ALDA and LDA Georgia part of a study visit on support to elected women officials in Strasbourg
Nino Tvaltvadze, LDA Georgia delegate, arrived yesterday in Strasbourg as member of a delegation of women locally elected officials from Georgia, who benefited from the project “Capacity Development of Women Candidates and Elected Officials in Georgia” of the Council of Europe.
This project is part of the broader programme of electoral assistance to Georgia ahead of parliamentary (2012), presidential (2013) and local (2014) elections” funded by Swiss Federation and Norway. Thirty-four female candidates from all over Georgia received trainings to strengthen their campaigning capacities ahead of June 2014 local elections.
The study visit was the opportunity to meet with Ms Maria Giannakaki (Greece, SOC), member of the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, representatives of the secretariat of the Gender Equality Commission and the secretariat of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Furthermore, the delegation has shared experiences with their peers from Alsace (photo).
It is expected that the LDA Georgia takes part in the follow-up to the project as project implementer in Kutaisi and its surroundings.
Nino Tvaltvadze, LDA Georgia delegate, arrived yesterday in Strasbourg as member of a delegation of women locally elected officials from Georgia, who benefited from the project “Capacity Development of Women Candidates and Elected Officials in Georgia” of the Council of Europe.
This project is part of the broader programme of electoral assistance to Georgia ahead of parliamentary (2012), presidential (2013) and local (2014) elections” funded by Swiss Federation and Norway. Thirty-four female candidates from all over Georgia received trainings to strengthen their campaigning capacities ahead of June 2014 local elections.
The study visit was the opportunity to meet with Ms Maria Giannakaki (Greece, SOC), member of the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, representatives of the secretariat of the Gender Equality Commission and the secretariat of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Furthermore, the delegation has shared experiences with their peers from Alsace (photo).
It is expected that the LDA Georgia takes part in the follow-up to the project as project implementer in Kutaisi and its surroundings.
ALDA supporting Active Citizenship in Europe
ALDA has recently implemented seven events with local partners in order to promote active citizenship in a variety of countries in Europe, and implement the objectives of its work withing the Europe for Citizens programme. This programme aims to put citizens in the centre and offers them the opportunity to fully assume their responsibility as European citizens. The Commission has determined that citizens should also be aware of their duties as citizens and become actively involved in the process of European integration, developing a sense of belonging and a European identity.
The events are taking place across several countries and cover a wide range of topics. In Estonia, a conference entitled “Estonian-Russian cross border cooperation Policy Forum” has been organised in Tartu; the seminar investigates the manifold consequences of increasing cross-border interaction for the development of regions at the EU’s external borders and discusses challenges to economic, social and territorial cohesion, as well as regional development potentials as exemplified by different borderlands. A field trip to the Estonian-Russian border region Southern part will be arranged, with meetings between the policy forum and local stakeholders in Setomaa region. This event is organised by the Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation. They are an international non-profit institute, established in 1994, which works to promote balanced development of border areas, especially in Lake Peipsi/Chudskoe region.
In Finland, the European Movement in Finland is organising the event “A Training Day for NGOs and Active Citizens”. The speakers are active citizens from various NGOs. One is from Me & MyCity (Yrityskylä), that is an internationally award-winning Finnish learning concept on entrepreneurship, economy and society for sixth-grade students. It started as a pilot 2009 and now over 40 000 students visit Me & MyCity every year. Another is from Finnwatch, a Finnish civil society organization focusing on corporate responsibility in the Global South. It monitors Finnish companies in developing countries and economies in transition. Also a project and campaign from Kehys, The Finnish NGDO Platform to the EU and the coordinator of the European year of Development 2015 in Finland, is presented. European Movement Finland is an organization that sees European Integration as a positive resource. The European Movement in Finland is devoted to establishing a more efficient, transparent and democratic European Union.
In Belgium, the Delegation of the Basque Country to the European Union organised a conference on the subject of “International and European Development Agendas: Subsidiarity, Efficiency, Accountability and Citizenship – Time for an active role of regional and local authorities”. The objectives of the seminar were (1) To widely raise awareness of the European and international agendas and issues at stake, especially coming into the European Year of Development 2015; (2) to strengthen the role of regional and local authorities in enhancing the active involvement and participation of citizens in policy making and implementation; (3) to boost innovative, multi-level and more effective alliances and partnerships between regional and local authorities and civil society organizations; (4) to bring to the European and international debate those elements of particular added value of regional and local authorities, such as their proximity to the needs of citizens, their efficiency and their instruments and indicators for accountability.
