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📣 The event to be on #disinformation in Europe before the start of EU's new term! The key actors & all you need to know about what has been done so far and the upcoming challenges for the new legislative cycle in the fight against disinformation 👇

𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨.𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐭 is a collaborative community connecting practitioners of deliberative democracy across the Global South. They recently published 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, a digital book capturing experiences from Southeast Asia, Subsaharan Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Read insights from practitioners talking to each other about challenges, barriers, and innovations in global deliberation: https://lnkd.in/eua7uiyf Extituto de Política Abierta

For more Internet Governance, Technology and Education news - Follow the new Internet Society South Africa Chapter page!

On May 14, during ALDA General Assembly and Festival 2024, ALDA Secretary General, Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, moderated the panel “Local Democracy and Participatory Democracy” at El Born, in Barcelona, Spain (🇪🇸). The session was the occasion to discuss participatory democracy at a local level and civic engagement, with a specific focus on the Defense of Democracy Package adopted by the European Commission to enhance transparency and encourage citizens participation. 📣 🟪 Speakers highlighted the importance of democratic participation and its associated challenges. 🔸Vincent Vandersmissen emphasised the need for transparency and inclusion of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in decision-making processes. 🔸Jose Manuel Ribeiro shared insights from his experience as a mayor, stressing the value of "proximity democracy" and the role of freedom in participation. He noted that local-level participation remains grounded in genuine community interaction. 🔸Mathis Dippon discussed innovative participatory practices, advocating for diverse and inclusive approaches to bridge societal gaps. He emphasised proactive engagement for more impactful outcomes. 🔸Serena Menozzi addressed the challenges faced by migrants, sharing successful measures to build trust and promote change through active participation. Overall, the panel underscored that participatory democracy can significantly enhance public policies and foster a more engaged society. 🌍🤝 #ALDAGeneralAssembly2024 #LocalDemocracy4GlobalImpact #ParticipatoryDemocracy 

Please join us at this Pre-Conference event whereby I will represent Community Based Organisations (CBOs) Coalition Malawi as one of the Panelist. The Pre-Conference, titled "Shifting Power and Advancing Equity in African Population Research and Collaborations," aims to examine the power dynamics that exist in demographic research collaborations in the African context and explore strategies to foster more equitable and inclusive practices. Bridging the gap between research findings and practical implementation remains a challenge. There is a need to involve communities in research design, implementation, and evaluation. This can ensure relevance and responsiveness to local needs. Researchers, policymakers, communities and practitioners must collaborate effectively to translate research into real-world impact. By fostering collaboration, transparency, and equitable access, we can enhance the relationship between research and societal well-being. Community-based organisations can play a crucial role in shaping national research agendas and promoting the wellbeing of populations. CBOs/CSOs involvement in setting research agendas can ensure that research priorities align with societal needs, promote transparency, and contribute to the overall wellbeing of populations. CBOs/CSOs can contribute by providing insights, advocating for specific research priorities, and ensuring that societal needs are considered. Goodness Ogeyi OdeyThe Movement for Community-led DevelopmentTilitonse FoundationComic ReliefForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeGunjan VedaKate MogerNandita Thatte, DrPHAmanda Burgess Aïssata FallSothin Sambiri ZibaJenny HodgsonZambian Governance FoundationWest Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)

Expertise in Action: Our programs and publications serve as vital resources in helping inform sound policy decisions. By the Numbers: ▶93 Congressional Staff Program participants all-time, 28 in 2023 ▶Data on 12 countries & regions covered individually by the Asia Matters for America initiative ▶1,145 attendees and online viewers for Asia Matters launches during the year Read more in our 2023 Annual Report:  https://lnkd.in/gP8UXHDT #SupportGoodGovernance #ExpertiseInAction

💡 Last week, the Friends of Europe team took part in Are We Europe's Check'Europe conference, designed to collectively rethink how we can effectively address European issues and combat misinformation. We discussed the importance of nuanced narratives, moving beyond stereotypes and embracing complexity. This is a key element to tackling Europe’s decline in civic engagement, by making democracy more accessible and relevant for all. This approach aligns with our 10 Policy Choices for a #RenewedSocialContract for Europe, as we believe that by equipping ourselves with knowledge and tools – such as identifying misinformation and disinformation – we can empower individuals, strengthen social bonds, create trust in society and contribute to positive transformations for a stronger democracy that works for all. Thank you to Are We Europe and Awe Studio for facilitating such an insightful event! #Disinformation #EUDemocracy #Voices4Choices #FutureOfEurope

Piece by Mikateko Benedict Phalane Reflecting on the journey of South Africa post-apartheid, it is evident that there have been significant strides in the realms of democracy and human rights activism. The nation's transition from a dark period of segregation and oppression to a vibrant democracy is not only commendable but serves as a beacon of hope for other nations grappling with similar challenges. The gains made in South Africa's democracy and human rights activism are a testament to the power of resilience, unity, and a shared vision for a better future. The dismantling of apartheid laws and the establishment of a democratic government have paved the way for a more inclusive and just society where all individuals are guaranteed fundamental rights and freedoms. Human rights activism in South Africa has played a crucial role in holding the government accountable, advocating for marginalized communities, and promoting social justice. Civil society organizations, grassroots movements, and individuals have been at the forefront of pushing for progressive change and ensuring that the voices of the voiceless are heard. However, despite these gains, challenges remain. Issues such as poverty, inequality, corruption, and social injustices continue to plague the nation, highlighting the importance of sustained efforts in upholding democracy and human rights for all. As South Africa continues on its path of nation-building and reconciliation, it is imperative that all stakeholders remain committed to upholding the values of democracy, human rights, and social justice. Harnessing the gains of South Africa's democracy and human rights activism requires collective action, dialogue, and a steadfast commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society for all. In conclusion, South Africa's journey towards democracy and human rights activism is a powerful example of what is possible when individuals come together to strive for a common purpose. The gains made so far serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding these values and principles in the face of adversity, and as a blueprint for creating a more just and equitable world for future generations. Thank you Southern African Liason Office [email protected] 0746370202

Our first newsletter is out! You can read about the work we do with data science that inform on future pandemic preparedness. INFORM Africa research hub International Research Center of Excellence IHV-Nigeria

The UN has been convening civil society conferences since 1947, with the upcoming 69th conference set for Nairobi on May 9-10. This event supports the forthcoming Summit of the Future, scheduled for September 22-23 in New York, aimed at forging an intergovernmental Pact for the Future. This initiative seeks to create a UN responsive to 21st-century challenges, emphasizing a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. These efforts align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, fostering a world where inclusivity is paramount. Central to these discussions is how to effectively collaborate to uphold the UN Charter, SDGs, Paris Agreement, and Human Rights Declaration, while also addressing present needs and future challenges. Civil society, pivotal in this endeavor, must foster collaboration and inclusive multilateralism. However, within civil society itself, inequality persists, particularly for African organizations, rooted in historical, economic, and social factors. The decision to hold the conference in Nairobi presents a chance for African civil society to shape UN decisions independently, though challenges remain. Mobilizing and unifying their voices will be crucial for success, ensuring African perspectives are heard and reflected in global initiatives. Against this backdrop, a breakfast consultation meeting was organized on April 26 in Nairobi to discuss the African agenda and modalities of engagement for African CSOs in both the Civil Society Conference and the Summit of the Future and we are having a continuation of this initial conversation today in Nairobi Kenya. #AfricanCSOVoice #69UNCSC #2024UNCSC Engage with us online and follow the discussions here: https://bit.ly/4bbRtlq