CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation
e-CIVICUS
Promoting Civic Existence, Expression & Engagement
01 September 2006
FROM THE DESK OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
ISSUE No. 303
Help set a Guinness world record by standing up to poverty
By Kumi Naidoo, CIVICUS Secretary-General
PUBLISHER
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen
Participation
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Kumi Naidoo
ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Volkhart Finn Heinrich
EDITOR
Eric Muragana
Dear e-CIVICUS Subscriber,
For this week’s column, we want to invite you to take part in a unique and exciting event. All of the
different groups, constituencies and country coalitions in the Global Call to Action against Poverty
(GCAP) have agreed to unite once again in 2006. We want all those who want to see an end to
poverty, to unite around the world at the same time and demand action. This October, in the build up
to the International Day for Poverty Eradication, we invite as many of our individual and organisational
supporters as possible to take part in an attempt to break the world record for the most number of
people standing up in protest at the same time. For more information,
see www.civicus.org/new/content/deskofthesecretarygeneral40.htm
EDITORIAL TEAM
Henri Valot
Julie Middleton
Vicente García-Delgado, Esq
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CIVICUS Staff
ABOUT e-CIVICUS
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CONTACT US
CIVICUS Poll Questions
Each week, a new question is put to people around the world on the CIVICUS website. Let us know
what you think. If you have any questions you would like to ask, please email editor@civicus.org.
This week’s question: Do you think that western foreign policies are responsible for global
terrorism? Answer the question at www.civicus.org/new/poll.asp?c=048451
Previous question: Do you think that civil society activism will be able to persuade the G8 nations to
provide universal access to HIV/AIDS treatment by 2010?
Results: Yes - 48%, No - 46%, Don’t Know - 6%
CIVIL SOCIETY NEWS
Please send your comments and suggestions on these stories to editor@civicus.org.
Civil society can be a superpower to influence government decisions
A civil society can emerge as the "other superpower" that could influence decisions
made by any government in administrating their countries, consumerism activist
Datuk Dr Anwar Fazal said on Tuesday, 29 August. He said societies that were
aware of their influence would be able to steer their countries away from
mismanagement and curb the spread of corruption. "Any government that does not recognise (people
power) is doomed to failure, sooner or later," he said when presenting his paper on "Civil Society and
the Culture of Integrity -- Considering the Voices of NGOs in Government Decision-Making
Processes". The paper was presented at a special session for the 1st Organisation of the Islamic
Conference (OIC) on Anti-Corruption and Enhancing Integrity Forum 2006. For more information, see
www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=216819
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Civil society leaders should be given power against the warmongers
Despite the fragile truce in Lebanon, the risks of a widening war in the Middle East remain. Too many
political leaders, including George W. Bush, Tony Blair, and the leaders of radical groups in the
Middle East, prefer military solutions to peaceful compromise. When Bush paints the Middle East as a
struggle of good versus evil, or terror versus freedom, he abandons politics. When Israel attempts
vainly to defeat Hizbullah, it tries to avoid painful but necessary political compromises over disputed
territory. The problems of the Middle East are much more about politics and culture than about terror
versus freedom. For more information, see
www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=5&article_id=75060
Websites:
www.civicus.org
www.civilsocietywatch.org
www.civicusassembly.org
Civil society must help Sri Lankan government to solve present crisis
United National Party MP, G.L Peiris, speaking on the country’s current situation and the role of civil
society, at a luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club, Colombo, Sri Lanka, said that “civil society has a
special role to play in reducing the bitterness of politics in this complex situation”. Prof. Peiris further
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highlighted that it is the responsibility of all of Sri Lankan civil society to help the government find a
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solution. “Though we have got military activities and no political proposal, we must remember that this
kind of a problem cannot be overcome militarily. So, we should assist the government in power, to
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Amnesty International warns of possible Darfur tragedy
Human rights activists are urging the U.N. Security Council to urgently authorise the
deployment of as many as 20,000 peace-keeping troops to halt the rising tide of
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violence and chaos in Darfur, Sudan’s western-most region. Witnesses in El Fasher in
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North Darfur have told the London-based group that Sudanese military flights have
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been flying in troops and arms to the region, said Kate Gilmore, Amnesty
International's Executive Deputy Secretary General. 'Displaced people in Darfur are
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absolutely
terrified
that the same soldiers that expelled them from their homes and villages may now
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be sent supposedly to protect them,' Gilmore said in a written statement. For more information, see
at
www.civicus.org/new/donatev2.html www.topix.net/content/ap/3322451466316683305006207210292167447743 or
www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0829-05.htm
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Civil Society Watch Monthly
Bulletin
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around the world, featuring
insightful interviews, updates on
threats to civil society, and
analyses of current situations.
