ALDA IS DEEPLY CONCERNED BY THE BILL THAT WILL UNDERMINE THE WORK OF NGOs IN RUSSIA
ALDA shares the concern of the international civil society community with the Russian Duma’s decision on July 13 to adopt amendments to the law on Non Commercial Organisations (including NGOs).
“ALDA regrets that Russia is taking this step against freedom and independence of civil society, which would prevent possibilities of future cooperation with Russian partners” stated Oriano Otocan, Alda President.
The new law requires among a number of negative developments that organisations, which receive international funding to label themselves as “foreign agents” and to register with a specially authorized governmental body prior to receiving funding from any foreign sources if they intend to conduct political activities.
We consider that Russia has a legitimate right to introduce legislation to regulate foreign funding to organisations in Russia, but the current law as adopted is clearly not about legitimate concerns, but rather an attempt to undermine the work of NGOs in Russia and their possibility to operate freely.
ALDA hopes that Russian authorities will change their approach and reconsider its thoughts about the valuable role NGOs play for international cooperation, also in the field of social and economic development. This step raises also some concerns about the possibility of a spill over these principles in other countries of Eastern Europe where ALDA is actively involved with the LDAs and programmes.
For more information about the law, please see http://www.icnl.org/research/monitor/russia.html
ALDA shares the concern of the international civil society community with the Russian Duma’s decision on July 13 to adopt amendments to the law on Non Commercial Organisations (including NGOs).
“ALDA regrets that Russia is taking this step against freedom and independence of civil society, which would prevent possibilities of future cooperation with Russian partners” stated Oriano Otocan, Alda President.
The new law requires among a number of negative developments that organisations, which receive international funding to label themselves as “foreign agents” and to register with a specially authorized governmental body prior to receiving funding from any foreign sources if they intend to conduct political activities.
We consider that Russia has a legitimate right to introduce legislation to regulate foreign funding to organisations in Russia, but the current law as adopted is clearly not about legitimate concerns, but rather an attempt to undermine the work of NGOs in Russia and their possibility to operate freely.
ALDA hopes that Russian authorities will change their approach and reconsider its thoughts about the valuable role NGOs play for international cooperation, also in the field of social and economic development. This step raises also some concerns about the possibility of a spill over these principles in other countries of Eastern Europe where ALDA is actively involved with the LDAs and programmes.
For more information about the law, please see http://www.icnl.org/research/monitor/russia.html
ALDA is deeply concerned by the bill that will undermine the work of NGOs in Russia
ALDA shares the concern of the international civil society community with the Russian Duma’s decision on July 13 to adopt amendments to the law on Non Commercial Organisations (including NGOs).
The new law requires among a number of negative developments that organisations, which receive international funding to label themselves as “foreign agents” and to register with a specially authorized governmental body prior to receiving funding from any foreign sources if they intend to conduct political activities.
ALDA shares the concern of the international civil society community with the Russian Duma’s decision on July 13 to adopt amendments to the law on Non Commercial Organisations (including NGOs).
The new law requires among a number of negative developments that organisations, which receive international funding to label themselves as “foreign agents” and to register with a specially authorized governmental body prior to receiving funding from any foreign sources if they intend to conduct political activities.
“DEMOCRACY BETWEEN OLD MODELS AND NEW REALITIES”: THE FIRST WORLD FORUM FOR DEMOCRACY IN STRASBOURG (5 – 11 October 2012)
Organised by the Council of Europe, with the support of the French Government, the local authorities (City of Strasbourg, Department of Bas-Rhin and Alsace Region) as well as the European Parliament, will take place in Strasbourg from 5th to 11th of October 2012 the first World Forum for Democracy .
Projekat Forum brings together reformers and global leaders to identify democratic responses to the ecomomic, social and political challenges which affect our societies today. ALDA will attend the Forum bringing its expertise on crossborder cooperation and peace building/conflict management.
Through partnership with international organisations, the Forum will bring together participants from all continents, all actors of democratic life: governmental representatives, elected representatives (national, regional and local), citizens, media, socio-economic leaders, academics, representatives of civil society.
The first session of the Forum will discuss the general theme of: “Bridging the gap” Democracy between old models and new realities.