Also in Belgium, Periferia, who are located in Brussels, will produce a number of ‘citizen’s videos’. Periferia is an non-governmental organisation that aims to encourage citizenship capacities so that groups can act to change their local area for the better. They strive to allow actors who are generally overlooked to take part in important decisions in the public interest and bring these different actors together for public debates. The Periferia team is based in Belgium and France. They are active in both Europe and Latin America. For the current call, Periferia has undertaken to produce their ‘citizen’s videos’ on the subject of citizen participation. There will be 13 in total; 12 of these about citizen’s presentations and 1 as a “witness” of the event. The “witness” video will be made using extracts from the 12 others.
In Germany, the Open Knowledge Foundation organised the third annual Open City Camp this time held in Stuttgart. The purpose of the Open Knowledge Foundation is to encourage ‘open data’ which is accessible and available to use for everyone. Here is the description of their event: “Come and meet at the third edition of the Open City Camps in good Barcamp-style various actors within the Open Data scene. Ranging from the genearal public- which occurs usually as a data provider – to Journalists – who can use this data for your own research and reportage work – to the recently emerged in many places in the country open data groups, often as a mediator function between data providers and potential user groups. Of course, junior Hackers, interested in science and revolutionary world are also are welcome :)”.
Lastly, there are two events taking place in the Czech Republic. The first of these is organised by the Terezin Initiative Institute, a non-profit organization which came to existence through the transformation from Terezín Initiative Foundation (Nadace Terezínská iniciativa) founded in 1993 by the international association of former prisoners of Terezín ghetto, Terezin Initiative. The aim of the Institute is to support and pursue research of history of the “final solution” in Bohemia and Moravia and history of Terezín ghetto and to present its results to broader public. Their event concerns the open day in Jáchymky building, which was once a Jewish school. The ceremonial opening of the exhibition on the history of the school and the building from 1908 to 1942 is part of the event. The exhibition will show us the building’s history, beginning with the erection in 1908 on the site of a demolished part of the Jewish Ghetto, then leads us to the opening of the Jewish school in 1920 and thereafter to the years 1940 to 1942, when “Jáchymka” was of particular importance, as it became the only remaining school for Jewish pupils and teachers in the Czech part of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.
Furthermore, INEX – Association for Voluntary Activities are organising a seminar taking place in Pilsen, Czech Republic. It is entitled “Partnership among your municipality, NGO and community through international volunteering“. Several important questions will be tackled during the conference such as: how to revive cultural and leisure activities in the international community volunteer project? Where can you get financial support for international volunteer activities? In what areas and how can foreign and domestic volunteers help your community or organization? (restoration of historical monuments, organization of cultural events – festival, celebration, treatment and recovery of public space, social services, environmental activities, etc.) How to develop language skills of young people with the help of foreign volunteers? How to use international volunteering when implementing projects twinning or collaborating with bordering countries? The conference is intended for representatives of the ministries and municipalities, non-profit organizations, public institutions, volunteers and the public.
ALDA is pleased to show its support for such worthy projects and greatly appreciates this fruitful cooperation with all of these organisations.
ALDA has recently implemented seven events with local partners in order to promote active citizenship in a variety of countries in Europe, and implement the objectives of its work withing the Europe for Citizens programme. This programme aims to put citizens in the centre and offers them the opportunity to fully assume their responsibility as European citizens. The Commission has determined that citizens should also be aware of their duties as citizens and become actively involved in the process of European integration, developing a sense of belonging and a European identity.
The events are taking place across several countries and cover a wide range of topics. In Estonia, a conference entitled “Estonian-Russian cross border cooperation Policy Forum” has been organised in Tartu; the seminar investigates the manifold consequences of increasing cross-border interaction for the development of regions at the EU’s external borders and discusses challenges to economic, social and territorial cohesion, as well as regional development potentials as exemplified by different borderlands. A field trip to the Estonian-Russian border region Southern part will be arranged, with meetings between the policy forum and local stakeholders in Setomaa region. This event is organised by the Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation. They are an international non-profit institute, established in 1994, which works to promote balanced development of border areas, especially in Lake Peipsi/Chudskoe region.
