February 2012

A Vita Europe selection of civil society events around Europe.

di Cristina Barbetta

Listed events (for further descriptions of events and links scroll down):

31 January 2012, 1 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium, Lessons learned from Copenhagen, Cancún and Durban

2 February 2012, Birmingham, UK, Business Planning for Social Enterprises

6 February 2012,  Roskilde, Denmark, From School to Work

06 February 2012, London, UK,ACEVO  & inclusion youth unemployment conference

7 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium, Partnering on Research and Innovation

7-8 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium, Go Sustainable, Be Responsible! European Civil Society On The Road To Rio+20

09 February 2012, Birmingham, UK, 20 February 2012, Bristol, UK,Leadership forums

 10 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium, European solidarity as a driving force behind the development of Europe’s territories          

10-11 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium,EU Studies Fair 2012

13-14 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium, EU Gender Equality Law

14 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium, European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012

15 February 2012, Brussels,  Belgium, Crisis Preparedness in the age of climate change

16 February  2012, Brussels, Belgium, Urban forum

16-17 February 2012, Maastricht, The Netherlands, Planning Workable Policies for Migrant Integration in the EU Member States

20 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium, Brussels in a Day 

23 February 2012, London, UK , Tackling Unemployment in Europe through Social Inclusion and Training Programmes

24 February 2012, Barcelona, Spain, Conference: towards active ageing at home

24-25 February 2012, Barcelona, Spain, Social Investment Competition by IESE

27 February 2012, London, UK, Direct Marketing and Fundraising 2012

28 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium, Regional And Local Initiatives Promoting Healthy And Active Ageing

29 February 2012-1 March 2012, London, UK, Maximising Your Capital Campaigns

29 February 2012, Nottingham, UK, Social Enterprise in Health

 

31 January 2012, 1 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium

Lessons learned from Copenhagen, Cancún and Durban

Taking stock of the participation of developing and newly industrializing countries

In the aftermath of Copenhagen, Cancun and Durban and in the run-up to the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro MNED will organize a conference on the results and lessons learned of the three conferences on international climate change.

To read more: http://www.kas.de/bruessel/en

 

2 February 2012, Birmingham, UK

Business Planning for Social Enterprises

This workshop is designed for those who have a basic understanding of what a social enterprise is, but want practical support on how to develop a business plan and prepare for the future.

To read more: http://www.thirdsector.co.uk

 

6 February 2012,  Roskilde, Denmark

From School to Work

This conference, organized in collaboration with the Confederation of Danish Employers (DA) and the Danish Trade Union Confederation (LO), will examine the transition from school to work and in particular the role played by vocational education and training in this respect. Speakers at the conference will include the Danish Minister for Education Christine Antorini, the President of The Danish Trade Union Confederation (LO) Harald Børsting, the Director-General of the Confederation of Danish Employers (DA) Jørn Neergaard Larsen, the President of the EESC Staffan Nilsson, Danish MEP Emilie Turunen, etc. In addition a number of representatives from Thermo Fisher Scientific and specialists from European organizations and from Denmark will speak.

To read more: http://www.eesc.europa.eu

 

06 February 2012, London, UK   

ACEVO  & inclusion youth unemployment conference

The ACEVO and Inclusion Youth Unemployment Conference 2012 will feature a range of speakers from across the private, public and voluntary sectors. Rt Hon David Miliband MP is confirmed to give the morning keynote address and will launch the report from ACEVO’s commission on youth unemployment. The commission has included all relevant stakeholders to consider the long term structural issues and short term economic factors that have led to the current levels of youth unemployment. The conference will clarify the important policy questions around the issue and offer the insights of those working with young unemployed people to highlight the challenges of implementation in practice.

