked on early in 2005. Two days after the disaster a campaign was launched on national television to raise money for those effected by the disaster. Money collected from the event was then passed on to the government to distribute it amongst organizations and individuals who wanted to help the effected.
The cooperative, through Fair Trade contacts it has in Sri Lanka, managed to secure Lm31,950 (around 75,000 EUR) to help one Fair Trade organization in Sri Lanka re-build the lives of those effected by the disaster. Many lost their livelihood after the disaster and creating secure and sustainable jobs was a top priority for the country. With co-funding from Malta the cooperative Kummerc Gust was able to help create a textile factory which has so far employed 40 people in Fair Trade conditions who were effected by the tsunami. The factory (run in Fair Trade standards) was launched in 2006 and is continuously expanding its sales and workforce. The team managing the factory aims that they will have 100 tsunami effected full time employees working by the end of the year 2007 .
In August-September 2007, Lana Turner and Celia Attard (two volunteers from KKG) visited the factory in Sri Lanka to inspect and ensure that the project has been setup as described in the project application and that the factory is as fruitful and as described on paper. Below is a short excerpt from Lana and Celia's report of their trip.
"We visited three Fair Trade production centers whilst we were there. First we visited Gospel House Woodbrix – a production plant which produces toys and other wooden artifacts. The employees work under Fair Trade conditions and we were impressed by the safety measures taken at this plant to protect their members from certain health hazards. Next organization we visited was the Siyath Foundation, another production center which produces twine, rope and carpets. Unlike Gospel House most of the workers here were women and though the work seemed tough to do they all seemed to enjoy doing it and with such skill. Siyath Foundation also engages in political lobbying, for example organizing manifestations against domestic violence and lobby for the materialization of the 8 Millenium Development Goals.
As part of this project with Gospel House, apart from the sewing room and cutting room they were opening a training centre. They said that another 200 women, all tsunami victims, were willing to enroll to undergo training which would enable them to find work. Also on the same factory grounds they built a Montessori kindergarten school. The intention initially had been to keep the workers children close by but as most of the employees were young women with no children yet they were thinking of opening the school for women within the community."
For more info about this KKG project, please visit http://www.l-arka.org/node/82
Information provided by Lana Turner and Celia Attard
The cooperative, through Fair Trade contacts it has in Sri Lanka, managed to secure Lm31,950 (around 75,000 EUR) to help one Fair Trade organization in Sri Lanka re-build the lives of those effected by the disaster. Many lost their livelihood after the disaster and creating secure and sustainable jobs was a top priority for the country. With co-funding from Malta the cooperative Kummerc Gust was able to help create a textile factory which has so far employed 40 people in Fair Trade conditions who were effected by the tsunami. The factory (run in Fair Trade standards) was launched in 2006 and is continuously expanding its sales and workforce. The team managing the factory aims that they will have 100 tsunami effected full time employees working by the end of the year 2007 .
In August-September 2007, Lana Turner and Celia Attard (two volunteers from KKG) visited the factory in Sri Lanka to inspect and ensure that the project has been setup as described in the project application and that the factory is as fruitful and as described on paper. Below is a short excerpt from Lana and Celia's report of their trip.
"We visited three Fair Trade production centers whilst we were there. First we visited Gospel House Woodbrix – a production plant which produces toys and other wooden artifacts. The employees work under Fair Trade conditions and we were impressed by the safety measures taken at this plant to protect their members from certain health hazards. Next organization we visited was the Siyath Foundation, another production center which produces twine, rope and carpets. Unlike Gospel House most of the workers here were women and though the work seemed tough to do they all seemed to enjoy doing it and with such skill. Siyath Foundation also engages in political lobbying, for example organizing manifestations against domestic violence and lobby for the materialization of the 8 Millenium Development Goals.
As part of this project with Gospel House, apart from the sewing room and cutting room they were opening a training centre. They said that another 200 women, all tsunami victims, were willing to enroll to undergo training which would enable them to find work. Also on the same factory grounds they built a Montessori kindergarten school. The intention initially had been to keep the workers children close by but as most of the employees were young women with no children yet they were thinking of opening the school for women within the community."
For more info about this KKG project, please visit http://www.l-arka.org/node/82
Information provided by Lana Turner and Celia Attard
Seminar called for attention for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
In the framework of the forthcoming Slovenian EU presidency (first half of 2008), the seminar “Impact of crises and conflict on sexual and reproductive health and rights; the EU is to act!” was held in Ljubljana, Slovenia on November 22, 2007.
Participants from the Balkan countries made clear, attention for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) had been severely neglected during the war, post-conflict and in the current democratisation process. Despite an enormous rise in gender based violence and high risk sexual behaviour during and post crises and conflict, SRHR issues in these high risk areas are neglected all over the world. Combined with the absence of basic health services and reproductive health supplies this leads to an increase of unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, difficult pregnancies and high risk deliveries, transmissions of STIs and HIV&AIDS and psychological problems in such situations.
Participants made clear to the Slovenian presidency of the EU what the priorities should be; in short the main points in humanitarian aid, post conflict and in the development phase:
- Make SRH a priority; Provide SRH services and reproductive health supplies; and Ensure sufficient funding
- DG ECHO and its partners, other EU funding mechanisms and the Member States should follow up and act along internationally agreed guidelines and standards (MISP, SPHERE, Gender-based Violence in Humanitarian Settings, gender equality and empowerment);
- Prepare an action plan on basis of the Humanitarian Aid Consensus and include SRH services;
- Make progress in combating violence an indicator in the EC assessment of the governance of third countries (the so-called governance profile).
