The Global Opportunity Youth Network (GOYN)’s Post

The second intermediate meeting of the project “FIT Balkans” was held in Plovdiv in the period from 6-8.12.2023🎉. Representatives from the Technische Universitat Berlin, Urban Research and Education Ug, Fondatsiya Kurazh, Asociatia Sportiva Corporate Games, Klub Za Osnazivanje Mladih 018 Udruzenje and the Goce Delcev University in Shtip had the chance to meet once again and discuss the project activities accomplished and upcoming activities with a focus on the intervention plan. Representatives of the National Technical University of Athens attended online. So far, the project questionnaire targeted to young women aged 18-30 from the Western Balkans has been distributed in five case cities: Athens, Greece 🇬🇷 Plovdiv, Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Bucharest, Romania 🇹🇩 Nis, Serbia 🇷🇸, and Shtip, North Macedonia 🇲🇰 and data collected to explore the physical activity status of the participants and the factors affecting it 🤸♀️🚴♀️🧘♀️.  Fit-Balkans is a project funded by the European Commission for the promotion of physical activity among young women in the Balkans. Fit-Balkans aims to improve the subjective well-being of young women aged 18 to 30 in the Balkans by promoting physical activity.

A public debate entitled “The Situation of Young People in the Mediterranean: Between Challenges of Emancipation and Obstacles to Mobility”, will be held on Friday 14 June at 5.30 p.m. in the Aula Magna Quaroni of the Università degli Studi Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria in the framework of Med Youth Meeting organised by the Med Youth Network with the support of the REF (Réseau Euromed France) in close collaboration with Mana Chuma Teatro. Mobility between the shores of the Mediterranean, but also in certain marginalised European regions such as Calabria, is one of the greatest obstacles that young people encounter on their path to individual growth and fulfilment. In the first part of the debate, the current situation of young people in Mediterranean countries and the challenges they are faced with, will be discussed, while in the second part there will be direct testimonies from young women and young men from both southern and northern Mediterranean shores on the issues related to migration and mobility.

🌟 Reflecting on a Week of Resilience 🌟 Last week, resilience was the thread that tied together my work and conversations across sectors. 🎓 Financial Resilience at Erasmus University On Thursday, I had the privilege of lecturing students from the I DO program at Erasmus University Rotterdam on financial resilience. These 75 international students are consulting for 15 NGOs worldwide on a variety of topics. Together, we explored how to take control of funding futures, even for organizations heavily reliant on grants. 🎉 Celebrating 100 Years of Kinderpostzegels That same day, my colleague Rick ten Holder and I joined the 100th birthday celebrations of Kinderpostzegels at Madurodam (congratulations!). Among the 200 attendees, we discussed the resilience of children, a critical topic, especially in light of upcoming Dutch government budget cuts. Financial resilience was top of mind for many during the networking sessions. 🎭 Cultural Resilience in Zwolle On Friday, at the Nederlandse Vereniging Toezicht Cultuur (NVTC) conference at the Museum de Fundatie/Kasteel Het Nijenhuis in Zwolle, resilience took center stage once again. As a member of the supervisory board of Cultuurhuis (Theater De Tamboer / Het Podium - Hoogeveen), I joined discussions on the (financial) struggles facing cultural institutions in the Netherlands, alongside vital topics like diversity in supervisory boards and a new code of conduct for the cultural sector. 💡 Key Takeaway Whether it’s culture, international development, or child wellbeing, resilience is vital. Meeting so many dedicated individuals working tirelessly to make an impact is incredibly motivating. That said, a bit more support from the government wouldn’t hurt (understatement!). Let’s keep pushing forward, together. 💪 #Resilience #FinancialResilience #CultureMatters #Kinderpostzegels100 #InternationalDevelopment #FundingFuture

As Rotary International's Representative to UNESCO, I recently attended the Committee on Non-Governmental Partners meeting of the UNESCO Executive Board. This session underscored the critical role of NGO partnerships in advancing UNESCO's global mission.   📊 UNESCO's thematic mapping initiative revealed key insights, including that 95% of NGOs are engaged in education, with 73% active in Africa and 49% in Small Island Developing States. This mapping offers a roadmap for focused collaboration on advocacy, grassroots implementation, and policy development.   During the meeting, I highlighted Rotary's commitment to education, peace, and community service. Our recent involvement in the Partnership for Green Education showcases our dedication to sustainable development and equitable access to quality education, especially for vulnerable populations. I also discussed our initiatives in building resilient educational systems, particularly in times of crisis, ensuring that learning continues for the most vulnerable populations.   🔜 Looking ahead to the International Conference of NGOs in December 2024, and excited to participate in discussions aimed at building capacity for action. This conference will be crucial for strengthening local partnerships with governments and international organizations, aligning NGO efforts with the global sustainable development agenda. We are committed to enhancing the capacities of local actors to drive tangible progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in education and peacebuilding.   Proud of Rotary's ongoing collaboration with UNESCO as we work together to make a positive impact globally.   #UNESCO #RotaryInternational #GlobalPartnership #SustainableDevelopment #EducationForAll

