TRIALOG entered its current phase on the 1st of October 2012 and the team is extremely motivated to continue the work in the frame of the new project.
In this phase, the TRIALOG team will grow and for the first time, include liaison officers in all EU13 development CSO platforms. The people are currently being recruited and will gather for a first coordination and strategy meeting in December 2012. In the meantime, the platform coordinators of almost all EU13 platforms met for a planning meeting with TRIALOG during the recent European Development Days 2012.
In the TRIALOG office in Vienna we welcome Pilar Lendl as Project Assistant. She will support the team with her administrative and organisational skills. She holds a degree in Spanish philology and comparative Literature, worked for film events and brings in experience as Spanish trainer. You can contact her at: office@trialog.or.at.
Information provided by Elisa Romero, TRIALOG
Friday, 19 October 2012
TRIALOG at the EDDs 2012
TRIALOG supported the participation of representatives from nearly all of the EU13 platforms in this year’s European Development Days 2012 (EDDs) in Brussels on 16 and 17 October.
The event was organised across three sub-themes: sustainable agriculture, food security and resilience; the private sector and development and empowering people for inclusive growth. CONCORD and many of its members were involved in a variety of events, including two events co-organised by the Cypriot Island-wide platform CYINDEP. Cyprus currently holds the EU presidency.
One of the CONCORD events was a continuation of the efforts of the confederation to designate 2015 as the European year of development. The idea, which was born in Latvia, has received backing from many of the European institutions and speakers from the European Parliament, European Committee of the Regions and Commissioner Piebalgs’ cabinet, among others, gave their opinions on the importance of designating this year. The audience was then asked for their input on five key questions relating to the success of the year, which can also be found on the EESC website.
As well as taking part in the official agenda, TRIALOG director Christine Bedoya and liaison officer Rebecca Steel-Jasińska also took the opportunity to arrange a side meeting with representatives of the EU13 platforms to discuss TRIALOG V, the current project phase, which started at the beginning of October.
Links Videos and photos from the different sessions are available on the European Development Days website: www.eudevdays.eu
More information about 2015 as the European Year of development is available on the European Economic and Social Committee website: www.eesc.europa.eu/european-year-2015
Information provided by Rebecca Steel-Jasińska, TRIALOG
The event was organised across three sub-themes: sustainable agriculture, food security and resilience; the private sector and development and empowering people for inclusive growth. CONCORD and many of its members were involved in a variety of events, including two events co-organised by the Cypriot Island-wide platform CYINDEP. Cyprus currently holds the EU presidency.
One of the CONCORD events was a continuation of the efforts of the confederation to designate 2015 as the European year of development. The idea, which was born in Latvia, has received backing from many of the European institutions and speakers from the European Parliament, European Committee of the Regions and Commissioner Piebalgs’ cabinet, among others, gave their opinions on the importance of designating this year. The audience was then asked for their input on five key questions relating to the success of the year, which can also be found on the EESC website.
As well as taking part in the official agenda, TRIALOG director Christine Bedoya and liaison officer Rebecca Steel-Jasińska also took the opportunity to arrange a side meeting with representatives of the EU13 platforms to discuss TRIALOG V, the current project phase, which started at the beginning of October.
Links Videos and photos from the different sessions are available on the European Development Days website: www.eudevdays.eu
More information about 2015 as the European Year of development is available on the European Economic and Social Committee website: www.eesc.europa.eu/european-year-2015
Information provided by Rebecca Steel-Jasińska, TRIALOG
TRIALOG Job Vacancy: Junior Policy Officer
TRIALOG is currently looking for a full time Junior Liaison Officer based in Brussels, starting on 10 December 2012.The position will last for a total of six months.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities:
Assisting the liaison officer with tasks related to supporting liaison officers in the EU13 platforms: o ensuring their active engagement in CONCORD working groups;
o undertaking research to contribute to policy digest papers;
o providing a contact point for queries and requests for assistance.
Completing a six-month project, to be defined in cooperation with the successful candidate.
Supporting the liaison officer with the logistical and content preparation necessary for the study visit to Brussels, planned for June 2013.