Please read the full text and all recommendations on
http://www.sloga-platform.org/attachments/20071127_Final_Recommendations__2pages.pdf
This seminar was organised by Slovene Philanthropy, Association for Promotion of Voluntary Work; IPPF European Network and World Population Foundation (WPF) (both members of Countdown 2015 Europe) in collaboration with SLOGA (Slovene platform of non-governmental development organisations) and Division for International Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Assistance at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For more information you can contact Yvonne Bogaarts of WPF at y.bogaarts@wpf.org , or Dunja Obersnel Kveder of Slovene Philanthropy at Dunja.obersnel.kveder@siol.com
Information provided by Yvonne Bogaarts, WPF
Participants from the Balkan countries made clear, attention for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) had been severely neglected during the war, post-conflict and in the current democratisation process. Despite an enormous rise in gender based violence and high risk sexual behaviour during and post crises and conflict, SRHR issues in these high risk areas are neglected all over the world. Combined with the absence of basic health services and reproductive health supplies this leads to an increase of unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, difficult pregnancies and high risk deliveries, transmissions of STIs and HIV&AIDS and psychological problems in such situations.
Participants made clear to the Slovenian presidency of the EU what the priorities should be; in short the main points in humanitarian aid, post conflict and in the development phase:
- Make SRH a priority; Provide SRH services and reproductive health supplies; and Ensure sufficient funding
- DG ECHO and its partners, other EU funding mechanisms and the Member States should follow up and act along internationally agreed guidelines and standards (MISP, SPHERE, Gender-based Violence in Humanitarian Settings, gender equality and empowerment);
- Prepare an action plan on basis of the Humanitarian Aid Consensus and include SRH services;
- Make progress in combating violence an indicator in the EC assessment of the governance of third countries (the so-called governance profile).
Please read the full text and all recommendations on
http://www.sloga-platform.org/attachments/20071127_Final_Recommendations__2pages.pdf
This seminar was organised by Slovene Philanthropy, Association for Promotion of Voluntary Work; IPPF European Network and World Population Foundation (WPF) (both members of Countdown 2015 Europe) in collaboration with SLOGA (Slovene platform of non-governmental development organisations) and Division for International Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Assistance at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For more information you can contact Yvonne Bogaarts of WPF at y.bogaarts@wpf.org , or Dunja Obersnel Kveder of Slovene Philanthropy at Dunja.obersnel.kveder@siol.com
Information provided by Yvonne Bogaarts, WPF
Portuguese presidency: Civil society recommendations for Europe-Africa relations
The Portuguese presidency over the EU comes to an end, and its zenith was the EU-Africa summit held in Lisbon from the 7th to the 9th of December.
Just before the summit of the European and African Heads of State and Government, a Civil Society forum took place in Lisbon from the 15th to the 17th of November. Over 100 civil society representatives from Europe and Africa came to express the shared vision of partnership of the two continents. The priorities for the Portuguese presidency that the Portuguese NGDO platform chose in this context were addressed at the Civil Society Forum – Trade & Development, Governance, Migration & Development, Cooperation & Partnership.
As the final outcome of the Forum came a proactive political declaration that concerned the relations between Africa and Europe and this declaration was presented and received with great success at the EU-Africa summit on the 9th of December.
The declaration was especially well received at the African side and Alpha Konare, the Chair of the African Union Commission quoted it and praised the role civil society played at the summit. The lack of power equilibrium and the negative impact of Economic Partnership agreements, both issues addressed in the Declaration, were emphasised by the African delegates.
For more information and further reading, turn to the following websites/documents:
Article on the website of the Portuguese NGDO presidency project:
http://www.dialogoeuropafrica.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=63&lang=en
Declaration of the Civil Society Forum:
http://www.dialogoeuropafrica.org/images/docs/Declaracao_politica_en.pdf
The Manifesto of the Portuguese NGDO presidency project:
http://www.dialogoeuropafrica.org/pdf/Manifesto_en.pdf
Article on the Civil Society Forum in the November CONCORD Flash:
http://www.concordeurope.org/Files/media/internetdocumentsENG/4_Publications/1_CONCORD_Flash/Flash%202007/November-Flash-EN.pdf
Information provided by Mirko Dautovic, TRIALOG intern
Just before the summit of the European and African Heads of State and Government, a Civil Society forum took place in Lisbon from the 15th to the 17th of November. Over 100 civil society representatives from Europe and Africa came to express the shared vision of partnership of the two continents. The priorities for the Portuguese presidency that the Portuguese NGDO platform chose in this context were addressed at the Civil Society Forum – Trade & Development, Governance, Migration & Development, Cooperation & Partnership.
As the final outcome of the Forum came a proactive political declaration that concerned the relations between Africa and Europe and this declaration was presented and received with great success at the EU-Africa summit on the 9th of December.
The declaration was especially well received at the African side and Alpha Konare, the Chair of the African Union Commission quoted it and praised the role civil society played at the summit. The lack of power equilibrium and the negative impact of Economic Partnership agreements, both issues addressed in the Declaration, were emphasised by the African delegates.
For more information and further reading, turn to the following websites/documents:
Article on the website of the Portuguese NGDO presidency project:
http://www.dialogoeuropafrica.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=63&lang=en
Declaration of the Civil Society Forum:
http://www.dialogoeuropafrica.org/images/docs/Declaracao_politica_en.pdf
The Manifesto of the Portuguese NGDO presidency project:
http://www.dialogoeuropafrica.org/pdf/Manifesto_en.pdf
Article on the Civil Society Forum in the November CONCORD Flash:
http://www.concordeurope.org/Files/media/internetdocumentsENG/4_Publications/1_CONCORD_Flash/Flash%202007/November-Flash-EN.pdf
Information provided by Mirko Dautovic, TRIALOG intern
Polish ODA meeting in November
The Polish national platform of development NGOs, the Zagranica group, teamed up with the Polish Green Network in November, to bring together key players and discuss development policy in the region.
