EU-CORD network

❌ The new European Commission must prioritise partnership over competition. The European Union is shifting its focus on short-term economic self-interest and an outdated security approach which disregards people-centred solutions, ignoring its international cooperation Treaty obligations to fight poverty and inequality and to promote human rights. It is in the EU's interest to maintain its leading position in promoting sustainable development, to build trust with partner countries and to work for global wellbeing, peace and stability. As part of CONCORD, we have sent a letter to the President-designate of the European Commission, Ms Ursula von der Leyen to raise the concerns and proposals of European civil society working on international cooperation and sustainable development. The open letter is available on CONCORD website  ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/ePFPFq6D

📩 As part of CONCORD we sent an open letter to President-nominee of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Together with other civil society organisations and members of CONCORD's Confederation, we call on the new European Commission to stand up for sustainable development and deliver now on the European Union's commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 🇪🇺🤝🌍 We firmly believe it is in the EU's interest to promote development cooperation, building trust with partner countries, working for global well-being, peace and stability, with the reduction of inequalities at the core. Read the full letter on CONCORD's website ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/ePFPFq6D

🌍 Take a Stand: Pledge for Humanitarian Action! 🌍 As members of the VOICE humanitarian network, we are fully supportive of VOICE's 2024 Policy Resolution calls on all EU political actors to prioritize principled humanitarian action. The resolution highlights three critical areas where immediate and decisive action is needed: 1. Increase the space for principled humanitarian action 2. Close the funding gap 3. Address the growing number of conflicts and climate-related disasters This is a crucial moment for action in a year marked by significant political changes across Europe, including new leadership in the European Commission. The EU has a longstanding commitment to humanitarian principles, but we must reinforce this dedication now more than ever. 🤝 Join us in calling for principled humanitarian action. Together, we can make a difference. #HumanitarianAction #ClimateCrisis #ConflictResolution #EU #InternationalLaw #VOICE #Development #HumanRights

Our amazing member Dorcas is searching for a 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭. See full details here https://lnkd.in/gU_JsGCj and spread the word! #climate #research #SDGgoals

🌍 Church and Environment - Resource and Toolkit by PMU Interlife🌱 PMU have developed a comprehensive toolkit to guide churches in addressing the global climate crisis. This resource is divided into three parts: 1. Introduction to Climate Change and Environmental Issues: Offers a scientific perspective on climate change and related environmental concerns. 2. Ecotheology: Explores the theological foundations for the Church's role in environmental stewardship. 3. Practical Engagement: Provides technical guidance on how to actively participate in climate action and other environmental issues. The toolkit encourages readers to explore these questions and apply the guidance in their own contexts. Churches, communities, and individuals can all be agents of change, and this tool serves as guide for taking bold and necessary steps towards environmental sustainability. Access it here: - Swedish Version: https://lnkd.in/ee5Q3tfe - English version: https://lnkd.in/eM-VRvYb - French Version: https://lnkd.in/epZNzJj4

Self-Interest at the Cost of Human Development? The case of DG INTPA 💶 A recently leaked draft briefing book from the European Commission’s Department for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) has raised alarm bells among many civil society organizations, including EU-CORD, a network of 26 Christian relief and development organizations. The draft outlines a strategy for international cooperation that places a heavy emphasis on the EU’s economic interests, potentially at the expense of human development and other core values. This shift towards prioritizing economic resilience and private-sector cooperation could undermine the European Union’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and key international agreements focused on human rights, equality, and environmental sustainability. As organizations dedicated to serving the global common good, we find this direction troubling. It’s critical that the European Union reconsider its approach to international partnerships to ensure that no one is left behind and that true cooperation is based on shared values and mutual respect. Read our statement here: https://lnkd.in/d34kcDQ5

Faith communities could be a critical ally in the fight against leprosy. The article "The under-utilised secret weapon in the fight to defeat leprosy", written by Tim Burton from The Leprosy Mission International, discusses how faith-based groups can play a pivotal role in addressing this complex disease. Leprosy, with its slow-moving symptoms and historical stigma, requires ongoing community engagement for effective intervention. Faith communities, due to their significant influence and reach, can be instrumental in raising awareness, reducing discrimination, and providing essential care services. James Pender, an expert in engaging with faith communities, underscores The Leprosy Mission's readiness to serve their communities, noting that faith leaders often provide more than spiritual guidance—they offer advice, counselling, and social support. This commitment extends to challenging stigma and discrimination, with examples from Nigeria showing how faith communities can either perpetuate or help combat negative attitudes toward leprosy. The article highlights the need for interfaith collaboration, as demonstrated in Sri Lanka, where Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus work together to address leprosy-related challenges. You can read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eBjTkFyz

This week, we welcomed 12 of our member organizations to our Spring Advocacy Forum. Spanning from EU-level initiatives to locally-led advocacy efforts, the sessions delved into a diverse array of topics over the course of two enriching days. Our aim was to equip our members with not just theoretical insights but also practical skills and inspiration. The forum served as a crucial platform for collaboration, allowing our members to come together, exchange ideas, and reflect on the vital significance of conducting impactful advocacy amidst the myriad challenges prevalent in the global landscape they operate within.

Ahead of the Global Gateway High-Level Event on Education on 11 April, a group of organisations has published a joint position paper taking stock of the progress made in supporting education in the EU's external action, and encourage further political and financial commitments. As the institutional mandate comes to an end, we call for a strong legacy to keep education high on the agenda of the future European Commission, with a human rights-based, gender-sensitive and inclusive approach. Read the statement signed by: ACT Alliance EU - European NGO Network , , EU-CORD, Finn Church Aid, Humanity & Inclusion, Light for the World, Plan International, Save the Children International, World Vision EU Representation, and Africa Network Campaign on Education for All (ANCEFA). https://lnkd.in/d-3AXW9d

⚖️🌍 To mark the World Day of Social Justice, Dr. Tabeth Masengu, Advocacy Coordinator at EU-CORD, shares her insights as part of Dorcas, our member organization's, ongoing human rights campaign. Read her full statement and discover how EU-CORD is championing human rights worldwide here: https://lnkd.in/eCTn5-Bs