Africa Centre for Sustainable and Inclusive Development’s Post

📣 The Global Youth Action Plan is here! Serving as a two-year roadmap, this plan captures the voices of young people worldwide and offers clear steps to address pressing regional challenges. Developed by the Policy Board and Youth Assembly Secretariat, it highlights key priorities and actionable solutions identified through regional consultations. The plan invites everyone—policymakers, scientists, NGOs, international bodies, farmers, Indigenous Peoples, civil society, private sector and youth leaders—to join forces and turn these policies into impactful action. Together, let’s shape a sustainable, equitable future! 🔗 Read the full plan: https://lnkd.in/ddfKHRCB

🇹🇴🌊 “Sea-level rise needs to be addressed comprehensively, and urgently by the international community. We need better cooperation, new partnerships and more resources to support the adaptation journeys of our affected communities.” This week we are at the SIDS4 conference in Antigua & Barbuda, talking to people about their takeaways from the conference and what they take with them to the Sea-Level Rise Summit on 25 September in New York City during UNGA79. Listen to our interview with the Prime Minister of Tonga, H.E. Siaosi Sovaleni, about the impacts of sea-level rise in the Pacific.

⚡ ICYMI: 💭 Last month, we welcomed new MEPs at our Meet & Sip event along with VOICE EU and European Peacebuilding Liaison Office (EPLO) to share our messages and emphasise the important role of civil society organisations in engaging with decision-makers. Now, with the Commissioner hearings approaching, let's reiterate these messages: 🌍 The #EU needs to stand firm in its commitment to the #2030Agenda to reduce inequalities between people, communities and countries and create a more equitable world for all.   🤝 Civil society is a key partner. The EU must recognise civil society's role in sharing key perspectives in policy-making, programming and funding processes, and ensure sufficient civic space and CSO funding. 🌱 Policy coherence for sustainable development is essential. All aspects of EU external action must contribute to progressing global sustainable development. ✌️ Long-term support for sustainable #peace efforts is crucial, with the EU backing these with financial commitments to ensure lasting impact.  🛡️ The EU must integrate human security into all external actions.  🚨 the EU must expand the space for principled humanitarian action, ensuring responses are needs-based and shielded from political or economic influences.  💰 The growing #humanitarian funding gap is a challenge. We need funding that matches real needs, free from politically motivated reallocation.  🌍🌿 The rise in conflicts and climate-related disasters demands a multisectoral, prevention-oriented, and nexus approach to tackle root causes. With MEPs preparing to scrutinise future Commissioners, we sincerely hope to see these messages reflected, and above all, we look forward to a productive collaboration with decision-makers over the next 5 years.

As the Summit of the Future concludes, we must ask: Are we truly addressing the emotional well-being of young people, especially in fragile and conflict-affected environments? At Voluntās, we believe in creating environments where youth experience meaning, dignity, and purpose. Through the Youth Meaningfulness Index (YMI), in partnership with the alv foundation, UNICEF, UNESCO, and Gleding we’re uncovering how young people, from Ukraine to Kenya, build resilience through community and personal agency. In this paper, Fanny Marchand, Head of the Voluntās Foundation, calls on policymakers and international organizations to rethink the metrics they use to design programs and measure the impact of their work on children and youth. This is an opportunity to reshape policies that foster a more meaningful future for young people and build more sustainable societies. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dK9DA36N

With our world in turmoil, please check out this thought-provoking blog by Geraldine J. Fraser-Moleketi Fraser-Moleketi, Chair, Committee of Experts on Public Administration and Lamia Moubayed Bissat, Vice-Chair, Committee of Experts on Public Administration: “More equal than others” is not an option for the future: Reflections from the Global South on the Summit of the Future https://lnkd.in/eYX_QM2n

📢 During the #ActionDays of the #SummitoftheFuture, the five United Nations Regional Commissions launched their joint policy brief on #intergenerational relations, which offers recommendations to address the social and economic challenges and opportunities of #demographic shifts towards multigenerational societies across the regions.  At a side event hosted by the Permanent Mission of #Chile, participants noted that integrating the lens of intergenerational solidarity and equity into global policy discussions is key to a forward-looking delivery of Pact for the Future and of #OurCommonAgenda. In the interactive segment moderated by UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean, she highlighted the need to enhance knowledge on intergenerational relations and to foster inter-generational solidarity in the context of increasing #longevity and population #ageing – an area in which the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe actively promotes regional cooperation, policy dialogue and experience exchange between member States through the UNECE Standing Working Group on Ageing. “One of the key tasks is to respond to the needs and changing roles of individuals in families, communities and societies throughout the life course through intergenerational and intra-generational solidarity and to harness the potential of increased longevity. To define effective #policy responses to current demographic trends, it is necessary to recognize #older persons as active participants of #sustainabledevelopment and contributors to shaping our future, along with younger generations,” Ms. Molcean underscored. Learn more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/d_h9zgjC Download the joint policy brief ▶️ ECLAC United Nations ESCAP United Nations Economic Commission for Africa United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) Jose M Salazar-Xirinachs Claver Gatete Dmitry Mariyasin UN Sustainable Development Group Lisa Warth Kristen Jeffers Philipp Hessel

