News from the Czech NGDO Platform FoRS

In March and April, two major events were organized by and for members of FoRS-Czech Forum for Development Cooperation. On March 7, 2013 the working group of FoRS “Global Development Education” (GDE) met in order to share experience from evaluations of projects in the field of GDE. Moreover, the participants learned about planned activities and ongoing processes within the platform and possibilities to get involved. They also shared news in the field of Czech Official Development Cooperation and GDE at the Czech and European level. A workshop on the quality in the field of GDE was proposed for May 13 (details explained below) as part of the next meeting of this working group.

On April 2, 2013 FoRS hosted a regular monthly event called Development Coffee that provides some space for discussion on a specific topic related to development cooperation, previously chosen by the participants. This time it was networking. After introductory views provided by the director of FoRS and representatives from Amnesty International and the Czech Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) and FoRS member SADBA, the participants discussed both the benefits of networks for their members and the weaknesses, as well as the future of Czech development cooperation and the role of Czech NGOs. Further information about the session is available on the website of Development Coffee http://developmentcoffee.org

In the picture: Participants of the Development Coffee

FoRS is also planning the following events:


o Seminar “How can economic growth work for development of developing countries” (April 17, 2013)
The seminar, organized by FoRS in cooperation with Platform of Business in International Development Cooperation, is addressed to representatives of NGOs, academia and the private sector working in the field of international development cooperation and global development education. The aim of this event is to show the actual ways of financing of sustainable economic development activities in developing countries and to discuss the possibilities for cooperation between Czech NGOs and companies in projects leading to sustainable development.
Contact person: Adéla Stiborová (adela.stiborova@fors.cz)

o Workshop on the quality in the field of global development education (May 13, 2013)
The workshop is organized by the working group of FoRS “Global Development Education” aiming to discuss, with the support of an international expert, the quality in the field of GDE in the Czech Republic. The outcome of the discussions will serve as basis of a toolkit for NGOs that plan to prepare materials in the field of GDE. This discussion will continue in an international meeting in Austria in September 2013.

o Conference “Czech Development Cooperation at the Crossroads: What is the contribution of Development Cooperation for the Czech Republic in the global context?” (May 14, 2013)
The main aim of the conference, organized by FoRS, is to share views among different actors on the role of the Czech development cooperation, global development education and public awareness raising in the global context. It will also show a complex view on various challenges on the global level which influence the Czech Republic and Czech actors involved in international development. The conference is addressed to representatives of NGOs, ministries, Czech Development Agency, academia, private sector and for everyone interested in the topic.
Contact person: Adéla Stiborová (adela.stiborova@fors.cz)

o Workshop “Development Day of FoRS” (May 15, 2013)
The workshop is designed primarily for members of FoRS in order to provide them with space where they can discuss topics such as cooperation with the private sector, governmental financial support vs. independence of NGOs, responsibility for impacts of own activities and their sustainability, and effective communication and public relations strategies.
Contact person: Adéla Stiborová (adela.stiborova@fors.cz)

Information provided by Marie Zázvorková, FoRS