Friday, 26 June 2015
News from the Polish NGDO Platform Grupa Zagranica
Poland no longer includes spending on refugees in their ODA
Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided not to include spending on refugees in Poland in the Official Development Aid reported for 2013. For years this has been an advocacy objective of Grupa Zagranica, the Polish NGDO platform. CONCORD’s yearly AidWatch report counts in-donor country refugee costs, together with debt relief, interest on loans, tied aid and in-donor country spending on students, as inflated aid. Poland and Ireland are the only two OECD DAC member countries that did not report in-donor spending on refugees as ODA in 2013. In-country refugee spending amounted to less than 2% of Polish ODA in 2011 and 2012. Nevertheless, Grupa Zagranica sees this decision as a success and congratulates Polish MFA on the progressive step in their ODA reporting.
PCD in Polish Impact Assessment Guidelines
Every official regulation in Poland needs to be analysed in terms of its potential impact on economy, society and environment before being submitted to the parliament for debate and enactment. Impact Assessment is a common practice in EU countries, further encouraged and supported through the ‘Better Regulation 2015’ programme. The recent update of the Impact Assessment (IA) guidelines opened an opportunity for the integration of policy coherence for development (PCD) approach in the Polish legislative process. Following a focused advocacy action of Grupa Zagranica the new guidelines include a question relating to the potential “impact on social and economic development of priority countries of Polish development cooperation”. Grupa Zagranica plans further activities aiming at supporting the implementation of this element of the IA guidelines.
For more information, please contact Kasia Szeniawska, Policy Officer at Grupa Zagranica.
Sources: For ODA http://goo.gl/FkTmdt and PCD http://goo.gl/sdv7be
News from the Czech NGO Platform FoRS
FoRS-Czech Forum for Development Co-operation has recently organized a couple of events for its members as well as other entities. The first one -workshop on private fundraising- was supported by TRIALOG and was organized in cooperation with Czech Fundraising Center on May 12 – 13. FoRS members learned advantages and disadvantages of corporate fundraising, different forms of support from private companies as well as the necessary steps to suceed in establishing long-term cooperation with these entities. There was also space for discussion about possible ways of cooperation in fundraising, especially from individual donors, within the platform FoRS.
The following two events were supported by DEEEP4 EC grants. The workshop „How to jointly promote changes: advocacy workshop not only for development education and awareness raising“ (May 21, 2015) was organized for FoRS members and their partners to help DEAR practitioners to enhance their own policy and advocacy capacities. The participants could better understand the importance of advocacy and its relation to their own work and learn how to effectivelly plan and carry out advocacy activities related to NGOs´ topics from concrete examples of good advocacy practice of Czech NGOs. They could also discuss opportunities for joint advocacy work at the regional and national level as well as what to do in case of limited capacities for advocacy work. The outcomes of the discussions about the joint advocacy work were recorded and will be used for the following work of the FoRS Working Group gathering the DEAR practitioners.
The national seminar „Vision for Education: Open Gate for Debate“ (June 4, 2015) was held within the European Sustainable Development Week and its participants from NGOs, academia, public administration and businesses could discuss a recent open document - vision for education for our common future. It was prepared by a working group of representatives of NGOs, universities and other entities in the context of the finalization of the Sustainable Development Goals as well as current debates on reforms of the Czech educational system. According to this document, in a interconnected and rapidly changing world it is increasingly evident that education does not only mean preparation for a concrete profession, but should also provide young people with skills, which would help them live a successful life and at the same time will contribute to sustainable development of the society as a whole. Thanks to this event the discussion with the business representatives has been started and some of them have also expressed their willingness to participate more in the further process associated with the promotion and implementation of the vision.
Photos are available here.
Information provided by Marie Zázvorková, FoRS Liaison Officer
The following two events were supported by DEEEP4 EC grants. The workshop „How to jointly promote changes: advocacy workshop not only for development education and awareness raising“ (May 21, 2015) was organized for FoRS members and their partners to help DEAR practitioners to enhance their own policy and advocacy capacities. The participants could better understand the importance of advocacy and its relation to their own work and learn how to effectivelly plan and carry out advocacy activities related to NGOs´ topics from concrete examples of good advocacy practice of Czech NGOs. They could also discuss opportunities for joint advocacy work at the regional and national level as well as what to do in case of limited capacities for advocacy work. The outcomes of the discussions about the joint advocacy work were recorded and will be used for the following work of the FoRS Working Group gathering the DEAR practitioners.