Read more at
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UN Democracy Fund first grants to benefit civil society
The United Nations Democracy Fund has unveiled its first beneficiaries, awarding $36 million in
grants to 125 projects around the world that range from promoting voter registration to encouraging
judicial reform, supporting female parliamentarians and teaching human rights awareness in schools.
Secretary-General Kofi Annan approved the first batch of projects that had been whittled down by the
UN Programme Consultative Group and then UNDEF’s Advisory Board from the original pool of more
than 1,300 applications. The Fund defined six areas as funding priorities for the initial group of
projects: strengthening democratic dialogue and support for constitutional processes; civil society
empowerment; civic education, voter registration and strengthening of political parties; citizens’
access to information; human rights and fundamental freedoms; and accountability, transparency and
integrity. For more information, see www.un.org/democracyfund
WCC to encourage churches' role in the Middle East
The governing body of the World Council of Churches will discuss the situation in the Middle East at
its 30 August - 6 September meeting in Geneva - including the positive role churches and civil society
organisations can play in building a just peace. "We are convinced in the WCC [that] the time has
come when we should broaden the coordination of the ecumenical response to the Middle East," the
global ecumenical body's general secretary, the Rev Dr Samuel Kobia, told journalists last week. He
was speaking in the aftermath of the August 2006 World Council of Churches coordinated delegation
to Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories. For more information, see
www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/news_syndication/article_060828wcc.shtml
Foundation challenges civil society and labour
Private Enterprises Foundation (PEF) last Thursday challenged organised labour and civil society
groups in Ghana to develop the capacity of their members to enter into productive ventures that would
accelerate the economic development of the country. Dr Osei Boeh-Ocansey, Director-General of the
PEF, said more often than not, civil society had considered itself as different from the private sector
operator whereas in actual fact civil society and organised labour were part of the private sector. For
more information, see www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/economy/artikel.php?ID=109532
7th CIVICUS World Assembly:
Acting Together For a Just World
Visit our website for updates on:
Conference Registration,
Conference Programme, Call for
Workshop Proposals, Exhibitor
Opportunities, News, and
Discussion Board at
www.civicusassembly.org
CIVICUS blog
What do you think? Have your say on
the CIVICUS Blog! CIVICUS seeks to
amplify the voices and opinions of
ordinary people and give expression
to the enormous creative energy
within civil society. Our recently
launched blog gives you the
opportunity to use your voice and
engage with the rest of civil society.
Have your say by visiting
http://civicus.civiblog.org
Civil society groups against Karonga uranium mining
Malawian civil rights activists have teamed up to challenge the Kayelekera Uranium Project in
Karonga, accusing Paladin, the Australian company developing the area of failing to conduct an
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and consulting people affected by the projected mine. But
Paladin, which is running the 50 billion uranium projects, has dismissed the challenges as
unfortunate, saying the company has complied with the latest environmental regulations and laws in
Malawi as well as requirements established by leading international private lending agencies. United
Kingdom-based Reinford Mwangonde of Citizens for Justice (CFJ) and Undule Mwakasungura of
Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), acting as concerned Malawians, said people
must be informed of the economic and social impact of the project. For more information, see
www.dailytimes.bppmw.com/article.asp?ArticleID=2547
International Federation of Journalists concerned over impact on media quality as
report highlights changes at work in journalism
The International Federation of Journalists has released a research report entitled “The
Changing Nature of Work”. A global survey and case study of typical work in the media
industry, which surveyed 41 member organisations across 38 countries, raises fresh
concerns over the effect on media quality as the work of journalists is changing. IFJ General
Secretary Aidan White, launching the report at the 95th International Labour Organisation Conference
in Geneva, said that atypical workers - freelancers, casuals, short-term workers on rolling contracts
and temporary workers - make up around 30% of the membership of IFJ affiliates and this rising trend
was setting new challenges in the battle to maintain high-quality journalism. For more information, see