In Finland, the European Movement in Finland is organising the event “A Training Day for NGOs and Active Citizens”. The speakers are active citizens from various NGOs. One is from Me & MyCity (Yrityskylä), that is an internationally award-winning Finnish learning concept on entrepreneurship, economy and society for sixth-grade students. It started as a pilot 2009 and now over 40 000 students visit Me & MyCity every year. Another is from Finnwatch, a Finnish civil society organization focusing on corporate responsibility in the Global South. It monitors Finnish companies in developing countries and economies in transition. Also a project and campaign from Kehys, The Finnish NGDO Platform to the EU and the coordinator of the European year of Development 2015 in Finland, is presented. European Movement Finland is an organization that sees European Integration as a positive resource. The European Movement in Finland is devoted to establishing a more efficient, transparent and democratic European Union.
In Belgium, the Delegation of the Basque Country to the European Union organised a conference on the subject of “International and European Development Agendas: Subsidiarity, Efficiency, Accountability and Citizenship – Time for an active role of regional and local authorities”. The objectives of the seminar were (1) To widely raise awareness of the European and international agendas and issues at stake, especially coming into the European Year of Development 2015; (2) to strengthen the role of regional and local authorities in enhancing the active involvement and participation of citizens in policy making and implementation; (3) to boost innovative, multi-level and more effective alliances and partnerships between regional and local authorities and civil society organizations; (4) to bring to the European and international debate those elements of particular added value of regional and local authorities, such as their proximity to the needs of citizens, their efficiency and their instruments and indicators for accountability.
Also in Belgium, Periferia, who are located in Brussels, will produce a number of ‘citizen’s videos’. Periferia is an non-governmental organisation that aims to encourage citizenship capacities so that groups can act to change their local area for the better. They strive to allow actors who are generally overlooked to take part in important decisions in the public interest and bring these different actors together for public debates. The Periferia team is based in Belgium and France. They are active in both Europe and Latin America. For the current call, Periferia has undertaken to produce their ‘citizen’s videos’ on the subject of citizen participation. There will be 13 in total; 12 of these about citizen’s presentations and 1 as a “witness” of the event. The “witness” video will be made using extracts from the 12 others.
In Germany, the Open Knowledge Foundation organised the third annual Open City Camp this time held in Stuttgart. The purpose of the Open Knowledge Foundation is to encourage ‘open data’ which is accessible and available to use for everyone. Here is the description of their event: “Come and meet at the third edition of the Open City Camps in good Barcamp-style various actors within the Open Data scene. Ranging from the genearal public- which occurs usually as a data provider – to Journalists – who can use this data for your own research and reportage work – to the recently emerged in many places in the country open data groups, often as a mediator function between data providers and potential user groups. Of course, junior Hackers, interested in science and revolutionary world are also are welcome :)”.
Lastly, there are two events taking place in the Czech Republic. The first of these is organised by the Terezin Initiative Institute, a non-profit organization which came to existence through the transformation from Terezín Initiative Foundation (Nadace Terezínská iniciativa) founded in 1993 by the international association of former prisoners of Terezín ghetto, Terezin Initiative. The aim of the Institute is to support and pursue research of history of the “final solution” in Bohemia and Moravia and history of Terezín ghetto and to present its results to broader public. Their event concerns the open day in Jáchymky building, which was once a Jewish school. The ceremonial opening of the exhibition on the history of the school and the building from 1908 to 1942 is part of the event. The exhibition will show us the building’s history, beginning with the erection in 1908 on the site of a demolished part of the Jewish Ghetto, then leads us to the opening of the Jewish school in 1920 and thereafter to the years 1940 to 1942, when “Jáchymka” was of particular importance, as it became the only remaining school for Jewish pupils and teachers in the Czech part of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.
Furthermore, INEX – Association for Voluntary Activities are organising a seminar taking place in Pilsen, Czech Republic. It is entitled “Partnership among your municipality, NGO and community through international volunteering“. Several important questions will be tackled during the conference such as: how to revive cultural and leisure activities in the international community volunteer project? Where can you get financial support for international volunteer activities? In what areas and how can foreign and domestic volunteers help your community or organization? (restoration of historical monuments, organization of cultural events – festival, celebration, treatment and recovery of public space, social services, environmental activities, etc.) How to develop language skills of young people with the help of foreign volunteers? How to use international volunteering when implementing projects twinning or collaborating with bordering countries? The conference is intended for representatives of the ministries and municipalities, non-profit organizations, public institutions, volunteers and the public.