Pioneering Progress: IFA Joins Forces with UNDRIP Implementation Efforts in CanadaWe are thrilled to announce a significant milestone for the Indigenous Friends Association (IFA) - our esteemed Research Department has been officially invited to partake in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Implementation Secretariat (UNDAIS) Technical Working Group (TWG). This partnership marks a monumental step forward in our continuous efforts to support and advocate for Indigenous rights and representation on a global platform. The IFA is honored to be recognized as a vital Indigenous collaborator, tasked with aiding in the creation of crucial indicators and evaluation metrics. These tools are essential for measuring the effectiveness and progress of the UNDRIP Action Plan's implementation efforts. Comprised of distinguished partners, UNDAIS staff, Indigenous partners, and delegates from key federal departments and agencies, the TWG embodies a collaborative spirit aimed at fostering meaningful change.As we prepare to embark on this pivotal journey, our Research Team is committed to contributing a rich, inclusive perspective to the discussions. We aim to ensure that the development of culturally informed performance measurements and evaluation reports is reflective of the diverse experiences and histories of Indigenous peoples.This opportunity is not just a testament to the dedication and expertise of our Research Department but also a call to action for all of us at the IFA. Together, we look forward to making a lasting impact on the implementation and realization of Indigenous rights in Canada, guided by the principles of UNDRIP. #IndigenousRights #UNDRIP #ResearchImpact #CulturalInclusivity #IFA

4 fantastic Slovak projects are nominated for the SozialMarie Award of 2024!   The nominees are characterised by their use of innovative approaches to improve social difficulties in Slovakia. 👏🎉 ➤ 20th century in the current struggle for freedom ... educates young people on modern Slovak history, filling a gap in the curriculum by moving beyond memorization to an innovative approach of experiential learning. Through workshops and an online platform called Memory of Nations Puzzle, participants engage with tangible stories, fostering both historical understanding and empathy, thus empowering them to confront societal radicalization. Post Bellum - Príbehy 20. storočia ➤  Connecting Slovak scientists abroad and at home ... utilizes an online platform, annual conferences, and media exposure to connect Slovak researchers abroad with opportunities and needs in their homeland while also showcasing their accomplishments globally.  Žijem vedu ➤ Innovations in crisis intervention ...  addresses the needs of families with disabled members, often living near the poverty line, by providing a comprehensive online platform. This platform offers quick access to specialists and various forms of assistance, reducing social isolation and the burden on parents and family members to act as professionals. ➤ The Dúhadlo Theatre ... the Bratislava-based project features actors with Trisomy 21 who create original plays addressing societal issues of otherness. Their innovative approach bridges the gap between professional actors and those with Trisomy 21, ensuring equal pay and challenging stereotypes through their performances. 

The first intermediate meeting of the project “FIT Balkans” was held in Nis in the period from 18-21.04.2023 🎉 Representatives from the Technische Universitat Berlin, Ethnicon Metsovion Polytechnion, Urban Research and Education Ug, Fondatsiya Kurazh, Asociatia Sportiva Corporate Games, Klub Za Osnazivanje Mladih 018 Udruzenje and the Goce Delcev University in Shtip had the chance to meet once again and discuss the project upcoming activities. 🤸♀️🧘♀️🚴♀️. So far, there have been prepared great videos that can inspire women to become more active. Soon the project questionnaire that should target around 1000 women from the Western Balkans will be distributed among young women. Through the questionnaire, we will explore the physical activity status of the participant and the factors affecting it. Fit-Balkans is a project funded by the European Commission for the promotion of physical activity among young women in the Balkans. Fit-Balkans aims to improve the subjective well-being of young women aged 18 to 30 in the Balkans by promoting physical activity. The project will be conducted in five case cities: Athens, Greece; Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Bucharest, Romania; Nis, Serbia, and Shtip, North Macedonia. Stay tuned! More information is coming soon.

