The European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI) announces the 2008 prize for excellence in development research. The prize, worth EUR 1 000, will be awarded for an essay on an issue of development studies in any field of the social sciences submitted and written by a postgraduate student from an EADI member country or attending a programme at an institutional member of the Association. Subjects may be chosen from any field of development studies, but an essay will be subject to scrutiny by one of the EADI Working Groups prior to being sent on to the jury.
The Jury for the 2008 EADI Prize for Development Studies will make its decision known in June 2008. The prize winner will be invited to the 12th General Conference of EADI (24-28 June 2008, Geneva) where the award ceremony will take place.
A list of the Working Groups and the submission criteria can be found on:
http://www.eadi.org/detail_page.phtml?&username=guest@eadi.org&password=9999&groups=EADI&workgroup=&page=pages
Articles should be submitted as e-mail attachments in Word format to prize2008@eadi.org
Deadline for entries: March 1, 2008
For more information visite the EADI website: http://www.eadi.org
Information provided by Divna Popov, TRIALOG Intern
Source: http://www.eadi.org/detail_page.phtml?page=eadi_prize_2008
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Monday, 28 January 2008
Latest WIDE newsletter, December 2007
Women in Devepment Europe (WIDE) is a European feminist network of women’s organisations, development NGOs, gender specialists and women’s rights activists. Through the dissemination of research and analysis, WIDE promotes gender equality and social justice.
The latest newsletter of WIDE from December 2007 is available for download at: http://62.149.193.10/wide/download/2007_News_11.pdf?id=561
From the newsletter content:
-WIDE on the road to 2008
-Financing for Development´s Road to Doha
-The case of policy coherence development in the European Development Days
-More news on the Aid Effectiveness process
-JOINT CSO STATEMENT around EU-Africa Summit "betraying Africa", Lisbon, 8-9 December
-CSOs call for a moratorium on EFTA bilateral free trade agreements with developing countries
many other issues…
For more information on WIDE, please turn to: http://wide.gloobal.net/
Information provided by Gea Meijers, Network officer WIDE
The latest newsletter of WIDE from December 2007 is available for download at: http://62.149.193.10/wide/download/2007_News_11.pdf?id=561
From the newsletter content:
-WIDE on the road to 2008
-Financing for Development´s Road to Doha
-The case of policy coherence development in the European Development Days
-More news on the Aid Effectiveness process
-JOINT CSO STATEMENT around EU-Africa Summit "betraying Africa", Lisbon, 8-9 December
-CSOs call for a moratorium on EFTA bilateral free trade agreements with developing countries
many other issues…
For more information on WIDE, please turn to: http://wide.gloobal.net/
Information provided by Gea Meijers, Network officer WIDE
UNICEF Report: Progress for Children
The UNICEF report “Progress for Children: A World Fit for Children Statistical Review” issued on December 10, 2007, analyses progress at global, regional and country levels, and it highlights disparities within populations. This statistical review is structured around the Millennium Development Goals as thay are currently the focus of the world’s development efforts.
UNICEF special edition analyses progress towards the Millennium Development Goals in four priority areas for children: promoting healthy lives, providing a quality education, combating HIV and AIDS, and protecting against abuse, exploitation and violence. The World Fit for Children agenda also includes vital issues for children that not covered by the MDGs.
Progress for Children: “A World Fit for Children: Statistical Review” is the sixth in a series of Progress for Children reports released by UNICEF, since launched in 2004.
Download the full report “Progress for Children: A World Fit for Children Statistical Review”: http://www.unicef.at/fileadmin/medien/pdf/PFC6_FINAL_2_Nov.pdf
Source: oeza aktuell Nr. 87/Jänner 2008
UNICEF special edition analyses progress towards the Millennium Development Goals in four priority areas for children: promoting healthy lives, providing a quality education, combating HIV and AIDS, and protecting against abuse, exploitation and violence. The World Fit for Children agenda also includes vital issues for children that not covered by the MDGs.
Progress for Children: “A World Fit for Children: Statistical Review” is the sixth in a series of Progress for Children reports released by UNICEF, since launched in 2004.
Download the full report “Progress for Children: A World Fit for Children Statistical Review”: http://www.unicef.at/fileadmin/medien/pdf/PFC6_FINAL_2_Nov.pdf
Source: oeza aktuell Nr. 87/Jänner 2008
Friday, 21 December 2007
TRIALOG study on development cooperation in Estonia
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.
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.
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
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