The document provides information about the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) including:
1. UNDEF has opened its annual window for new project proposals from November 15th to December 31st. Guidelines for applying can be found online.
2. UNDEF supports projects that strengthen civil society, promote human rights, and encourage participation in democratic processes. It has funded over 400 projects in over 100 countries totaling almost $140 million.
3. The application process for new projects is highly rigorous, involving reviews from UN experts and officials to select the top proposals for funding. Only around 50 of the over 3,000 proposals received in 2012 were selected.
The document summarizes updates from the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) including:
1) UNDEF is opening its annual window for new project proposals from November 15 to December 31, 2014. Proposals must be submitted online in English or French.
2) UNDEF provides grants between $100,000-$300,000 to support projects that strengthen civil society, promote human rights, and encourage participation in democratic processes. So far it has funded over 400 projects in more than 100 countries totaling around $140 million.
3) The document provides lessons learned and tips for organizations applying for UNDEF grants, including focusing proposals on how they will specifically promote democracy, having a clear strategy, realistic budgets,
This document provides a summary of the 2013 United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects report. It finds that the world economy faces significant downside risks in 2012-2014, with growth expected to remain below potential. Unemployment remains high in developed economies, especially in Europe, and a sustained recovery in jobs is not expected until beyond 2016. The global slowdown also poses risks to continued poverty reduction and progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals in developing countries.
Africa Progress Report 2013: Equity in Extractives Stewarding Africa's Natura...Dr Lendy Spires
This document is the Africa Progress Report 2013 published by the Africa Progress Panel. It examines issues related to natural resource extraction in Africa, including:
- While Africa has seen strong economic growth in the past decade, this growth has not sufficiently reduced poverty and improved human development. Resource-rich countries in particular are seeing a divergence between wealth growth and human well-being.
- Africa's natural resources, including oil, gas and minerals, present both an opportunity for powering economic growth as well as challenges around managing revenue flows, ensuring fair taxation, addressing environmental and social impacts, and building transparency and accountability.
- Recommendations focus on governments capturing more value from resources through fair taxation and equitable spending, companies supporting transparency,
The Direct Marketing Advisory Board (DMAB):
- Was created in 1995 to foster the growth of direct marketing through postal services and increase market knowledge.
- Comprises designated postal operators and private sector companies/associations and functions under the Postal Operations Council.
- Is self-financed through membership fees from postal and non-postal members, with an annual budget of around 180,000 CHF used to fund its activities.
- Conducts activities like training, research, and workshops open to all UPU members to promote direct mail, without subsidy from the regular UPU budget.
The document discusses how natural resources can contribute to pro-poor economic growth in developing countries. It notes that natural capital makes up a significant portion of wealth in low-income countries, and the rural poor rely heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods. Sustainable management of resources like soil, water, forests and minerals can generate income, employment, exports and government revenues to support growth. However, it also presents unique economic and political challenges. The document emphasizes that policies are needed to address these challenges and ensure natural resources are managed sustainably to maximize long-term benefits for poverty reduction. It aims to provide guidance on how governments and organizations can support approaches to natural resource management that contribute to pro-poor economic growth.
Time to Clean Up: How Barclays Promotes the use of Tax Havens in AfricaDr Lendy Spires
Barclays Bank is the largest UK bank operating in Africa, putting it in a position of responsibility regarding how it operates and its role in the economic development of poor African countries. However, ActionAid's research shows that Barclays is actively promoting the use of tax havens by businesses investing in Africa, which can lead to lost tax revenues for these countries. Specifically, Barclays' offshore division markets linking African businesses to tax havens, and its operations in Mauritius encourage using Mauritius as a route for avoiding taxes on investments in Africa. For Barclays to truly support responsible investment, it needs to close tax haven operations not supporting real business and commit to transparency and supporting strong tax systems in the countries
Report of the ICESDF (Intergovernmental Committee of Expets on Sustainable De...Dr Lendy Spires
The document is a report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing. It discusses financing needs for sustainable development and proposes options for an integrated sustainable development financing strategy.
The report finds that sustainable development needs are enormous, estimated in the trillions per year. While global savings could meet these needs, resources are not adequately allocated currently. It then outlines a strategic approach involving nine precepts to facilitate greater investment in sustainable development. Finally, it provides over 115 policy recommendations across different financing streams, including domestic public, private, international, and blended finance. The options aim to redirect financing flows towards sustainable development goals.
The document summarizes a report from a meeting of senior officials of the African Union Conference of Ministers Responsible for Mineral Resources Development. It provides details on:
1) Attendance at the meeting from various African countries, regional economic communities, international organizations, and non-African parties.
2) Opening addresses were given emphasizing Africa's abundant mineral resources potential and challenges in optimizing benefits, as well as the objectives of implementing the Africa Mining Vision Action Plan.
3) An overview of the Draft Action Plan for implementing the Africa Mining Vision was presented, outlining key elements around building knowledge, capacity, and linkages between mining and development.
The document summarizes updates from the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) including:
1) UNDEF is opening its annual window for new project proposals from November 15 to December 31, 2014. Proposals must be submitted online in English or French.
2) UNDEF provides grants between $100,000-$300,000 to support projects that strengthen civil society, promote human rights, and encourage participation in democratic processes. So far it has funded over 400 projects in more than 100 countries totaling around $140 million.
3) The document provides lessons learned and tips for organizations applying for UNDEF grants, including focusing proposals on how they will specifically promote democracy, having a clear strategy, realistic budgets,
This document provides a summary of the 2013 United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects report. It finds that the world economy faces significant downside risks in 2012-2014, with growth expected to remain below potential. Unemployment remains high in developed economies, especially in Europe, and a sustained recovery in jobs is not expected until beyond 2016. The global slowdown also poses risks to continued poverty reduction and progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals in developing countries.
Africa Progress Report 2013: Equity in Extractives Stewarding Africa's Natura...Dr Lendy Spires
This document is the Africa Progress Report 2013 published by the Africa Progress Panel. It examines issues related to natural resource extraction in Africa, including:
- While Africa has seen strong economic growth in the past decade, this growth has not sufficiently reduced poverty and improved human development. Resource-rich countries in particular are seeing a divergence between wealth growth and human well-being.
- Africa's natural resources, including oil, gas and minerals, present both an opportunity for powering economic growth as well as challenges around managing revenue flows, ensuring fair taxation, addressing environmental and social impacts, and building transparency and accountability.
- Recommendations focus on governments capturing more value from resources through fair taxation and equitable spending, companies supporting transparency,
The Direct Marketing Advisory Board (DMAB):
- Was created in 1995 to foster the growth of direct marketing through postal services and increase market knowledge.
- Comprises designated postal operators and private sector companies/associations and functions under the Postal Operations Council.
- Is self-financed through membership fees from postal and non-postal members, with an annual budget of around 180,000 CHF used to fund its activities.
- Conducts activities like training, research, and workshops open to all UPU members to promote direct mail, without subsidy from the regular UPU budget.