ALDA is pleased to show its support for such worthy projects and greatly appreciates this fruitful cooperation with all of these organisations.
International Conference on human rights and internet in Macedonia
upported by the cooperation Lower Normandy-Macedonia, the 10th anniversary of the international conference e-Society.Mk took place on 11th December 2014 in Skopje, Macedonia.
The theme of this year conference was: “Human Rights on the Internet – Freedom of expression, hate speech and privacy in the digital world”. The conference covered topics such as freedom of expression and youth, online hate speech and privacy.
Among the keynote speakers present to discuss the importance of human rights: H.E. Ms. Laurence Auer, Ambassador of the Republic of France in Macedonia, H.E. Ms. Marianne Berecz, Deputy Head of The OSCE Mission to Skopje (TBC), Mr. Ivo Ivanovski, Minister of Information Society and Administration of Macedonia, as well as M. Ljupco Prendjov, Deputy Minister of Local Self Government of Macedonia.
The conference was organized by Metamorphosis Foundation from Skopje, in partnership with the International Institute for Human Rights and Peace of Caen, France. This event was supported within the framework of the programme for Decentralized Cooperation between Lower Normandy and Macedonia.
The Programme for Decentralized cooperation is coordinated by ALDA, the European Association for Local Democracy. For further information, please visit the موقع الكتروني of the Cooperation.
upported by the cooperation Lower Normandy-Macedonia, the 10th anniversary of the international conference e-Society.Mk took place on 11th December 2014 in Skopje, Macedonia.
The theme of this year conference was: “Human Rights on the Internet – Freedom of expression, hate speech and privacy in the digital world”. The conference covered topics such as freedom of expression and youth, online hate speech and privacy.
Among the keynote speakers present to discuss the importance of human rights: H.E. Ms. Laurence Auer, Ambassador of the Republic of France in Macedonia, H.E. Ms. Marianne Berecz, Deputy Head of The OSCE Mission to Skopje (TBC), Mr. Ivo Ivanovski, Minister of Information Society and Administration of Macedonia, as well as M. Ljupco Prendjov, Deputy Minister of Local Self Government of Macedonia.
The conference was organized by Metamorphosis Foundation from Skopje, in partnership with the International Institute for Human Rights and Peace of Caen, France. This event was supported within the framework of the programme for Decentralized Cooperation between Lower Normandy and Macedonia.
The Programme for Decentralized cooperation is coordinated by ALDA, the European Association for Local Democracy. For further information, please visit the موقع الكتروني of the Cooperation.
ALDA at the Enlarged stakeholder meeting of the EYD 2015
ALDA was among the stakeholders participating in the meeting promoted by the DG Development and Cooperation of the European Commission on the implementation of the European Year for Development, held in Brussels last Thursday, 9 December.
The meeting gathered together representatives of the European institutions and key stakeholders in the development field such as FAO and CONCORD and was an occasion to get to know more and debate on the next steps of the implementation of the flagship activities planned in 2015 as well as on the EYD visibility campaign.
Particular focus was given on involving all level of governance, given the decentralisation trend within and outside the EU, on addressing young people as main target group and on promoting storytelling as a successful means to raise awareness on development issues in a more effective approach.
The event was also an opportunity to have a better understanding of the 2015 calendar and get a wide range of stakeholders aboard. Key meetings were confirmed: the open conference in Riga on 9 January under the Latvian presidency, the gender event on 4th March, the Assisses of decentralised cooperation and the European Development Days in Brussels respectively on 1-2 and 3-4 June, as well as the final conference on 8 December in Luxembourg under the next presidency.
ALDA was among the stakeholders participating in the meeting promoted by the DG Development and Cooperation of the European Commission on the implementation of the European Year for Development, held in Brussels last Thursday, 9 December.
The meeting gathered together representatives of the European institutions and key stakeholders in the development field such as FAO and CONCORD and was an occasion to get to know more and debate on the next steps of the implementation of the flagship activities planned in 2015 as well as on the EYD visibility campaign.
Particular focus was given on involving all level of governance, given the decentralisation trend within and outside the EU, on addressing young people as main target group and on promoting storytelling as a successful means to raise awareness on development issues in a more effective approach.
The event was also an opportunity to have a better understanding of the 2015 calendar and get a wide range of stakeholders aboard. Key meetings were confirmed: the open conference in Riga on 9 January under the Latvian presidency, the gender event on 4th March, the Assisses of decentralised cooperation and the European Development Days in Brussels respectively on 1-2 and 3-4 June, as well as the final conference on 8 December in Luxembourg under the next presidency.