www.civicus.org/new/media/IFJConcern.doc
Burma activist wins human rights award
Burma’s Su Su Nway, who courageously challenged the ruling military junta’s use of forced labour
and won a historic court ruling against the regime last year, is the winner of Rights & Democracy’s
2006 John Humphrey Freedom Award. Su Su Nway, 34, came to the world’s attention last year for
her inspiring individual efforts to see the junta’s representatives in her village brought to justice for
forcing her and her neighbours to repair a road without pay. Conscious of the dangers inherent to
confronting Burma’s military authorities, Su Su Nway’s determination paid off last year when a judge
sentenced the village Chairman and a deputy to eight months in prison under an untested law passed
in 1999 that bans compulsory labour. The verdict was the first ever against the military regime’s longstanding practice of forced labour. For more information, see www.ddrd.ca/site/media/index.php?lang=en&subsection=news&id=1860
Foundation for Civil Society secures more than USD 2m for the support of
civil society in Tanzania
The Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) has signed a USD 2.07m agreement
with Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation (SDC), which will go
towards supporting implementation of the foundation’s activities, mainly
strengthening civil society organisations (CSOs).The three-year funding
agreement geared towards strengthening civil society organisations (CSOs) in the country. ’This
follows the completion of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) commonly agreed between the
Foundation for Civil Society and a number of Development Partners,’ said the Foundation’s Executive
Director, John Ulanga. For more information, see
www.ippmedia.com/ipp/guardian/2006/08/28/73308.html
Climate Change poised to pound Latin America, says report
A new report from a unique coalition of development and environment groups says we need to act
now on climate change before Latin America goes ‘Up in Smoke’. As the United States marked the
first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, on Tuesday 29 August 2006, a major new report from a
coalition of the UK’s biggest environment and development groups reveals the untold story of the
impact that extreme weather exacerbated by climate change, is having on the whole of Latin America
and the Caribbean. It also highlights the hard work and ingenuity that poor, local communities are
using to cope. For more information, see www.civicus.org/new/media/Katrinadwarfed.doc
MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS NEWS
Stand Up Against Poverty on 15 October 2006
The Millennium Campaign in partnership with the Global Call to Action against Poverty and a large
number of national and local MDG campaigners including people's organisations, citizens groups,
faith organisations, trade unions, local authorities, is planning a number of entertaining and energising
events in various cities around the world to mobilise partners and the general public to take part in the
STAND UP Guinness World Record challenge. For more information, see
www.millenniumcampaign.org/site/pp.asp?c=grKVL2NLE&b=1806429
The UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2006
Six years ago, leaders from every country agreed on a vision for the future - a
world with less poverty, hunger and disease, greater survival prospects for
mothers and their infants, better educated children, equal opportunities for
women, and a healthier environment; a world in which developed and developing countries work in
partnership for the betterment of all. This report shows where we stand in 2006 toward achieving
these goals. The challenges involved in reaching the MDGs are staggering, but there are clear signs
of hope. For more information, see
http://mdgs.un.org/unsd/mdg/Resources/Static/Products/Progress2006/MDGReport2006.pdf
Measuring real progress in education
The Millennium Development Goal for primary schooling completion has focused attention on a
measurable output indicator to monitor increases in schooling in poor countries. The authors argue
the next step--which moves towards the even more important Millennium Learning Goal--is to monitor
outcomes of learning achievement. This Learning Goal demonstrate that even in countries
meeting the MDG of primary completion, the majority of youth are not reaching even minimal
competency levels, let alone the competencies demanded in a globalised environment. Even though
Brazil is on track to the meet the MDG, the estimates are that 78 percent of Brazilian youth lack even
minimally adequate competencies in mathematics and 96 percent do not reach reasonable global
standard of adequacy. For more information, see www.cgdev.org/content/general/detail/9815title=
ALERTS ON CIVIL SOCIETY ACTIVISM ON GLOBAL INSTITUTIONS
This section provides updates and analyses of civil society’s growing role at the global level. Please
send your comments and questions to the associate editors at editor@civicus.org.
