Climate Alliance Annual Conference - Climate.Cities.Communities
2019-09-25 - 2019-09-27 | Rostock, Rostock, Germany
The tide is changing. Thanks to grassroots campaigning, increasing numbers of local, regional and even national governments worldwide are now declaring the climate as a priority. Many other municipalities and regions have long taken climate change seriously and are already pursuing ambitious climate goals. For them, some of the most pressing questions revolve around how best to act on this all-encompassing issue when only parts of its root causes are under municipal control. Which local strategies can contribute to a liveable future, how can we implement them and what can we learn from global partnerships along the way? How do we realise necessary transitions in mobility and the built environment, how can we engage the public in our strategies and how do we adapt to the changes we cannot avoid?
Climate.Cities.Communities. explores the role of municipalities in climate action and the implementation of local strategies with the power to foster a good future for all. Join us in shaping our future!
More information on our website here: http://www.climatealliance.org/events/international-conference/2019-conference.html

Global Strike For Future Belgium III
2019-09-19 - 2019-09-20
On Friday, 20 September 2019, millions of young people and adults worldwide will strike for climate Our house is on fire – no time to waste.
We will stop working and hit the streets to remind our politicians that the ‘window of opportunity’ is getting smaller as long as they don’t treat this situation as a civilizational crisis. No time to waste: we demand more ambitious climate action on every political level, that leaves no one behind.
All generations join forces: youth, adults, grandparents. The Belgian climate movement is stronger than ever! This strike will be the kick-off for an entire action week in our country, three days out from the UN’s climate summit in New York.
Come and show your support with your friends and colleagues! Meet-up at Brussels North station at 13:30.
More info about strike day:

NL: http://www.klimaatcoalitie.be/klimaatstaking
FR: http://www.klimaatcoalitie.be/node/536

More info about action week:

https://www.facebook.com/globalweekforfuturebelgium/

Call for contributions for the 2nd GUNi International Conference on SDGs: Higher Education and Science take action!
2019-09-14 - 2019-09-15
After a successful first edition of the International Conference on SDGs: Actors and Implementation, GUNi will be holding the second edition of the GUNi International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals: Higher Education and Science Take Action on the 5th and 6th of March 2020 at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) in Barcelona.
Read the call for contributions here and submit your proposal!
For this 2nd GUNi International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) we welcome any contributions that present scientific research, innovative practices, projects, programmes and initiatives that demonstrate how higher education institutions are working towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Specifically, we would like to invite applications that put the spotlight on activities designed to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals and their achievement in teaching, research, institutional policies, third mission and student initiatives at higher education institutions. We encourage practices that involve collaboration with other institutions and organisations. We welcome applications from different countries, contexts and disciplines.
| Key dates |
Call for Contributions (pdf file)
– Opening of abstract submission: 29th April 2019
– Deadline for abstract submission: 15th September 2019 (23:59 ECT)
– Notification of acceptance/rejection: November 2019
Registration
– Early bird: 10th September – 1st December 2019, included
– Regular registration: from 2nd December 2019
=> Join the event on Facebook.
=> Use the hashtag on Twitter #GUNiSDGs

CIRC4Life - take part in new consumer survey on reuse and recycling
2019-09-08 - 2019-09-09
As part of an EU research project CIRC4Life, we are conducting a survey on consumer attitudes to reuse and recycling in electronics and food products.
Your input is very valuable to us in order to develop new products based on the circular economy which can have a great impact. The objective is to look for better ways to encourage people to make more sustainable choices.
The survey will take you a maximum of 10 minutes to complete and will be open until 9 September 2019. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer!
To answer the survey, click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T35272F

Post-European elections debate organized by 11.11.11 on 19 June
2019-06-19 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
In the wake of the European elections, many questions are being raised. We notice important tendencies, common threads and evolutions that might need some clarification.
What does this mean for human rights and democracy in the EU? Will populism get an even bigger breeding ground? What role will European civil society play in the coming years? Are far-right parties dead weight in the European Parliament?
11.11.11 has decided it is time to debate these topics.
Speakers
– Marta Pardavi, Co-chair at Helsinki Committee Hungary
– Laura Sullivan, Executive Director of We move EU
– Anne Van Lancker, former Member of the European Parliament for the Socialist Group
With Koen Vidal (Foreign editor De Standaard) as moderator.
When: 19 June 2019, 20:00 – 22:00
Where: Venue TOP, KVS, Lakensestraat 146, 1000 Brussels
Interested? Register now: https://www.11.be/component/zoo/item/europadebat#inschrijven
and/or share our facebook event with your network:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2257709491211367/?active_tab=about
The debate will be in English.