The national seminar „Vision for Education: Open Gate for Debate“ (June 4, 2015) was held within the European Sustainable Development Week and its participants from NGOs, academia, public administration and businesses could discuss a recent open document - vision for education for our common future. It was prepared by a working group of representatives of NGOs, universities and other entities in the context of the finalization of the Sustainable Development Goals as well as current debates on reforms of the Czech educational system. According to this document, in a interconnected and rapidly changing world it is increasingly evident that education does not only mean preparation for a concrete profession, but should also provide young people with skills, which would help them live a successful life and at the same time will contribute to sustainable development of the society as a whole. Thanks to this event the discussion with the business representatives has been started and some of them have also expressed their willingness to participate more in the further process associated with the promotion and implementation of the vision.
Photos are available here.
Information provided by Marie Zázvorková, FoRS Liaison Officer
First Annual Assembly of the Croatian Platform CROSOL
On 22nd of May 2015, CROSOL Platform held its first annual assembly in Zagreb.Present were 17 members, 16 full members and 1 observatory member. Two members changed their membership status from observatory to full: OBRIS and Autonomous Women's house Zagreb. The assembly voted on a new statute that will improve the work of the Platform and its bodies. The Platform also welcomes five new members: ADRA, M.A.R.E., Institute for Development of Education, MIRamiDa Centre, Odraz and Zivi Atelje Dajhl Kralj.
In the photo: participants of the annual assembly of CROSOL.
Information provided by Ela Narandja, CROSOL
CIDSE echoes the Pope’s Call for Global Solidarity
The work carried out so far by many civil society organisations to fight for justice was not unnoticed by the Pope, who wrote: “We cannot fail to praise the commitment of international agencies and civil society organisations which draw public attention to these issues and offer critical cooperation, employing legitimate means of pressure”. The encyclical also reinforces the spirit of transformation and “rethinking development” that runs through CIDSE’s work: based on St Francis’ understanding of the creation as our common home, the text makes a call for a transformational change that allows all human beings to live in dignity and that requires responsibility to be taken up at all levels: internationally, locally and individually.
CIDSE will further discuss and analyse the messages of the encyclical during the conference: ‘People and Planet First: the Imperative to Change Course’ taking place in Rome on 2-3 July 2015. The conference will bring together Church leaders, Decision Makers, Scientists as well as a wide range of representatives of Catholic and civil society organisations from different regions of the world.
Read the CIDSE Press Release here and find more information on the conference here.
TRIALOG lead agency HORIZONT3000 is part of the of CIDSE network through the Austrian member organisations KOO.
Source: www.cidse.org
Czech NGOs assess their implementation of CSO development effectiveness principles
Since 2011, Czech NGOs associated in the platform FoRS carry out an annual self-assessment based on FoRS Code on Effectiveness. The number of participating organizations is increasing – this year it reached 33 NGOs (77 % of the membership) and FoRS secretariat. FoRS members assessed their performance in 5 areas linked to the 8 Istanbul Principles for CSO Development Effectiveness: Grassroots Knowledge, Transparency and Accountability, Partnership, Respect to Human Rights and Gender Equality and Accountability for Impacts and their Sustainability. On average, 94 % responses were positive –Absolutely yes or Mostly yes (on a 4-point scale).
In addition, FoRS self-assessment questionnaire both inspired a similar self-assesment process of the CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) and got inspired by this latter offering its members to share concrete examples of good practice, challenges and lessons learnt. The whole self-assessment process is a very valuable moment for NGO reflection, it facilitates exchange and learning. FoRS will use its outcomes to design capacity building activities for its members to support them to improve their practices.
Contact persons: Marie Zázvorková (marie.zazvorkova@fors.cz) and Adéla Stiborová (adela.stiborova@fors.cz)
Information provided by Marie Zázvorková, FoRS Liaison Officer
In addition, FoRS self-assessment questionnaire both inspired a similar self-assesment process of the CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) and got inspired by this latter offering its members to share concrete examples of good practice, challenges and lessons learnt. The whole self-assessment process is a very valuable moment for NGO reflection, it facilitates exchange and learning. FoRS will use its outcomes to design capacity building activities for its members to support them to improve their practices.
Contact persons: Marie Zázvorková (marie.zazvorkova@fors.cz) and Adéla Stiborová (adela.stiborova@fors.cz)
Information provided by Marie Zázvorková, FoRS Liaison Officer
2015 Annual Conference of the Czech Evaluation Society (CES)
In June 2015 the fifth year of the Conference was held. Czech evaluation society has been organizing the conference together with Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University in Prague and since 2011 has become the most important evaluation event in the Czech Republic. Each year more than 100 participants attend approx. 15 lectures of the Czech and foreign speakers, carefully selected by the Conference Steering Committee; this year 110 participants took part at the Conference.Usually the opportunities, prospects and alternative routes of future development of evaluations are discussed; recently the presentations on improving the utilization of evaluation reports or applicability of Capability Approach were given. Substantial attention is also paid to evaluation methodology and its advances. That is why the current contributions focused among others on outcome mapping and harvesting and behavioral approaches in evaluations. Further on, new methods and techniques in evaluation like e.g. most significant change technique or photovoice strategy were appreciated by the participants.
