CONCORD Special Event on Identity

‘We are all CONCORD’, the ‘Octopus’, ‘A common position of Development NGO’s’…CONCORD can mean different things to different people, depending on their relationship and involvement in CONCORDs work as the special event on CONCORD identity showed on 9 November in Brussels. Participants from right across Europe gathered to discuss how to shape a clearer identity for CONCORD, as part of the first major event on the topic. Members were given an informative overview by President Justin Kilcullen of how CONCORD was set up in 2003 and the challenges faced from establishing a new organization from the origins of the old NGO Liaison committee. Consultant Florian Eisele moderated the event. He outlined that every organisation has a brand, an identity, a perception about what it is and this ultimately has effects on the strength of advocacy relations with other stakeholders. The CONCORD Board leading several workshops and open discussions amongst members. Workshops discussed CONCORDs relationships with other stakeholders and CSO’s, it’s core identity and its relationship with members. There was a general sense that CONCORD identity can improve, and that a special taskforce could be set up to follow on with discussions. More information will follow with a detailed report of the meeting soon. A big thank you to all participants for open and fruitful discussions. For any specific information contact: communication@concordeurope.org

Information provided by Daniel Puglisi, CONCORD