LLP annual conference
2019-06-18 - 2019-06-20
LLP annual conference
The Lifelong Learning Platform has opened the registrations for their Annual Conference 2019, “Learning democracy, values and participation: the added value of lifelong learning“! Hurry up and reserve your tickets to the European conference on learning democracy, global citizenship education and promoting common values! Register now!

Report launch ‘Falling through the cracks: Exposing inequalities in the European Union and beyond’
2019-06-18 15:00 - 16:30
Presented by: Make Europe Sustainable for All (MESA) and SDG Watch Europe
European Development Days (EDDs)
Room L1
18 June – 16.00 to 17.30
Leaving the vulnerable behind
The European Union has just over a decade left to achieve the Leave No One Behind principle of Agenda 2030. Despite the ticking clock, in many EU countries there are striking inequalities hindering sustainable development, including defective social protection systems, poverty, tax injustice and climate change.
‘Falling through the cracks: Exposing inequalities in the European Union and beyond’, will be launched during the European Development Days. The report provides a national picture of the various forms of inequalities and an overview of inequalities at the EU level. The document also focuses on individual forms of inequalities in its thematic chapters.
The report is structured around:
– 15 national reports highlighting the state of inequalities in each of the participating countries
– Thematic chapters on individual but interrelated dimensions of inequality [AG1]
– EU-level review of Europe-wide trends relating to inequalities, the European Union’s commitments in the fight against inequalities, as well as a comparative analysis of how EU member countries have performed.

Webinar on SDGs and Human Rights - 18 (EN), 19 (ES) and 20 (FR) June
2019-06-17 - 2019-06-20
WEBINAR
Tools to operationalise the synergies between SDGs and Human Rights
Dates: June 18 (EN), 19 (ES) and 20 (FR)
Time: 10AM – 11AM EST (New York time)
See Save the Date here
The 2030 Agenda is explicitly grounded in human rights, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) seek to realise human rights for all. Moreover, the pledge to leave no one behind reflects the fundamental human rights principles of non-discrimination and equality. At the Danish Institute for Human Rights, we develop analysis, tools and guidance to operationalise a human rights-based approach to the implementation of sustainable development, in a manner that leaves no one behind.
This webinar will discuss how to use two of our strategic tools to strengthen the realisation and review of the SDGs with data from human rights mechanisms:

The Human Rights Guide to the SDGs: sdg.humanrights.dk
SDG-Human Rights Data Explorer: sdgdata.humanrights.dk

The webinar is available is three languages, with Live Captions services for each date to provide for wider accessibility:
English: Tuesday, June 18, 10AM – 11AM EST
Español: Miércoles, 19 de junio, 10AM – 11AM EST
Français: Jeudi, 20 juin, 10AM – 11AM EST
The connecting details are the following. If you will activate the Live Captions, please refer to this document for the set up information.
ENGLISH – 18 June 2019, 10am EST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/809740495
Meeting ID: 809 740 495
Dial by your location: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abDJTPguL1
LIVE CAPTIONS: https://www.streamtext.net/text.aspx?event=CFI-DIHR
SPANISH – 19 June 2019, 10am EST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/453970911
Meeting ID: 453 970 911
Dial by your location: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abDJTPguL1
LIVE CAPTIONS: https://www.streamtext.net/text.aspx?event=CFI-DIHR-Spanish
FRENCH – 20 June 2019, 10am EST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/557245436
Meeting ID: 557 245 436
Dial by your location: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abDJTPguL1
LIVE CAPTIONS: https://www.streamtext.net/text.aspx?event=CFI-DIHR-French

EDDs
2019-06-17 - 2019-06-19
EDDs registration is now open!
EDDS
When: 18-19 June 2019
Where: Tour & Taxis, Brussels
This year’s edition of the EDD will address inequalities. With exciting high-level speakers, debates and other engaging sessions, EDD 2019 will focus on combining the European Union’s goals to address inequalities and the Agenda 2030 for sustainable development.
How to register:

STEP ONE: Create a profile on the EDD website. You will not be able to sign up to the event without a profile.
STEP TWO: Register on the EDD website.

Click on the ‘Register’ button on your dashboard
Register through a pre-identified organisation with your professional email address. If your organisation is not listed or you are attending independently, please contact registration@eudevdays.eu
Upload an ID picture.

For security reasons, each registration will be carefully reviewed. Please remember that creating a profile does not give you access to the event. You need to fully register. An official confirmation with a QR code will be sent to you once your registration is approved.
You will need this QR code to access EDD 2019.