This Strasbourg World Forum for Democracy will include the annual participants of the schools of political studies, national and European members of parliament, state officials, local representatives, civil servants and academics for a series of events and working sessions bringing together actors in public life from all continents.
The objective will be to share experiences and good practices in the field of democratic governance as well as to suggest new initiatives aimed at strengthening the democratisation process everywhere in the world and to consolidate democracies, even the oldest ones, towards the challenges they are faced with.
Participation of the worldwide civil society, the medias and socio-economic leaders to the work in the Strasbourg World Forum for Democracy will open the dialogue at the global level on the defence and promotion of the universal values of peace, democracy, human rights and the Rule of law.
Its main topics will be: “Universal values, global challenges, regional realities”, “Do markets need democracy and vice-versa?”, “What democracy after the Arab Spring?”, “Democracy: a universal value?”, “Virtual values? Democracy and new social networks”, “One size ¬ ts all? Democracy and globalisation”, “Can democracy be imposed?”, “Multiple identities and ‘living together’”, “Becoming a citizen: education and democratic culture”, “Towards a new democratic ethic?” and “Is representative democracy in crisis?”.
The Strasbourg World Forum for Democracy will be made up of various events, thematic conferences, meetings of experts, democracy in the 21st century” workshops, public debates, political film/documentary festival, youth Assembly session, exhibition “Cartooning for peace”.
On the sidelines of the Forum, a number of public events organised by the city of Strasbourg will be held in various city venues.
Registration is free (travel and accommodation cost costs are at the participants’ own expense) and compulsory.
For more information and the programme, please visit the Council of Europe’s web stranici dedicated to the Strasbourg World Forum for Democracy.
Organised by the Council of Europe, with the support of the French Government, the local authorities (City of Strasbourg, Department of Bas-Rhin and Alsace Region) as well as the European Parliament, will take place in Strasbourg from 5th to 11th of October 2012 the first World Forum for Democracy .
Projekat Forum brings together reformers and global leaders to identify democratic responses to the ecomomic, social and political challenges which affect our societies today. ALDA will attend the Forum bringing its expertise on crossborder cooperation and peace building/conflict management.
Through partnership with international organisations, the Forum will bring together participants from all continents, all actors of democratic life: governmental representatives, elected representatives (national, regional and local), citizens, media, socio-economic leaders, academics, representatives of civil society.
The first session of the Forum will discuss the general theme of: “Bridging the gap” Democracy between old models and new realities.
This Strasbourg World Forum for Democracy will include the annual participants of the schools of political studies, national and European members of parliament, state officials, local representatives, civil servants and academics for a series of events and working sessions bringing together actors in public life from all continents.
The objective will be to share experiences and good practices in the field of democratic governance as well as to suggest new initiatives aimed at strengthening the democratisation process everywhere in the world and to consolidate democracies, even the oldest ones, towards the challenges they are faced with.
Participation of the worldwide civil society, the medias and socio-economic leaders to the work in the Strasbourg World Forum for Democracy will open the dialogue at the global level on the defence and promotion of the universal values of peace, democracy, human rights and the Rule of law.
Its main topics will be: “Universal values, global challenges, regional realities”, “Do markets need democracy and vice-versa?”, “What democracy after the Arab Spring?”, “Democracy: a universal value?”, “Virtual values? Democracy and new social networks”, “One size ¬ ts all? Democracy and globalisation”, “Can democracy be imposed?”, “Multiple identities and ‘living together’”, “Becoming a citizen: education and democratic culture”, “Towards a new democratic ethic?” and “Is representative democracy in crisis?”.
The Strasbourg World Forum for Democracy will be made up of various events, thematic conferences, meetings of experts, democracy in the 21st century” workshops, public debates, political film/documentary festival, youth Assembly session, exhibition “Cartooning for peace”.
On the sidelines of the Forum, a number of public events organised by the city of Strasbourg will be held in various city venues.
Registration is free (travel and accommodation cost costs are at the participants’ own expense) and compulsory.
For more information and the programme, please visit the Council of Europe’s web stranici dedicated to the Strasbourg World Forum for Democracy.