🌍 The Role of Civil Society for Peace: A Discussion on European Security and Resilience 🌿  How can civil society foster peace and resilience in a Europe facing increasing militarization, political polarization, and restrictive policies? This hybrid seminar, held on 9th December, 13:00–14:30 CET, will delve into these pressing questions.  In an era of heightened conflict and complexity, civil society plays a vital role in fostering stability, preventing violence, and creating hope. Yet, these organizations face growing challenges such as budget cuts, restrictive laws, and marginalization, especially under the influence of far-right governments. This seminar will explore how civil society can remain resilient and continue driving sustainable peace across Europe.  📍 Event Details:  • Date: 9th December 2024  • Time: 13:00–14:30 CET  • Location: Solidaritetsrörelsens Hus, Tegelviksgatan 40, Stockholm (Hybrid)  • Language: English  🎤 Speakers:  • Isabella Lövin (Former MEP, Greens/EFA)  • Małgorzata Kopka-Piątek (Head of European and Migration Policy Programme, Institute of Public Affairs)  • Petra Tötterman Andorff (Secretary-General, Kvinna till Kvinna)  • Saba Tadele (Poet and Writer)  ✨ Moderation by Gabriel Liljenström  🔑 What you’ll gain:  • Insights into the challenges civil society faces in today’s political landscape.  • Exploration of alternative approaches to peace and security.  • Strategies to empower civil society’s mission in building a just and sustainable future.  💻 Register now to join this important conversation:  https://lnkd.in/dhfpBfxn  This event is part of the Green European Foundation’s Peace and Security programme, organised in collaboration with Cogito and supported by the European Parliament.  💡 Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the dialogue on Europe’s future and the transformative power of civil society.  #Cogito #GEF #CivilSociety #Peacebuilding #EuropeanResilience

Next Month at the UN Headquarters in New York: Summit of the Future (September 22-23) + Summit of the Future Action Days (September 20-21). Registration for the Action Days is now open. The three themes of the Action Days (digital and technology, peace and security, and sustainable development and financing) and the focus on youth resonate strongly with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) #ICPD30 priorities. This presents a great opportunity for diverse stakeholders to come together, advocate for shared interests, and collaborate towards common goals. "Bringing together representatives from Member States, civil society, private sector, academia, local and regional authorities, youth, and many more, the Action Days will provide an opportunity for broad engagement and inclusion. These stakeholders have all played a key role in shaping the Pact for the Future and will be critical to its implementation. The Action Days will kick off with a dedicated, youth-led afternoon followed by a Saturday programme which will focus on three priority themes – digital and technology, peace and security, and sustainable development and financing. In addition to the three themes, there will also be a dedicated focus throughout the day on future generations. Expected participants include Heads of State, Ministers, senior UN officials and representatives from the private sector, civil society and other actors.” More information: https://lnkd.in/efdMr3ME

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀: 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗖𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿. It’s here! Our November Newsletter delves into the 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 that 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗰𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, and 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘀 employ to navigate the 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 and counter 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀, from polarising speech to violations of civil liberties. This issue covers 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁—whether rethinking funding approaches to address 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 or building 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 to counter 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩’𝘴 𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘶𝘦? 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀-𝗔𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆: With democracy under attack globally, Elisa Peter argues that pro-democracy donors in the US and Europe must collaborate more strategically. This issue highlights how shared strategies and partnerships can help counter authoritarian tactics like disinformation and division. 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗨: Carl Dolan of the European Policy Centre analyses the challenges ahead for civil society under the new European Commission. From promoting new regulations to addressing staff burnout, resilience is essential for organisations to remain effective. 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: From holding governments accountable for climate crisis responses in Spain to building civic engagement in Hungary, local civil society organisations are stepping up to tackle real-world challenges with tangible impact. 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆: Anna Striethorst, Senior Sector Officer for Civil Society at the EEA and Norway Grants, explains how the EEA Civil Society Fund, with a groundbreaking budget of €326 million, aims to protect democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Europe. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲: As usual, we are packed with grantee partner stories and updates. We also include curated resources and funding opportunities to help civil society and funders adapt to the challenges of today and tomorrow. Read the full issue here: https://lnkd.in/e_ygZZac. Subscribe now to get the latest insights, stories, and resources delivered to your inbox every month. 👉https://lnkd.in/e_TMXUvw #Civitates #civitatesEU #newsletter #resilience #democracy #europe #civitatesnewsletter

" Our children’s children, their grandchildren, the 10.9 billion people are likely to be born by 2100. They don’t speak. They don’t vote. They are missing voices at the United Nations. Their needs and interests must be considered and met. " Read our article : A World Fit for Future Generations https://lnkd.in/dgfNMP6v Learn about the Impact Coalition for Future Generations and discover how it is shaping sustainable development and long-term governance. Get involved to : 📢Advocate for a Declaration on Future Generations: We seek commitments from countries to safeguard the interests of future generations. 👌Support the Appointment of a UN Special Envoy on Future Generations: This envoy would aid member states in implementing the Declaration, including through a Future Generations Review, ensuring ongoing and adaptable commitment. 🛠️Create or Repurpose a UN Multi-Stakeholder Forum: This forum would enable countries to exchange best practices and regularly report on efforts to implement the Declaration, making future generations a standing item at UNGA. 📢Advocate for a Robust Futures and Foresight Architecture at the UN: Strengthening the UN's ability to plan for and respond to future challenges #SOTF #FutureGen #IntergenerationalFairness Welsh Government International | Llywodraeth Cymru Rhyngwladol United Nations United Nations Foundation Our Future Agenda European Commission African Union Intergenerational Center for Global Action (ICGA) Intergenerational Foundation School of International Futures (SOIF) The Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford António Guterres Ursula von der Leyen Yoka Brandt Moussa Faki Michele Griffin Cat Tully Sophie Howe Felipe Bosch Adam Sharpe, APF Jane Davidson Jacob Ellis Inés Yábar Daouia Chalali Jane Body Lena Winzer Claudette Salinas Leyva Lianne Guerra Rondón, Ph.D.