EEA and Norway Grants’ Post

🌍 2024 is a geopolitical year. 2024 is a year when people's voices matter more than ever at global level, european level, but also at national level, especially for Romania. 📣 In this case, one of the big events with global impact this year is the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy. Are you wondering what this forum is about? 🤔 🎊 The Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy is the largest convention dedicated to direct democracy worldwide. For the first time in history, the Global Forum is taking place in Eastern Europe. 📍 Wait, there is more! The Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy will convene in Bucharest, Romania! When? Between 15-18 May 2024! 🗓 👥 The journey has taken place over 16 years on five continents where it has brought together a global, diverse community of activists, organisations, experts, academicians, political practitioners and many others. 📃 The Global Forum addresses global, international and national interest issues such as democracy, civic participation of citizens, especially young people, the lack of trust in institutions, digitalisation and others. 🤝 The conference is co-hosted by Democracy International, The Swiss Democracy Foundation, the Centre of European Expertise - EUROPULS, Bucharest City Hall (Primăria București) and University of Bucharest (Universitatea din București). 💡 This interesting edition of the Global Forum will incorporate in a unique form the EUROSFAT Forum, the imprint of Europuls. 😱 More details about the full programme with speakers and other information will be announced soon on the website of 2024 Global Forum, social media and all platforms. Stay tuned! #GFMDD #GFMDD2024 #Bucharest2024 #democracy #globaldemocracy #internationaldemocracy #civicparticipation

📣Latest updates for young professionals/organizations committed to democracy & social justice👏 Sometimes it seems that in order to get job or funding opportunities you have to be as determined and talented as an Olympian🏋️♂️- all while trying to maintain a healthy balance with your personal life🤸🏽♂️ In the week of #YouthDay, and with a bit of ill-concealed melancholy about the end of the #Paris2024 games, here are some must-reads for all those trying to make the world a better place👇 🏅Although it's not an Olympic medal, let me first brag about something. Amidst a challenging environment for media and journalists in Italy🇮🇹, earlier this year I had the privilege to represent the International Press Institute (IPI) alongside partners in discussions with authorities and local journalists in Rome. 🗞️Our findings on the state of press freedom have been widely covered by national and international outlets like Le Monde or POLITICO, leading to the reaction of Italy's PM herself. Read the full report👉https://lnkd.in/dUbQt3bB 🤝National Endowment for Democracy is seeking proposals for projects that advance democratic goals and strengthen institutions globally. Apply now👉https://lnkd.in/dK2USQsx 🇦🇹Are you interested in migration? Here are 2 exciting jobs in Austria, as a PhD Student & Research Assistant👉https://lnkd.in/dDxhETKG 🌿Magma Magazine's School of Environmental Journalism is now accepting applications! This first edition will be held online from October 2024 to February 2025. Learn more👉https://lnkd.in/dYUETYhb 💰Justice Funds continues to support the Global South with funding opportunities. Seize this chance👉 https://lnkd.in/d8N4s_zK 🧠An international conference on Culture & Mental Health of displaced people will be held in Belgium on November 28-29. They are currently seeking inspiring cases from the Global South, with a call open until September 15. Submit yours👉 https://lnkd.in/djYHVEcC 🇺🇦The National Association of Media in Ukraine has launched the Ukrainian Media Allies platform, to support media during the war and in post-victory recovery. Check this out👉 https://lnkd.in/d7ahgejQ 🎥Remote internship alert: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is looking for a visual journalist intern👉https://lnkd.in/dWCHZ_nd (salary is not specified, but pay for +2 months internships is regulated in France, where RSF has its HQ👉https://lnkd.in/daHcAaMp) Are you in Vienna / interested in my advocacy work? Say hi🌞

