News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Target group: CSOs, activists, and informal groups interested in learning and sharing knowledge on accountability Countries: Balkans Short description: BCSDN invites CSOs, networks, and activists across the Balkans, to join the Regional Accountability Community of Practice (RACoP) and support our Pledge for joint action and discussions in a safe space where we can commit to
Read more →Target group: CSOs, social enterprises, and for-profit organizations with a social impact that are using technology to address social and environmental challenges. Countries: International (please see the full call for details) Short description: The Google.org Impact Challenge – Tech for Social Good is a competition that recognizes and supports innovative organizations that are using technology
Read more →Target group: CSOs working to support particular groups, such as women, refugees, migrants, minorities, and people with disabilities. Countries: The call is open to CSOs from all countries, with a focus on those operating in Council of Europe member states. Short description: The Council of Europe is inviting NGOs to provide input on the challenges
Read more →Target group: Young professionals in the field of public policy, including policymakers, civil servants, researchers, and CSO representatives. Countries: International with focus on the Balkans and the Black Sea region. Short description: The XXIII Summer Seminar for Young Public Policy Professionals, organized by the European Policy Institute in Bulgaria, is a week-long training program designed
Read more →Target group: Public officials, policymakers, and researchers interested in the field of legislative scrutiny and evaluation. Countries: Global Short description: The Institute of Advanced Legal Studies is offering an Advanced Course on Innovations in Post-Legislative Scrutiny, to be held in London from 25-29 September 2023. The course aims to provide participants with an understanding of
Read more →The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has warned that civil society in Europe is under attack and needs more support. In a report, the EESC notes that CSOs are facing increasing pressure from governments, businesses, and other actors and that this is leading to a situation where many CSOs are overburdened and exhausted. The
Read more →The regional report on enabling environment for CSO development has been published just a few days ago by BCSDN, finding that the enabling environment for civil society development in the Western Balkans and Turkey is lacking. The report analyzed the legal framework, political environment, financial sustainability, and institutional infrastructure of civil society in the region
Read more →BCSDN`s latest podcast episode is dedicated on the regional youth cooperation led trough the Regional Youth Cooperation Office. Established in 2016, according to the model of the Youth Franco-German Office for youth cooperation, the Regional Youth Cooperation Office – RYCO, was supposed to be the shining example of co-management and youth representation that would promote
Read more →The CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) has launched a survey to gather feedback from CSOs on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The survey aims to assess the progress made by governments and other stakeholders in achieving the SDGs and to identify areas where more action is needed. The survey will cover
Read more →The CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) and the International Civil Society Support (ICSO) have released a sector study on the implications of the Istanbul Principles and the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) recommendations for enabling civil society. The study examines how the Istanbul Principles and the DAC recommendations can enhance the enabling environment for CSOs
Read more →The Aspen Institute Germany has released a Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, which outlines a roadmap for the region to transition towards a more sustainable and green future. The agenda was developed in consultation with stakeholders from the Western Balkans region and provides recommendations for policymakers and civil society on promoting green growth, decarbonizing
Read more →CSOs in North Macedonia have requested the government to ensure transparency and restore the dialogue regarding state funding for CSOs. The government’s financial support for CSOs has been a topic of concern, as the organizations claim that the funding has not been distributed fairly, and in some cases, it has been reduced or withheld entirely
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