ALDA at the Civil Society dialogue "Taking stock for a revised European Neighborhood Policy (South)
On 11 December CONCORD and Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND) organized – in cooperation with SOLIDAR and the European Endowment for Democracy – a Civil Society Dialogue at the European Parliament with representatives from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and representatives from the European Union. This dialogue was focused on:
1. Promoting Policy Coherence for Development as part of the European Neighborhood Policy;
2. The role of Civil Society in the partnership: prospects and challenges.
ALDA was represented by Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General and Chair of the EPAN working Group of CONCORD and Biljana Zasova, Senior Coordinator in charge with the Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation programmes.
On 11 December CONCORD and Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND) organized – in cooperation with SOLIDAR and the European Endowment for Democracy – a Civil Society Dialogue at the European Parliament with representatives from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and representatives from the European Union. This dialogue was focused on:
1. Promoting Policy Coherence for Development as part of the European Neighborhood Policy;
2. The role of Civil Society in the partnership: prospects and challenges.
ALDA was represented by Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General and Chair of the EPAN working Group of CONCORD and Biljana Zasova, Senior Coordinator in charge with the Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation programmes.
ALDA at the Life Long Learning Week – discussing quality education
On Tuesday 9 December, ALDA’s project manager Aldo Xhani brought in ALDA’s expertise in the debate on quality education in the Round Table on “Efficient and equitable funding of education: a target beyond reach”, organised by EUCIS-LLL at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).
The meeting reunited key stakeholders in the field of education such as representatives of the European Parliament, the EESC, the EUCIS-LLL and many other organizations active in the field, to discuss the challenges to education in today’s economic crises timeframe and exchange experience on how to keep a quality education scheme despite the financial cuts experienced in several member states across Europe.
Investing in basic skills, tackling early school leaving and further developing adult education are key measures to decrease poverty risks levels and meet the objective of the Europe 2020 strategy. Further tools such as the ECI “Investing in education”, digital learning and migrant integration were also analysed and promoted as means to foster economic boost and bring the young generations out of the “lost generation” perspective.
ALDA brought in its expertise in the non-formal education field by equipping youngsters and adults with key tools and skills to be active members within the community as well as to increase their integration in the labour market.
On Tuesday 9 December, ALDA’s project manager Aldo Xhani brought in ALDA’s expertise in the debate on quality education in the Round Table on “Efficient and equitable funding of education: a target beyond reach”, organised by EUCIS-LLL at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).
The meeting reunited key stakeholders in the field of education such as representatives of the European Parliament, the EESC, the EUCIS-LLL and many other organizations active in the field, to discuss the challenges to education in today’s economic crises timeframe and exchange experience on how to keep a quality education scheme despite the financial cuts experienced in several member states across Europe.
Investing in basic skills, tackling early school leaving and further developing adult education are key measures to decrease poverty risks levels and meet the objective of the Europe 2020 strategy. Further tools such as the ECI “Investing in education”, digital learning and migrant integration were also analysed and promoted as means to foster economic boost and bring the young generations out of the “lost generation” perspective.
ALDA brought in its expertise in the non-formal education field by equipping youngsters and adults with key tools and skills to be active members within the community as well as to increase their integration in the labour market.
ALDA invited to showcase its expertise in citizen participation at the European Parliament
Within the framework of the seminar on “Citizen Matters. Views and Perspectives on European Citizenship”, organised by MEP Mr Fernando Maura, Rapporteur of the Europe for Citizens programme at the European Parliament, ALDA was invited as one of the main European stakeholders in the field of citizen participation to showcase its multiannual expertise in promoting participatory democracy.
The event gathered together MEPs, representatives of the DG Communication managing the programme Europe for Citizens, academics and practitioners to debate and exchange experience on the relation between citizen participation and the sustainability and further development of the EU project. The seminar was an occasion to analyse the threats of today’s increasing skepticism towards the integration process in the EU and reflect upon new means in bridging the gap between citizens and the EU institutions.
Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA, invited the panelists and the audience to reflect upon the need of strengthening the sense of belonging to the EU project. “We can do so by promoting the feeling of sharing a common destiny”, she stated. This objective is far from being met and the simple existence of the institutions gives us the wrong impression that we achieved this common destiny.