Global rights for disabled close
For 650 million people with disabilities - roughly 10 percent of the world’s population - a
new U.N. treaty which would extend international human rights to this traditionally
marginalised sector of society is finally within reach. After four years and eight sessions
of negotiations, the United Nations‘ Convention to Protect the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities was finalised last Friday by the U.N. General Assembly’s Ad Hoc Committee, comprised of
government delegates and some 800 representatives from civil society. The U.N. disability convention
guarantees persons with disabilities non-discrimination and equal recognition before the law; security,
mobility and accessibility; the right to health, work and education; and participation in political and
cultural life. For more information, see www.civicus.org/new/media/Globalrights.doc
Challenging conditionality of IFIs: Alliance formed and campaign announced
In a recent initiative, around 35 national NGOs, CSOs, trade unions and activist groups in Bangladesh
formed the Alliance on Economic Justice, Bangladesh. Members of the Alliance have planned a set of
collective activities in and outside the country. During 2-16 September 2006, a host of activities will be
undertaken in the country to expose the consequences of the IFI policies and neo-liberal development
paradigm on the lives and livelihoods of the majority of the population. For more information, see
www.supro.org/eNewsletter_August_2006/AEJB_Int_Campaign.pdf or
www.supro.org/eNewsletter_August_2006/AEJB_Nat_Camp.pdf
Developing nations to win IMF boost
China, South Korea, Turkey and Mexico could win increases in their International Monetary Fund
quotas or shareholdings “in a few days”, as an early step towards giving big developing countries
more say in the institution, according to Rodrigo Rato, IMF managing director. Mr Rato told the
Financial Times that agreement to launch a fundamental review of control and governance of the IMF
was within sight, signalling the prospect of the most far-reaching reform of the fund since its
foundation at the Bretton Woods conference in the US in 1944. The reform process has been driven
by the need to adapt both the governance and role of the IMF to reflect the significant shifts in global
economic power, particularly since the rise of Asian and other developing economies. For more
information, see www.ft.com/cms/s/0a86b566-3794-11db-bc01-0000779e2340.html
Engagement between the World Bank and Civil Society Organisations
The World Bank’s 10-point action plan aims at improving the Bank's engagement with civil society
organizations has been recently released. Earlier drafts of the paper were reviewed by senior
management and staff across the Bank over the course of 2003. Board members underscored the
importance of Bank-CSO engagement in improving development effectiveness, contributing to poverty
reduction and attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). For more information, see
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/civilsociety/rc/ItemDetail.do~1070901?page=1&itemId=1070901
CAPACITY BUILDING
Strategic Communications Toolkit
Nonprofit leaders need credible, succinct information to meet the challenges of the digital age. The
Benton Foundation capacity building project documented best practices and lessons learned by
nonprofits about the impact, successes, failures and struggles in using strategic communications. This
toolkit catalogues valuable lessons and models for peer learning and archival reference purposes.
The site is not updated but is archived in the Foundation’s on-line library as a resource to the nonprofit
community. For more information, see www.benton.org/publibrary/toolkits/stratcommtool.html
DONOR PROFILE
The Sasakawa Peace Foundation
The Sasakawa Peace Foundation was established in 1986 with the mission to contribute to the
welfare of humankind and the sound development of the international community, and thus to world
peace, by conducting activities that foster international understanding, exchange and cooperation, as
well as efforts to promote these activities. Its current grant programme has three key objectives: to
promote the coexistence of pluralistic values, foster human security and non-profit activities, and to
support structural change and future goals in Japan and East Asia. Both private non-profit
organisations and institutions of higher education are eligible for grants from the foundation. For more
information, visit www.spf.org
Nippon Foundation
The Nippon Foundation is an independent, non-profit, grant-making organisation
founded in 1962 and based in Tokyo, Japan. The Foundation envisions a world to
transcended politics and ideology, religion and race, a world where society no longer suffer from
hunger or disease. The Foundation provides aid to projects that fall under one of the following four
major categories: 1) public welfare in Japan; 2) voluntary programs in Japan; 3) maritime and shiprelated projects; and 4) overseas cooperative assistance. For further information, see www.nipponfoundation.or.jp/eng or www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/index.html
MEMBER PROFILE
St. Petersburg “Strategy” Center for Humanities and Political Studies
The St. Petersburg “Strategy” Center for Humanities and Political Studies was created in 1993 with
the mission to “assist in establishment of civil society and the constitutional state in Russia by
implementing projects and programmes aimed at the development of public participation, social