The document discusses how natural resources can contribute to pro-poor economic growth in developing countries. It notes that natural capital makes up a significant portion of wealth in low-income countries, and the rural poor rely heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods. Sustainable management of resources like soil, water, forests and minerals can generate income, employment, exports and government revenues to support growth. However, it also presents unique economic and political challenges. The document emphasizes that policies are needed to address these challenges and ensure natural resources are managed sustainably to maximize long-term benefits for poverty reduction. It aims to provide guidance on how governments and organizations can support approaches to natural resource management that contribute to pro-poor economic growth.
Time to Clean Up: How Barclays Promotes the use of Tax Havens in AfricaDr Lendy Spires
Barclays Bank is the largest UK bank operating in Africa, putting it in a position of responsibility regarding how it operates and its role in the economic development of poor African countries. However, ActionAid's research shows that Barclays is actively promoting the use of tax havens by businesses investing in Africa, which can lead to lost tax revenues for these countries. Specifically, Barclays' offshore division markets linking African businesses to tax havens, and its operations in Mauritius encourage using Mauritius as a route for avoiding taxes on investments in Africa. For Barclays to truly support responsible investment, it needs to close tax haven operations not supporting real business and commit to transparency and supporting strong tax systems in the countries
Report of the ICESDF (Intergovernmental Committee of Expets on Sustainable De...Dr Lendy Spires
The document is a report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing. It discusses financing needs for sustainable development and proposes options for an integrated sustainable development financing strategy.
The report finds that sustainable development needs are enormous, estimated in the trillions per year. While global savings could meet these needs, resources are not adequately allocated currently. It then outlines a strategic approach involving nine precepts to facilitate greater investment in sustainable development. Finally, it provides over 115 policy recommendations across different financing streams, including domestic public, private, international, and blended finance. The options aim to redirect financing flows towards sustainable development goals.
The document summarizes a report from a meeting of senior officials of the African Union Conference of Ministers Responsible for Mineral Resources Development. It provides details on:
1) Attendance at the meeting from various African countries, regional economic communities, international organizations, and non-African parties.
2) Opening addresses were given emphasizing Africa's abundant mineral resources potential and challenges in optimizing benefits, as well as the objectives of implementing the Africa Mining Vision Action Plan.
3) An overview of the Draft Action Plan for implementing the Africa Mining Vision was presented, outlining key elements around building knowledge, capacity, and linkages between mining and development.
Report of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Developme...Dr Lendy Spires
1) The document summarizes the report of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing. The committee developed a strategic approach and over 115 policy options to facilitate sustainable development financing.
2) The strategic approach includes 9 precepts, such as ensuring country ownership, adopting effective government policies, and exploiting synergies across economic, social and environmental dimensions.
3) The policy options address raising and reallocating resources across various financing streams, including domestic public and private financing, international public and private financing, and blended finance models.
Objectives standards criteria and indicators for the african peer review mech...Dr Lendy Spires
This document provides objectives, standards, criteria and indicators for assessing countries in the framework of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). It outlines key objectives, standards and agreements, indicative criteria, and example indicators for evaluating countries in four areas: democracy and political governance, economic governance and management, corporate governance, and socio-economic development. For democracy and political governance, specific objectives outlined include preventing conflicts, upholding constitutional democracy, and promoting human rights. Standards, criteria and potential indicators are then provided for assessing countries' performance on each objective.
This document is the Cotonou Agreement signed in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso on June 22, 2010 by representatives of the EU and the ACP Group of States. It amends for the second time the Cotonou Agreement signed in 2000 to govern EU-ACP cooperation. The summary lists the signatories from the EU member states and institutions as well as the 79 ACP states. It notes that the Agreement amends the original Cotonou Agreement signed in 2000 and previously amended in 2005.
2004 12 Report- Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)Dr Lendy Spires
This document summarizes the 12th session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, which took place from April to May 2004. The Commission discussed issues related to water, sanitation, and human settlements. Member states gave statements and participated in discussions on implementing goals from the Millennium Declaration and Johannesburg Plan of Implementation. Experts also provided remarks on integrated water management and water policies. The Commission adopted a report on the session and set a provisional agenda for its 13th session.
The Global Findex survey collects comparable cross-country data on financial inclusion by surveying individuals around the world to measure the use of formal and informal financial services. It aims to identify groups with the greatest barriers to access in order to inform policies to expand access. Funded through 2020, the 2011 survey added financial services questions to the Gallup World Poll. Key findings include that over 2.5 billion adults lack bank accounts, with the poor, women, youth and rural residents least likely to have one. Mobile money has increased access in some areas like Kenya. The data is used by policymakers and organizations to benchmark progress on financial inclusion.
1998 6th Report - Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)Dr Lendy Spires
This document is the report on the sixth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, held from 22 December 1997 to 1 May 1998. The main points covered in the document are:
1. It discusses draft decisions on consumer protection guidelines for sustainable consumption, matters relating to the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests, and the report and agenda of the Commission.
2. It outlines the Commission's Decision 6/1 on strategic approaches to freshwater management, emphasizing integrated management of water resources, equitable access, and addressing poverty.
3. It notes some progress in water quality but also increasing shortages, deterioration, and stresses on freshwater systems, calling for more comprehensive action on integrated water management
Information for the Nations: How developing countries are being excluded from...Dr Lendy Spires
This document discusses how developing countries are largely excluded from automatic information exchange between countries regarding money held offshore. It makes three key points:
1) Only a small number of developing countries have signed up for automatic information exchange, so banking secrecy remains for many developing nations. This represents a large loss in potential tax revenues.
2) Ensuring developing countries can benefit from information exchange requires addressing flaws in the Common Reporting Standard and minimizing costs for developing nations while maximizing benefits.
3) A roadmap from the Global Forum on tax transparency does not do enough to show potential benefits to developing countries from information exchange or make disaggregated offshore asset data available, which could help build political support.
MOU of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)Dr Lendy Spires
Membership of the APRM is voluntary and open to all member countries of the African Union (AU).
The process of accession usually starts with a country’s expression of interest to become a member of the APRM, which is then followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the country and the APRM Forum at any of the Biannual AU/APRM Summits.
The MoU was adopted in March 2003 in Abuja, Nigeria.
This document discusses fundraising opportunities through United Nations programs and agencies. It outlines that Shuvam Consultancies & Services Pvt. Ltd. aims to bring a holistic long-term approach to development through partnerships between governments, donors, civil society, and the private sector. It also describes several UN funding agencies like UNICEF, UNIFEM, and UNCDF that provide funding for private projects, as well as the eligibility criteria and assessment process for obtaining UN funding.
This document discusses fundraising opportunities through United Nations programs and agencies. It outlines that Shuvam Consultancies & Services Pvt. Ltd. aims to bring a holistic long-term approach to development through partnerships between governments, donors, civil society, and the private sector. It also describes several UN funding agencies like UNICEF, UNIFEM, and UNCDF that provide funding for private projects, as well as the eligibility criteria and assessment process for obtaining UN funding.
What is Citizen Lobbying? How to create assertive citizens that can help counter the undue influence exercised by special interest groups in the policy process? This practical booklet shows a few tools and resources useful to undertake a lobbying action to connect with policymakers. Make your voice heard!