Carrying out other office support tasks as and when necessary, including attending and reporting back from relevant meetings, supporting the preparation necessary for the upcoming office move and some administrative tasks.
Participating in TRIALOG events in other European countries if and when appropriate
Requirements:
Recent graduate in a subject related to International Development, European Affairs or similar.
Familiarity with development cooperation, aid policy, the neighbourhood and pre-accession regions and Brussels-based advocacy work.
Interest in the newer member states of the EU.
Strong work ethic and willingness to play an active role in a small international team.
Excellent communication skills and fluency in English. Knowledge of French and other European languages is an asset.
Applicants must have the right to live and work in Belgium. EU13 applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. The gross salary is 722 Euro per month according to the Belgian Convention d’immersion professionnelle contract.
Please send your CV and covering letter to Rebecca Steel-Jasińska, TRIALOG Liaison Officer, trialog@concordeurope.org by 29 October 2012.
Download the job vacancy (pdf) here.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities:
Assisting the liaison officer with tasks related to supporting liaison officers in the EU13 platforms: o ensuring their active engagement in CONCORD working groups;
o undertaking research to contribute to policy digest papers;
o providing a contact point for queries and requests for assistance.
Completing a six-month project, to be defined in cooperation with the successful candidate.
Supporting the liaison officer with the logistical and content preparation necessary for the study visit to Brussels, planned for June 2013.
Carrying out other office support tasks as and when necessary, including attending and reporting back from relevant meetings, supporting the preparation necessary for the upcoming office move and some administrative tasks.
Participating in TRIALOG events in other European countries if and when appropriate
Requirements:
Recent graduate in a subject related to International Development, European Affairs or similar.
Familiarity with development cooperation, aid policy, the neighbourhood and pre-accession regions and Brussels-based advocacy work.
Interest in the newer member states of the EU.
Strong work ethic and willingness to play an active role in a small international team.
Excellent communication skills and fluency in English. Knowledge of French and other European languages is an asset.
Applicants must have the right to live and work in Belgium. EU13 applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. The gross salary is 722 Euro per month according to the Belgian Convention d’immersion professionnelle contract.
Please send your CV and covering letter to Rebecca Steel-Jasińska, TRIALOG Liaison Officer, trialog@concordeurope.org by 29 October 2012.
Download the job vacancy (pdf) here.
Slovenian Development Days 2012
Slovenian NGDO platform for development cooperation and humanitarian aid – SLOGA and the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised on October 4th and 5th 2012 the fourth edition of the Slovenian Development Days.
The two-day event in Ljubljana, titled “International Development Cooperation: 2015 and Looking Ahead”, attracted approximately 200 participants and was opened by the foreign minister of Slovenia Karl Erjavec.
The programme consisted of four panels, which covered the most current aspects and issues of development cooperation, on national and international level:
The implementation of Slovenian development goals and the way forward;
follow-up of Rio+20;
migration & development and
public-private partnership & development cooperation.
At the end of the first day there was also a Partnership Fair on the topic of migration & development, which continued with the informal gathering for all the participants of Slovenian Development Days (both activities were organised by The Peace Institute). On the second day a workshop on EU-project tenders took place.
The programme ended with a Development Cooperation Fair at Prešeren Square in Ljubljana, where 16 Slovenian NGOs presented their work in the field of development cooperation, humanitarian aid and migration.
With such a success this year, the organisers are already looking forward to next year's Slovenian Development Days.
In the picture: Development Cooperation Fair at Prešeren Square in Ljubljana.
Information provided by Iva Likar, SLOGA
The two-day event in Ljubljana, titled “International Development Cooperation: 2015 and Looking Ahead”, attracted approximately 200 participants and was opened by the foreign minister of Slovenia Karl Erjavec.
The programme consisted of four panels, which covered the most current aspects and issues of development cooperation, on national and international level:
The implementation of Slovenian development goals and the way forward;
follow-up of Rio+20;
migration & development and
public-private partnership & development cooperation. At the end of the first day there was also a Partnership Fair on the topic of migration & development, which continued with the informal gathering for all the participants of Slovenian Development Days (both activities were organised by The Peace Institute). On the second day a workshop on EU-project tenders took place.