partnership and responsible authorities, and the development of public policy centres in Russia’s
regions.” They have 24 professional employees in the Centre and 150 temporary experts. Among the
Centre’s partners are NGOs, media and authorities from 25 countries and 50 of Russia’s regions. For
more information, see www.strategy-spb.ru/en
RESOURCES
Future of the Global Peace Movement
In opposition to the US-UK invasion of Iraq, activist groups from around the world
formed the largest global peace movement in history, prompting the New York
Times to dub the movement the world’s “other super power.” Few activists were
surprised that the US ploughed ahead with invasion and occupation, but now the movement faces the
challenge of redefining its goals and setting a new long-term agenda against violence and
imperialism. This section looks at “what’s next” for the global peace movement. For more information,
see www.globalpolicy.org/ngos/role/globpeaceidx.htm
Global Fund for Women and Women's Movements in Vietnam and Cambodia
In October 2005, two groups of Global Fund donors travelled to South East Asia to experience first
hand the growth of women's rights in Vietnam, which has suffered in the aftermath of war, with its
subsequent political and economic ramifications. This outreach trip has enabled the Global Fund to
expand their networks in Vietnam, so that it can actively support, and inspire the women's movement
that is rich with possibilities for change. Guided by Mu Sochua, a leader in the Cambodian Women's
Rights movement, another group of donors met with several Global Fund grantees in Cambodia. For
more information, see
http://topics.developmentgateway.org/civilsociety/rc/ItemDetail.do?itemId=1070674
"Linking Alternatives 2" Civil Society Summit against European TNCs and Neoliberal Policies
in Latin America and the Caribbean
This report documents the outcomes of Linking Alternatives 2, an encounter of civil society
organisations from the EU, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) that took place in Vienna, Austria
in 2006. The author focuses on the Permanent People's Tribunal session that presented case studies
on human rights violations and environmental pollution caused by European transnational
corporations. He also assesses the panel discussions on neoliberal globalisation, militarization and
human rights, alternative regional integration strategies, development cooperation and political
dialogue. For more information, see www.isn.ethz.ch/pubs/ph/details.cfm?id=20400
European Commission contradicts its own good governance standards
The European Commission is undermining its legitimacy to promote good governance in the South.
While Southern civil society organisations request that governance reforms are home-grown and not
imposed from outside, the EC has already defined governance standards unilaterally. This contradicts
the EC’s own definition and principles of governance. On the occasion of the EC’s launch of its
Communication on “Governance in the European Consensus on Development Policy”, CIDSE
publishes a report about southern civil society’s perspectives on governance. In this report, CIDSE
urges the EC to reopen the process and to start a broad international debate on governance which
includes civil society. For more information, see
www.civicus.org/new/media/ECGovernancePaperfinal.pdf
Civic Bangladesh launches web site
Civic Bangladesh, a non-profit, non-partisan civil society organisation, has
launched its web site. The organisation seeks to empower civil society and civic
participation to promote democratic governance in Bangladesh, consolidate democratic norms and
processes, promote human rights and the rights of women, and encourage civic engagement in
establishing transparent and accountable governance. To achieve these objectives it is working to
develop free associations and autonomous institutions, build civic networks and coalitions, and
engage citizens in advocacy campaigns. For more information, see www.civicbd.org
CONFERENCES AND EVENTS
INTRAC Conference on Civil Society and Capacity Building
Changes, Challenges and Charting the Future
11-13 December 2006, Oxford, UK
Six years into the new millennium and the world feels like a very different place from the last years of
the twentieth century. For those engaged in civil society capacity building, these changes are felt as
increasing pressures for conformity with the orthodoxies of the aid industry. The conference will
explore some of the following issues: the shifting paradigms in the scenario of aid and the enhanced
focus on the state rather than civil society; the enabling factors and constraints to achieving quality
capacity building practice which maintains a vision of equitable social development whilst operating
within the increasingly muddy terrain of globalisation and widening inequalities. The conference will
also explore the need to chart the future for capacity building and collectively move forward with
strength and awareness of rapidly changing aid architectures. For more information, see
www.intrac.org
Civil Society Institutions to hold conference in parallel to Future Forum
2-4 December 2006, Jordan
Representatives of Jordanian civil society institutions elected a preparatory committee to
prepare for a civil society conference in parallel to the Future Forum, which will be held in
Jordan on a ministerial level next December. Coordinator of the Preparatory Committee
Asim Rabab'ah said representatives of 25 civil institutions elected a preparatory committee
from 9 organisations to prepare for the conference in parallel to the forum. He said that