To read more: http://www.acevo.org.uk

 

7 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium

Partnering on Research and Innovation

On 7 February 2012 the Section for the Single Market, Production and Consumption organizes a Public Hearing on Partnering on Research and Innovation on the example of the pilot partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing.The public hearing will be held in conjunction with the first study group meeting on the opinion “Partnering on Research and Innovation”.The aim of this public hearing is to hear the views of stakeholders and interested parties, especially from Research and Innovation industry as well as related consumer, patient, healthcare organizations, as well as organizations for elderly people, which are particularly concerned by this issue.

To read more: http://www.eesc.europa.eu

 

7-8 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium

Go Sustainable, Be Responsible! European Civil Society On The Road To Rio+20

The EESC conference is intended to voice European civil society’s positions on Rio+20 and help make Rio+20 a success. The conference is aimed at participants from European civil society associations, decision-makers, EU officials and public officials. After an introduction into the current state of the Rio+20 process the EESC conference will focus on the green economy as a means to enhance sustainable development within the limits of natural resources. The first general debate should tackle the European contribution to sustainability, while the second general debate will address sustainable development in non-EU countries.

To read more: http://www.eesc.europa.eu

 

09 February 2012, Birmingham, UK

20 February 2012, Bristol, UK                          

Leadership forums

Riding the storm together: effective partnerships in challenging times

The ACEVO Leadership Forums will offer an insight into the challenges ahead for the third sector in the region. The day will highlight the importance of working with organizations within and beyond the sector to meet these challenges head on. Expert speakers will reflect on how to engage with local government and the private sector and share practical tools for effective and productive partnership.  As leaders we face substantial challenges in developing partnerships, this forum will offer support and advice to help you lead effective partnership working.  

 To read more: http://www.acevo.org.uk

 

10 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium

European solidarity as a driving force behind the development of Europe’s territories: what are the challenges for EU cohesion policy 2014-2020?

European solidarity as a driving force behind the development of Europe’s territories: what are the challenges for EU cohesion policy 2014-2020? is the subject of this seminar, organized at the Committee of the Regions, with the participation of COR President Mercedes Bresso. Speakers will include Laszlo Andor, European Commissioner in charge of Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Elzbieta Bienkowska, Polish Minister for Regional Development, and Andreas Mavroyiannis, Deputy Minister for EU Affairs of Cyprus..

To read more: http://www.europeanagenda.eu

 

10-11 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium

EU Studies Fair 2012 

Now in its 13th year European Voice‘s EU Studies Fair has established itself as a unique event focusing on postgraduate study in the fields of international relations, EU politics, business and law. A two-day education and networking event bringing together prospective students and academic institutions, it attracts multilingual, ambitious students and young professionals who have a direct interest in further study and careers in these fields.

 To read more: http://www.europeanvoice.com

 

13-14 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium

EU Gender Equality Law

This seminar will provide an overview of the content of the gender equality Directives as interpreted by the European Court of Justice in its large case law on this topic. Certain key subjects and topical issues will be dealt with, such as the concepts of direct/indirect discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment; the burden of proof; the scope for positive action measures; the principle of equal pay for work of equal value; the protection of pregnant workers and the reconciliation of professional, private and family life.

To read more: https://www.era.int

 

14 February 2012, Brussels, Belgioum

European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012

This forum will focus on the multilevel governance approach of the policy domain and will highlight how local and regional actors improve the conditions for active ageing in the three major thematic strands of the EY2012, each of which closely related to the competences of the Committee of the Regions: Employment, Participation in Society and Independent Living.

To read more:  http://www.cor.europa.eu

 

15 February 2012, Brussels,  Belgium

Crisis Preparedness in the age of climate change: prediction, prevention, policy response and relief

Despite numerous international actors on the multilateral and national level and existing early warning mechanisms climate induced humanitarian crisis still occur. The ongoing famine at the Horn of Africa is only one example of the reactive approach which is still prevailing in the context of humanitarian aid. The Expert-Roundtable shall confront this challenge, identify weaknesses and recommend possible political actions.

To read more: http://www.kas.de/

 

16 February  2012, Brussels, Belgium

Urban forum

 The legislative package adopted by the European Commission on 6 October 2011 proposes to strengthen the urban dimension of the future cohesion policy.