Meeting the SDGs: Challenges for the Coffee Value Chain
2019-06-06 08:30 - 17:00
BY Conservation International
On June 6th (9:30 – 18:00), the International Coffee Organization (ICO) and the European Coffee Federation (ECF) is hosting a Symposium on ‘Meeting the SDGs: Challenges for the Coffee Value Chain. Shared solutions to coffee price levels, volatility and long-term sustainability”. The event will take place in the Albert Borschette Conference Centre, Rue Froissart 36 in Brussels.
More information on the event as well as the (draft) program can be found here. Interested participants can register here.

European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) 2019
2019-05-29 - 2019-06-05
Launch of the European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) 2019! The ESDW is a European-wide initiative to stimulate and make visible activities, projects and events that promote sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It takes place every year from 30 May until 5 June.
The European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) is an initiative to facilitate the organization of activities that promote sustainable development and make these efforts visible on a common platform. The recently adopted global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) articulates key issues that call for urgent action at all levels and by all stakeholders. The ESDW contributes to this ambitious, universal and transformative agenda by promoting the organization of bottom-up activities that have a thematic link to and support the SDGs. As such, the ESDW aims to raise awareness for the 2030 Agenda in Europe and calls upon local stakeholders to actively engage with sustainable development, in general, and the SDGs, in particular.
Activities will be able to be registered and viewed on this website. This will be a tool for organizers to promote their project and attract higher participation. Furthermore, they will gain access to promotion material (logos, posters, banners etc.) on the site, highlighting their participation in a concerted European effort for sustainable development.
Event registration is now open for everyone who wishes to organize an event that is centered around sustainability.

#vote4friendship – Song for Europe"
2019-05-24 - 2019-05-25
With a new version of a classic Queen song and high-profile advocates, a music campaign is drumming up support for the European elections: in favour of the European ideal and against nationalism and marginalisation
Pan-European music project: Young artists from all 28 EU countries join forces to cover “Friends Will Be Friends” by Queen Video
Campaign objective: for 50 NGOs from over 20 countries, as the party-independent, pro-European “Alliance4Europe”, to mobilise additional three million non-voters to cast their votes in the elections on 23-26 May
Support from BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt, Deutsche Post Foundation, Mercator Stiftung, DDB Warsaw, Serviceplan Group, European Front, Agora, CoInvest, Pulse of Europe, The Good Lobby, Katapult Filmproduktion GmbH, Mokoh Music GmbH, Factor product, Cities of Gdańsk and Warsaw and prominent advocates such as Christopher Clark, Timothy Garton Ash, Nick Stern, Agnieszka Holland and Ulrich Wickert
Munich, 13.05.2019 – Just imagine, it’s the European parliamentary elections – and only opponents of Europe turn up at the polls. Instead of waiting around to see what happens, Alliance4Europe – an informal, independent network of 50 civil society organisations and initiatives from 20 EU member states – is taking action now. On 13 May, Alliance4Europe is sending out a strong musical appeal to the whole of Europe with the #vote4friendship campaign: 30 artists from 28 member countries are coming together to sing the Queen hit “Friends Will Be Friends”, which the band made available royalty-free for this purpose. The collaborative music video will be released across Europe. Alliance4Europe’s campaign is primarily aimed at young EU citizens who take the achievements of the European Union for granted but, for the most part, do not go to the polls. The last time a new European Parliament was elected, only 43.09 percent of all eligible voters actually cast their vote.
A song for friendship and freedom – and against hatred and marginalisation
The focus of the campaign is a three-minute music video of the Queen song “Friends Will Be Friends” featuring 30 artists from 28 countries. As well as the musicians, the video also features people from every European country who are coming together to stand for the campaign’s pro-European message. The participating performers, including soul and funk artist Oceana from Germany, Portuguese singer Virgul and Swedish alternative rockers Normandie, are not only making a musical contribution, but showing their commitment to the idea of a pan-European friendship in emotional video statements, which they are actively sharing with their national and international fans and followers.
Friends of Europe, unite!
#vote4friendship is aimed in particular at young Europeans who are meanwhile hard to reach with traditional campaigns and therefore more easily manipulated by targeted disinformation in the digital media. The campaign relies on the power of dialogue and is based on digital building blocks and formats that can be actively shared among civil society. A wide supporter network of European influencers, prominent multipliers like, Christopher Clark, Timothy Garton Ash, Nick Stern, Agnieszka Holland, Ulrich Wickert and organisations like the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt, Deutsche Post Foundation, Mercator Stiftung, DDB Warsaw, Serviceplan Group, European Front, Agora, CoInvest, Pulse of Europe, The Good Lobby, Katapult Filmproduktion GmbH, Mokoh Music GmbH, Factor product, Cities of Gdańsk and Warsaw shares a common interest: to strengthen the European idea across all borders from a cultural, economic and living perspective. All campaign contents, videos and statements are therefore available on the website vote4friendship.eu and alliance4europe.eu/resources to download and share on all social media channels and platforms.
No vote, no voice
Of all EU citizens who are eligible to vote in the European elections, over half don’t. At the last elections for the European Parliament, the voter turnout throughout Europe was 43.09 percent. “By staying silent, millions of EU citizens, who enjoy living in a united Europe and reap its benefits on a daily basis, are opening the door to a radical minority that wants to jeopardise our Europe,” says Sonja Stuchtey (47), initiator and managing director of Alliance4Europe. Founded in November 2018, the NGO is opposing this with the Europe-wide omnichannel campaign #vote4friendship. Its aim is to break the silence of non-voters aged between 18 and 35 across Europe and to motivate at least three million of them to cast their vote.
About Alliance4Europe
Alliance4Europe was founded by entrepreneur Sonja Stuchtey together with 25 Europeans in November 2018. It represents an agile network of civil society groups and citizens in Europe who are committed to safeguarding the European Union and its values. The first milestone of the commitment of Alliance4Europe and all its many supporters, partners and local participating organisations in all EU member states is simple: by uniting civil society in a common cause, they want to reinforce the positive image of the European Union among young Europeans in the run-up to the elections for a new EU Parliament on 26 May 2019. In addition to the music video initiative, via the newly created “Alliance EU Wiki” Alliance4Europe is also initiating and coordinating information campaigns, bar camps, panels and many other decentrally organised projects throughout the whole of Europe under the motto #vote4friendship.
After the European elections, Allianz4Europe will continue to support projects that encourage a dialogue in Europe. It promotes pro-European groups and organisations, coordinates Europe-wide campaigns and, with its extensive combined online reach, enables the wide-reaching communication and sharing of best-practice projects and pro-EU narratives.
Alliance4Europe is a non-profit organisation (gGmbH) without any political affiliations.