The cross-sectoral meeting, Development Assistance – our common responsibility, gathered key players in the four Visegrad countries (V4: the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia) and covered three main themes.
Development Policy Coherence
The Zagranica group has just published a report on Polish development policy (see link below), with a focus on coherence, so this is a very relevant topic. A representative of the Polish MFA talked about how coherence relates to internal policy just as much as donor-recipient coherence, and noted how priorities can have an effect (such as security concerns being valued more highly than development issues). A Polish Green Network representative talked about the importance of development being sustainable, as well as interconnections between issues being recognised. The discussion that followed highlighted issues of incoherence in several countries. The Czech Republic for example has 9 ministries involved in ODA, and coordination between donors is variable.
Priorities
The V4 countries have many overlapping priorities. A second representative from the Polish MFA described how priorities are set, taking into consideration commitments Poland has signed up to, and the capacity Polish actors have on the ground. The Polish institutional view was complemented by a representative from the Czech MFA, who informed participants that a new development agency would be created in 2008. There is a strong NGO community in the Czech Republic as MFA cofinancing complements that from the EU and funding for NGOs is therefore almost guaranteed. A representative from the Slovak Agency of Development Cooperation gave an overview of the situation in Slovakia, where the national platform is part of a group that is writing the new law. She talked about the need for ODA to be made attractive to the media and general public.
These viewpoints were added to by representatives of Slovak and Hungarian NGOs, where concerns included priorities focused on infrastructure and the dominance of business partners in Slovakia. The discussion that followed covered the difficulty of the situation faced by a number of NMS, where economic growth has meant that the ODA percentage commitments countries agreed to, now refer to larger sums of money, and are increasingly difficult to meet.
Development Policy 2007-2013
The third section of the meeting started with presentations from the Global Development Research Group, and representatives from beneficiary countries – the West Ukrainian Centre ‘Women’s Perspectives’ and the development of small towns of Tajikistan ‘Vatanam’. The research group would like to bring a programme-based approach to Poland, instead of the current project-based approach. The two beneficiaries underlined the importance of European ODA and noted that sharing expertise could be just as valuable as financial aid.
The discussion that followed focused on the issue of treating beneficiaries as partners rather than subordinates.
Information provided by Rebecca Steel, TRIALOG Policy Officer
Download the report on Polish development policy, published by the Zagranica group: http://www.trialog.or.at/images/doku/polish_oda_report.pdf
More information:
The Zagranica Group: http://www.zagranica.org.pl/
The Polish Green Network: http://www.zielonasiec.pl/
The cross-sectoral meeting, Development Assistance – our common responsibility, gathered key players in the four Visegrad countries (V4: the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia) and covered three main themes.
Development Policy Coherence
The Zagranica group has just published a report on Polish development policy (see link below), with a focus on coherence, so this is a very relevant topic. A representative of the Polish MFA talked about how coherence relates to internal policy just as much as donor-recipient coherence, and noted how priorities can have an effect (such as security concerns being valued more highly than development issues). A Polish Green Network representative talked about the importance of development being sustainable, as well as interconnections between issues being recognised. The discussion that followed highlighted issues of incoherence in several countries. The Czech Republic for example has 9 ministries involved in ODA, and coordination between donors is variable.
Priorities
The V4 countries have many overlapping priorities. A second representative from the Polish MFA described how priorities are set, taking into consideration commitments Poland has signed up to, and the capacity Polish actors have on the ground. The Polish institutional view was complemented by a representative from the Czech MFA, who informed participants that a new development agency would be created in 2008. There is a strong NGO community in the Czech Republic as MFA cofinancing complements that from the EU and funding for NGOs is therefore almost guaranteed. A representative from the Slovak Agency of Development Cooperation gave an overview of the situation in Slovakia, where the national platform is part of a group that is writing the new law. She talked about the need for ODA to be made attractive to the media and general public.
These viewpoints were added to by representatives of Slovak and Hungarian NGOs, where concerns included priorities focused on infrastructure and the dominance of business partners in Slovakia. The discussion that followed covered the difficulty of the situation faced by a number of NMS, where economic growth has meant that the ODA percentage commitments countries agreed to, now refer to larger sums of money, and are increasingly difficult to meet.
Development Policy 2007-2013
The third section of the meeting started with presentations from the Global Development Research Group, and representatives from beneficiary countries – the West Ukrainian Centre ‘Women’s Perspectives’ and the development of small towns of Tajikistan ‘Vatanam’. The research group would like to bring a programme-based approach to Poland, instead of the current project-based approach. The two beneficiaries underlined the importance of European ODA and noted that sharing expertise could be just as valuable as financial aid.
The discussion that followed focused on the issue of treating beneficiaries as partners rather than subordinates.
Information provided by Rebecca Steel, TRIALOG Policy Officer
Download the report on Polish development policy, published by the Zagranica group: http://www.trialog.or.at/images/doku/polish_oda_report.pdf
More information:
The Zagranica Group: http://www.zagranica.org.pl/
The Polish Green Network: http://www.zielonasiec.pl/
New NGO portal of platforms all over the world
In 2005, national NGO platforms in Brazil, Chile, India, France and Senegal decided to join together to reinforce the position of their platforms. At that point, France was already part of the European NGO Confederation for Relief and Development CONCORD, but since coming together, the platforms have worked to create regional structures in Latin America, and have launched the creation of similar structures in Africa and Asia.