In line with his long-term commitment to promote an ambitious urban agenda at the EU level, Commissioner Johannes Hahn is launching a direct dialogue with European cities through the organization of the first Urban Forum.

The event aims to set the ground for a dialogue between the European Commissioner for Regional Policy and cities on the future urban dimension of cohesion policy. By bringing together representatives of European Institutions and Mayors of European cities, the Urban forum will allow for an exchange of views on future European challenges and how they can be tackled successfully at all levels. At the same time, it will offer an arena for discussion on the future urban dimension of cohesion policy.

To read more: http://europa.eu/eucalendar

 

16-17 February 2012, Maastricht, The Netherlands

Planning Workable Policies for Migrant Integration in the EU Member States

In light of the definition of the second phase of the EU Agenda for migrant integration, this seminar will examine what works for integration in the EU. While recognizing that integration is primarily the role of the Member States, it will analyze the added value of EU policies and instruments in the design, planning and implementation of national, local and regional projects, programmes and initiatives. The seminar will focus mainly on the ‘European added value’, looking at what has been achieved so far and on the ways in which the EU is having an impact at the national level. In particular, it will assess two key tools through which the EU is promoting change at EU Member State level: the European Integration Fund (EIF) and the European modules for the integration of migrants. This will be assessed against the experiences of local and civil society actors who are implementing activities supportive of integration on a daily basis.

To read more: http://seminars.eipa.eu

 

20 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium 

Brussels in a Day

This one-day seminar is intended for professional associations, NGOs, companies, local and regional authority officials, students, and civil society wanting to get acquainted with the EU Institutions and their working systems

To read more: http://www.e-t-i.be

 

23 February 2012, London, UK

Tackling Unemployment in Europe through Social Inclusion and Training Programmes

This special International Symposium provides a timely opportunity for stakeholders and civil societies across the EU to discuss the root challenges behind current unemployment trends, exchange best practices and consider mechanisms for overcoming existing employment gaps in the labor market. The Symposium will highlight some latest developments and initiatives for promoting social inclusion, better access to education and training and examine their contribution to building a sustainable lifestyle model for all European citizens.

To read more: http://publicpolicyexchange.co.uk

 

24 February 2012, Barcelona, Spain

Conference: towards active ageing at home

This conference presents different initiatives and experiences aimed to promote active, independent and safe ageing in the community. The need for a common European concept of ageing at home will be discussed. The following objectives are to be discussed:

– Promote a shared conceptualization of ageing at home in Europe as an essential condition for independent and active ageing
– Review national experiences, discussion and suggestions towards an EU role in promoting ageing at home
– Stimulate public-private synergies for the promotion of ageing at home and the prevention of institutionalization in a context of economic crisis.

The conference is addressed to public and private agents promoting the well-being and inclusion of the elderly population in their living environment such as administrations at local, regional and national level, service providers, ICT producers, researchers, housing professionals, designers and users.

To read more: http://europa.eu/eucalendar

 

24-25 February 2012, Barcelona, Spain

Social Investment Competition by IESE

 IESE Business School in Barcelona, organizers of the Doing Good Doing Well conference are inviting you to take part in their first-annual DGDW Social Investment Competition (SIC). The event provides a great opportunity for students, entrepreneurs and investors to interact with top investors and entrepreneurs providing them with an incredible life time learning experience.

Parallel exciting events including the Cleantech Venture Seminar, Sustainability Fair, keynote speakers from Academia, Corporations, Civil Society & NGOs, 20 panel discussions under four key pillars of Sustainability – Innovation, Growth, Collaboration & Impact.

To read more: http://blog.iese.edu

 

27 February 2012, London, UK

Direct Marketing and Fundraising 2012

This conference will address the current state of Direct Marketing and fundraising in the UK and discuss the strategies that work in a tough environment. With interactive sessions from DM specialists and top case studies from charities of all sizes, the conference is an opportunity to  learn more about the effect of the changing face of fundraising on marketing and how to cost-effectively use multi-channel marketing to optimise your fundraising income.