Spot the 17! Brussels
2019-05-20 - 2019-05-21
Do you enjoy walking and sightseeing?
Do you know what SDG means?
Do you know the difference between an SDG and an MDG?
Do you know why they matter?
Would you like to find out?
‘Spot the 17! Brussels’ is a game in which you wander around the Belgian and European capital hunting, not for buried treasures, but for nuggets of wisdom and gems of knowledge about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Development Agenda to achieve them.
The game is designed to inform you about and test your knowledge of the SDGs.
You can start playing ‘Spot the 17! Brussels’ anywhere in downtown Brussels. To locate all 17 SDGs requires you to walk some 10kms and takes up to three hours. This has the additional bonus of being good for your health and well-being, which is SDG number three.
Instruction
To play ‘Spot the 17! Brussels’, you first need to click on ‘register’ and we will send you some documents you need for your hunt. Next, you need to download the app and scan the QR code that you will receive via e-mail.
Once you have completed the hunt, send us your results to win a delicious prize.
The game will be available from May 2019 till May 2020.

Seminar: The Role of Families in achieving the Circular Economy
2019-05-13 - 2019-05-14
14 May 2019
09.30-11.30
Venue: Room JDE 51
European Economic and Social Committee
Rue Belliard 99, 1040 Brussels
It is a pleasure to invite you to the seminar on “the Role of Families in achieving the Circular Economy” that Make Mothers Matter is organising in partnership with the European Economic and Social Committee on the occasion of the International Day of Families.
As the Behavioural Study on Consumers’ Engagement in the Circular Economy recently published by the European Commission 2018 points out, consumer participation on the Circular Economy has received little attention until now. Thus to move towards a Circular Economy, the consumption/ demand side needs to be well understood and studied. Consumers play a pivotal role in transitioning to a circular economy.
At this conference we want to explore how families can be better integrated and considered on the circular economy. We will bring together different experts and stakeholders at various levels of action, from policy-makers to community-led initiatives combining a top down and bottom up approach. The aim is to exchange and build a constructive dialogue among different actors of sustainable development in Europe.
We will analyse how our society can achieve economic progress by including measures of social inclusion, equal opportunities and justice, and how families can be supported in order to contribute in the transition to a more circular economy.
This event is an occasion for MMM to present how we are engaging families in the circular economy at the Horizon 2020 research project CIRC4life.
Speakers
Luca Jahier : EESC President,
Hugo Schally : DG Environment European Commission,
Eline Boon : Ellen MacArthur Foundation,
Olalla Michelena : Make Mothers Matter,
Jörg Adamczewski : Zero Waste France
Please find more information on the agenda.
Please kindly register here and do not hesitate to forward this invitation to anybody that may be interested.
In order for you to get the accreditation needed to access the event, please leave us the required information and bring your ID or passport with you on the 14th of May.
For any questions related to the event please contact us at europe@makemothersmatter.org
Learn more about the EU Delegation of Make Mothers Matter by visiting our website