There were also other activities related with the CES Annual Conference. First, it was the poster session for those who wanted to present the case-study or evaluation that used unique design or inquiry that might inspire others. Another activity was the “bookstore” when it was possible to obtain actual evaluation literature, e.g. on impact evaluations or on local development initiatives. Furthermore, recent issues of the Czech peer-reviewed journal on evaluations (Evaluation Theory and Practice) were available. Satisfaction survey conducted among participants, shows that 93 % were overall satisfied (50 % very satisfied) whereas most of the participants expressed their satisfaction with professional level of the lecturers (96 %) and significance of the lectures (93 %). Response-rate in this inquiry achieved 49 %.
About Czech evaluation society (CES)
CES is a non-profit, non-governmental and independent organization staffed only by volunteers without any paid employees. The main goal of CES is to associate individuals and institutions interested in evaluations. Members of CES are driven by their concern in building evaluation capacities within the Czech Republic, in increasing awareness about evaluations among relevant target groups, in improving reputation of evaluations as well as in advancing professional skills of practitioners and commissioners. CES represents the platform supporting cooperation with international associations and networks of evaluators, especially with NESE (Network of European Evaluation Societies), IDEAS (International Development Evaluation Association) and FoRS (Czech Forum for Development Co-operation).
Contact person: Jiri Remr (remr@czecheval.cz)
Photo from the conference.
Information provided by Jiri Remr, President of the Czech Evaluation Society
Norms over Forms: Civil Society Development in the Enlargement Process
On 4th June, 2015, the Balkan Civil Society Development Network BCSDN organized a debate at the European Parliament to present the state in which civil society operates in Western Balkans and Turkey, and how the accession process can promote a more enabling environment for its development.
The debate “Norms over Forms: Empowering Civil Society in the Western Balkans and Turkey” was hosted by Ms. Ulrike Lunacek, Vice-President of the European Parliament (The Greens/EFA) and co-chaired by Ms. Venera Hajrullahu BCSDN’s Board Chair both speaking about the value and importance of the civil society for the reform and accession processes in the Enlargement countries. Following the presentation of the regional state of play, as presented in the Monitoring Matrix Regional Report for 2014, representatives of BCSDN member organizations discussed the specific challenges faced in each country.
The debate finished with a strong message delivered by Ms. Lunacek, who stated that governments should not see civil society as opponent, but rather as ally, whose criticism can improve their work, strengthen the democracy and support the accession process.
More information here.
Source: Balkan Civil Society Development Network, Email Alerts No. 319
The debate “Norms over Forms: Empowering Civil Society in the Western Balkans and Turkey” was hosted by Ms. Ulrike Lunacek, Vice-President of the European Parliament (The Greens/EFA) and co-chaired by Ms. Venera Hajrullahu BCSDN’s Board Chair both speaking about the value and importance of the civil society for the reform and accession processes in the Enlargement countries. Following the presentation of the regional state of play, as presented in the Monitoring Matrix Regional Report for 2014, representatives of BCSDN member organizations discussed the specific challenges faced in each country.
The debate finished with a strong message delivered by Ms. Lunacek, who stated that governments should not see civil society as opponent, but rather as ally, whose criticism can improve their work, strengthen the democracy and support the accession process.
More information here.
Source: Balkan Civil Society Development Network, Email Alerts No. 319
Civil Society in the Balkans Calls for More Inclusion in the Accession Process
At the 5th Civil Society Western Balkans Forum of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on 2nd and 3rd June, 2015, in Belgrade, participants acknowledged that despite some challenges, the perspective of EU accession will have significant impact on the Western Balkans.
This was underlined during four thematic sessions of discussions with representatives of CSOs from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia. Social partners and CSOs are essential partners in improving transparency and inclusiveness in the EU accession process. Participants therefore called on governments and EU institutions to strengthen the dialogue with CSOs and to improve access to information.
The Forum ended with the adoption of a final declaration which will be forwarded to the national authorities in the region, the European Parliament, the European Council and other institutions.
More information is available here.
Source: Balkan Civil Society Development Network, Email Alerts No 319
This was underlined during four thematic sessions of discussions with representatives of CSOs from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia. Social partners and CSOs are essential partners in improving transparency and inclusiveness in the EU accession process. Participants therefore called on governments and EU institutions to strengthen the dialogue with CSOs and to improve access to information.