One initiative that has come from this cooperation is a portal of National NGO Platforms, which gives access to information about platforms all over the world.
By clicking on a section of the world map on the welcome page, visitors to the portal are taken to a more detailed map of that continent. It is then possible to explore the continent, and the name of each platform is given by hovering over the map with the mouse. After clicking on a particular country, visitors are taken to a page that is divided into two– a presentation of the platform, and more detailed information of that platform’s history, and experiences. Contact details are also provided for platform coordinators.
The portal is a very exciting tool, which should continue to evolve as more information is added, helping to bring platforms across continents, and around the world, closer together.
More information is available on the portal itself: http://www.ngo-ong.org
Get involved! If you see that information for your platform is missing, contribute to the website and fill the gaps. Contributions to the website can also be directed to secretariat@concordeurope.org
Information provided by Rebecca Steel, TRIALOG Policy Officer
One initiative that has come from this cooperation is a portal of National NGO Platforms, which gives access to information about platforms all over the world.
By clicking on a section of the world map on the welcome page, visitors to the portal are taken to a more detailed map of that continent. It is then possible to explore the continent, and the name of each platform is given by hovering over the map with the mouse. After clicking on a particular country, visitors are taken to a page that is divided into two– a presentation of the platform, and more detailed information of that platform’s history, and experiences. Contact details are also provided for platform coordinators.
The portal is a very exciting tool, which should continue to evolve as more information is added, helping to bring platforms across continents, and around the world, closer together.
More information is available on the portal itself: http://www.ngo-ong.org
Get involved! If you see that information for your platform is missing, contribute to the website and fill the gaps. Contributions to the website can also be directed to secretariat@concordeurope.org
Information provided by Rebecca Steel, TRIALOG Policy Officer
GLEN - Moderation and Facilitation Seminar in Latvia
At the beginning of November GLEN (Global Education Network of Young Europeans) organized a (TRIALOG-co-financed) seminar in Raiskums, Latvia, where 25 participants from seven countries were invited to work on their moderation and facilitation skills. The seminar was carried out by the Polish-German trainers tandem Soete Klien and Kasia Szeniawska.
One of the first tasks was to clarify the differences in-between facilitation, moderation, leading and teaching for everybody. Afterwards, topics such as group process and visualization were discussed, tried out and analyzed. During the focus groups one could get hints of how to work longtime with a group of activists, more detailed information about moderation or e-learning as a facilitation tool in global education. Moreover, after one session the group was taken “backstage” by the facilitators and talked about how the just finished session was planned. To get even more experience in this field one entire bloc was dedicated to “seminar planning”.
In the end, the floor was given to the participants. In small groups from two up to four people a short exercise was prepared and facilitated for the whole group. The “safe learning space” could especially during the facilitation practice be used by every participant to get from the “comfort zone” into the “stretching zone” in order to learn and improve ones skills. Giving and receiving feedback was also part of the exercise. Finally, the four days seminar gave as well the opportunity for sharing experience in different facilitation practices, networking and getting to know each other better within the GLEN network of global educators.
Information provided by Christina Plank, INEX-SDA (CZ), participant of the seminar
Find more information on: http://www.glen-europe.org/
One of the first tasks was to clarify the differences in-between facilitation, moderation, leading and teaching for everybody. Afterwards, topics such as group process and visualization were discussed, tried out and analyzed. During the focus groups one could get hints of how to work longtime with a group of activists, more detailed information about moderation or e-learning as a facilitation tool in global education. Moreover, after one session the group was taken “backstage” by the facilitators and talked about how the just finished session was planned. To get even more experience in this field one entire bloc was dedicated to “seminar planning”.
In the end, the floor was given to the participants. In small groups from two up to four people a short exercise was prepared and facilitated for the whole group. The “safe learning space” could especially during the facilitation practice be used by every participant to get from the “comfort zone” into the “stretching zone” in order to learn and improve ones skills. Giving and receiving feedback was also part of the exercise. Finally, the four days seminar gave as well the opportunity for sharing experience in different facilitation practices, networking and getting to know each other better within the GLEN network of global educators.
Information provided by Christina Plank, INEX-SDA (CZ), participant of the seminar
Find more information on: http://www.glen-europe.org/
Thursday, 20 December 2007
Seminar on ODA reporting and monitoring in Slovenia
The international seminar on “ODA reporting and monitoring” was organized in Ljubljana on November 19-20, 2007, by the Slovenian NGDO platform SLOGA in cooperation with Concord, TRIALOG and the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the OECD.
The seminar was designed as a capacity building event for non governmental representatives and governmental officials from different new EU member states (NMS). It was attended by 22 participants from NGOs and governments from 6 NMS countries (Bulgaria, Latvia, Slovakia, Estonia, Czech Republic, Slovenia), from the French NGDO platform and a DAC representative. Additionally, 3 NGDO platforms (Hungary, Poland, Malta) sent their written presentations about ODA reporting in their countries.
During the Slovenian EU presidency, SLOGA and its member organisations are going to assist in the implementation of the European NGDO agenda and will focus also on EU aid effectiveness (a conference is planned for April 2-3, 2008, together with Concord and the French NGDO platform). In this sense the recent ODA seminar was an excellent opportunity for networking among NMS. Development NGDO platforms in NMS are relatively new and have neither established a strategic partnership, nor strengthened dialogue with governmental institutions regarding ODA monitoring and reporting. Therefore, there is the need for NGDOs from NMS to closely work together in the field of capacity building and information sharing in order to be competent to establish a strategic partnership.