Making the BRICS 'people-to-people pillar' a reality for people on the ground. The recently held annual BRICS Summit which took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, as usual, released the standard Summit Declaration and it is based on three distinctive pillars i.e., political and security, economic and financial, and cultural and people-to-people cooperation, respectively. The main objective of these pillars is to enhance the strategic partnership for the benefit of people in the BRICS’ member countries through the “Promotion of peace, a more representative, fairer international order, a reinvigorated and reformed multilateral system, sustainable development and inclusive growth.” What piqued my interest, for years now, is how the “people-to-people” pillar perhaps offers the best component to create greater exchange between ordinary people in these BRICS member countries. The Summit Declaration once again confirmed, “The importance of BRICS people-to-people exchanges in enhancing mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation.” The Summit Declaration clearly lists the priority sectors in which such “people-to-people” exchanges could take place, i.e., the media, culture, education, sports, arts, youth, civil society, and academic exchanges respectively. Further it acknowledges that people-to-people exchanges offer a huge potential as an essential tool to enrich societies and the economies of the BRICS member countries. Other sectors highlighted in the Declaration is that of the youth, business formations like the Women’s Business Alliance, academic forums, think tanks, political practice, sports alliances, and the BRICS Games, etc. With the above in mind, one gets the impression that civil society has an open invitation to initiate exchanges, which will allow them to chart the implementation of this official BRICS pillar through the concept of people-to-people interaction. It is also safe to say, that those who do initiate such exchanges has a blank canvass on which they could launch solid prospects for people to form alliances to tackle and overcome the common challenges present in the Global South. One such initiative is the BRICS Plus People-to-People Cooperation Institute (BPPPCI), which will facilitate and support initiatives launched by civil society to give meaning to the spirit of the BRICS pillar promoting such people-to-people exchange within its member countries. Ends/ Gerrit Davids Co-Founder BRICS Plus People-to-People Cooperation Institute (BPPPCI)

2 fantastic fellowship calls in Visegrad Insight: Researching in topics such as Enlargement of the EU and the future of the EU neighbourhood, with a special focus on the political economy; Implications of tensions around Taiwan for the security and prosperity in CEE; Efficiency and transparency of the EU defence funding; The future of the Three Seas Initiative as an EU macro-region; Monitoring and countering malign autocratic influence in the EU; Future EU governance reforms from the point of view of CEE? Make sure you apply for Marcin Król Fellowship 2024. https://lnkd.in/dCk6HejW Having a Ukrainian perspective on rebuilding Ukraine with the engagement of the CEE countries; specialised in Enlargement and neighbourhood, also including costs of non-enlargement in terms of both the economy and security; interested in the implications of tensions around Taiwan for the security and prosperity in CEE? - Apply for Future of Ukraine Fellowship. https://lnkd.in/djzsnvsY

🏙🌳 How do we design and run high-quality Citizen Assemblies? How can these assemblies help cities achieve net zero emissions? Find out more details on the two-day workshop with NetZeroCitiesEU cities in Sarajevo!

VisionAfric on UNA General Update 3rd Dec. 2023 First and foremost, we appreciate all our partners, friends and support of patriots across the globe who are intentionally committed to our United Nations of Africa -UNA quest. It has been one higher step to another beautiful one with the help of God. Below are the updates so far and expected engagements by everyone before we cross the 2023 end line. On the Project Committees Letter of Appointment for successful candidates will commence on the 10th -20th Dec. 2023 [Note, it's going to be in Batches] On Country Director VisionAfric has successfully appointed 10 potential Country Directors which include; Lesotho, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, Angola, Algeria, India and USA. Ghana Country Director has resigned based on his busy schedule and inability to carry out proactive expected duties. Ghana and other countries are open for patriots to apply for the positions. Abstractly, Country Directors are expected to balance and respect our gender parity affirmative principle. i.e, A Female Country Director would have Male Vice Country Director and vis-a-vis 📍Progress 1. Appointment of 10 Country Directors, , 2. We have more than 50 Project Departmental Committees 3. Our Petitions on Free Visa or Borderless Africa is on a progressive note as some African leaders have taken necessary measures about it. 4. Within a short period of time, we have collaborated with companies and organizations like BAAADU, USA, African Textile Museum, USA, Black Wall Street, USA. UNAccc, etc 5. We have received the UN approval 6. We are 80% done with our African e-Bank Project 6. And other achievements will be disclosed soon. 📍Announcement on VisionAfric Meetings and Conferences. 1. VisionAfric Virtual General Meeting, 20th December 2023. 4:00pm WAT 2. Africa Vision 2050 Agenda [AVA2050] Summit, will be held in Lesotho, 1st-5th May, 2024. 3. 2nd Year Anniversary, ATLANTA USA, 7-10th Sept, 2024 4. VAGA, will be in South Africa 2024, Date yet unconfirmed! 5. BAAADU, 2024 DRC, Date yet unconfirmed. 📍Strategic Developmental Initiative. 1 VisionAfric Intercontinental Debates- VAID The focus and plan about this strategic initiative will be communicated soon as we are currently in touch with Technocrats, Corporate Experts, Philosophers, and leaders across the globe. 2. Global African Records- GAR African Records- GAR is an Afrocentric Glamour Record and Awards for Africans who exhibit outstanding skills, talents and expertise; and, those who have created tremendous impact in various levels, sectors, industries and African institutions globally. 📍 VisionAfric Projects and Investments Strategic Projects have been mapped out for implementations. These Projects will commence next year 2024.