participants formed three committees to prepare for the conference and provide the vision of civil
society institutions in the agenda raised before the official meeting, which will be held with the
participation of foreign ministers of industrial countries, Iran, Turkey and Afghanistan. For more
information, see www.petra.gov.jo/nepras/2006/Aug/26/5000.htm
The International Day of Peace
Annually, 21 September 2006, San Francisco
The International Day of Peace (Peace Day) provides an opportunity for individuals, organisations and
nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. Peace Day serves annually to highlight the
International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World, 2001 to
2010. Established by a United Nations resolution in 1981, the International Day of Peace was first
celebrated September 1982. For more information, see
www.civicus.org/new/media/PeaceDayFactSheet5W's.doc
UN/DPI Conference of NGOs - Achieving the MDGs
This Conference aims to build on what has already been accomplished by greater NGO and civil
society participation in many of the debates taking place at the United Nations, including Informal
Interactive Hearings by the General Assembly President with NGOs, civil society and private sector
representatives. Speakers at the Conference are being asked to illustrate their work on the ground by
real-life examples of effective partnerships to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
For more information, see www.unngodpiconference.org
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society: Fellowship Programme
Application Deadline: 15 September 2006
The Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society’s Emerging Leaders International Fellows
Programme provides leadership training through applied research and professional
mentorships for young scholar-practitioners in the nonprofit sector. The programme is
open to scholars and practitioners interested in building Third-Sector capacity in the
United States and overseas. This year’s Fellows will be selected from abroad and also from
communities of colour under-represented in the U.S. grantmaking sector. Fellows are based at The
Graduate Center of The City University of New York, where they design and pursue an individualised
research project and participate in a seminar with Third-Sector leaders. Specific topical areas are
chosen each year. For more information, see www.civicus.org/new/media/fellowshipbrochure.doc or
www.philanthropy.org/programs/intnl_fellows_program.html
Practitioner Fellowships
Applications Deadline: 25 September 2006
The ESRC Non-Governmental Public Action Programme is calling for applications for practitioner
fellowships. These fellowships are aimed at members or representatives of practitioners groups
(including developmental NGOs, global coalitions, voluntary sector groups, cooperatives, human
rights groups etc) that are not directly funded by specific research projects in the programme. The
fellow will be based with one of the NGPA project teams (each of which is attached to a different UK
university department or research centre/institute) or with the programme director at the London
School of Economics for up to three months. For more information, see www.lse.ac.uk/ngpa
2006 Global Development Awards and Medals Competition
Applications Deadline: 17 September 2006
GDN welcomes submissions from all branches of the social sciences (Economics, Political Science,
Sociology etc). Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary submissions are particularly encouraged. The
finalists will present their papers and proposals at GDN’s Annual Global Development Conference in
Beijing, China in January 2007. For more information, see
www.civicus.org/new/media/2006GlobalDevelopmentAwardsandMedals.doc
St Andrews Prize for the Environment
Application Deadline: 31 October 2006
ConocoPhillips and the University of St. Andrews, Scotland are accepting applications for the St.
Andrews Prize for the Environment. The aim of the prize is to promote a practical solution to an
environmental problem, with particular interest in projects that can be replicated in several regions,
thereby increasing overall effectiveness and help to those who need it most. Applications are invited
from individuals, multi-disciplinary teams or community groups for the 2007 prize, consisting of an
award of $50,000 for the winner and $10,000 for each of the two runners-up. For more information,
see www.thestandrewsprize.com
International Activist Award
Application Deadline: 3 November 2006
The Gleitsman Foundation invites nominations for the 2007 International Activist Award, which
honours exceptional individuals whose vision and courage inspire others to join with them in
confronting and challenging injustice. The award is open to anyone residing outside of the United
States. The 2007 Award will honour those who have struggled to correct social injustice. It is not
awarded posthumously, nor is it given to groups or organisations. For more information, see
www.speakout.org.za/events/main.html
COURSES/WORKSHOPS
Ethical Management of Change
4 - 8 September, Papua, New Guinea
This course explores the implications for organisations in the ethical management of change. It
includes ethical decision making, strategic planning, quality management and the implementation of
change. On completion you will be able to analyse and effect change in an ethical manner, initiate and
manage the strategic planning process, and incorporate quality management systems into the
operation of your organisation. For more information, email mncl@online.net.pg or
bakanebo@piango.net.