The main aspects of ODA covered at the seminar were on the nature of ODA and its evolution, the rules and criteria of the DAC; case studies from NMS (examples/practice); NGO critique of ODA (aid inflating); the pressures ODA is coming under (inclusion of more security spending, climate spending not being additional, etc.); the means to monitor it (Aid Watch Report, Evaluation systems), problems in monitoring (sources, documents, collecting of data at the level of line ministries etc.) as well as experiences from previous Aid Watch Reports and a debate on common methodology of reporting for the next CONCORD Aid Watch Report.
Representatives from six NGO platforms at the end of the seminar came to the conclusion that the main challenge in the past was that the timeframe of the Aid Watch report (information gathering in March or April) was not feasible in most of the NMS. Suggestions were made to include in the next CONCORD Aid Watch report a separate overview of main issues relevant to NMS. The participants identified the need for further training on the topic of Aid Watch that would address concrete problems with ODA monitoring and reporting.
Information provided by Ales Kranjc Kuslan (Ekvilib), Coordinator SLOGA Working Group on ODA monitoring and aid effectiveness, and Anja Mesic, SLOGA
Download the 2007 CONCORD Aid Watch report from:
http://www.trialog.or.at/images/doku/hold_the_applause.final.pdf
Find a summary of the report, in the TRIALOG bulletin 2007:
http://www.trialog.or.at/images/doku/trialog_bulletin_2007_6.pdf
Read more on the NGDO project for the Slovenian Presidency 2008 at:
http://www.trialog.or.at/images/doku/trialog_bulletin_2007_3.pdf
SLOGA website: http://www.sloga-platform.org/
The seminar was designed as a capacity building event for non governmental representatives and governmental officials from different new EU member states (NMS). It was attended by 22 participants from NGOs and governments from 6 NMS countries (Bulgaria, Latvia, Slovakia, Estonia, Czech Republic, Slovenia), from the French NGDO platform and a DAC representative. Additionally, 3 NGDO platforms (Hungary, Poland, Malta) sent their written presentations about ODA reporting in their countries.
During the Slovenian EU presidency, SLOGA and its member organisations are going to assist in the implementation of the European NGDO agenda and will focus also on EU aid effectiveness (a conference is planned for April 2-3, 2008, together with Concord and the French NGDO platform). In this sense the recent ODA seminar was an excellent opportunity for networking among NMS. Development NGDO platforms in NMS are relatively new and have neither established a strategic partnership, nor strengthened dialogue with governmental institutions regarding ODA monitoring and reporting. Therefore, there is the need for NGDOs from NMS to closely work together in the field of capacity building and information sharing in order to be competent to establish a strategic partnership.
The main aspects of ODA covered at the seminar were on the nature of ODA and its evolution, the rules and criteria of the DAC; case studies from NMS (examples/practice); NGO critique of ODA (aid inflating); the pressures ODA is coming under (inclusion of more security spending, climate spending not being additional, etc.); the means to monitor it (Aid Watch Report, Evaluation systems), problems in monitoring (sources, documents, collecting of data at the level of line ministries etc.) as well as experiences from previous Aid Watch Reports and a debate on common methodology of reporting for the next CONCORD Aid Watch Report.
Representatives from six NGO platforms at the end of the seminar came to the conclusion that the main challenge in the past was that the timeframe of the Aid Watch report (information gathering in March or April) was not feasible in most of the NMS. Suggestions were made to include in the next CONCORD Aid Watch report a separate overview of main issues relevant to NMS. The participants identified the need for further training on the topic of Aid Watch that would address concrete problems with ODA monitoring and reporting.
Information provided by Ales Kranjc Kuslan (Ekvilib), Coordinator SLOGA Working Group on ODA monitoring and aid effectiveness, and Anja Mesic, SLOGA
Download the 2007 CONCORD Aid Watch report from:
http://www.trialog.or.at/images/doku/hold_the_applause.final.pdf
Find a summary of the report, in the TRIALOG bulletin 2007:
http://www.trialog.or.at/images/doku/trialog_bulletin_2007_6.pdf
Read more on the NGDO project for the Slovenian Presidency 2008 at:
http://www.trialog.or.at/images/doku/trialog_bulletin_2007_3.pdf
SLOGA website: http://www.sloga-platform.org/
New deadline for the Development Youth Prize
Please note that the new deadline for the Development Youth Prize will be 31 March 2008.
The portal of the Development Youth Prize 2007 (DYP) has been launched and is open for submissions. The DYP is supported by the European Commission, DG DEV, and organised by European Schoolnet. It is the second round of this European school competition.
The focus this year is on sustainable development in Africa. Pupils from all 27 EU Member States at the age 16- 18 can submit posters or multimedia presentations on three themes:
climate change water and energy sustainable tourism
The portal of the Development Youth Prize 2007 (DYP) has been launched and is open for submissions. The DYP is supported by the European Commission, DG DEV, and organised by European Schoolnet. It is the second round of this European school competition.
The focus this year is on sustainable development in Africa. Pupils from all 27 EU Member States at the age 16- 18 can submit posters or multimedia presentations on three themes:
The creative vision of young people shall help raise awareness among fellow pupils, teachers, families and others. The winners, runners-up and their teachers will be invited to a two-day stay in Brussels. This includes the prize-giving ceremony where the national winners and runners-up will be awarded. The winners and their teachers will again be invited to follow Commissioner Louis Michel on one of his missions to an African country next year to witness European development assistance at work. They will visit development cooperation projects working in the education sector, including relevant initiatives from the EU Member States as well as the Commission.
The deadline for submissions has been extended to 31 March 2008. Pupils can submit on the portal or sent the original artwork to the DYP office. Find the address on the portal in the submission form. After the deadline the evaluation will take place in two rounds in which the national winner and runner-up per country will be selected.