🌍📚 #AcademicAfrica2023 Conference 📚🌍 The first day of the #AcademicAfrica2023 conference is a wrap, with participants sharing actionable insights and data that could be harnessed to boost governance and accelerate Africa’s development. The video recording is available on the day’s web page: https://lnkd.in/e-vCTisw Get ready for Day #2, when the exchanges will focus on the theme: "Complexities of Resilience in Africa: Expanding the Perspective." 🗓️ 6 December from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. New York time Tune in to participate and share widely with your networks: Registration to join the virtual session: https://bit.ly/3uoGDbL More information: https://lnkd.in/eg9Jae_9 🌟 PERSPECTIVES FROM DAY #1 The Under-Secretary-General and UN Special Adviser on Africa, emphasized the potential for Africa's rich knowledge and cultural understanding to catalyze the continent’s development. Professors Kelechi Kau, Siba Grovogui, Awino Okech, Zachariah Mampilly, Anouar Boukhars and Matthias Kronke shared perspectives on several issues, including the role of African women and girls in establishing strong states and institutions, the quality of higher education in Africa and the impact of “youth-led political resistance” across the continent. The exchange converged on the growing disconnect between African communities and their governments, fueled by the belief that the state has broken the social contract that they made with the people. Giving rise to “ungoverned spaces,” which could significantly undermine Africa’s progress if not properly recognized and addressed, the situation requires African governments to engage with social justice movements and re-think equitable governance. Data from the Afrobarometer repository was also shared to provide insights into state capacity and its impact on citizen well-being. 🌟 LOOKING AHEAD TO DAY 2: Moderated by Prof, Zitha Mokomane, the panel discussion for the day will feature the participation of Professors Charles Agyemang, Chika Esiobu and Tolbert Nyenswah. Dr. Cédric Yasser Nzouakeu Nyandjou, Associate Professor, University of Dschang , and Dr. Venance Shillingi, Senior Lecturer, Researcher and Consultant in Strategic Management at the School of Public Administration and Management, Mzumbe University will present papers related to the day’s theme. Zitha Dewah-Mokomane Mzumbe University

On the 13th of November, the OECD - OCDE joined partners virtually to kick-off the project “Improving civic participation with emerging technologies” led by #Portugal, #Spain and the #Netherlands and implemented by the OECD - OCDE with support from @DG REFORM. The project is funded by the European Commission through the Technical Support Instrument (TSI). It was great hear inspiring words and insights from Daniele Dotto (DG REFORM), Carlos Santiso (OECD - OCDE), Elsa Castro (AMA - Agência para a Modernização Administrativa, IP), @Maria Concepcion Martinez Tejedor (INAP Instituto Nacional de Administración Pública) and Nitesh Bharosa (Digicampus, Delft University of Technology ) to support the launch of this initiative.  I am feeling very privileged to act as Project Manager and be part of the team with Jack Orlik and Mauricio Mejia. Great to be with the EC team, Nicole Donkers (European Commission PM) and Kati Tarquis (European Commission). In recent years, the erosion of democracy has been at the centre of public debate and is a source of deep concern for public institutions, civil society organisations and everyone engaged with upholding the ability of citizens to shape their societies and exercise their rights.  Emerging technologies are changing the way in which people interact in public life, opening a new range of opportunities for civic participation. However, rapid technological development is also creating new challenges and raising questions about integrity, transparency and ethics in their use. Through this TSI project, #Portugal,#Spain and the #Netherlands are taking the lead to find innovative ways to improve civic participation through emerging technologies. Together, we will explore the potential benefits and challenges of the use of emerging technologies by public administrations for innovative civic participation and the adoption of civic participation to contribute to the design, monitoring, and assessment of innovative ways to address common policy challenges. Over the next 20 months, activities will include an international study on the state of the art in civic tech, mapping key innovation stakeholders, a co-creation event to prototype solutions, and developing roadmaps to test and scale promising innovative approaches.    With an expert team, committed partners, and a collaborative spirit, we’re excited about the promise this new initiative shows to harness innovation for the public good. Stay tuned for updates! Nicole Donkers Kati Tarquis Elsa Belo Jorge Lagarto Ana Pereira Corné Elson Caka @Antonio Gutierrez @Jesus Perez Gutierrez OECD Observatory of Public Sector Innovation Marco Daglio Alessandro Bellantoni David Goessmann LabX - Centro para a Inovação no Setor Público Claire Karle