To read more: http://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk

 

28 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium

Regional And Local Initiatives Promoting Healthy And Active Ageing

This conference, organized within the context of the Social Inclusion Regional Group (SIRG),  will focus on the health promotion aspects of active contribution and social inclusion and on how the elderly can take an active part in shaping policies related to the ageing population. The overall aim of the conference will be to raise awareness of the role of local and regional authorities in promoting active and healthy ageing.
Good examples for promoting active and healthy ageing will be showcased and discussed by a panel of expert including representatives of European Institutions and NGOs. The best practices will address different challenges in promoting active participation of older people, including accessibility issues, migrant elders who have limitations in their second language, the opportunities of older workers on the labour market and the possibilities for the elderly to stay in their own homes and continue to live an independent life as long as possible.

To read more: http://www.vgregion.se

 

28 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium

Climate Change and Conflict: international prevention and response strategies

The causal relationship between climate change and conflicts are not only complex, they are also not sufficiently documented on a scientific level. However the potential types of conflicts are diverse both concerning the cause of the conflict and the effects on directly and indirectly concerned societies (migration). The lack of water, ownership of arable land, access to scarce resources which are economically relevant are only some of the areas of future conflicts which may be aggravated through climate change. Scarce resources don’t necessarily lead to conflicts but can also lead to approximation and development of cooperation, as examples in transnational water management have shown (India/Pakistan; Latin America). On the other hand the conflict in Darfur certainly is a conflict which is clearly marked by the climatic developments. The new NATO-Strategy already accommodates the interdependency between climate change and conflicts. But how are other multilateral actors and international organizations (e.g. EU, AU, and UN) reacting to these new challenges?

To read more: http://www.kas.de/bruessel/en/events

 

28 February 2012, Brussels, Belgium
Raising Awareness of Children as Hidden Victims of Domestic Violence and Abuse in Europe

Children make up one fifth of the population of the EU and as some of the most vulnerable members of society, they require particular protection. In Europe, ten to twenty per cent of children are expected to be victims of violence during their childhood. Every year, hundreds of millions of children are exposed to domestic violence at home, and this has a profound impact on their lives and hopes for the future.

Violence in the home is one of the most pervasive human rights challenges of our time. It remains a largely hidden problem that few countries, communities or families openly confront. Seeking to address the problem, the European Commission is in its third phase of the Daphne Programme aiming to prevent and combat all forms of violence towards children and women.

This timely International Symposium will analyze the existing challenges in shaping comprehensive and holistic strategies and toolkits for assessing, preventing and protecting cases of violence and abuse towards children in a domestic environment. It will focus on the role of international and regional organizations along with analyzing existing consequences and effects on children. Collecting reliable data on this hidden issue poses several challenges and this will be an invaluable opportunity to share best practices.

The Symposium will support the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate with local and regional practitioners and policymakers at EU level.

To read more: http://publicpolicyexchange.co.uk/

 

29 February 2012-1 March 2012, London, UK

Maximising Your Capital Campaigns

This practical two day course teaches the knowledge and tools required to plan, manage and close a successful capital campaign, avoiding the common pitfalls and helping you to meet your goals.

To read more: http://www.thirdsector.co.uk

 

29 February 2012, Nottingham, UK

Social Enterprise in Health

Come to UK’s biggest interactive conference dedicated to social enterprise and its role in the future of the NHS. Aimed at director / manager level of health organizations and anyone interested in this emerging sector, this event brings together experts in leadership, business and organizational development as well as key social enterprise leaders and national health-sector influencers. The aim of the day is to debate, advice and support the creation of strong, resilient and successful social enterprises capable of achieving the transformational change needed to deliver healthcare in this dynamic environment. The event also incorporates action based workshops, executive master classes and an interactive marketplace.

To read more: http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/events

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