The DYP website is: http://www.dyp2007.org/ In case of any further questions or comments, please contact Sylvia Binger, European Schoolnet, at: sylvia.binger@eun.org
Seminar on Time Management for staff of NGDO platforms
On the 4th and 5th of December 2007 TRIALOG organized a time management seminar in Vienna - for staff of NGDO platforms from new EU member states.
The first day was on the methodology of the "Theatre of the Oppressed" (according to Agosto Boal) coming from Brazil. The theory behind that theatre is to show, that the changed role of only one person ("the oppressed") within a specific daily scene is changing the situation as a whole. For the seminar, the theatre pedagogue from the Austrian Sog Theatre, Margarethe Meixner, used the topic of stress and frustration due to overload.
The second day, led by Petra Kreinecker, TRIALOG capacity building officer, focused on practical tools for banishing so called "time thieves". The issue of prioritisation and planning the daily activities as well as making mid and long term plans in a written form, concerned all participants - organizing methods have the overall aim and potential to free more time through proper organization.
Information provided by Mirko Dautovic, TRIALOG intern, and Petra Kreinecker, TRIALOG Capacity Building Officer
The first day was on the methodology of the "Theatre of the Oppressed" (according to Agosto Boal) coming from Brazil. The theory behind that theatre is to show, that the changed role of only one person ("the oppressed") within a specific daily scene is changing the situation as a whole. For the seminar, the theatre pedagogue from the Austrian Sog Theatre, Margarethe Meixner, used the topic of stress and frustration due to overload.
The second day, led by Petra Kreinecker, TRIALOG capacity building officer, focused on practical tools for banishing so called "time thieves". The issue of prioritisation and planning the daily activities as well as making mid and long term plans in a written form, concerned all participants - organizing methods have the overall aim and potential to free more time through proper organization.
Information provided by Mirko Dautovic, TRIALOG intern, and Petra Kreinecker, TRIALOG Capacity Building Officer
Round table discussion in Lithuania
The round table discussion on „Lithuanian development cooperation. Role of NGO‘s and participation of our society“ took place in Druskininkai on December 13-14, 2007. The meeting was initiated by the Development Cooperation and Democracy Promotion Department of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in cooperation with member organizations of the Lithuanian NGDO platform.
There were several important issues discussed during this meeting: the evaluation of the results of the 2007 development cooperation (DC) program, the guidelines of development cooperation action for 2008, the role of NGOs in the implementation of the DC policy and the role of the Lithuanian NGDO platform. The subject of information and education of the Lithuanian society concerning DC was also widely discussed.
Lina Kalibataite, board member of the Lithuanian NGDO platform, reports: "The seminar was useful and important to both sides – the representatives of NGOs and the MFA. It was for the first time that we all together discussed the Lithuanian DC policy implementation, ways and possibilities and shared our ideas and concerns. We got to know each other better which is very important for the further success of our cooperation. As representatives of NGOs we noted the interest of MFA officials in our ideas and work and the willingness to cooperate. We all have agreed that these kinds of seminars are useful and necessary for both sides."
Information provided by Lina Kalibataite, Lithuanian NGDO platform/Lithuanian Kolping society, lina@kolping.lt
There were several important issues discussed during this meeting: the evaluation of the results of the 2007 development cooperation (DC) program, the guidelines of development cooperation action for 2008, the role of NGOs in the implementation of the DC policy and the role of the Lithuanian NGDO platform. The subject of information and education of the Lithuanian society concerning DC was also widely discussed.
Lina Kalibataite, board member of the Lithuanian NGDO platform, reports: "The seminar was useful and important to both sides – the representatives of NGOs and the MFA. It was for the first time that we all together discussed the Lithuanian DC policy implementation, ways and possibilities and shared our ideas and concerns. We got to know each other better which is very important for the further success of our cooperation. As representatives of NGOs we noted the interest of MFA officials in our ideas and work and the willingness to cooperate. We all have agreed that these kinds of seminars are useful and necessary for both sides."
Information provided by Lina Kalibataite, Lithuanian NGDO platform/Lithuanian Kolping society, lina@kolping.lt
First Fairtrade week in Estonia
A Fairtrade week – a well established tradition in most consumer societies – was initiated for the first time in Estonia in 12-18 November, 2007. A thematic week was organized by the Estonian Green Movemement, an NGO which actively advocates responsible consumption and sustainable ways of life, and acts as a focal point for Fairtrade activities in Estonia.
Retail activities focused on tastings and a lottery which awarded the winner with Oke Fairtrade fruits in the amount of the winner's weight! The central activities and media attention was on the special guests from Tanzania, Finland and the Netherlands. A fairtrade coffee farmer Mr. John Kanjagaile, representing 60 000 coffee farmers at the coast of Lake Victoria, was met by the Foreign Affairs C
ommittee chair at Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) calling for the Members of Parliament to follow the steps of the European Parliament and the Nordic counterparts to switch to Fairtrade coffee and tea.
Retail activities focused on tastings and a lottery which awarded the winner with Oke Fairtrade fruits in the amount of the winner's weight! The central activities and media attention was on the special guests from Tanzania, Finland and the Netherlands. A fairtrade coffee farmer Mr. John Kanjagaile, representing 60 000 coffee farmers at the coast of Lake Victoria, was met by the Foreign Affairs C
ommittee chair at Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) calling for the Members of Parliament to follow the steps of the European Parliament and the Nordic counterparts to switch to Fairtrade coffee and tea. Photo: Mr. John Kanjagaile of Kagera Cooperatives Union of Tanzania at the opening of a photo exhibiton presenting Fairtrade coffee to Mr. Peeter Müürsepp, Rector of Audentes International University on November 14, 2007.