ALDA, AMONG THE PROMOTER OF THE “EYC-2013 ALLIANCE”, LAUNCHES ITS ACTIVITIES ON “2013 EUROPEAN YEAR OF CITIZENS"
ALDA is one of the main European Civil Society Associations that promoted the “Civil Society Alliance for the European Year on active citizenship 2013”, with the support of the European Economic and Social Committee.
For the Alliance, active citizenship means primarily active involvement of citizens as participation in the life of their communities, and thus in democracy, in terms of activity and decision-making.
ALDA, as promoter of the Alliance, is launching its activities in France, Croatia and Italy.
In particular, with reference to the activities to be carried out in Italy, ALDA, in collaboration with the Third Sector Forum and the Italian Council of the European Federalist Movement, has scheduled a meeting between the associations of civil society organizations, to constitute the national network for the EYC 2013.
The meeting will take place in Rome on the 14th of September (11:00, c/o CIME, Piazza della Libertà, 13).
Download here the invitation letter (qui link al pdf: EYC2013_ INVITO ALDA-CIME-FORUMTERZOSETTORE).
ALDA is one of the main European Civil Society Associations that promoted the “Civil Society Alliance for the European Year on active citizenship 2013”, with the support of the European Economic and Social Committee.
For the Alliance, active citizenship means primarily active involvement of citizens as participation in the life of their communities, and thus in democracy, in terms of activity and decision-making.
ALDA, as promoter of the Alliance, is launching its activities in France, Croatia and Italy.
In particular, with reference to the activities to be carried out in Italy, ALDA, in collaboration with the Third Sector Forum and the Italian Council of the European Federalist Movement, has scheduled a meeting between the associations of civil society organizations, to constitute the national network for the EYC 2013.
The meeting will take place in Rome on the 14th of September (11:00, c/o CIME, Piazza della Libertà, 13).
Download here the invitation letter (qui link al pdf: EYC2013_ INVITO ALDA-CIME-FORUMTERZOSETTORE).
CIVICUS WORLD ASSEMBLY 2012, MONTREAL, 3-7 SEPTEMBER 2012
In the framework of the nomination of Ms Antonella Valmorbida, Director of ALDA, as a new member of CIVICUS International Board, ALDA will be participating in the 2012 CIVICUS World Assembly that will take place from the 3rd to the 7th September 2012 in Montreal, Canada.
The 2012 CIVICUS World Assembly will focus on defining a new social contract, through discussions on three key themes: changing nations through citizens, building partnerships for social innovation and redefining global governance.
The participation in this year’s Assembly would be particularly important, as the 2012 Assembly will see the launch of a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder process, led by CIVICUS, on defining a new social contract, that will culminate in the presentation of recommendations to the United Nations in 2015. The World Assembly comes at a pivotal moment for citizens to redefine the relationships and conditions we want for a sustainable future in a changing world.
Having a role in CIVICUS International Board, for ALDA means taking a further step to bring internationally the cause of its work: to improve citizens’ and civil society’s participation at the local level, working closely with local authorities, for development, democracy and respect of human rights.
The CIVICUS World Assembly, taking place in Montreal from the 3rd to the 7th of September 2012, is a global gathering for civil society, donors, governments and businesses to find common solutions to the challenges facing humanity. This event serves as a primary venue for civil society practitioners, researchers, activists, concerned business leaders and representatives from governments to share ideas and experiences on strengthening citizen participation.
The World Assembly’s main objective is to create a space where a diversity of voices can be heard, a space to exchange experiences, challenges, successes and dreams and, most importantly, concrete ideas for a more equitable and just world. One of the World Assembly’s strengths is its ability to act as a forum where groups from all sectors around the world develop successful models for advancing national, regional and global agendas, and for finding solutions to the crises that the world is facing today.
Furthermore, the 2012 World Assembly, the 12th such event, promises an extraordinary variety of cutting-edge debate and encounters. The World Assembly programme offers 43 activity sessions from 5 to 7 September, while from 3 to 4 September, the Youth Assembly welcomes all participants under the age of 30 for 10 additional sessions.