The Forum ended with the adoption of a final declaration which will be forwarded to the national authorities in the region, the European Parliament, the European Council and other institutions.
More information is available here.
Source: Balkan Civil Society Development Network, Email Alerts No 319
Training: EU Project Management
The training modules are tailor-made for the practical needs of NGO staff and held in English. Participants will understand funding principles, guidelines and contractual obligations of EuropeAid and will approach the following challenges step by step:
• Defining the characteristics of a coherent project logic and a good logframe
• Drafting a well-structured proposal and budget
• Understanding key aspects of a successful project implementation, in line with EuropeAid regulations.
Dates: 21-25 September and 16-18 November 2015
Venue: Berlin
Deadlines for application: 31st August 2015 for module 1-3 and 30th October for module 4.
Further information and application here.
Information provided by finep: www.finep-akademie.eu
Transformative Communication: Seminar for the Development Sector
DEEEP/CONCORD DARE Forum is organising a two day seminar “Why justice matters?” - transformative communication for the development sector on 13 and 14 October 2015 in Brussels.
This seminar targets communication officers but not only. Two persons from the same organisation will be invited to discuss communication matters as a transversal issue of their strategy. Do you feel that your communication about development is loosing its juice and consistency? This seminar will guide you out of the dark communication tunnel full of old-fashioned images and stereotypes and show you transformative practices for effective communication in the development sector.
The “Why justice matters” seminar will be focused on
• Empowering participants to talk about transformative communication at their organisational and members’ level
• Introducing a toolkit to participants (theory, practices and resources) necessary to apply transformative communication back home
• Exploring the narrative landscape and creating a common mapping of the frames we know, experiencing and practicing.
If you are interested in taking part in this seminar, please register until 21st July via this form.
Before registering, we recommend you to read the concept note and follow the guidelines for participants here.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Helene Debaisieux, DEEEP Communication Officer.
This seminar targets communication officers but not only. Two persons from the same organisation will be invited to discuss communication matters as a transversal issue of their strategy. Do you feel that your communication about development is loosing its juice and consistency? This seminar will guide you out of the dark communication tunnel full of old-fashioned images and stereotypes and show you transformative practices for effective communication in the development sector.
The “Why justice matters” seminar will be focused on
• Empowering participants to talk about transformative communication at their organisational and members’ level
• Introducing a toolkit to participants (theory, practices and resources) necessary to apply transformative communication back home
• Exploring the narrative landscape and creating a common mapping of the frames we know, experiencing and practicing.
If you are interested in taking part in this seminar, please register until 21st July via this form.
Before registering, we recommend you to read the concept note and follow the guidelines for participants here.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Helene Debaisieux, DEEEP Communication Officer.
Global Humanitarian Assistance Report 2015
The Global Humanitarian Assistance (GHA) Report 2015 shows that poverty and vulnerability to crises are intrinsically linked and that international humanitarian assistance continues to go predominantly to long-term recipients. This emphasises the need to build resilience, address the underlying causes of crisis and meet the long-term needs of people affected by crisis. For this to happen, a shared responsibility between humanitarian, development, climate change and other actors is critical as is the mobilisation of other resources beyond humanitarian assistance.
More information here.
Source: Global Humanitarian Assistance
More information here.
Source: Global Humanitarian Assistance
2015 EU Aid Transparency Review
The end of 2015 is also the deadline donors set themselves to fully implement the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) Standard, which allows for the publication of timely, comprehensive and comparable information on development finance. With just over six months to go until the deadline, the 2015 EU Aid Transparency Review shows that despite a critical mass of donors now publishing information to the IATI Standard, the EU as a whole is off track from meeting its aid transparency commitments and that the lack of transparency by major European donors is hindering development outcomes in some of the poorest countries in the world.
Download the report here.
Source: Publish What You Fund
Download the report here.
Source: Publish What You Fund
CONCORD News
Introducing new CONCORD members and including recent activities as well as the new CONCORD Annual Report, that provides an overview of CONCORD activities and successes over 2014, financial information and membership updates.
Read the CONCORD newsletter online.
Information provided by TRIALOG.
Read the CONCORD newsletter online.
Information provided by TRIALOG.
APPEAR- Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education & Research for Development
Call for academic partnerships, preparatory funding, master’s and PhD scholarships
APPEAR encourages professionals and higher education institutions in the addressed countries and in Austria to share their knowledge and experiences with each other, to design innovative projects targeting the objectives and expected results and to improve the general standards in higher education, research and management. Deadline for submissions: 31 July 2015.
More information here.
Source: Newsletter of the Austrian development CSO Platform Global Responsibility
More information here.
Source: Newsletter of the Austrian development CSO Platform Global Responsibility
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