The Estonian Chamber of Commerce hosted a morning coffee and discussion with Fairtrade gurus such as Mr. Erkki Toivanen, Fairtrade Goodwill Ambassador in Finland, Mrs. Ilona Hofstra of Max Havelaar Netherlands and Mr. Jeroen Kroezen of Agrofair fruit company. The event which attracted a wide audience of retailers, enterprises, media and NGOs was supported by the Royal Dutch Embassy in Tallinn, Association for Promoting Fairtrade in Finland and the Estonian Foreign Policy Institute. 
Photo: Mr. Erkki Toivanen, Fairtrade Goodwill Ambassador of Finland and a retired BBC journalist talks at the seminar: "Fairtrade - following the Dutch Example" in Tallinn during the Fairtrade week on November 15, 2007.
A special title “Fairtrade Friend” was awarded to Open Estonia Foundation as the first organization using Fairtrade products in its office and events, and for its committed support of global justice issues. A photo exhibition on the life of Fairtrade farmers in Nicaragua was displayed in Audentes International University, which continues to be shown in various public locations next year. Fairtrade week is planned annually in the fall.
For more information, please see http://www.fairtrade.ee/ or contact: Riina Kuusik, Fairtrade project manager, at: info@fairtrade.ee
DEEEP: Development Education Times
The latest newsletter of the Development Education Exchange in Europe Project (DEEEP) is available for download at:
http://www.deeep.org/english/news/de_times/2times5/DE_times_December_2007.pdf
DEEEP is a 3-year project initiated by the Development Education Forum of CONCORD. It aims to strengthen capacities of NGDOs to raise awareness, educate and mobilise the European public for worldwide poverty eradication and social inclusion.
From the newsletter content:
- The European Consensus on Development: the Contribution of Development Education and Awareness Raising launched at EU Development Day
- Towards Stronger and Coherent Development Education in Europe: Next Steps in the Implementation of the Development Education Consensus
- New CONCORD Development Education Forum position paper launched
- Development Education Summer School 2008
- many other issues...
Information provided by Chiara Tripepi, DEEEP Information Officer, c.tripepi@deeep.org
http://www.deeep.org/english/news/de_times/2times5/DE_times_December_2007.pdf
DEEEP is a 3-year project initiated by the Development Education Forum of CONCORD. It aims to strengthen capacities of NGDOs to raise awareness, educate and mobilise the European public for worldwide poverty eradication and social inclusion.
From the newsletter content:
- The European Consensus on Development: the Contribution of Development Education and Awareness Raising launched at EU Development Day
- Towards Stronger and Coherent Development Education in Europe: Next Steps in the Implementation of the Development Education Consensus
- New CONCORD Development Education Forum position paper launched
- Development Education Summer School 2008
- many other issues...
Information provided by Chiara Tripepi, DEEEP Information Officer, c.tripepi@deeep.org
Latest CONCORD Flash - November
In November there was dialogue all around: at the Development Days, at the ACP-EU joint parliamentary assembly and with DG Development and DG Trade. CONCORD dialogued intensively with the institutions and other sectors of civil society, such as environmental NGOs. The impact of climate change, development education, consulting the South and the economic partnership agreements were all central issues.
Read more about CONCORD in Action and many other topics in the November CONCORD Flash. Download it from:
http://www.concordeurope.org/Public/Page.php?ID=1186&language=eng
Read more about CONCORD in Action and many other topics in the November CONCORD Flash. Download it from:
http://www.concordeurope.org/Public/Page.php?ID=1186&language=eng
New issue of "Development and Transition" on Gender in Transition
"Development and Transition" is a joint publication of UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) and LSE (London School of Economics). It focuses on the nature, evolution and challenges of development and transition in Central and Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and also Turkey.
The newsletter is published three times per year (in English and Russian) and the latest issue published in December 2007 deals with Gender in Transition. It provides a variety of viewpoints and analysis from researchers and practitioners.
Download the December newsletter: http://www.developmentandtransition.net/uploads/issuesAttachments/20/D&T_8%20ENG%20FINAL.pdf
Subscribe to the Newsletter at:
http://www.developmentandtransition.net/index.cfm?module=mailing&page=MailingSubscribeForm
Visit the Development and Transition homepage: http://www.developmentandtransition.net/index.cfm
The newsletter is published three times per year (in English and Russian) and the latest issue published in December 2007 deals with Gender in Transition. It provides a variety of viewpoints and analysis from researchers and practitioners.
Download the December newsletter: http://www.developmentandtransition.net/uploads/issuesAttachments/20/D&T_8%20ENG%20FINAL.pdf
Subscribe to the Newsletter at:
http://www.developmentandtransition.net/index.cfm?module=mailing&page=MailingSubscribeForm
Visit the Development and Transition homepage: http://www.developmentandtransition.net/index.cfm
WIDE publication: Gender mapping EU policy and decision-making
The new WIDE publication “Who decides – Gender mapping the European Union’s policy and decision-making in the areas of development, external relations and trade” written by Maria Karadenizli, provides an analysis of the role that the key EU institutions play in the definition of policy priorities in the areas of development, external relations and trade.
Aspects of development programmes in the countries of the South are closely examined as are the EU’s gender equality strategy in the area of development, the EU relations with ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States) countries under the Cotonou Agreement and the relations with the South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India.
This research is aimed at constituting a reference work for people interested in the EU gender-trade-development nexus. It will give you more information on the EU’s increased focus on economic issues, migration and security at the expense of poverty eradication and social development objectives, one of which is gender equality.