In addition to these sessions and the networking opportunities at the Citizen Café, the plenary discussions will also bring many powerful insights to the proceedings from the local, national and global levels. From Marina Silva, social leader and former Minister of Environment in Brazil, to Daniel Ben-Horin, Founder and CEO of TechSoup, and from Olav Kjørven, Assistant Secretary General for development policy at UNDP to Caroline Anstey, Managing Director at the World Bank, ground-breaking keynote speakers will join inspirational participants from across the board, including policy-makers, government decision-makers, donors, civil society leaders, activists, academics, artists, bloggers and many, many more.
Exceptionally this year, participants can benefit for free CIVICUS individual membership for one year with their World Assembly registration.
With regard to the participation in 2012 CIVICUS World Assembly, the work of ALDA will also be presented in a workshop, together with other global organizations. “Don’t Just Get Mad, Get Powerful! Citizens changing their communities and nations through participatory governance” is the title of this workshop, which aims at sharing good practices and lessons in participatory governance from around the world and challenging participants to think beyond traditional forms of protest and activism to less familiar but potentially more impactful, practices of “critical collaboration” and participatory governance. The overall objective of the session is for participants to understand the importance and benefits of participatory governance approaches and the potential for applying these principles and practices to their own work (as practitioners, activists, citizens).
For further info about the programme visit CIVICUS WA website ovdje.
In the framework of the nomination of Ms Antonella Valmorbida, Director of ALDA, as a new member of CIVICUS International Board, ALDA will be participating in the 2012 CIVICUS World Assembly that will take place from the 3rd to the 7th September 2012 in Montreal, Canada.
The 2012 CIVICUS World Assembly will focus on defining a new social contract, through discussions on three key themes: changing nations through citizens, building partnerships for social innovation and redefining global governance.
The participation in this year’s Assembly would be particularly important, as the 2012 Assembly will see the launch of a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder process, led by CIVICUS, on defining a new social contract, that will culminate in the presentation of recommendations to the United Nations in 2015. The World Assembly comes at a pivotal moment for citizens to redefine the relationships and conditions we want for a sustainable future in a changing world.
Having a role in CIVICUS International Board, for ALDA means taking a further step to bring internationally the cause of its work: to improve citizens’ and civil society’s participation at the local level, working closely with local authorities, for development, democracy and respect of human rights.
The CIVICUS World Assembly, taking place in Montreal from the 3rd to the 7th of September 2012, is a global gathering for civil society, donors, governments and businesses to find common solutions to the challenges facing humanity. This event serves as a primary venue for civil society practitioners, researchers, activists, concerned business leaders and representatives from governments to share ideas and experiences on strengthening citizen participation.
The World Assembly’s main objective is to create a space where a diversity of voices can be heard, a space to exchange experiences, challenges, successes and dreams and, most importantly, concrete ideas for a more equitable and just world. One of the World Assembly’s strengths is its ability to act as a forum where groups from all sectors around the world develop successful models for advancing national, regional and global agendas, and for finding solutions to the crises that the world is facing today.
Furthermore, the 2012 World Assembly, the 12th such event, promises an extraordinary variety of cutting-edge debate and encounters. The World Assembly programme offers 43 activity sessions from 5 to 7 September, while from 3 to 4 September, the Youth Assembly welcomes all participants under the age of 30 for 10 additional sessions.
In addition to these sessions and the networking opportunities at the Citizen Café, the plenary discussions will also bring many powerful insights to the proceedings from the local, national and global levels. From Marina Silva, social leader and former Minister of Environment in Brazil, to Daniel Ben-Horin, Founder and CEO of TechSoup, and from Olav Kjørven, Assistant Secretary General for development policy at UNDP to Caroline Anstey, Managing Director at the World Bank, ground-breaking keynote speakers will join inspirational participants from across the board, including policy-makers, government decision-makers, donors, civil society leaders, activists, academics, artists, bloggers and many, many more.
Exceptionally this year, participants can benefit for free CIVICUS individual membership for one year with their World Assembly registration.
With regard to the participation in 2012 CIVICUS World Assembly, the work of ALDA will also be presented in a workshop, together with other global organizations. “Don’t Just Get Mad, Get Powerful! Citizens changing their communities and nations through participatory governance” is the title of this workshop, which aims at sharing good practices and lessons in participatory governance from around the world and challenging participants to think beyond traditional forms of protest and activism to less familiar but potentially more impactful, practices of “critical collaboration” and participatory governance. The overall objective of the session is for participants to understand the importance and benefits of participatory governance approaches and the potential for applying these principles and practices to their own work (as practitioners, activists, citizens).