The programme ended with a Development Cooperation Fair at Prešeren Square in Ljubljana, where 16 Slovenian NGOs presented their work in the field of development cooperation, humanitarian aid and migration.
With such a success this year, the organisers are already looking forward to next year's Slovenian Development Days.
In the picture: Development Cooperation Fair at Prešeren Square in Ljubljana.
Information provided by Iva Likar, SLOGA
Joint Advocacy Seminar for V4 Platforms and Slovenia
On 11-12th September 2012, the Czech NGDO platform FoRS organized a workshop aimed to improve the advocacy skills of representatives of national platforms of the Visegrad countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia) and Slovenia both on the national and on the EU level (focused on the use of the CONCORD Aidwatch report).
The workshop was supported by CONCORD.
The first day was lectured by Ondřej Kopečný from the Prague Global Institute – Glopolis. The key approaches to designing a successful advocacy strategy were analyzed, including the inter-linkage between the EU development policy and the national level of policy-making related to development. At one of the sessions, a representative of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Milan Konrád was present to comment on the advocacy activities of NGDOs and provide some insight from the side of the Ministry.
On the second day, Ester Asin from Care International presented the current advocacy cases led by CONCORD on the level of the EU and facilitated a discussion about the joint advocacy actions within CONCORD and the available tools, especially the CONCORD Aidwatch report. The participants then took the floor to discuss examples of good practices and the challenges and conditions for advocacy in their respective countries.
The workshop was seen as a convenient forum for the national NGDO platforms to share their views and experience, improve their practical advocacy skills and find space for possible joint actions in the future.
In the picture: Ondřej Kopečný from the Prague Global Institute – Glopolis
Information provided by Zuzana Dudová FoRS - Czech Forum for Development Cooperation
The workshop was supported by CONCORD.
The first day was lectured by Ondřej Kopečný from the Prague Global Institute – Glopolis. The key approaches to designing a successful advocacy strategy were analyzed, including the inter-linkage between the EU development policy and the national level of policy-making related to development. At one of the sessions, a representative of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Milan Konrád was present to comment on the advocacy activities of NGDOs and provide some insight from the side of the Ministry.
On the second day, Ester Asin from Care International presented the current advocacy cases led by CONCORD on the level of the EU and facilitated a discussion about the joint advocacy actions within CONCORD and the available tools, especially the CONCORD Aidwatch report. The participants then took the floor to discuss examples of good practices and the challenges and conditions for advocacy in their respective countries.
The workshop was seen as a convenient forum for the national NGDO platforms to share their views and experience, improve their practical advocacy skills and find space for possible joint actions in the future.
In the picture: Ondřej Kopečný from the Prague Global Institute – Glopolis
Information provided by Zuzana Dudová FoRS - Czech Forum for Development Cooperation
First National Meeting for Development Education in Bulgaria
The Bulgarian Platform for International Development (BPID) organized the First national meeting for Development education on 12th and 13th of September 2012. The event was funded in the framework of 3 projects of BPID and its members - ““Strengthening the activities of DEAR working group within BPID”, funded by TRIALIOG, “Getting to know” and “Global education without borders” funded by EC.
Representative from the Ministry of Education, NGOs, members of the platform active in the field of development education, teachers and students participated in the meeting. The first day of the conference had 45 participants and was moderated and led by Nadya Boneva – chair of the DEAR WG within BPID. After the opening ceremony, Holly Ringland, lecturer from the University of Manchester, gave a key note speech titled “Development education as a necessity in the modern school”. Further, Lilia Krasteva presented the definitions and principles in the development education and the global education. Liuba Batembergska presented the global education within school curriculum on Bulgarian school, including its opportunities and challenges. Further, Nadya Boneva presented the Development education practices in the EU and the work of the DARE forum within CONCORD. Teachers from partnering schools presented some of the good practices in development education already implemented at schools. Finally, the round table was concluded with discussion for the place of development education in the Bulgarian school.