The study is available at http://62.149.193.10/wide/download/WHO%20DECIDES%20def.pdf?id=547 and a paper copy can be ordered from the WIDE website: http://www.wide-network.org/.
On the website you can also find a number of other WIDE’s latest publications, including their November 2007 newsletter (http://62.149.193.10/wide/download/2007_News_10.pdf?id=551) and the brochure on the implications of EU-India trade negotiations for social justice (http://www.wide-network.org/index.jsp?id=325).
Information provided by Mirko Dautovic, TRIALOG intern
Aspects of development programmes in the countries of the South are closely examined as are the EU’s gender equality strategy in the area of development, the EU relations with ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States) countries under the Cotonou Agreement and the relations with the South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India.
This research is aimed at constituting a reference work for people interested in the EU gender-trade-development nexus. It will give you more information on the EU’s increased focus on economic issues, migration and security at the expense of poverty eradication and social development objectives, one of which is gender equality.
The study is available at http://62.149.193.10/wide/download/WHO%20DECIDES%20def.pdf?id=547 and a paper copy can be ordered from the WIDE website: http://www.wide-network.org/.
On the website you can also find a number of other WIDE’s latest publications, including their November 2007 newsletter (http://62.149.193.10/wide/download/2007_News_10.pdf?id=551) and the brochure on the implications of EU-India trade negotiations for social justice (http://www.wide-network.org/index.jsp?id=325).
Information provided by Mirko Dautovic, TRIALOG intern
February 1-3, 2008: European Fair Trade Fair
Equi’Sol, with its European and French partners, is inviting you to the first European Fair Trade fair on 1, 2 and 3 February 2008 in Lyon (France). An opportunity to meet, exchange, discover and present Fair Trade products in a 4000 square meters exhibition hall, with participants from all over Europe!
The fair proposes a rich and diverse programme aimed at professionals; for half of the time, it will also be opened to the broad public.
Find all news and details about the European Fair Trade fair on:
http://www.salon-europeen-commerce-equitable.org/-EUROPEAN-FAIRTRADE-FAIR-.html
The fair proposes a rich and diverse programme aimed at professionals; for half of the time, it will also be opened to the broad public.
Find all news and details about the European Fair Trade fair on:
http://www.salon-europeen-commerce-equitable.org/-EUROPEAN-FAIRTRADE-FAIR-.html
February 19-20, 2008: TRIALOG Central Training, Brno
The TRIALOG Central Training is a seminar for NGDO platforms from new EU member states (NMS) and accession/candidate countries.
The 2008 Central Training will take place in Brno (Czech Republic) on February 19 and 20, 2008. It will start on Tuesday, 19th, at 9 a.m. and finish on Wednesday, 20th, in the early afternoon (around 4 p.m.).
The main topic will be on Public Awareness Raising and Development Education. Additionally, we would like to devote time to the "European Consensus on Development" and here especially to the question "how to implement the written strategy in the NMS countries?". There will also be time for exchange between the platforms on specific questions.
TRIALOG would like to invite 3-5 representatives of each NMS platform and 1-2 participants from each of the three candidate countries Turkey, Croatia and Macedonia.
We would like to ask the NMS NGDO platforms to suggest the participants by sending the application form(s) below by Friday, January 4th, 2008 to TRIALOG capacity building officer Petra Kreinecker at p.kreinecker@trialog.or.at. NGO representatives from the three candidate countries can also apply by sending the application form to Petra by the same date.
Application form:
http://www.trialog.or.at/images/doku/application_ct_brno.doc
If your application is approved by TRIALOG, please make sure to read the documents below, check cheap flight options to both Vienna and to Prague as Brno is easily accessible from both cities. Further logistical information will be circulated to you in January.
TRIALOG Reimbursement Scheme
http://www.trialog.or.at/images/doku/trialog_reimbursement_scheme_april07.pdf
Travel Expense Claim Form
http://www.trialog.or.at/images/doku/Travel_Expense_Form_inclReport.doc
For more information please contact TRIALOG Capacity Building Officer Petra Kreinecker: p.kreinecker@trialog.or.at
The 2008 Central Training will take place in Brno (Czech Republic) on February 19 and 20, 2008. It will start on Tuesday, 19th, at 9 a.m. and finish on Wednesday, 20th, in the early afternoon (around 4 p.m.).
The main topic will be on Public Awareness Raising and Development Education. Additionally, we would like to devote time to the "European Consensus on Development" and here especially to the question "how to implement the written strategy in the NMS countries?". There will also be time for exchange between the platforms on specific questions.
TRIALOG would like to invite 3-5 representatives of each NMS platform and 1-2 participants from each of the three candidate countries Turkey, Croatia and Macedonia.
We would like to ask the NMS NGDO platforms to suggest the participants by sending the application form(s) below by Friday, January 4th, 2008 to TRIALOG capacity building officer Petra Kreinecker at p.kreinecker@trialog.or.at. NGO representatives from the three candidate countries can also apply by sending the application form to Petra by the same date.
Application form:
http://www.trialog.or.at/images/doku/application_ct_brno.doc
If your application is approved by TRIALOG, please make sure to read the documents below, check cheap flight options to both Vienna and to Prague as Brno is easily accessible from both cities. Further logistical information will be circulated to you in January.
TRIALOG Reimbursement Scheme
http://www.trialog.or.at/images/doku/trialog_reimbursement_scheme_april07.pdf
Travel Expense Claim Form
http://www.trialog.or.at/images/doku/Travel_Expense_Form_inclReport.doc
For more information please contact TRIALOG Capacity Building Officer Petra Kreinecker: p.kreinecker@trialog.or.at
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