What is Citizen Lobbying? How to create assertive citizens that can help counter the undue influence exercised by special interest groups in the policy process? This practical booklet shows some tools and resources useful to undertake a lobbying action by civil society, NGOs and citizens to connect with policymakers. Make your voice heard!
What is citizen lobbying? How to create assertive citizens who can help counter the influence exercised by special interest groups in the policy process? This practical booklet shows few tools and resources useful to undertake a lobbying action by civil society, NGOs and citizens. Make your voice heard!
The document provides updates on several UNDEF projects around the world. It discusses:
1) An UNDEF-funded project in Egypt that formed a coalition to fight corruption and held its first conference.
2) An UNDEF project in Iraq that worked with governorate councils to strengthen civic participation and accountability.
3) An UNDEF project in Jordan, Tunisia and Egypt that works to advance women's participation, particularly in remote areas, through skills training and advocacy.
ImagineCup 2015-Accountability and Governance ThemeDondy Sentya
The document discusses an Imagine Cup competition focused on accountability and governance. It provides background on the important roles of legislature and judiciary branches in government and how enabling communication between them and the public can improve transparency and participation. The competition challenges entrants to create software products that use social media and mobile technologies to connect governments, courts, and citizens regarding legislation, judgments, and civic participation and oversight. Semi-finalists will consult with a USAID Rule of Law specialist and focus areas include democracy, education, and environmental issues.
The UNDEF approved a short list of 52 project proposals for its Eighth Round of Funding following a review by the UNDEF Advisory Board. Inclusion on the short list is significant but does not guarantee funding, as applicants must still negotiate a final project document. Over 2,000 initial proposals were received from organizations in 133 countries. The short list includes 30% of projects in Africa, 25% in Asia, 16% in the Arab world, 11% in Europe, and 5% in Latin America. Project categories include media (40%), rule of law and human rights (11%), community development (20%), and women's empowerment (4%). The document provides updates on several UNDEF-funded projects around the world.
Speech Maarten Brouwer at Open Data for Development Camp, May 2011, Amsterdamopenforchange
1) Maarten Brouwer addressed an audience at the Open Data Development Camp, arguing that open data is the way forward for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and offers enormous opportunities for development.
2) He acknowledged criticism of foreign aid for perceived lack of results and efficiency, and argued transparency of aid flows through open data standards can help address this by improving coordination and involvement of recipients and beneficiaries.
3) Examples from the Development Camp showed how open data platforms and mobile applications can make development work more visible, engage communities, and facilitate feedback to improve monitoring and results.
Crowdfunding has the potential to help developing economies in three key ways:
1) Crowdfunding allows entrepreneurs in developing countries to access new sources of capital beyond traditional banks and investors. This can help spur innovation and new business creation.
2) Developing countries can "leapfrog" more established financial systems by implementing crowdfunding platforms and regulations that facilitate entrepreneurship and new industries.
3) An estimated 344 million households in developing countries have the ability and savings to participate in crowdfunding, representing a potential market of up to $96 billion annually by 2025. This could provide a large new source of capital for businesses and projects.
However, realizing crowdfund
Accelerating progress on transparency at the gpedc high level meeting in mex...Dr Lendy Spires
This letter asks the Administrator of USAID to support accelerating commitments to transparency at an upcoming international development meeting. It notes that while some progress has been made in publishing aid data through the International Aid Transparency Initiative, overall progress remains modest and most information is not fully transparent. The letter calls on the Administrator to improve the timely publication of comprehensive US development data according to IATI standards and ensure information is aligned with partner country systems to benefit all stakeholders. Supporting transparency commitments is important for global progress on development goals.
This document proposes a Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development Assistance (FSSDA) to help bilateral donor agencies orient official development assistance towards sustainable development. The FSSDA is based on the Strategic Sustainable Development approach and uses a five-level framework. An assessment found that while agencies recognize sustainability, their approaches currently lack holistic perspectives and strategic planning tools like backcasting. Adopting an FSSDA could help donors foster sustainability in recipient countries through flexible, recipient-led development and addressing root causes of issues like poverty and environmental degradation. Experts provided mixed feedback, seeing opportunities and challenges to operationalizing such an approach.
The global fund's new funding model : Early outcomes for regional Civil Socie...clac.cab
The document summarizes Eurasian Harm Reduction Network's (EHRN) experience as the first civil society organization to participate as a regional principal recipient in the Global Fund's New Funding Model pilot program. EHRN developed a regional HIV and harm reduction proposal for Eastern Europe and Central Asia and underwent the multi-step application process between April-January 2014. The document analyzes the challenges and opportunities EHRN faced at each stage of regional dialogue, concept note development, sub-recipient selection, and grant negotiations. It provides recommendations to strengthen civil society participation and regional applications focused on advocacy in the future.
This document provides information about career opportunities with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). UNDP is the UN's global development network that advocates for change and connects countries to resources to help people build better lives. It has several practice areas and values commitment to marginalized groups, flexibility, experience, integrity and diversity. The document outlines various entry point opportunities for professionals including policy/project personnel, temporary appointments, and volunteer programs. It also provides details on the Junior Professional Programme, LEAD Young Professionals Programme, and application process. UNCDF is the UN's capital investment agency for least developed countries and supports microfinance and local services through loans and grants.
Report of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Developme...Dr Lendy Spires
1) The document summarizes the report of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing. The committee developed a strategic approach and over 115 policy options to facilitate sustainable development financing.
2) The strategic approach includes 9 precepts, such as ensuring country ownership, adopting effective government policies, and exploiting synergies across economic, social and environmental dimensions.
3) The policy options address raising and reallocating resources across various financing streams, including domestic public and private financing, international public and private financing, and blended finance models.
Objectives standards criteria and indicators for the african peer review mech...Dr Lendy Spires
This document provides objectives, standards, criteria and indicators for assessing countries in the framework of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). It outlines key objectives, standards and agreements, indicative criteria, and example indicators for evaluating countries in four areas: democracy and political governance, economic governance and management, corporate governance, and socio-economic development. For democracy and political governance, specific objectives outlined include preventing conflicts, upholding constitutional democracy, and promoting human rights. Standards, criteria and potential indicators are then provided for assessing countries' performance on each objective.
This document is the Cotonou Agreement signed in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso on June 22, 2010 by representatives of the EU and the ACP Group of States. It amends for the second time the Cotonou Agreement signed in 2000 to govern EU-ACP cooperation. The summary lists the signatories from the EU member states and institutions as well as the 79 ACP states. It notes that the Agreement amends the original Cotonou Agreement signed in 2000 and previously amended in 2005.
2004 12 Report- Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)Dr Lendy Spires
This document summarizes the 12th session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, which took place from April to May 2004. The Commission discussed issues related to water, sanitation, and human settlements. Member states gave statements and participated in discussions on implementing goals from the Millennium Declaration and Johannesburg Plan of Implementation. Experts also provided remarks on integrated water management and water policies. The Commission adopted a report on the session and set a provisional agenda for its 13th session.