SDG Global Festival of Action
2019-05-01 - 2019-05-04
Join us in Bonn, Germany: 2 – 4 May 2019
#SDGglobalFest
Apply to register
The SDG Global Festival of Action is a ground-breaking event, positioned to gather and inspire SDGs campaigners and multi-stakeholder partners to scale up and broaden the global movement to take action for the SDGs.
Taking place in Bonn every year, the Festival provides a dynamic and interactive space to showcase the latest innovations, tools and approaches to SDG advocacy and SDG action.
It brings together leaders from governments, local authorities, international organizations, civil society, activists, young advocates, the creative industry and the private sector– to scale up the impact of their work and strategize joint actions, whilst motivating new organizations and individuals to join the movement and take action for the SDGs.
For more information see: https://globalfestivalofaction.org

Connecting Science and Society: Call for Applications to the Potsdam Summer School 2019
2019-04-29 - 2019-04-30
Interactions between science and society are at the centre of this year’s Potsdam Summer School, which will take place from 20 to 29 August 2019. It will explore the importance of science communication in order to find effective ways of communicating highly relevant topics in the field of sustainability and global change.
Since the sharing of interdisciplinary knowledge and expertise is a key aspect of the Summer School, the following questions will also guide the ten-day programme:

How can scientists address audiences from other societal areas?
Can all sustainability topics be communicated in the same way?
Should scientists become advocates rather than maintaining a neutral stance?
How can we deal with incomplete or misrepresented scientific information?
How can we reduce complexity without losing the scientific character?
How can we strengthen the credibility of scientific findings?

With its overarching theme – “Connecting Science & Society – Communicating Research on Sustainability and Global Change” – this year’s Potsdam Summer School will continue the transdisciplinary and interactive event series that has been held annually in Potsdam since 2014. The Summer School will provide its participants with a comprehensive look into theories and methods of science communication. They will engage in discussions and group work, where they will be provided with the tools to develop effective communication strategies.
The aim is to bring together talented early-career scientists and young professionals operating in the private sector, governmental agencies and non-governmental organisations from many different parts of the world to discuss frontier (research) questions on future sustainable development. We also aim to train science communication ambassadors who are eager to engage with various sectors of the public back in their home countries. Our goal is to improve science awareness, help to develop informed opinions, and enhance the transferable skills of current researchers.
In this context, the Potsdam Summer School provides a unique opportunity for all participants to foster international cooperation and an interdisciplinary exchange of ideas. These issues span a multitude of natural and social science disciplines and invite stakeholders from the public and private sector to get involved.
In partnership with Geo.X and the City of Potsdam, the 2019 Potsdam Summer School will be jointly organised by the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS), the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), and the University of Potsdam. Experts, stakeholders, and guest lecturers from high-level national and international institutes and organisations will contribute their knowledge and insights to the Summer School programme. The programme will comprise lectures, various discussion formats, and interactive group activities.
The call for applications will start on 1 February and the deadline for submitting applications is 30 April.
More information:

https://potsdam-summer-school.org/

Policy debate for the Spitzenkandidaten
2019-04-29 07:00 - 16:00
European Youth Forum is organising a policy debate for the Spitzenkandidaten on 29 April together with the Maastricht University, which will be a rare opportunity to learn about their views through a joint, live debate. The debate will also reflect on topics emerging from an online survey.
If you have any questions or topics that you think the candidates should be debating also in relation to sustainable development, then you can fill in the survey by 17 March and by that also influence the debate: https://maastrichtuniversity.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ah5fJcvd0tMM6X3

Jamm Session: EP Elections 2019 - Live Online Dialogue
2019-04-25 09:00 - 17:00
Join Culture Action Europe on 25 April 2019, from 10.00 to 18.00, online at http://jammart.eu, where we will be bringing together citizens and key EU policy makers, including MEP candidates from all across Europe to discuss such issues as:

Education & Research
European Identities & Values
Labour & Working Conditions
A Sustainable Future

Activators from a range of partner civil society organisations will invigorate each thematic chat room. Does your organisation want to help activate the discussions? Or would you like more information? Get in touch at contact@cultureactioneurope.org.
‘Spotlight Sessions’ will also allow participants to pose their questions directly to MEPs and candidates, who will reply live via videolink, with MEP candidates already confirmed from across the major political party groupings.
Raise your issues and raise your solutions: if your organisation has a manifesto, a petition, an action day – you can highlight this in the Solutions chat room at the end of the day.
With the European Parliament elections approaching in May 2019, it is the crucial moment to exchange on these key issues for the future of Europe – and as the event is online, you can drop in and join in whenever and from wherever you like to contribute to the conversation! Automatic translation will also be available.
Spread the word to encourage your networks to get active and put their burning questions to MEPs!
Registrations for participation are now open at: http://jammart.eu