The mess we're in? - Not necessarily. I work with shapers & leaders across sectors & generations and I want to share 3 insights with #EU lawmakers and policymakers today. The electoral maps tell us that: 1. Society is too core to fail. (Anyone agreeing - act accordingly.) 2. Rural intelligence is key now. 3. From citizens to C-Suites, practical engagement works. It conveys the magic of belonging. #SocialCohesion and #stability #openness #resilience #democraticculture are not nice-to-haves! They are the foundation and prerequisite of everything else. Societies need #attention just like the #SingleMarkt or #Growth in the EU. We need a #nonprofit Single Market, a #CitizenCommissioner. Society work = formal and non-formal #education, #exchange programs, #leadership + #youth work. Societies need to be treated as #criticalinfrastructure in our national and EU governance structures, crisis and risk management teams, and budgets. HOW to boost and nourish #societies including #cohesion #civics and #resilience? Through #leadership and patient professional #dialogue programmes, #conflictmanagement #trustbuilding, #civicempowerment #participation #cocreation. This is especially needed with and in #rural areas across the #EU. From citizens to C-suites, tailor-made, long term and trust-based engagement works. No matter whether it's for #biodiversity or #democracy, for #circulareconomy or #sustainability - individuals across the board respond positively to practical, hands-on invitations to help solve a problem. Real-life formats of exchange and engagement allow many to leave victim-consciousness behind, and to rather unlock the magic of contributing, creating, cooperating. The magic of belonging. In that vein, it all comes down to boosting what unites us rather than insisting on what divides us. Are there proofs of concept for hands-on society work? Many, as shown by More in Common Love Politics ProjectTogether The Good Lobby Dreamocracy - Collective Creativity for the Common Good European Alternatives THE CIVICS Innovation Hub Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung / Federal Agency for Civic Education Stiftung Wertebündnis Bayern Stiftung Mercator GmbH German Marshall Fund of the United States Open European Dialogue CORRECTIV JoinPolitics Jascha R. W. Rohr DemocracyNext Pioneers of Change EPALE - German Speaking Network for the Adult Education Community in Europe Alexandra Lieben Innsbruck Nature Film Festival Lehm Ton Erde Verena Ringler: AGORA European Green Deal On rural intelligence, read here: https://lnkd.in/dmWxpjRm

Coming together is always only beginning, staying together is progress but truly working all together for tangible and visible progress and stability is a success.. Priorities include promoting cooperation in Healthcare, Environemental protection, Science, High technology, Culture, Sports, Youth exchanges, and Civil society World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024 will bring together more than 2,800 leaders across geographies and industries. The meeting expected outcome is to revitalize and reimagine the cooperation necessary for advancing resilience and security; reviving economic growth that improves living standards; pursuing rapid action that protects nature while securing energy; ensuring technological developments are inclusive; and investing in people and equitable opportunities... Priorities include promoting transparency and cooperation in Healthcare, Environemental protection, Science, High technology, Culture, Sports, Youth exchanges, and Civil society Global stakeholders meeting Switzerland is the host for: Li Qiang, Premier of the People's Republic of China; Emmanuel Macron, President of France; Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Javier Milei, President of Argentina; Han Duck-soo, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea; Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain; Viola Amherd, President of the Swiss Confederation 2024 and Federal Councillor of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports; Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine; Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium; Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego, President of Colombia; Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece; Mohammed Shyaa Al Sudani, Prime Minister of Iraq; Leo Varadkar, Taoiseach of Ireland; Bisher Hani Al Khasawneh, Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya; Najib Mikati, President of the Council of Ministers of Lebanon; Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, Prime Minister of Mongolia; Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands; Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria; Andrzej Duda, President of Poland; Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar; Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia; Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of Singapore; Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka; Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel; Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister of Thailand; Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of Viet Nam. As well as: Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State; Jake Sullivan, US National Security Adviser. Heads of international organizations include: António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General; Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund; Ajay S. Banga, President, World Bank Group; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization; Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary-General, North Atlantic Treaty Organization; Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization and more..