For further info about the programme visit CIVICUS WA website ovdje.
ALDA PRESIDENT, ORIANO OTOČAN, MET MARTIN GUILLERMO RAMIREZ, AEBR SECRETARY GENERAL
Mr. Oriano Otočan, ALDA President, met on 26th July 2012 in Pula, Croatia, Mr. Martin Guilliermo Ramirez, the Secretary General of the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR).
AEBR organized the 4th AEBR’s Summer Seminar for Border Youth hosted by Autonomous Region Friuli Venezia Giulia, and a 1-day visit to Region of Istria was also organized.
Otočan and Ramirez discussed the possibilities of cooperation of the two international associations with joint initiatives and projects. Since ALDA is very active on the territory of Southeast Europe, joint possibilities for action have also been recognized.
Mr. Oriano Otočan, ALDA President, met on 26th July 2012 in Pula, Croatia, Mr. Martin Guilliermo Ramirez, the Secretary General of the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR).
AEBR organized the 4th AEBR’s Summer Seminar for Border Youth hosted by Autonomous Region Friuli Venezia Giulia, and a 1-day visit to Region of Istria was also organized.
Otočan and Ramirez discussed the possibilities of cooperation of the two international associations with joint initiatives and projects. Since ALDA is very active on the territory of Southeast Europe, joint possibilities for action have also been recognized.
CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM CALLS FOR RELEASE OF ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS IN EASTERN PARTNERSHIP COUNTRIES
The Civil Society Forum (CSF) has called for the release of all political prisoners in Eastern Partnership countries in a statement addressed to the EU Eastern Partnership ministerial meeting in Brussels on 23 July 2012.
“Some political prisoners have been released in Azerbaijan and Belarus, but it is not acceptable to have any political prisoners in the Eastern Partnership countries, and we call for the unconditional release of all,” says the statement. “On 26 June 2012, the Council of Europe called for resolution of the cases of more than 80 political prisoners in Azerbaijan alone, and we must not forget that next week marks the anniversary of the imprisonment of Ales Bialiatski, a courageous human rights defender in Belarus.”
To read more visit: http://www.enpi-info.eu/maineast.php?id_type=1&id=29812&lang_id=450
The Civil Society Forum (CSF) has called for the release of all political prisoners in Eastern Partnership countries in a statement addressed to the EU Eastern Partnership ministerial meeting in Brussels on 23 July 2012.
“Some political prisoners have been released in Azerbaijan and Belarus, but it is not acceptable to have any political prisoners in the Eastern Partnership countries, and we call for the unconditional release of all,” says the statement. “On 26 June 2012, the Council of Europe called for resolution of the cases of more than 80 political prisoners in Azerbaijan alone, and we must not forget that next week marks the anniversary of the imprisonment of Ales Bialiatski, a courageous human rights defender in Belarus.”
To read more visit: http://www.enpi-info.eu/maineast.php?id_type=1&id=29812&lang_id=450
YOUNG MACEDONIANS DEBATE ON HUMAN RIGHTS AT THE SUMMER UNIVERSITY IN CAEN LOWER NORMANDY
The International Institute for Human Rights and Peace organised Summer University on the topic of poverty and peace. The Summer University is organised each year, and this year it took place from July 7 until July 13, 2012 in Caen, Lower Normandy. Macedonian young Francophones have actively participated in the Summer Universities for three years now. This year, there were five participants from Macedonia, four of whom were granted scholarship by the Embassy of France in Macedonia that covered their travel expenses.
The participants had the opportunity to follow lectures delivered by renowned experts who committed themselves to eradicate poverty. Mr Bardhyl Jassari from the “Metamorphosis” Foundation from Macedonia gave also lecture about the influence of the information and communication technologies in the fight against poverty. The lecture was organised as a part of the decentralised cooperation between the Lower Normandy Region and Macedonia. The topic of human rights recently arouses great interest of the partners of the decentralised cooperation. Mr Jassari’s speech was remarkable and encouraged the participants to ask questions and to raise their voice on this sensitive issue. During the whole week, the participants, who turned out to be very curious, commented on the harsh realities in their respective countries and proposed solutions to the omnipresent problem.