📣 Event: From Idea to Action and Impact: mobilizing the outcomes of the Summit of the Future Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024 9:45 – 11:00 AM Location: United Nations Headquarters, Room CR11 405 E 45th St. New York New York 10017 Passes to Summit of the Future Action Days at UN headquarters are required. This high-level side event will explore specific proposals from the Wales Protocol for Future Generations, demonstrating how they can be effectively implemented to fulfill the ambitions of the Summit of the Future’s Declaration on Future Generations. These exemplars showcase how the protocol’s proposals can be drawn upon and implemented across communities, member states, and international contexts for broader and more impactful outcomes. Led by the UNESCO-MOST BRIDGES Coalition, The Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales and an international consortium of academic and civil society organisations. Organised in collaboration with the Management of Social Transformations (MOST) programme of UNESCO. As we approach the Summit of the Future, look out for our series introducing the passionate participants who will be gathering at this side event; coming together for a shared cause to ensure the lives of future generations are considered and given the opportunity to thrive! From Idea to Action and Impact: mobilizing the outcomes of the Summit of the Future Discover more here: https://lnkd.in/eHiPncMK Thanks & appreciation to Ministry of Social Development, South Africa, and the Kingdom of Thailand, our official member-state sponsors. Thanks & appreciation to our consortium's partners from civil society and academia, who have been instrumental in this initiative, ASU Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory Arizona State University World Academy of Art and Science  Center for Science and Imagination, Arizona State University University of Wales Trinity Saint David The Club of Rome Learning Planet Institute Globethics InterAction Council   School of International Futures (SOIF) Leonardo/ISAST Tamkeen Community Foundation for Human Development #futuregenerations #summitofthefuture #SOTF #walesprotocolforfuturegenerations #pactforthefuture #FromIdeaToAction #declarationonfuturegenerations #futuregens

50 Organizations Can Apply for CSO Support Sida is preparing for a new support model under its civil society strategy for 2025–2029. This new approach aims to increase transparency, promote innovation, and include new actors, ensuring a broader range of Swedish and international organizations are involved. Recently, 50 organizations were invited to submit their applications by February 2025. Transition to a New Strategy Sida began preparing for the transition to the new government strategy in May 2024, inviting organizations globally to express interest in partnering to achieve the strategy’s goals. The response was significant, with 2,728 organizations submitting expressions of interest, including Swedish, international, and local organizations. Goals of the New Strategy The strategy aims to strengthen a vibrant and pluralistic civil society with two main objectives: • Enhancing the capacity of civil society in developing countries. • Creating better conditions for civil society actors to operate in these countries. The New Support Model The model introduces three types of partnerships: 1. Partnerships Between Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): Support channeled to CSOs in ODA-eligible countries via collaborations with Swedish or other international organizations. 2. Policy and Method Development: Supporting organizations that promote democratic values and strengthen civil society’s space. 3. Direct Support to Local CSOs in ODA Countries: Funding goes directly to local actors to bolster their societal role. Selection Process The selection process involves several stages: 1. Initial Screening: All submissions were reviewed for basic criteria, with 1,044 of 2,728 applications advancing to the next phase. 2. In-Depth Assessment: Remaining applicants submitted additional details evaluated against criteria such as experience, effectiveness, rights-based approach, and financial management capacity. By July 2024, 308 organizations remained, with 68 progressing to parts 1 and 2 of the model. 3. External Capacity Review: An external audit firm assessed internal governance and capacity. Sida also ensured diversity and thematic/geographic balance in the final selection. Funding and Future Opportunities • 50 organizations were invited to submit full applications, with no set funding limit. Sida will adjust applications based on available funds. Most selected organizations are Swedish. • Applications for part 3 of the model (local CSOs in ODA countries) will be assessed later due to coordination with Swedish embassies. • From spring 2025, Swedish organizations will have the opportunity to apply for smaller grants (up to 1 million SEK or between 1–5 million #CivilSociety #SidaSupport #CSOStrategy #DevelopmentAid #Sustainability #DemocracySupport #HumanRights #ODA #GlobalDevelopment #PartnershipsForChange #InnovationInAid #CapacityBuilding #Pluralism #NGOs #InternationalDevelopment #

𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗣 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 ❞𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽❞ 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗸𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗖𝗖𝗘 🏫 OMEP is an active member of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) established to follow up on the transformative 2022 Tashkent Declaration on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), a landmark commitment that has become a global benchmark for advancing access to quality and inclusive early childhood education. 🌍 The inaugural two-day meeting, held on November 20–21, 2024, at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, brought together a diverse group of key stakeholders from around the world. Participants included high-level representatives from UNESCO, UNICEF, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Together, they reviewed progress, identified priorities, and developed strategies to further the commitments of the Declaration. 🎙️ This inclusive and collaborative dialogue was designed to shape a unified vision for the future of ECCE on a global scale.