De meningen van de wereld over Europa: NGOs van vijf continenten in debat over Europa's rol in de wereld (en)
Coordination SUD is inviting national NGO platforms from 90 countries to participate in the "World Views on Europe" conference, which it is organising in the context of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
This event, which will be held in Paris on 30 October 2008 in partnership with CONCORD - the European NGO Confederation for Relief and Development - is the first of its kind and will allow journalists, Nobel Prize winners, French and European public authorities and NGO representatives from over 80 countries to voice their expectations and questions with regard to Europe.
Jean-Pierre Jouyet, the French Minister of State for European Affairs will introduce the debates. Alain Joyandet, the French Minister of State for Cooperation and the Francophonie, and Louis Michel, the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, will attend the presentation of the "Message to the Europeans".
Europe enjoys worldwide recognition for its cultural diversity, social welfare model, environmentally aware citizens, strong commitment to human rights promotion and social movements, which have led to improved women's rights. However, doubts remain as to the sustainability of the European social model; and whether this model can be reproduced outside of Europe.
Beyond well-intentioned speeches, do Europeans share an alternative vision of globalisation? Are they prepared to formulate their common policies with regard to the rest of the world on the basis of their positive values? Can Europe use its influence within international institutions to lay the foundations for a different type of globalisation? Is Europe prepared to play a role in facilitating access to fundamental rights for everyone?
The debates which will be held in 2008 and 2009, first during the French Presidency and then the European election campaign during the Czech Presidency, will provide an opportunity to redefine the European project in order to ensure that Europe leads the way to fairer and more regulated globalisation. Reorienting the European project can only happen if the world explains what it expects from Europe. "World Views on Europe" aims to modestly contribute to furthering crucial understanding.
This conference is open to the public. Interested participants can register on the following website: www.europ-solidairesponsable.org. Journalists should register on www.ue2008.fr under the Press section.
Contact: +33 (0)1 44 72 93 72