The Global Findex survey collects comparable cross-country data on financial inclusion by surveying individuals around the world to measure the use of formal and informal financial services. It aims to identify groups with the greatest barriers to access in order to inform policies to expand access. Funded through 2020, the 2011 survey added financial services questions to the Gallup World Poll. Key findings include that over 2.5 billion adults lack bank accounts, with the poor, women, youth and rural residents least likely to have one. Mobile money has increased access in some areas like Kenya. The data is used by policymakers and organizations to benchmark progress on financial inclusion.
1998 6th Report - Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)Dr Lendy Spires
This document is the report on the sixth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, held from 22 December 1997 to 1 May 1998. The main points covered in the document are:
1. It discusses draft decisions on consumer protection guidelines for sustainable consumption, matters relating to the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests, and the report and agenda of the Commission.
2. It outlines the Commission's Decision 6/1 on strategic approaches to freshwater management, emphasizing integrated management of water resources, equitable access, and addressing poverty.
3. It notes some progress in water quality but also increasing shortages, deterioration, and stresses on freshwater systems, calling for more comprehensive action on integrated water management
Information for the Nations: How developing countries are being excluded from...Dr Lendy Spires
This document discusses how developing countries are largely excluded from automatic information exchange between countries regarding money held offshore. It makes three key points:
1) Only a small number of developing countries have signed up for automatic information exchange, so banking secrecy remains for many developing nations. This represents a large loss in potential tax revenues.
2) Ensuring developing countries can benefit from information exchange requires addressing flaws in the Common Reporting Standard and minimizing costs for developing nations while maximizing benefits.
3) A roadmap from the Global Forum on tax transparency does not do enough to show potential benefits to developing countries from information exchange or make disaggregated offshore asset data available, which could help build political support.
MOU of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)Dr Lendy Spires
Membership of the APRM is voluntary and open to all member countries of the African Union (AU).
The process of accession usually starts with a country’s expression of interest to become a member of the APRM, which is then followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the country and the APRM Forum at any of the Biannual AU/APRM Summits.
The MoU was adopted in March 2003 in Abuja, Nigeria.
This document discusses fundraising opportunities through United Nations programs and agencies. It outlines that Shuvam Consultancies & Services Pvt. Ltd. aims to bring a holistic long-term approach to development through partnerships between governments, donors, civil society, and the private sector. It also describes several UN funding agencies like UNICEF, UNIFEM, and UNCDF that provide funding for private projects, as well as the eligibility criteria and assessment process for obtaining UN funding.
This document discusses fundraising opportunities through United Nations programs and agencies. It outlines that Shuvam Consultancies & Services Pvt. Ltd. aims to bring a holistic long-term approach to development through partnerships between governments, donors, civil society, and the private sector. It also describes several UN funding agencies like UNICEF, UNIFEM, and UNCDF that provide funding for private projects, as well as the eligibility criteria and assessment process for obtaining UN funding.
What is Citizen Lobbying? How to create assertive citizens that can help counter the undue influence exercised by special interest groups in the policy process? This practical booklet shows a few tools and resources useful to undertake a lobbying action to connect with policymakers. Make your voice heard!
What is Citizen Lobbying? How to create assertive citizens that can help counter the undue influence exercised by special interest groups in the policy process? This practical booklet shows some tools and resources useful to undertake a lobbying action by civil society, NGOs and citizens to connect with policymakers. Make your voice heard!
What is citizen lobbying? How to create assertive citizens who can help counter the influence exercised by special interest groups in the policy process? This practical booklet shows few tools and resources useful to undertake a lobbying action by civil society, NGOs and citizens. Make your voice heard!
The document provides updates on several UNDEF projects around the world. It discusses:
1) An UNDEF-funded project in Egypt that formed a coalition to fight corruption and held its first conference.
2) An UNDEF project in Iraq that worked with governorate councils to strengthen civic participation and accountability.
3) An UNDEF project in Jordan, Tunisia and Egypt that works to advance women's participation, particularly in remote areas, through skills training and advocacy.
ImagineCup 2015-Accountability and Governance ThemeDondy Sentya
The document discusses an Imagine Cup competition focused on accountability and governance. It provides background on the important roles of legislature and judiciary branches in government and how enabling communication between them and the public can improve transparency and participation. The competition challenges entrants to create software products that use social media and mobile technologies to connect governments, courts, and citizens regarding legislation, judgments, and civic participation and oversight. Semi-finalists will consult with a USAID Rule of Law specialist and focus areas include democracy, education, and environmental issues.
The UNDEF approved a short list of 52 project proposals for its Eighth Round of Funding following a review by the UNDEF Advisory Board. Inclusion on the short list is significant but does not guarantee funding, as applicants must still negotiate a final project document. Over 2,000 initial proposals were received from organizations in 133 countries. The short list includes 30% of projects in Africa, 25% in Asia, 16% in the Arab world, 11% in Europe, and 5% in Latin America. Project categories include media (40%), rule of law and human rights (11%), community development (20%), and women's empowerment (4%). The document provides updates on several UNDEF-funded projects around the world.
Speech Maarten Brouwer at Open Data for Development Camp, May 2011, Amsterdamopenforchange
1) Maarten Brouwer addressed an audience at the Open Data Development Camp, arguing that open data is the way forward for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and offers enormous opportunities for development.
2) He acknowledged criticism of foreign aid for perceived lack of results and efficiency, and argued transparency of aid flows through open data standards can help address this by improving coordination and involvement of recipients and beneficiaries.
3) Examples from the Development Camp showed how open data platforms and mobile applications can make development work more visible, engage communities, and facilitate feedback to improve monitoring and results.
Crowdfunding has the potential to help developing economies in three key ways:
1) Crowdfunding allows entrepreneurs in developing countries to access new sources of capital beyond traditional banks and investors. This can help spur innovation and new business creation.
2) Developing countries can "leapfrog" more established financial systems by implementing crowdfunding platforms and regulations that facilitate entrepreneurship and new industries.
3) An estimated 344 million households in developing countries have the ability and savings to participate in crowdfunding, representing a potential market of up to $96 billion annually by 2025. This could provide a large new source of capital for businesses and projects.
However, realizing crowdfund
Accelerating progress on transparency at the gpedc high level meeting in mex...Dr Lendy Spires
This letter asks the Administrator of USAID to support accelerating commitments to transparency at an upcoming international development meeting. It notes that while some progress has been made in publishing aid data through the International Aid Transparency Initiative, overall progress remains modest and most information is not fully transparent. The letter calls on the Administrator to improve the timely publication of comprehensive US development data according to IATI standards and ensure information is aligned with partner country systems to benefit all stakeholders. Supporting transparency commitments is important for global progress on development goals.
This document proposes a Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development Assistance (FSSDA) to help bilateral donor agencies orient official development assistance towards sustainable development. The FSSDA is based on the Strategic Sustainable Development approach and uses a five-level framework. An assessment found that while agencies recognize sustainability, their approaches currently lack holistic perspectives and strategic planning tools like backcasting. Adopting an FSSDA could help donors foster sustainability in recipient countries through flexible, recipient-led development and addressing root causes of issues like poverty and environmental degradation. Experts provided mixed feedback, seeing opportunities and challenges to operationalizing such an approach.