The brochure “International development cooperation” and the policy paper “Development education in Bulgaria - opportunities and needs, main concepts and best practices”, were disseminated among the participants. The summaries of these papers in English can be found on the website of the platform.
The program of the second day gathered 69 people in 5 organized seminars. The first workshop before noon was titled “Children participation – children empowering as their natural right – why do we need this?” which was meant to show the need of involving children directly in different initiatives both within and outside school activities. The second workshop before noon was dedicated on introducing the Model United Nations and how this game can be used at schools. The third workshop was directed at the young participants of the meeting, and was titles “Beyond the boundaries”. The aim of the third workshop was to discuss the importance of putting and removing boundaries, both geographical and emotional and how this affects out daily life.
The remaining two workshops were held after the lunch break. The first one was named “With hands and a heart around the world”. It was aimed at introducing ways to teachers and educators for presenting their students with sensitive topics, such as social justice, multicultural communication, and sustainable development. The second one was called “Environmental education and regional approach towards preserving the nature”, which presented the newest study aid for children, prepared by the Regional environmental center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC). Both workshops were aimed at teachers, educators and experts and were held at the same time. The meeting ended with discussion about the learned practices.
The BPID intends to use the material gathered during the two days for drafting a memorandum with the Ministry of Education on the DEAR policy in Bulgaria and the need to include it in the Bulgarian education system. Moreover, the platform intends to expand the created network of teachers and practitioners, which will be maintained by the appointed liaison officer within TRIALOG V.
Finally, the First national meeting for Development education sets the beginning of activities, which the platform intends to undertake, including monthly meeting of the DEAR working group as well as organizing of a second national meeting on development education during the next year.
Information provided by Rositsa Boneva Coordinator of DEAR working group of BPID
Representative from the Ministry of Education, NGOs, members of the platform active in the field of development education, teachers and students participated in the meeting. The first day of the conference had 45 participants and was moderated and led by Nadya Boneva – chair of the DEAR WG within BPID. After the opening ceremony, Holly Ringland, lecturer from the University of Manchester, gave a key note speech titled “Development education as a necessity in the modern school”. Further, Lilia Krasteva presented the definitions and principles in the development education and the global education. Liuba Batembergska presented the global education within school curriculum on Bulgarian school, including its opportunities and challenges. Further, Nadya Boneva presented the Development education practices in the EU and the work of the DARE forum within CONCORD. Teachers from partnering schools presented some of the good practices in development education already implemented at schools. Finally, the round table was concluded with discussion for the place of development education in the Bulgarian school.
The brochure “International development cooperation” and the policy paper “Development education in Bulgaria - opportunities and needs, main concepts and best practices”, were disseminated among the participants. The summaries of these papers in English can be found on the website of the platform.
The program of the second day gathered 69 people in 5 organized seminars. The first workshop before noon was titled “Children participation – children empowering as their natural right – why do we need this?” which was meant to show the need of involving children directly in different initiatives both within and outside school activities. The second workshop before noon was dedicated on introducing the Model United Nations and how this game can be used at schools. The third workshop was directed at the young participants of the meeting, and was titles “Beyond the boundaries”. The aim of the third workshop was to discuss the importance of putting and removing boundaries, both geographical and emotional and how this affects out daily life.
The remaining two workshops were held after the lunch break. The first one was named “With hands and a heart around the world”. It was aimed at introducing ways to teachers and educators for presenting their students with sensitive topics, such as social justice, multicultural communication, and sustainable development. The second one was called “Environmental education and regional approach towards preserving the nature”, which presented the newest study aid for children, prepared by the Regional environmental center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC). Both workshops were aimed at teachers, educators and experts and were held at the same time. The meeting ended with discussion about the learned practices.
The BPID intends to use the material gathered during the two days for drafting a memorandum with the Ministry of Education on the DEAR policy in Bulgaria and the need to include it in the Bulgarian education system. Moreover, the platform intends to expand the created network of teachers and practitioners, which will be maintained by the appointed liaison officer within TRIALOG V.
Finally, the First national meeting for Development education sets the beginning of activities, which the platform intends to undertake, including monthly meeting of the DEAR working group as well as organizing of a second national meeting on development education during the next year.