Small grants for projects at local level around Fair Trade and Ethical Fashion
2019-03-29
The Fair Trade Advocacy Office has just launched a call for proposals for small grants for projects by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and/or Local Authorities (LAs) in any EU Member State to develop and implement innovative approaches that promote sustainable production and consumption at local level, in particular Fair Trade and Ethical Fashion, to raise the visibility of these approaches for policy-makers in order to encourage their support and facilitate building and sharing capacities amongst CSOs and LAs through networking & cross-learning. All information can be found here. Deadline for application submission is 29 March 2019 by 17:00 CET. This is NOT related to the European Parliament elections. To help you find potential partners for this sub-grant facility, we have developed a match-making document, available here: For questions, contact my colleague Fabienne Yver (yver@fairtrade-advocacy.org)

European Civic Academy
2019-03-28 - 2019-03-29
By Civil Society Europe and the National Federation of Polish NGOs
The European Civic Academy aims to give activists key insights and exchange experiences into critical development in the area of democracy and civic space as well as concrete tools on how to address them. Building partnerships between the academic world, and civil society is ever more needed as the rule of law are European values are eroded, civic freedoms are now threatened in several countries of the European Union. Moreover, the emerging of « illiberal » democracies, the rising of populist movements has created a difficult climate for independent civil society organisations.
The organising committee has proposed to focus this year’s Academy on the impact of populism on civil society, exploring current literature and practice and perspectives ahead, in a particular context with both the European elections and uncertainties around the impact of Brexit.
The meeting will take place on 28 and 29 March is Słubice in Poland just across the border with Germany at the Collegium Polonicum, an Academic institution symbol of reconciliation between Germany and Poland. The venue has been chosen both as a symbol of European cooperation and in a country where civic space and the rule of law have been attacked, but where civil society is thriving. The cities of Słubice/Frankfurt Oder have granted us patronage for this event. The meeting is organised in cooperation with Collegium Polonicum and the European Alliance for Social Sciences and Humanities.
It is co-funded by CSO Partnership for Development effectiveness as part of Sweden’s Policy for Global Development, and it benefits from the support of the European Civic Forum and of the Solidar Foundation.
Please find the agenda and registration details on our website
Do you not hesitate to disseminate the information among your members.Registration is open until 15 March

Regional Forum on Sustainable Development for the UNECE Region
2019-03-21 - 2019-03-22
The Regional Forum on Sustainable Development for the UNECE Region will be held from 21-22 March 2019 at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG).
Theme 2019:
The Regional Forum will be aligned with the theme of the 2019 High-level Political Forum: “Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality”
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in focus:
SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions).

The registration for the CSO Forum on Wednesday 20th March
2019-03-20 08:00 - 17:00
The registration for the CSO Forum on Wednesday 20th March, prior to the Regional SDGs Forum in Geneva, is now open. You can register via this link.
You will need a UN Badge to enter into the Palais de Nation building.
Please share with colleagues!

Making sustainable development the political priority for the EU’s new political leadership
2019-02-28 10:00 - 12:30 | Brussels
How to prepare in this year of transition?
Panel debate 10:00 – 12:30 @ EEB (Tweekerkenstraat 14-16, Brussels)
Please register by 25 February by emailing to sdgwatcheurope@gmail.com
In 2019, a new European Parliament will be elected, and the political leadership of the EU will change. This year of transition provides opportunities to reshape the overall narrative of the EU and to finally give sustainable development the political weight it should have been given already. It is not inevitable that the next Commission will make sustainable development its top priority? What needs to be done to ensure that this happens?
Civil society knows: another Europe is possible! While recognizing the challenge we are currently facing in the EU, civil society is engaging in the discussion of what kind of Europe we want. We share core values in our joint strive for sustainable development: democracy and transparency, social and environmental justice, human rights, the rule of law, equality, and solidarity. Those values must be at the heart of all policies and this means fundamental changes from today. To challenge the future political leaders of the EU, SDG Watch Europe and a wide network of civil society have put forward a “Manifesto for a Sustainable Europe for Its Citizens”.
On the morning of its General Assembly, SDG Watch Europe invites its members to discuss with selected institutional stakeholders in what way together we can ensure the next Commission will deliver on the 2030 Agenda and explore how different stakeholders can support civil society’s call for the ambitious implementation of the SDGs. The discussions will look into a stronger role for the new European Parliament on how to step up its watchdog function. The role of Member States will be explored – especially that of progressive Governments – and the likely impact of the Finnish EU Presidency, the first presidency to follow the appointment of the new Commission. Furthermore, we will discuss ideas of the EESC to encourage the Commission to be more ambitious as well as the role of civil society in increasing the pressure, including within (but not limited to) the Multi-Stakeholder Platform on the SDGs.
Panelists:

Cristina Gallach, High Commissioner for Agenda 2030, Government of Spain
Annika Lindblom, Counsellor for International Affairs at the Finnish Environment Ministry and Secretary-General of the Prime Minister led multi-stakeholder National Commission on Sustainable Development
Peter Schmidt, President of the European Economic Social Committee’s Sustainable Development Observatory
Eleni Theocharous, MEP, rapporteur Annual strategic report on the implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (TBC)
Elly Schlein, MEP (TBC)
Heidi Hautala, MEP, Vice-President (TBC)
Patrizia Heidegger, Steering Group of SDG Watch Europe / Director Global Policies and Sustainability with the European Environmental Bureau
Tanya Cox, Executive Director, CONCORD

Call for Submissions: Good Practices, Success Stories and Lessons Learned in SDG Implementation
2019-02-28
Call for Submissions: Good Practices, Success Stories and Lessons Learned in SDG Implementation – United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)
Three years into the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the sustainable development goals (SDGs), many Governments, UN entities, international and regional organizations, Major Groups and other Stakeholders, are planning or have initiated evidence-based stock-taking of progress.
Where do we stand? Are we on track? What are the inspiring breakthroughs and success stories that are showing results and impacts? What are the good practices that can be replicated and scaled up? What are the gaps and constraints and how should we address them? Looking ahead, what steps should we take to accelerate progress?
These are among the questions that are under consideration. To help answer these questions, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) is launching a call for submissions of good practices, success stories and lessons learned in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. The submissions will be analyzed by a dedicated inter-agency team coordinated by UN DESA, and the results will be made available online for easy access and broad dissemination. Where applicable, the submissions can serve as inputs to thematic preparations for the 2019 sessions of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF).
An event will be organized in the lead-up to the 2019 HLPF convened under the auspices of the General Assembly to showcase a selection of the good practices and success stories and to present the main findings of the evidence-based stock-taking. It is hoped that the submission, collection, analysis and dissemination of good practices, success stories and lessons learned will help galvanize the momentum for implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
Submissions can be made between 1 November 2018 and 28 February 2019 by using a web-based portal. All are encouraged to follow the template to the extent possible. For queries, please email DSDG@un.org, at the Division for Sustainable Development Goals of UN DESA.
We look forward to receiving your submissions.
Submit your contribution here

Download the submissions template here Submissions must be done using the web-based portal
Download a PDF version of this call here
Frequently asked questions

European Parliament elections campaign on Sustainable Consumption and Production (and small grants)
2019-02-22
The Fair Trade Advocacy Office will be leading with other civil society networks (e.g. CIDSE, IFOAM-EU, RIPESS-EU) an elections campaign on Sustainable Consumption and Production ahead of the EP elections in May this year. In order to support civil society organisations taking an active role in this campaign at national level, Fairtrade International has launched a call for proposals for small grants for Civil Society Organisations in Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. This takes places in the context of the “Trade Fair Live Fair” EU-funded project. All information can be found here. Deadline for applications is 22 February 2019, 16:00 CET. For questions on the sub-grant mechanism, contact Guzal Matniyazova (g.matniyazova@fairtrade.net). For questions on the EP elections campaign (welcome to join as partner or supporter!), let Sergi Corbalán (corbalan@fairtrade-advocacy.org) know.

Take part in our survey on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!
2019-02-22
Since the adoption in 2015 of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and of the 17 SDGs, the 193 signatory countries are expected to report regularly on the implementation of this universal agenda, which covers all policies and requires the involvement of all stakeholders. Regional and local authorities are essential partners in this implementation process, not only because a large majority of SDGs (65% according to the OECD) directly involve/affect them, but also because many of them have already successfully engaged in localising SDGs.
With feedback from local and regional authorities on their work on SDGs, the European Committee of the Regions wants to showcase how you have implemented, or currently are implementing, SDGs. This information will be used to influence a future EU strategy on SDGs, to better advocate for a territorial approach in the European and national policy-making process and to boost actions of implementation. Your views on what should the EU do on SDGs, on the priorities the EU should have to act on SDGs will also feed in our opinion on a Sustainable Europe by 2030 to be elaborated during the course of 2019.
This survey will also contribute to the broader OECD Programme on A Territorial Approach to SDGs: A role for cities and regions to leave no one behind, which seeks to support cities and regions in fostering a territorial approach to the SDGs through:

measuring where they stand vis-à-vis the national average and their peers;
engaging a multi-level dialogue with their lower and upper levels of government to build consensus on who can do what; and
sharing best practice and lessons from international experience.