The global fund's new funding model : Early outcomes for regional Civil Socie...clac.cab
The document summarizes Eurasian Harm Reduction Network's (EHRN) experience as the first civil society organization to participate as a regional principal recipient in the Global Fund's New Funding Model pilot program. EHRN developed a regional HIV and harm reduction proposal for Eastern Europe and Central Asia and underwent the multi-step application process between April-January 2014. The document analyzes the challenges and opportunities EHRN faced at each stage of regional dialogue, concept note development, sub-recipient selection, and grant negotiations. It provides recommendations to strengthen civil society participation and regional applications focused on advocacy in the future.
This document provides information about career opportunities with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). UNDP is the UN's global development network that advocates for change and connects countries to resources to help people build better lives. It has several practice areas and values commitment to marginalized groups, flexibility, experience, integrity and diversity. The document outlines various entry point opportunities for professionals including policy/project personnel, temporary appointments, and volunteer programs. It also provides details on the Junior Professional Programme, LEAD Young Professionals Programme, and application process. UNCDF is the UN's capital investment agency for least developed countries and supports microfinance and local services through loans and grants.
The 19th to the 22nd of April Chief of Recruitment for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Michael Emery visited Sweden to raise awareness about employment and career opportunities in the UN.
Setting New Standards - Monitoring and EvaluationIain Gill
The document provides an overview of the Liberal Democrats' approach to project monitoring, evaluation and learning (PMEL) processes. It outlines key steps in the PMEL cycle including planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning. Planning involves developing detailed implementation plans in collaboration with partner parties. Monitoring tracks implementation of activities and results achieved. Evaluation assesses outcomes and impact against objectives. Learning identifies lessons to apply to future projects. The Liberal Democrats are committed to continuous improvement and innovation in their international democracy development work.
Planning for impact: Basic communication strategiesODI_Webmaster
This presentation from Jeff Knezovich of the Overseas Development Institute was given at a workshop held on research packaging at ESRF in Tanzania in August 2008. It was prepared for the Micro-level Perspectives of Growth project currently being undertaken by the University of Dar es Salaam Department of Economics. More information on the project can be found at http://www.esrftz.org/mlpg
The document outlines the key elements of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) platform, which include eligibility criteria, action plan guidelines, a rapid response mechanism, working groups, and support from multilateral institutions. It describes OGP's focus on budget transparency, access to information, asset disclosure, and citizen engagement. The document also provides details on OGP's action plan guidelines, rapid response mechanism, working groups in areas like open data and extractives, support from organizations like the World Bank and UNDP, and its independent reporting and self-assessment processes.
The document provides an overview of finding your way in Brussels and understanding European policies, funding opportunities, and decision-making processes. It discusses that the EU member countries have transferred law-making authority to the EU in some policy areas and share competencies with national governments in others. It also outlines the different types of EU grants available, how to apply for funding, and the typical EU decision-making process.
JUNE 2014
DACnews is designed to help development practitioners keep abreast of DAC work so that we can increase its reach and impact. We would very much appreciate your helping us to reach as wide an audience as possible by forwarding this sign-up link to people you feel may be interested.
Anything new in development?
Innovation is a frequently used word in development circles. And indeed, finding new ways of working – and creating broader partnerships – is increasingly important. This DACnews looks at several ways in which the DAC is innovating: by welcoming new members such as Iceland and the Czech Republic; by intensifying the dialogue on triangular co-operation; by looking at development co-operation from the receiving end and factoring in the e-revolution; and by deepening understanding of how to green development. It also celebrates 30 years of the DAC Evaluation Network.
Contributi dei parlamentari del PD - Contributi L. 3/2019Partito democratico
DI SEGUITO SONO PUBBLICATI, AI SENSI DELL'ART. 11 DELLA LEGGE N. 3/2019, GLI IMPORTI RICEVUTI DALL'ENTRATA IN VIGORE DELLA SUDDETTA NORMA (31/01/2019) E FINO AL MESE SOLARE ANTECEDENTE QUELLO DELLA PUBBLICAZIONE SUL PRESENTE SITO
This report explores the significance of border towns and spaces for strengthening responses to young people on the move. In particular it explores the linkages of young people to local service centres with the aim of further developing service, protection, and support strategies for migrant children in border areas across the region. The report is based on a small-scale fieldwork study in the border towns of Chipata and Katete in Zambia conducted in July 2023. Border towns and spaces provide a rich source of information about issues related to the informal or irregular movement of young people across borders, including smuggling and trafficking. They can help build a picture of the nature and scope of the type of movement young migrants undertake and also the forms of protection available to them. Border towns and spaces also provide a lens through which we can better understand the vulnerabilities of young people on the move and, critically, the strategies they use to navigate challenges and access support.
The findings in this report highlight some of the key factors shaping the experiences and vulnerabilities of young people on the move – particularly their proximity to border spaces and how this affects the risks that they face. The report describes strategies that young people on the move employ to remain below the radar of visibility to state and non-state actors due to fear of arrest, detention, and deportation while also trying to keep themselves safe and access support in border towns. These strategies of (in)visibility provide a way to protect themselves yet at the same time also heighten some of the risks young people face as their vulnerabilities are not always recognised by those who could offer support.
In this report we show that the realities and challenges of life and migration in this region and in Zambia need to be better understood for support to be strengthened and tuned to meet the specific needs of young people on the move. This includes understanding the role of state and non-state stakeholders, the impact of laws and policies and, critically, the experiences of the young people themselves. We provide recommendations for immediate action, recommendations for programming to support young people on the move in the two towns that would reduce risk for young people in this area, and recommendations for longer term policy advocacy.
United Nations World Oceans Day 2024; June 8th " Awaken new dephts".Christina Parmionova
The program will expand our perspectives and appreciation for our blue planet, build new foundations for our relationship to the ocean, and ignite a wave of action toward necessary change.
The Antyodaya Saral Haryana Portal is a pioneering initiative by the Government of Haryana aimed at providing citizens with seamless access to a wide range of government services
A Guide to AI for Smarter Nonprofits - Dr. Cori Faklaris, UNC CharlotteCori Faklaris
Working with data is a challenge for many organizations. Nonprofits in particular may need to collect and analyze sensitive, incomplete, and/or biased historical data about people. In this talk, Dr. Cori Faklaris of UNC Charlotte provides an overview of current AI capabilities and weaknesses to consider when integrating current AI technologies into the data workflow. The talk is organized around three takeaways: (1) For better or sometimes worse, AI provides you with “infinite interns.” (2) Give people permission & guardrails to learn what works with these “interns” and what doesn’t. (3) Create a roadmap for adding in more AI to assist nonprofit work, along with strategies for bias mitigation.
AHMR is an interdisciplinary peer-reviewed online journal created to encourage and facilitate the study of all aspects (socio-economic, political, legislative and developmental) of Human Mobility in Africa. Through the publication of original research, policy discussions and evidence research papers AHMR provides a comprehensive forum devoted exclusively to the analysis of contemporaneous trends, migration patterns and some of the most important migration-related issues.