One of the Macedonian participants, Nikola Shteriov, expressed his impressions on the Summer University: “The Summer University was an invaluable experience. I really appreciated the opinions of the lecturers and the participants on the topic that has always interested me: poverty and social stratification. Moreover, this experience helped me to improve my French. But, what fascinated me the most was the beauty of the Lower Normandy Region.”
The programme for decentralised cooperation between the Lower Normandy Region and Macedonia encourages and promotes youth exchange and for that purpose creates opportunities for exchange between the two territories.
The participation of the Macedonian students on this Summer University is made in synergy with the programme for decentralised cooperation between the Region Lower Normandy and Macedonia. For more information please contact: ivana.dimitrovska@aldaintranet.org
The International Institute for Human Rights and Peace organised Summer University on the topic of poverty and peace. The Summer University is organised each year, and this year it took place from July 7 until July 13, 2012 in Caen, Lower Normandy. Macedonian young Francophones have actively participated in the Summer Universities for three years now. This year, there were five participants from Macedonia, four of whom were granted scholarship by the Embassy of France in Macedonia that covered their travel expenses.
The participants had the opportunity to follow lectures delivered by renowned experts who committed themselves to eradicate poverty. Mr Bardhyl Jassari from the “Metamorphosis” Foundation from Macedonia gave also lecture about the influence of the information and communication technologies in the fight against poverty. The lecture was organised as a part of the decentralised cooperation between the Lower Normandy Region and Macedonia. The topic of human rights recently arouses great interest of the partners of the decentralised cooperation. Mr Jassari’s speech was remarkable and encouraged the participants to ask questions and to raise their voice on this sensitive issue. During the whole week, the participants, who turned out to be very curious, commented on the harsh realities in their respective countries and proposed solutions to the omnipresent problem.
One of the Macedonian participants, Nikola Shteriov, expressed his impressions on the Summer University: “The Summer University was an invaluable experience. I really appreciated the opinions of the lecturers and the participants on the topic that has always interested me: poverty and social stratification. Moreover, this experience helped me to improve my French. But, what fascinated me the most was the beauty of the Lower Normandy Region.”
The programme for decentralised cooperation between the Lower Normandy Region and Macedonia encourages and promotes youth exchange and for that purpose creates opportunities for exchange between the two territories.
The participation of the Macedonian students on this Summer University is made in synergy with the programme for decentralised cooperation between the Region Lower Normandy and Macedonia. For more information please contact: ivana.dimitrovska@aldaintranet.org
INNOVATIVE APPROACHES FOR YOUTH EMPLOYMENT AND INTERMUNICIPAL COOPERATION FOR SOCIAL COHESION BETWEEN YOUNG PEOPLE
The House of Europe in Caen, Lower Normandy (F) and the Coalition of Youth organisations SEGA, from Macedonia, organised two seminars in July in Strumica, Macedonia.
The seminars took place from 9th untile 11th and from 11th until 13th as a part of the component young of the programme.
The first seminar, dedicated to “New Approaches for Youth Employment”, took place from 9th until 11th July 2012. The participants came from different organisations and institutions that work on youth employment in Macedonia and in the Lower Normandy Region.
All through the seminar the participants presented their activities and discussed over the possibilities for internships. Moreover, they focused on the current economic situation for the youth in Macedonia and in Lower Normandy and talked over the innovative approaches to resolve the youth unemployment problem. During the seminar, programme holders and policy makers offered solutions in order to reduce the youth unemployment rate in Macedonia.
The second seminar “Inter–Municipal Collaboration for Encouraging Social Cohesion among Youth” took place from 11th until 13th July, 2012. Among the participants on the seminar, there were representatives from Macedonian municipalities (Skopje, Delčevo, Strumica, Tearce, Kisela Voda, Kavadarci, Veles and Radoviš), from the NGO « Moja Kariera », from the Macedonian Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, from the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility and representatives from the Lower Normandy Region.
The seminar was opened with a presentation of the programme for decentralised cooperation between the Lower Normandy Region and Macedonia. The main objective of the seminar was to develop approaches to improve social cohesion between young people through institutional collaboration between local and national authorities. The participants exchanged views on the possibilities offered to young people by the programme “Youth in Action” and European Voluntary Service.