Information provided by Rositsa Boneva Coordinator of DEAR working group of BPID
Lithuanian NGDOs strengthen their Network and improve Lobbying & Advocacy Capacities
“Lithuanian Umbrella - LU” is the name given to the agreement of joint activities between the National Non-governmental Development Co-operation Organisations Platform (Platform) and Lithuanian Development Education and Awareness Raising Network (LITDEA), which was signed in January 2012. The agreement itself indicates mutual cooperation between the two development NGO bodies.
The upcoming Lithuanian EU Presidency, where joint activities and campaigns are previewed, highlights the need of team building among members of the governing boards in order to strengthen the internal and external communication, to discuss a common “LU“ vision and to plan future activities. Therefore an organisational development workshop was organized with the support of TRIALOG on the 8th of September near Trakai in Lithuania. This team building workshop was designed and lead by an experienced facilitator who individually interviewed the participants prior to the workshop for a better understanding of the structure as well as internal and external activities of the umbrella organisation.
As initially planned the workshop helped to identify LU vision, to set internal communication channels and means, to plan future activities and divide roles as well as responsibilities. The workshop participants confirmed the need of such team building activities and were very satisfied with the results, therefore the format is planned to be conducted in the future.
Also in September, representatives of Lithuanian development NGOs met for a lobbying workshop, organised with the support of TRIALOG in Vilnius. The basis for this capacity building activity was a lack of efficient lobbying and advocacy capacities recognized by Lithuanian development NGOs. The workshop was led by the experienced Lithuanian lobbyist Šarūnas Frolenko who provided training on lobbying and advocacy, goal setting, target audience identification and message formulation. The trainer introduced participants with the best practices as well as necessary competences for engaging in such activities, which are considered crucial before and during the upcoming Lithuanian EU Presidency, and which will definitely allow representatives and members of the Lithuanian Umbrella - LU to engage in the necessary policy development and consultation with the decision-making institutions in Lithuania.
Workshop participants were actively and willingly participating in the practical tasks, which were based on a real situation of development cooperation and development education policy in Lithuania.
For more information, please contact Justė Kelpšaitė at jkelpsaite@gip-global.org.
Information provided by Justė Kelpšaitė, Lithuanian National Platform of Development NGOs
Social Entrepreneurship in Development Cooperation discussed in Vilnius
Lithuanian National non-governmental development cooperation organisations Platform organised the conference “Non-governmental Development Cooperation Organisations: Social Entrepreneurship” on the 7th of September 2012 in Vilnius.
The main goals of the event were to introduce the audience to the concept of social entrepreneurship and practice in relation to development cooperation, as well as to present best practices and discuss whether social entrepreneurship is a long-term solution in development cooperation. A further aim was to present national recommendations on social entrepreneurship which later will be presented to the decision makers on the national level. Presenting social entrepreneurship practice, Mindaugas Danys, director of Lithuanian Social and Economic Development Centre, emphasized that social entrepreneurship can play an important role in development cooperation solving environmental, poverty and other problems, but certain conditions must be created within the country for development of social entrepreneurship initiatives. Representatives of the non-governmental organisations presented their best practices implementing social entrepreneurship activities and the achieved results.
It was noted that Lithuanian NGOs need to get stronger, analyze their own and international practices as well as to change the focus of their activities by encouraging the recipient countries to get more involved in social entrepreneurship initiatives. The conference was attended by 18 Lithuanian experts and practitioners from NDGOs and governmental institutions.
For more information, please contact Justė Kelpšaitė at jkelpsaite@gip-global.org.
Information provided by Justė Kelpšaitė, Lithuanian National Platform of Development NGOs
The main goals of the event were to introduce the audience to the concept of social entrepreneurship and practice in relation to development cooperation, as well as to present best practices and discuss whether social entrepreneurship is a long-term solution in development cooperation. A further aim was to present national recommendations on social entrepreneurship which later will be presented to the decision makers on the national level. Presenting social entrepreneurship practice, Mindaugas Danys, director of Lithuanian Social and Economic Development Centre, emphasized that social entrepreneurship can play an important role in development cooperation solving environmental, poverty and other problems, but certain conditions must be created within the country for development of social entrepreneurship initiatives. Representatives of the non-governmental organisations presented their best practices implementing social entrepreneurship activities and the achieved results.