This survey is based on a previous survey carried out by the Network of Regional Governments for Sustainable Development (nrg4sd). The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is also a partner in the drafting of the survey. The European Committee of the Regions wishes to thank these partners for their excellent collaboration.
Start the Survey !

The survey is available in all EU languages; to select your preferred language, click on the drop-down menu on the right of the screen
The survey will be open until Friday 22 February 2019 midnight
All responses will be kept confidential
For more information, please contact econ-survey-cor@cor.europa.eu

Subscribe to the ECON mailing list to receive the survey results.

European Responsible Housing Awards 2019 - Submit your projects & join dozens of innovators across Europe
2019-02-15
Recently we have seen how changing demographic trends, a rise in inequality and populism, increasing consequences of climate change, concerns over structural safety, are changing the political, social, infrastructural and environmental landscapes, including housing. Housing and how (and, indeed, where) we live will be a decisive factor in the shaping of our future(s), and so remains fundamental. Our aim is that the exemplary and innovative ideas and best practices that are already happening on-the-ground and that will be showcased at the European Responsible Housing Awards 2019 will be a part of these conversations and developments | DEADLINE: 15 February 2019
More information: http://www.housingeurope.eu/resource-1204/european-responsible-housing-awards-2019

Apply for MESA grants!
2019-02-15
As part of the project Make Europe Sustainable for All, financial support is available to local level civil society groups campaigning on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We welcome applications for local project proposals in 15 countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain) before the closing date of 15 February 2019.
Proposals coming from one of the mentioned countries could be eligible either for a smaller grant of up to €2000 (LOT 1, 3 projects will be selected in each of the project countries) or a grant of up to €7500 (LOT 2, 6 projects will be selected across the project countries).
The micro grants are meant to encourage creative activities and actions around the SDGs at the local, grass-roots level – from street actions to workshops, from stunts to educational activities, involving local citizens, young people and students, local groups, local policy-makers and many more.
Get a grant here!

Stakeholders E-consultation On the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under review at the 2019 High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF)
2019-02-08
Share your inputs on the SDGs under review at the 2019 HLPF!
Deadline: 8 February 2018
Background:
When adopting the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Member States decided to undertake thematic reviews of progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including cross-cutting issues.
Member States have also decided that the HLPF, under the auspices of ECOSOC, would discuss a set of SDGs and their interlinkages, including with other Goals, with a view to facilitating an in-depth review of progress made on all SDGs over the course of a four-year cycle, with means of implementation, including SDG 17, reviewed annually.
In 2019, the HLPF, meeting under the auspices of ECOSOC (9-18 July), will finalize the first cycle of thematic reviews with in-depth analysis of the following SDGs:

SDG 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
SDG 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
SDG 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
SDG 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
SDG 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
SDG 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

E-consultation:
Major groups and stakeholders are invited to participate in an E-consultation on the SDGs under review at the 2019 HLPF via the links below.
The E-Consultation will serve to improve stakeholders’ access to information and promote broad and participatory engagement on the follow up and review of the 2030 Agenda implementation. It will complement/feed into other on-going processes for the SDG-specific reviews, including Expert Group Meetings (EGMs) being organized by DESA/DSDG.
A limited number of questions are proposed for each SDG under review, and major groups and other stakeholders are invited to contribute concise and straightforward inputs. Inputs will be made publicly available[1].
A summary of main points identified through the e-consultations will be elaborated and disseminated by UNDESA/DSDG.
Submit your inputs by 8th February 2019 using the links below:
https://un.E-consultation/SDG4
https://un.E-consultation/SDG8
https://un.E-consultation/SDG10
https://un.E-consultation/SDG13
https://un.E-consultation/SDG16
https://un.E-consultation/SDG17
The review the responses received from the E-consultation, please use the links below.

SDG 4
https://un.E-consultation/SDG4-Responses

SDG 8
https://un.E-consultation/SDG8-Responses

SDG 10
https://un.E-consultation/SDG10-Responses

SDG 13
https://un.E-consultation/SDG13-Responses

SDG 16
https://un.E-consultation/SDG16-Responses

SDG 17
https://un.E-consultation/SDG17-Responses

For more information: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/hlpf/2019/econsultation

Event: Towards a Global Pact for the Environment - 6 February 2019, European Parliament, Brussels
2019-02-06 14:00 - 18:00