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
2024: The FAR - Federal Acquisition Regulations, Part 39
Undef newsletter nov 2013
1. UNDEF Update – November 2013
1
The United Nations Democracy Fund
1 United Nations Plaza, Room DC1-1300
New York, NY 10017, USA
Tel: +1 212 963 3399
Fax: +1 212 963 1486
An innovation at the heart of the United Nations
INSIDE UNDEF
UNDEF opens its annual window for project proposals for its Eighth Round of Funding on 15
November 2013, following the green light given by the UNDEF Advisory Board on 7 November
(pictured). Project proposals may be submitted on-line between 15 November and 31
December at www.un.org/democracyfund. Only on-line proposals in either English or French
will be accepted. Applicants can find guidelines, lessons learned, and examples of previous
application forms here. Those who plan to submit a proposal are strongly encouraged to visit
this page as soon as possible to familiarize themselves with what is required.
UNDEF supports projects that strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights,
and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes. It is the only UN entity
that has the word“democracy”in its name; the only UN body with the primary purpose of
supporting democracy through empowering civil society; and one of the youngest entities
in the UN system. UNDEF projects exist in developing countries, in societies in transition and
in challenging environments, and are in six main areas: Community development; rule of law
and human rights; tools for democratization; youth; empowering women; and media. UNDEF
grants range from US$50,000 to US$400,000. So far, UNDEF has funded more than 400 projects
in over 100 countries, bringing total disbursement to almost 140 million dollars. The large
majority of funds go to local civil society groups. In this way, UNDEF plays a new and unique
role, complementing the UN’s traditional work with Governments to strengthen democratic
governance around the world. It targets the demand side of democracy, rather than the supply
side. In 2012, UNDEF received over 3000 project proposals. Only some 50 were selected for
funding.
for new project proposals opens on
15 November
Window
Project proposals are subject to a highly rigorous and
competitive selection process, quality vetting, due
diligence and lessons learned from previous Rounds.
A team of international assessors score each proposal
against 10 set criteria and produce a long list. To
narrow down the list further, UN Resident Coordinators
and Experts of the UNDEF Advisory Board are invited
to provide comments, quality vetting, and views
on how proposed activities would fit in the overall
context of existing UN work in the countries and
fields proposed. The same comments are sought from
the UNDEF Programme Consultative Group, making
use of the specific expertise of each of its entities:
the Department of Political Affairs, the Department
of Peacekeeping Operations, the Office of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights, the Peacebuilding
Support Office, the UN Development Programme,
the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and UN Women.
Based on this collective input, the UNDEF Secretariat
produces a first short list, expected to be completed
only in mid-2013, after which the process moves into
the next stage. Each short-listed applicant will be
contacted with a request for a draft project document, which is in effect the contract between UNDEF and the grantee. The project document negotiation
requires the applicant to provide a more elaborated project design, and involves detailed input from both UNDEF and the applicant, as well as scrutiny
and due diligence enquiries by UNDEF. Only upon successful conclusion of the project document, and its approval by the United Nations Controller, will
the project proposal formally be approved for funds disbursement – usually after September.
2. INSIDE UNDEF
Dear civil society organization applicants,
The following is feedback compiled on the basis of applications from
UNDEF rounds. It provides useful pointers for you to bear in mind as you
prepare for your application.
Presentation
The higher the quality of the presentation, the higher your application
will score. You can get an idea of what is required by viewing an
application form , and by reading project proposal guidelines. Fill in all
the information that is relevant, but do not exceed the character limits
in the application form. Ensure that the information is accurate. Write
in plain English or French, avoiding jargon where possible. Use correct
acronyms and website addresses. Write succinct sentences and avoid
repetition.
Clarity
Clarity is the key to a successful application. The applicant must have
a clear idea about what they want to achieve and a clear strategy for
how to achieve it. You need to spell out the link between your overall
vision and your activities and outputs -- how these will translate your
vision into reality. Lack of clarity cannot be disguised by the use of
“buzz”words or other formulaic constructions; a successful design
requires a logic that can be followed step by step. Brainstorm the
ideas thoroughly before writing them down, but equally, agree on
what specific steps are needed to make them happen, and in what
sequence. Play the“devil’s advocate”and criticise the initial ideas until
you have achieved a logical design.
Scoring and criteria
In UNDEF’s initial assessment of applications, each project proposal is
scored against 10 criteria. Since only three proposals out of 100 make
it to the short-list, you need to score well on all the criteria to advance
to the next stage. Make sure you demonstrate that your proposal
satisfies each one:
♣♣ Does the applicant organization have a strong track record?
♣♣ Is the proposal technically sound in conception and presentation?
How would the proposed project:
♣♣ Promote the objectives of UNDEF?
♣♣ Make use of the UN’s and UNDEF’s comparative advantage?
♣♣ Have significant impact?
♣♣ Represent good value for money?
♣♣ Have strong prospects for successful implementation?
♣♣ Have strong prospects of sustainability beyond the project duration?
♣♣ Encourage inclusiveness?
♣♣ Enhance gender equality?
Innovation
How can your application stand out from the others? The answer
is innovation. That means a new idea, a new method or an original
proposal. If the outputs of the project are simply more workshops to
raise awareness, then your application is unlikely to distinguish itself.
When you think of innovative approaches, ensure that the proposal is
action-oriented, with concrete outputs listed in the application.
Democracy
UNDEF was not established simply to fund good causes or good
people. Arguing that your cause is just and your people are worthy
is not sufficient. UNDEF is a Fund to promote democracy and each
application must be able to show how the funding of that project will
advance the cause of democracy. UNDEF focuses on supporting the
voice of civil society, and so the application must show how that voice
will be strengthened, and how that, in turn, will strengthen democratic
processes. The more direct the link, the stronger the application.
Budget
Give considerable thought to the budget. Make sure the budget
relates to the outputs listed in the narrative part of the application. We
understand that the budget is an estimate, so use rounded figures (in
the thousands or hundreds is sufficient). Do not ask for a high amount
of salary in the budget, as UNDEF looks for an element of volunteering
in applications. Do not ask for a high amount in other items as a back
door method to obtain more salary. Also be aware that UNDEF rarely
funds the purchase of vehicles.
Value for Money
Many applications have scored badly on the criterion“value for
money”by asking for far too much in their budget. The maximum
grant UNDEF can make is $500,000; in more than 300 projects
implemented to date, only one project has received this amount. The
average grant is around $250,000. An application requesting $499,000,
but delivering the same outputs as a similar application asking for
$350,000, will score low on value for money. That will probably be
enough to knock that application out of the running. The more
realistic the budget request, the better the score will be under the
value for money criterion.
Timing
The actvities in the project proposal should not begin until late 2012
or preferably 2013. Please do not leave submission of the proposal
until the last few days. Given that the application window is open
for six weeks, a well prepared applicant will submit well ahead of the
deadline to ensure there is time left if something goes wrong. The later
in the application process, the greater the risk that something may go
wrong that cannot be remedied. And once the online proposal system
is closed for the year, we cannot assist you. We have received dozens
of“hard luck”stories about bad internet connections or electricity
blackouts to explain why an application was late. The answer is to start
in time.