It was noted that Lithuanian NGOs need to get stronger, analyze their own and international practices as well as to change the focus of their activities by encouraging the recipient countries to get more involved in social entrepreneurship initiatives. The conference was attended by 18 Lithuanian experts and practitioners from NDGOs and governmental institutions.
For more information, please contact Justė Kelpšaitė at jkelpsaite@gip-global.org.
Information provided by Justė Kelpšaitė, Lithuanian National Platform of Development NGOs
When small Steps matter - Pan Baltic Conference on Development Programmes
The international conference on the impact of the Baltic States development programmes in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries provided an exceptional opportunity for the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian development cooperation practitioners to discuss the importance of EaP countries on the EU developmental agenda together with the Commissioner for Development Mr. Andris Piebalgs.The conference was organised by the Lithuanian National Development Cooperation Organisations Platform in cooperation with the Latvian NGDO Platform (LAPAS) and Estonian Roundtable for Development Cooperation (AKÜ) and took place on the 2nd of October 2012 in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Baltic States have the unique transition experience which can and should be shared with other countries in promotion of respect for human rights, emphasized the member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur of the Annual Report on Human Rights in the World 2011, Mr. Leonidas Donskis. He pointed out the importance of education and developing public intellectuals on the road for increasing the respect for human rights.
Representatives from the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian Ministries of Foreign Affairs shared their thoughts on democracy challenges and added value of the development cooperation programmes implemented by the Baltic States. The conference was closed with a workshop sharing best practise projects, discussing how they could be replicated, added value of the transition experience, lessons learned and drafting an outcome document on importance of Human Rights and Democracy in the development cooperation. This conference was organised as a part of the project “Baltic States – Channelling Information for Development” supported by the European Commission, EuropeAid Co-operation Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lithuania.
More information about the event and the outcome document could be requested from the Policy Officer of the Lithuanian NGDO Platform Marta Cubajevaite at: marta.cubajevaite@eesc.lt.
In the pictures: above participants of the conference, below Commissioner for Development Mr. Andris Piebalgs.
Information provided by Marta Cubajevaite, National non-governmental development cooperation organisations Platform, Lithuania
Feminists from across the World debate in Warsaw
Poland's feminist and women's organizations gathered for the 4th Annual Congress of Women held on 14th- 15th of September 2012 in Warsaw, Poland. The Congress, considered to be the biggest feminist event in Europe, was attended by just under 10 000 women, including guests from Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Georgia and Ukraine.
This year event focused on economic issues and problems of women from smaller towns and villages. The range of discussed topics included motherhood, education, business, local government initiatives, violence against women and equal opportunities on the labor market. The representative of KARAT – Aleksandra Solik took part in the Central and Eastern European women’s NGOs round table titled “Women Citizens of Europe Unite!”.
The participants talked about the biggest challenges that women’s and feminist movements in their countries are currently faced with, and strategies and actions that should be undertaken to address these challenges and advance women’s rights in the countries. Aleksandra Solik stressed that Poland does not get involved enough in shaping the politics of EU and that the Polish government is reluctant to use UN’s mechanisms to protect women’s rights.
The Congress formulated 10 postulates including a ratification of the Council of Europe’s Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women, liberalization of the anti-abortion law, institutionalized care for pre-school children, introducing parities and the principle of gender alteration on electoral lists as well as gender quota in managements of public companies.
For more information please contact Aleksandra Solik at: aleksandra.solik@karat.org.pl
Source: KARAT News September 2012
This year event focused on economic issues and problems of women from smaller towns and villages. The range of discussed topics included motherhood, education, business, local government initiatives, violence against women and equal opportunities on the labor market. The representative of KARAT – Aleksandra Solik took part in the Central and Eastern European women’s NGOs round table titled “Women Citizens of Europe Unite!”.