This activity is part of the component: Youth, Local and European Citizenship within the Project for decentralized cooperation between Republic of Macedonia and the region of Lower Normandy – France, managed by ALDA, implemented by the Coalition of youth organizations SEGA – Macedonia and the European House of Caen – France. For more information please contact Katica Janeva katica.janeva@aldaintranet.org.
The House of Europe in Caen, Lower Normandy (F) and the Coalition of Youth organisations SEGA, from Macedonia, organised two seminars in July in Strumica, Macedonia.
The seminars took place from 9th untile 11th and from 11th until 13th as a part of the component young of the programme.
The first seminar, dedicated to “New Approaches for Youth Employment”, took place from 9th until 11th July 2012. The participants came from different organisations and institutions that work on youth employment in Macedonia and in the Lower Normandy Region.
All through the seminar the participants presented their activities and discussed over the possibilities for internships. Moreover, they focused on the current economic situation for the youth in Macedonia and in Lower Normandy and talked over the innovative approaches to resolve the youth unemployment problem. During the seminar, programme holders and policy makers offered solutions in order to reduce the youth unemployment rate in Macedonia.
The second seminar “Inter–Municipal Collaboration for Encouraging Social Cohesion among Youth” took place from 11th until 13th July, 2012. Among the participants on the seminar, there were representatives from Macedonian municipalities (Skopje, Delčevo, Strumica, Tearce, Kisela Voda, Kavadarci, Veles and Radoviš), from the NGO « Moja Kariera », from the Macedonian Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, from the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility and representatives from the Lower Normandy Region.
The seminar was opened with a presentation of the programme for decentralised cooperation between the Lower Normandy Region and Macedonia. The main objective of the seminar was to develop approaches to improve social cohesion between young people through institutional collaboration between local and national authorities. The participants exchanged views on the possibilities offered to young people by the programme “Youth in Action” and European Voluntary Service.
This activity is part of the component: Youth, Local and European Citizenship within the Project for decentralized cooperation between Republic of Macedonia and the region of Lower Normandy – France, managed by ALDA, implemented by the Coalition of youth organizations SEGA – Macedonia and the European House of Caen – France. For more information please contact Katica Janeva katica.janeva@aldaintranet.org.
ALDA NETWORK PRESENTED TO MAYORS FROM THE GERMAN LAND OF BADEN-WUERTTEMBERG
Mr. Per Vinther, member of ALDA’s Governing Board, made last week a presentation of the activities of ALDA and the LDAs to a group of mayors from the German Land of Baden-Wuerttemberg. They appreciated an input from Civil Society rounding off their visit to EU Institutions, CEMR, the Representation Office of Baden-Wuerttemberg and other organisations represented in Brussels.
“There seemed to be an interest in developing some kind of project cooperation with ALDA in the future, possibly drawing on the expertise available in their respective municipalities to the benefit of municipalities with whom ALDA or the LDAs work” Mr. Vinther stated at the end of the meeting.
The meeting was organised by the Europe Office of the Staedtetag of Baden-Wuerttemberg, a Regional Association of Local Authorities that gather has 181 members.
In September representatives of ALDA and Europe Office of the Association will met to see how set up a system to inform selected municipalities of project opportunities, using the Europe Office as distribution channel.
Mr. Per Vinther, member of ALDA’s Governing Board, made last week a presentation of the activities of ALDA and the LDAs to a group of mayors from the German Land of Baden-Wuerttemberg. They appreciated an input from Civil Society rounding off their visit to EU Institutions, CEMR, the Representation Office of Baden-Wuerttemberg and other organisations represented in Brussels.
“There seemed to be an interest in developing some kind of project cooperation with ALDA in the future, possibly drawing on the expertise available in their respective municipalities to the benefit of municipalities with whom ALDA or the LDAs work” Mr. Vinther stated at the end of the meeting.
The meeting was organised by the Europe Office of the Staedtetag of Baden-Wuerttemberg, a Regional Association of Local Authorities that gather has 181 members.
In September representatives of ALDA and Europe Office of the Association will met to see how set up a system to inform selected municipalities of project opportunities, using the Europe Office as distribution channel.