Calling all future applicants:
lessons learned
2
UNDEF Update – November 2013
Cliquez ici pour accéder à la version française
3. UNDEF Update – No. 15, August 2012
INSIDE UNDEF
3
UNDEF Update – November 2013
UNDEF co-convened an event at the International Peace Institute in New York on 16
September to mark the International Day of Democracy. The invitation-only event,
“Democratization at the Sharp End” brought together leading UN officials from the
UN’s work in the field, including Edmond Mulet, Assistant Secretary-General for
Peacekeeping Operations and former Special Representative of the Secretary-General
in Haiti; Margaret Vogt, outgoing Special Representative of Secretary-General in
the Central African Republic; and Sanaka Samarasinha, UN Resident Coordfinator
in Belarus. They were joined by Michael Doyle, Chair of the Advisory Board of UN
Democracy Fund, and Harriette Williams Bright, Advocacy Officer of the NGO and
UNDEF grantee Femmes Africa Solidarité. The discussion, organized by IPI and the UN
Working Group on Democracy, focused on challenges and opportunities of integrating
support for democratization processes in the day-to-day work of peacekeepers, special political missions, UN resident coordinators and their colleagues – all of whom
must find ways to deliver on the UN’s normative foundations of democratization by contributing to it in practice in the field. The panellists agreed on the need to
understand that democracy cannot be imposed from outside; that democracy means far more than holding elections; and that issues of legitimacy, security and
accountability are fundamental to the scope for democratization.
To mark the International Day of Democracy, International Herald Tribune and Kathimerini newspapers
convened, in cooperation with UNDEF, the “Athens Forum 2013: Democracy under Pressure”in the Ancient
Agora of Athens -- the birthplace of democracy. The event, which can be watched in its entirety here, was
part of the Herald Tribune’s The Global Conversation series of high-level debates and panel discussions on
key global challenges. Panellists included ministers from India and Sweden, two of UNDEF’s top donors.
The discussion examined the state of democracy in the world and the pressure resulting
from economic, social and religious factors. Participants included Antonis Samaras,
Prime Minister of Greece; Giorgos Kaminis, Mayor of Athens; Carl Bildt, Sweden’s Minister
for Foreign Affairs and“the best connected world leader”, according to a new study of
Twitter; Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State for Human Resource Development of India,
the world’s largest democracy; New York Times columnist Roger Cohen; Masha Gessen,
Russian-US journalist author; Sultan Al-Qassemi, leading blogger and voice on the Arab
Spring; and Annika Savill, UNDEF Deputy Executive Head.
As Ban Ki-moon said in his message to the
16 September Forum, the meeting place
in the Agora reminds us that the practice
of democracy is not a spectator sport
and that it is more like a marathon than a
sprint.
UNDEF partners with International Herald Tribune
and Kathimerini in holding Athens Forum on Democracy
UNDEF co-hosts International Day of Democracy event
at International Peace Institute
UNDEF Board member Jeffrey Wright, the award-winning actor currently starring in
Boardwalk Empire and the upcoming Hunger Games sequel, recently came to the UN
television studio to record the narration for a new documentary on an UNDEF project.
“When I’m not busy acting on stage or screen, I’m an advocate for the people of Sierra
Leone,”Mr. Wright said.“As a member of the Board of the UN Democracy Fund, UNDEF, I’m
especially excited to tell you this story about one of our Sierra Leone projects: Building
the Capacity of First-Time Parliamentarians. Like all UNDEF projects, it’s carried out by
civil society organizers working to engage all groups in democratic processes. I hope
you will be inspired by the men and women you are about to meet in this film. The
message is clear. Let’s not wait for Governments to act. Let’s organize. Let’s be the doers of
democracy.”
Jeffrey Wright narrates UNDEF film in UN studio
4. UNDEF Update – November 2013
Strengthening democracy through adult
education of Maasai women in Tanzania
NEWS FROM THE FIELD
grassroots movement in
In the Longido District of northern Tanzania,
UNDEF supports a community development project among
the Maasai population with a special focus on women. It
works to strengthen women’s role in decision-making and
priority-setting to better reflect their needs. In 12 target
villages, Women Role Models have been selected who will
be trained in civic education by the implementing NGO
Longido Community Development Organisation, and then
go on to share their knowledge and
educate other community members --
women and men alike -- thus
strengthening both equal participation
and other democratic practices in
Maasai communities. Project
beneficiaries met with UNDEF
Programme Officer Hanna Norell in
Longido in October 2013.
Building women
An UNDEF project in Uganda works to build a critical mass of
women grassroot activists who demand accountability and
improved service delivery to communities. The project seeks to
influence democratic processes through empowering communities
to hold their leaders accountable and to demand for gender-
sensitive service delivery. It also supports legislators in enacting
gender-sensitive legislation and programmes. The project held a
women’s conference to provide an avenue for women to assess
progress on the demands on their agenda. The project is
implemented by the Forum for Women in Democracy.
4
Uganda
5. NEWS FROM THE FIELD
UNDEF Update – November 2013
Making votes count in Liberia
Studies show that voters in Liberia, particularly
rural women and youth, vote out of fear and
ignorance because the majority are illiterate and
have no access to civic or voter education. An
UNDEF-funded project provides voter and civic
education in rural areas as vital mechanisms to
ensure that rural constituents understand their
rights, the nature of political processes and options
available to them when voting with focus on
women and youth; develops advocacy, leadership,
communication and lobbying skills for aspiring
youths and women candidates; monitors electoral
and post-electoral processes; builds capacity of
elected youth and women
members of parliament.
5
Tournée nationale pour inciter les jeunes au Gabon
Au Gabon, le FNUD soutient un projet pour inciter les jeunes à la vie
politique. Le but est de promouvoir leur participation active aux différents
processus électoraux, à travers la sensibilisation, l’organisation sur l’ensemble
du pays de campagnes de sensibilisation et d’information, de séminaires, de
concerts et de conférences sur leurs droits civiques et politiques. Mis en
œuvre par le Réseau des organisations libres de la société civile pour la bonne
gouvernance au Gabon, le projet a recemment lancé une tournée nationale
dans les villes de Libreville, Owendo, Lambaréné, Oyem, Port-Gentil et
Franceville, sujet d’un reportage dans Gabon Review.
6. UNDEF Update – November 2013
NEWS FROM THE FIELD
6
”
Getting out the vote among women
and young people in Azerbaijan
For Azerbaijan’s presidential elections on 9 October 2013, and parliamentary
elections in November 2015, UNDEF funds a project in Azerbaijan to build
awareness of electoral process and voting rights among local communities,
with a special focus on women and youth. In this
way, it works to strengthen participation in
democratic processes of the future. Implemented
by Azerbaijan Youth Union,the project held two
days of training in basic principles of voting rights
in Lenkaran City in August 2013. Following the
workshop, participants with previously weak
knowledge of electoral processes rights voiced
their determination to vote.