The participants talked about the biggest challenges that women’s and feminist movements in their countries are currently faced with, and strategies and actions that should be undertaken to address these challenges and advance women’s rights in the countries. Aleksandra Solik stressed that Poland does not get involved enough in shaping the politics of EU and that the Polish government is reluctant to use UN’s mechanisms to protect women’s rights.
The Congress formulated 10 postulates including a ratification of the Council of Europe’s Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women, liberalization of the anti-abortion law, institutionalized care for pre-school children, introducing parities and the principle of gender alteration on electoral lists as well as gender quota in managements of public companies.
For more information please contact Aleksandra Solik at: aleksandra.solik@karat.org.pl
Source: KARAT News September 2012
Advocacy Study Visit to Brussels for Balkan CSO Representatives
From 17-19 September 2012, the representatives of 4 CSOs from Western Balkans attended a study visit in Brussels, as a part of the Slovak Balkan Public Policy Fund (SBPPF). SBPPF is a pilot initiative aiming to support young researchers and CSOs to strengthen their advocacy capacities in the EU integration process implemented by Pontis Foundation, Slovakia and BCSDN and financial supported by SlovakAid.
During the visit, each participant took part in a specially designed program for advocacy in order to further develop their advocacy skills , based on a policy paper developed within the grant support. The Consumer Organization of Macedonia, Front 21/42 from Macedonia, CEDEM and the Institute Alternative from Montenegro, were the grantees which participated in the study visit. The programme was envisaged as tailor made meetings with EU officials, organizations and networks that are of benefit for the selected organizations. They all had the opportunity to strengthen the cooperation with EU counterparts and present briefly the findings of their policy papers. The participants met with representatives of DG Enlargement, the European Environmental Bureau, Amnesty International, European Policy Institute and the Slovak Representation to the EC.
A compilation of previously published policy papers is available on the website of BCSDN.
Source: BCSDN E-Mail Alerts nr. 255 from 1/10/2012
During the visit, each participant took part in a specially designed program for advocacy in order to further develop their advocacy skills , based on a policy paper developed within the grant support. The Consumer Organization of Macedonia, Front 21/42 from Macedonia, CEDEM and the Institute Alternative from Montenegro, were the grantees which participated in the study visit. The programme was envisaged as tailor made meetings with EU officials, organizations and networks that are of benefit for the selected organizations. They all had the opportunity to strengthen the cooperation with EU counterparts and present briefly the findings of their policy papers. The participants met with representatives of DG Enlargement, the European Environmental Bureau, Amnesty International, European Policy Institute and the Slovak Representation to the EC.
A compilation of previously published policy papers is available on the website of BCSDN.
Source: BCSDN E-Mail Alerts nr. 255 from 1/10/2012
New Research Project maps Development Actors’ Involvement in New EU Member States
With the participation of nine research institutes and think tanks based in the new EU member states, a EuropeAid funded research project is now advancing its study of the roles and activities of various development actors in new donor countries. Addressing Millennium Development Goal Eight on building global partnerships as well as prominent international declarations on improving aid effectiveness such as the Accra Agenda for Action and the Busan Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation, the project’s point of departure is that involving non-state actors in the planning, implementing and monitoring of development projects is key to their effectiveness.
Focusing on countries that have emerged as donors with their accession to the European Union, the research asks to what extent and in what ways are the private sector and civil society organizations (CSOs) contributing to more efficient strategy-making, constructing new donor networks and establishing sound development practices. Beyond creating extensive databases of private companies and CSOs involved in Official Development Assistance recipient countries, the research draws on a large set of stakeholder interviews, as well as surveys directed at the three subfields of enquiry: actors engaged in Aid for Trade, private companies trading with aid recipient countries, and Non-Governmental Development Organizations (NGDOs) based in the new member states.
Together, the collected information will outline a comprehensive picture of the development sectors of emerging donors, thereby grounding the project’s advocacy aspect: to build networks among and within new member states through which best practices can be exchanged and cooperation patterns between governmental and private and civil society actors can be improved.
