Conference “Global Development and the EU New Member States – time for a re-launch?”

The conference Global Development and the EU New Member States – time for a re-launch? took place in Warsaw, May 26-28, 2011. The event was jointly organized by the Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH), Global Development Research Group and Warsaw School of Social Sciences and Humanities, in cooperation with UNDP Bratislava Regional Centre, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs and the City of Warsaw (venue contribution).

Key speaker of the conference was professor Jerzy Buzek, President of European Parliament. He gave a lecture „Solidarity for development” in the framework of “Kapuscinski Lecture” series organized by the European Commission and UNDP. Prof. Jerzy Buzek also participated in a panel discussion related to the topic of solidarity for development, community participation and democratisation. Other speakers in the panel were: Mrs. Janina Ochojska (president of PAH), Mr. Krzysztof Stanowski (vice minister for development in MFA), Jens Wendel (Head of UNDP Bratislava Regional Office). The Discussion was moderated by one of top polish journalists – Jacek Żakowski.

During the conference speakers, partner institutions and participants reflected on the role of EU New Member states in the changing context of development cooperation and discussed present and future challenges. Key issues addressed during the conference in discussion panels and key-speeches were: development and global studies experiences in OMS and NMS, global education – multi-stakeholder consensus in Poland, development practice vs development studies, solidarity for development, climate change – road to Durban, aid effectiveness – road to Busan, policy coherence for development, democratization and peace building in North Africa, Millennium Development Goals in practice, Beyond MDGs and Development, development critique within and outside mainstream, de-growth concept.

Approximately 160 representatives of NGO community, academic institutions in Warsaw (students and academics), members of polish parliament and government institutions, journalists, representatives from high schools (esp. teachers and students cooperating with PAH and other development NGOs). The conference was organized by PAH in the framework of the project “Knowledge Makes Change (KMC)! Strong co-operation between NGOs and academics in promoting development among politicians and public”. This project is implemented in cooperation with Foundation Pontis from Slovakia and the NGO Support Center from Cyprus. All materials from the conference will be available online on www.pah.org.pl including video recording of panels and lectures.

Information provided by Aneta Sarna, PAH