Particular attention was put on the necessity of considering democracy as a continuous struggle. Within this framework, Ms Valmorbida showcased ALDA’s multiannual work in promoting the cooperation between civil society and local authorities. “We must not only equip citizens with the tools and skills to participate in public life, we must also make sure that participation is accepted by working at the level of local authorities” was her final remark.
Within the framework of the seminar on “Citizen Matters. Views and Perspectives on European Citizenship”, organised by MEP Mr Fernando Maura, Rapporteur of the Europe for Citizens programme at the European Parliament, ALDA was invited as one of the main European stakeholders in the field of citizen participation to showcase its multiannual expertise in promoting participatory democracy.
The event gathered together MEPs, representatives of the DG Communication managing the programme Europe for Citizens, academics and practitioners to debate and exchange experience on the relation between citizen participation and the sustainability and further development of the EU project. The seminar was an occasion to analyse the threats of today’s increasing skepticism towards the integration process in the EU and reflect upon new means in bridging the gap between citizens and the EU institutions.
Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA, invited the panelists and the audience to reflect upon the need of strengthening the sense of belonging to the EU project. “We can do so by promoting the feeling of sharing a common destiny”, she stated. This objective is far from being met and the simple existence of the institutions gives us the wrong impression that we achieved this common destiny.
Particular attention was put on the necessity of considering democracy as a continuous struggle. Within this framework, Ms Valmorbida showcased ALDA’s multiannual work in promoting the cooperation between civil society and local authorities. “We must not only equip citizens with the tools and skills to participate in public life, we must also make sure that participation is accepted by working at the level of local authorities” was her final remark.
Invitation to the Civil Society Dialogue “Tacking stock for a revised European neighbourhood policy (South)”.
The Arab Spring has fundamentally changed the political landscape of Europe’s Southern Neighbourhood, revealing the need for respect of fundamental freedoms, dignity and rule of law, as well as the revision of social and economic policies towards ensuring sustainable development and economic and social justice.
Europe couldn’t be indifferent to the uprisings and it offered its Mediterranean partners a “partnership for democracy and shared prosperity” in the context of a revised European Neighbourhood Policy that focused on democratic transformation, a partnership with people and civil society, and sustainable and inclusive growth. The role of Europe is even more essential in this moment if we consider that the Arab Spring didn’t produce relevant changes towards democracy. The EU, for this reason, should promote stability at Europe’s borders and help the neighbouring countries to develop and support stable democratic institutions and to become more prosperous, by drawing the full benefit from their association agreements with the EU.
On 11 December, CONCORD and Arab NGO Network for Development – in cooperation with SOLIDAR and the European Endowment for Democracy – will organize the Civil Society Dialogue “ Tacking stock for a revised European neighbourhood policy (South)” with representatives of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and of the European institutions.
ALDA, represented by its Secretary General and Chair of the EPAN working Group of CONCORD, Antonella Valmorbida, will attend the event which will focus on: Promoting Policy Coherence for Development as part of the European Neighborhood Policy و The role of Civil Society in the partnership: prospects and challenges.
Find هنا more information on the event.
Please register your attendance at the event via this link
The Arab Spring has fundamentally changed the political landscape of Europe’s Southern Neighbourhood, revealing the need for respect of fundamental freedoms, dignity and rule of law, as well as the revision of social and economic policies towards ensuring sustainable development and economic and social justice.
Europe couldn’t be indifferent to the uprisings and it offered its Mediterranean partners a “partnership for democracy and shared prosperity” in the context of a revised European Neighbourhood Policy that focused on democratic transformation, a partnership with people and civil society, and sustainable and inclusive growth. The role of Europe is even more essential in this moment if we consider that the Arab Spring didn’t produce relevant changes towards democracy. The EU, for this reason, should promote stability at Europe’s borders and help the neighbouring countries to develop and support stable democratic institutions and to become more prosperous, by drawing the full benefit from their association agreements with the EU.
On 11 December, CONCORD and Arab NGO Network for Development – in cooperation with SOLIDAR and the European Endowment for Democracy – will organize the Civil Society Dialogue “ Tacking stock for a revised European neighbourhood policy (South)” with representatives of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and of the European institutions.
ALDA, represented by its Secretary General and Chair of the EPAN working Group of CONCORD, Antonella Valmorbida, will attend the event which will focus on: Promoting Policy Coherence for Development as part of the European Neighborhood Policy و The role of Civil Society in the partnership: prospects and challenges.