Participating research institutions:
Center for Policy Studies (Hungary)
Center for Economic Development (Bulgaria)
Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS (Latvia)
Institute of Public Affairs (Poland)
Institute for Public Policy (Romania)
SLOGA Slovenian NGDO platform
Slovak Foreign Policy Association PRAXIS
Center for Policy Studies (Estonia)
PASOS (Czech Republic)
For more information on the project, click here.
In case your organization has not yet been contacted, but you would like to be involved, please let us know here.
Information provided by Anna Selmeczi, Center for Policy Studies
Focusing on countries that have emerged as donors with their accession to the European Union, the research asks to what extent and in what ways are the private sector and civil society organizations (CSOs) contributing to more efficient strategy-making, constructing new donor networks and establishing sound development practices. Beyond creating extensive databases of private companies and CSOs involved in Official Development Assistance recipient countries, the research draws on a large set of stakeholder interviews, as well as surveys directed at the three subfields of enquiry: actors engaged in Aid for Trade, private companies trading with aid recipient countries, and Non-Governmental Development Organizations (NGDOs) based in the new member states.
Together, the collected information will outline a comprehensive picture of the development sectors of emerging donors, thereby grounding the project’s advocacy aspect: to build networks among and within new member states through which best practices can be exchanged and cooperation patterns between governmental and private and civil society actors can be improved.
Participating research institutions:
Center for Policy Studies (Hungary)
Center for Economic Development (Bulgaria)
Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS (Latvia)
Institute of Public Affairs (Poland)
Institute for Public Policy (Romania)
SLOGA Slovenian NGDO platform
Slovak Foreign Policy Association PRAXIS
Center for Policy Studies (Estonia)
PASOS (Czech Republic)
For more information on the project, click here.
In case your organization has not yet been contacted, but you would like to be involved, please let us know here.
Information provided by Anna Selmeczi, Center for Policy Studies
DEEEP 4 "Empowering Citizens for Global Justice"
The DEEEP saga continues! A fourth phase of the project was approved this summer by the European Commission. This new phase will be lead by Kehys, while Oxfam Italia, Sudwind, Grupa Zagranica and IDEA will be part of the consortium. CONCORD and CIVICUS will be partners of the project.
DEEEP4 aims to contribute to the creation of a global civil society through citizens' empowerment for change by means of DEAR.
For more information contact Rilli Lappalainen.
Information provided by Chiara Tripepi, DEEEP
Global Education Congress in Lisbon
In 2002, diverse stakeholders from civil society, academia, state and international organisations working on global education agreed in Maastricht on a strategy for the promotion and support of global education in Europe until 2015. The Maastricht Declaration established the first framework for improving, through education, public awareness and understanding of global challenges and how to meet them.
Ten years later, the same stakeholders were joined by new actors in the field like local authorities and trade unions, who met to assess achievements made since the Maastricht Declaration and define a plan of action for remaining objectives until 2015.
The Second European Congress on Global Education took place on September 27-28, 2012 in Lisbon and was co-organised by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, the Global Education Network Europe (GENE) and the European NGO Confederation for Relief and Development (CONCORD). The main focus was on Education, Interdependence and Solidarity in a Changing World with the aim to facilitate a dialogue, a learning experience and strengthen political commitment to global education among stakeholders. The guiding themes were: National strategy development and implementation; curricular reform and education at the national and local levels; competence development of educators; quality support and monitoring; campaigning and outreach.
Find more information on the conference website.
Information provided by Christine Bedoya, TRIALOG
Ten years later, the same stakeholders were joined by new actors in the field like local authorities and trade unions, who met to assess achievements made since the Maastricht Declaration and define a plan of action for remaining objectives until 2015.
The Second European Congress on Global Education took place on September 27-28, 2012 in Lisbon and was co-organised by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, the Global Education Network Europe (GENE) and the European NGO Confederation for Relief and Development (CONCORD). The main focus was on Education, Interdependence and Solidarity in a Changing World with the aim to facilitate a dialogue, a learning experience and strengthen political commitment to global education among stakeholders. The guiding themes were: National strategy development and implementation; curricular reform and education at the national and local levels; competence development of educators; quality support and monitoring; campaigning and outreach.
Find more information on the conference website.
Information provided by Christine Bedoya, TRIALOG
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