Workshop on the Advancement of Professionalism in Youth Workers
10-16 September 2006, Malaysia, Asia
The International Youth Centre, Kuala Lumpur and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia is
organising a workshop entitled ‘On Advancement of Professionalism in Youth Workers in Asia’. The
main objectives of the workshop include: to determine the common and diverse areas of youth work
practices in the region; to share knowledge and experiences on professional practices in youth work;
to discuss areas for future cooperation and collaboration; to set a framework for development and
advancement of youth work professionalism; and to establish a mechanism for future collaboration
and partnership programmes. For further details, please e-mail icyoindia@gmail.com or icyo@icyoindia.org. For more information, see www.icyo.in
Strengthening Policy and Practice workshop
20 - 24 November 2006 and 16 - 20 July 2007, Birmingham, UK
A one-week course designed to meet the needs of staff working in international, national and
governmental agencies with advisory and management responsibility for relief, development, rights
and peace-building programmes. The workshop seeks to increase participants’ awareness of the link
between policies which are made and what actually happens in practice and assist participants in
finding constructive methods for engaging with unpredictable and changing circumstances. For more
information, see www.respond.org/spp.asp
African rights group seminar
13 - 16 September 2006, Yaounde, Cameroon
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, an organ of the African Union will be
organising a 'Regional Sensitisation Seminar on the Rights of Indigenous Populations and
Communities in Africa '. The Seminar is the first in a series of Regional Seminars earmarked by the
African Commission’s Working Group on Indigenous Populations and Communities in Africa. It is the
African Commission’s strategy to further dialogue with relevant stakeholders on the rights of
indigenous populations in Africa. For more information, see
www.civicus.org/new/media/CameroonSeminar.doc or
http://humanrights.andnetwork.com/index?service=direct/1/Home/top.titleStory&sp=l51039
CALL FOR PAPERS/SUBMISSIONS/PROPOSALS/NOMINATIONS
Call for Nominations to the CIVICUS Board of Directors
Application Deadline: 1 November 2006
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation seeks nominations of
individuals to stand for election to its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is
the organisation’s governing body and comprises 13 directors who are elected to
serve a three-year term. Any current or prospective member of CIVICUS may stand for election to one
of the 13 seats. For more information, please see
www.civicus.org/new/media/CallforNominations.pdf and
www.civicus.org/new/media/NominationsForm.doc
Call for Applications: Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowships
Application Deadline: 1 November 2006
The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Programme at the Washington, DC-based National
Endowment for Democracy welcomes applications from candidates throughout the world for
fellowships in 2007-2008. The programme is intended primarily to support activists, practitioners, and
scholars from new and aspiring democracies; distinguished scholars from the United States and other
established democracies are also eligible to apply. Projects may focus on the political, social,
economic, legal, and cultural aspects of democratic development and may include a range of
methodologies and approaches. A working knowledge of English is an important prerequisite for
participation in the program. For more information, see www.ned.org/forum/fellows.html
Calls for Nominations for the 2007 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize
Application Deadline: 6 November 2006
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation invites nominations for the 2007 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian
Prize for organizations that have made extraordinary contributions toward alleviating human suffering
anywhere in the world. The $1.5 million prize-the world’s largest humanitarian award-is presented
annually to an established nonprofit, charitable, or nongovernmental organisation. Nominated
organizations must have an operating budget larger than $500,000. The prize is not a grant based on
future goals, but an award for recent and historic accomplishments. Final selections are made by an
independent international panel of jurors. The 2007 prize will be announced in the fall of 2007. For
more information, see www.hiltonfoundation.org/main.asp?id=43&side=1
APPOINTMENTS
Media and Communications Manger
Application deadline: 25 September 2006
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation
Location: Johannesburg , South Africa
For more information, see www.civicus.org/new/jobs_info.asp?id=543
Assistant Secretary General for Programmes
Application deadline: 1 November 2006
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation
Location: Johannesburg , South Africa
For more information, see www.civicus.org/new/jobs_info.asp?id=544
Health Coordinator
Application Deadline: 22 September 2006
International Rescue Committee
Location: Cote d'Ivoire (Tabou and Man)
For more information, see www.reliefweb.int/rw/res.nsf/db900SID/OCHA-6QAM4G?OpenDocument
Sector Supplements Portfolio Manager
Application deadline: 29 September 2006
The Global Reporting Initiative
Location: Amsterdam
For more information, see www.civicus.org/new/media/SSManagerJobDescription.doc
Country Director
Application Deadline: 30 October 2006
Merlin
Location: Liberia, Monrovia
For more information, see www.reliefweb.int/rw/res.nsf/db900SID/OCHA-6QLFX5?OpenDocument
CONTACT e-CIVICUS
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