Find هنا more information on the event.
Please register your attendance at the event via this link
Towards ten social cooperatives in Kotor, Montenegro
On Thursday 27th November, a meeting for the realisation of ten social cooperatives, financed by Friuli-Venezia-Giulia Region and presented by COSMO consortium of Pordenone, took place in the seat of the Italian community in Kotor (Montenegro). Emiliano Edrea, Regional Councillor and member of the Presidency Committee of the Regional Council of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia Region attended the meeting.
Among the speakers, Kerim Medjedovic, Delegate of LDA Niksic, and Danica Ivovic, President of an association of women working in Kotor, in the field of social assistance. ALDA Vice President, Alessandro Perelli, reminded the participants the importance of ALDA work in Montenegro, especially in the promotion of democratic values and civil commitment.
A delegation of ALDA from Friuli-Venezia-Giulia Region, including Vice President Alessandro Perelli, Lucio Gregoretti, member of the Governing Board, and Rada Orescanin, memberof the Scientific Commitee, met in Podgorica (Montenegro) with LDA Niksic, led by the Delegate Kerim Medjedovic.
The meeting was the occasion to discuss about the help desk of voluntary associations, coordinated by LDA Niksic, the implementation of some projects related to field of social cooperation and mental health and about some of the organizational aspects for ALDA next General Assembly, that will take place in Podgorica in 2015.
On Thursday 27th November, a meeting for the realisation of ten social cooperatives, financed by Friuli-Venezia-Giulia Region and presented by COSMO consortium of Pordenone, took place in the seat of the Italian community in Kotor (Montenegro). Emiliano Edrea, Regional Councillor and member of the Presidency Committee of the Regional Council of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia Region attended the meeting.
Among the speakers, Kerim Medjedovic, Delegate of LDA Niksic, and Danica Ivovic, President of an association of women working in Kotor, in the field of social assistance. ALDA Vice President, Alessandro Perelli, reminded the participants the importance of ALDA work in Montenegro, especially in the promotion of democratic values and civil commitment.
A delegation of ALDA from Friuli-Venezia-Giulia Region, including Vice President Alessandro Perelli, Lucio Gregoretti, member of the Governing Board, and Rada Orescanin, memberof the Scientific Commitee, met in Podgorica (Montenegro) with LDA Niksic, led by the Delegate Kerim Medjedovic.
The meeting was the occasion to discuss about the help desk of voluntary associations, coordinated by LDA Niksic, the implementation of some projects related to field of social cooperation and mental health and about some of the organizational aspects for ALDA next General Assembly, that will take place in Podgorica in 2015.
6th Sisak Fair of organisations and institutions
On 6 December 2014, on the occasion of the International Volunteer Day and International Human Rights Day, the 6th Sisak Fair of organisations and institutions was held at the Town`s Market.
The Local Democracy Agency Sisak within projects „Sisak Volunteer Network“ and „Volunteer Centre Sisak“, in cooperation with Town of Sisak and Home for elderly and dependence people Sisak, on the occasion of International Volunteer Day (December 5) and International Human Rights Day (December 10), organised the 6th Sisak Fair of organisations and institutions.
The fair is hedl every year with the objective to showcase institutions/organisations promoting volunteering and human rights, and to encourage volunteering among citizens.
This year’s Fair gathered 14 organisations and institutions dealing with different topics: women, culture, health, social issues, humanitarian aid, animal protection, youth, social entrepreneurship and similar.
Projects funded by Croatian Ministry of Social Policy and Youth and Town of Sisak.
On 6 December 2014, on the occasion of the International Volunteer Day and International Human Rights Day, the 6th Sisak Fair of organisations and institutions was held at the Town`s Market.
The Local Democracy Agency Sisak within projects „Sisak Volunteer Network“ and „Volunteer Centre Sisak“, in cooperation with Town of Sisak and Home for elderly and dependence people Sisak, on the occasion of International Volunteer Day (December 5) and International Human Rights Day (December 10), organised the 6th Sisak Fair of organisations and institutions.
The fair is hedl every year with the objective to showcase institutions/organisations promoting volunteering and human rights, and to encourage volunteering among citizens.
This year’s Fair gathered 14 organisations and institutions dealing with different topics: women, culture, health, social issues, humanitarian aid, animal protection, youth, social entrepreneurship and similar.
Projects funded by Croatian Ministry of Social Policy and Youth and Town of Sisak.