A new UNDEF-funded project works to help reform criminal justice systems in Armenia, Azerbaijan
and Georgia. It focuses on promoting alternative, non-custodial sanctions; early-release mechanisms,
especially for women inmates; , community sanctions, diversion, mediation in juvenile justice systems;
engaging civil society in advocating and fostering human rights and democracy; and legal and social
training for women and juvenile probationers to help them re- integrate into society. Leaders of the
project, implemented by Penal Reform International, recently met with UNDEF Deputy Head Annika
Savill in Tbilisi.
Reforming criminal justice systems
in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia
Democracy and human rights education
for all schools in Armenia
A new UNDEF project in Armenia will work to introduce a policy on democracy
and human rights education for all public school graduates. Implemented by
Armenia-CIVITAS, it will work to strengthen democratic and human rights
cultureandcompetencebyenhancingteachers’capacity,developinginteractive,
student-friendly teaching/learning materials, introducing democracy and
human rights education into the higher pedagogical education curriculum,
establishing a center for democracy and human rights education.The center will
ensure sustainability and long-term impact.
7. An UNDEF-funded project in the Russian Federation co-organized a nationwide
conference in October 2013 on indigenous peoples and industry: Cooperation,
prospects, challenges. Held in the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, Moscow,
the meeting was attended by representatives of industrial companies, federal and
regional governments, international organizations, indigenous organizations and
experts. Participants shared experiences in cooperation, best practices, existing
challenges, standards and prospects of cooperation between indigenous people and
business, amid new conditions of industrial development in the Arctic, Siberia and the
Far East. The event was organized by Center for Support of Indigenous Peoples of the
North, the International Fund for Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia and Far East
of the Russian Federation, the Union of Communities of Indigenous Peoples of the
North, Siberia and the Far East, in partnership with the Public Chamber of the Russian
Federation.
Nationwide conference on indigenous rights in Russian Federation
UNDEF Update – November 2013
NEWS FROM THE FIELD
7
Strengthening women and youth leaders in Mexico
In Mexico, the transition towards a real participatory democracy and the strengthening of an active
citizenship is slow for the most vulnerable groups, in particular rural and indigenous women and youth.This
adds to social and cultural exclusion, with limited access to decision-making and public positions in
government. An UNDEF Mexico project trains women and young people to be leaders for citizens’
participation in three rural regions of Veracruz. Those trained will in turn go on to train hundreds of others.
Implemented by Desarrollo Autogestionario, the project organizes “municipal itinerant schools” in
collaboration with local communities and authorities. Training focuses on human rights, initiatives for
democracy and local development.
8. UNDEF Update – November2013
An UNDEF Pakistan project held a national youth conference in Lahore in
September under the heading“One Nation, One Agenda: Democracy and
Peace”. The project, implemented by the Chanan Development Association,
works to strengthen the capacity of local civil society organizations with a
focus on youth, women, and religious minorities in 50 districts of Pakistan. The
conference yielded major coverage in the Express Tribune, the Daily Times
and BBC Newshour.
Young people of Pakistan call
for one nation, one agenda
8
UNDEF in the NEWS
UNDEF beneficiary elected Mayor of Ahmedabad
A graduate of an UNDEF-funded project for women’s empowerment in
India has been elected Mayor of Ahmedabad, a city with a population of
six million. Meenaxiben Patel, elected Mayor in April 2013, participated
in a training and capacity-building programme funded by UNDEF and
implemented by the New Delhi-based Centre for Social Research before
being elected. Active in politics and civil society organizations for over 15
years, Ms. Patel described the UNDEF-funded programme as essential in
providing leadership, lobbying and management skills, adding:. “These
types of training will help in empowering women, and result in them
actively participating in politics -- which is very much necessary in a
country like India.”
9. UNDEF Update – November 2013
UNDEF in the NEWS
UNDEF-funded local democracy report
launched during UN General Assembly
Diplomats, UN officials and civil society representatives gathered during the
opening of the UN General Assembly for the launch of the UNDEF/Hunger Project
2013 State of Participatory Democracy Report. The Report is part of a two-year
project to cultivate a global community of practice, develop a multidimensional
Participatory Local Democracy Index, and publish an annual report of its findings.
The report was covered in the Huffington Post and El Diario.
The event’s keynote speaker, Mexico’s Under-Secretary for Social and Human
Development, Ernesto Nemer Alvarez, said that in Mexico, participatory democracy
“seeks to have an impact in a determined way in governance, social peace and
fundamentally, in the development of the nation.”
The context for the project is that remarkable innovations have emerged in local
democracy and recent legislation to move government closer to the people, while
there is a big gap between the policy and the implementation. Too often, local
government lacks the financial and human resources, decision-making autonomy,
and mechanisms for social accountability to fulfil
their responsibilities. There are thousands of
individual experts and organizations devoted to these issues, yet most of them have lacked a global forum. There
are no agreed-upon measures of local governance, nor is there a global database.
Following a series of consultations with experts in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas, a five-dimensional index
was developed, and surveys were conducted among practitioners worldwide to measure both the legal structure
and perceptions of how well it is being implemented. The results are presented in the first State of Participatory
Democracy Report. Other speakers included UNDEF Executive Head Roland Rich and Hunger Project president Mary
Ellen McNish.
A new beginning for women in Fiji
A new UNDEF project in Fiji will work
to increase women’s representation in
Parliament. Implemented by the National
Council of Women, the launch was covered
by Radio New Zealand International, Islands
Business, and the Fiji Sun.
9
10. WORTH READING
UNDEF Update – November 2013
Deputy Executive Head and Editor:
Annika Savill, savill@un.org
Editorial Assistant:
Beth Baja, baja@un.org
UNDEF Head addresses
Democracy Caucus at UN
UNDEF Executive Head Roland Rich spoke at the Democracy Caucus,
the annual September meeting of the Community of Democracies on
the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Addressing this year’s theme
of“Democracy and Development”, Mr. Rich quoted the UN Secretary-
General:“Development is more likely to take hold if people are given a
genuine say in their own governance, and a chance to share in the fruits of
progress.”He added that this short sentence held three highly significant
elements: “Development is more likely to take hold”was another term for
sustainability; “people are given a genuine say in their own governance”
reflected the fact that only democracy as a system provided genuine
involvement , because of the open and contested nature of ideas, policies
and leadership; and“a chance to share in the fruits of progress”implies that
democracies are better equipped to deal with inequality issues and reverse
the trend.
State of Civil Society 2013: Creating
an enabling environment
UNDEF grantee Civicus has issued its 2013 Civil Society
Report amid a global context that poses considerable
challenges for civil society, as well as offering some
opportunities. The report offers a comprehensive guide to
the enabling environment and recent trends in legitimacy,
transparency and accountability; connections, coalitions
and solidarity; the policy and legal sphere; government,
politics and relations with civil society; public attitudes and
participation; corruption; communications and technology;
and resources.
President Obama’s UN roundtable hosted a round table on
civil society on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in
September 2013. A strong message from Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon was delivered by Deputy Secretary-General Jan
Eliasson, stating:“If leaders do not listen to their people, they will
hear from them – in the streets, the squares, or, as we see far too
often, on the battlefield. There is a better way. More participation.
More democracy. More engagement and openness. That means
maximum space for civil society.”
Obama and Ban Ki-moon in defence of
civil society during UN General