European Union

Advancing the Blue Economy in Kenya

This UNOC2022 side event aims to promote awareness and discussion on how actors can contribute to unlock the full economic possibilities of coastal and marine resources through interventions that involve effective participation of all relevant people while protecting these resources for present and future generation, while developing ecosystem resilience.

The event is aligned with UNOC22 interactive dialogue “Promoting and strengthening sustainable ocean-based economies, in particular for small island developing States and least developed countries” and it will be centered on a technical debate with the thematic focus “How innovative solutions applied to the blue economy sector can help harnessing its potential and be beneficial for coastal communities in an inclusive, participatory, and sustainable manner?

Please register by 27th June 2022 here: https://forms.gle/nyhoS5MJtWdm5QrLA

After successful registration confirmation, you will receive a guest link. All confirmed guests are requested to login 10 minutes before the event time using the link that will be provided after registration confirmation. Please note that the event will be conducted in English.

The Go Blue Kenya project is a partnership between the European Union and the Government of Kenya to advance the blue economy agenda in Kenya through coastal development.  The overall objective of the 4 year Go Blue project is to contribute to coastal economic development in an inclusive, integrated, participatory, and sustainable manner. The project is funded by the European Union.

Contacts:
Camões — Instituto da Cooperação e da Língua, I. P.
Paula Alexandra Ribeiro Mota Vilela de Oliveira
Tourism and Cultural Heritage Go Blue Component Leader
Paula.Oliveira@camoes.mne.pt

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY, please visit ngocsd-ny.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-Vienna, please visit congocsd.wordpress.com. 

Emerging technologies in the area of LAWS: Exploring the legal and ethical implications of algorithmic bias

In September 2021, the European Union adopted Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/1694 in support of the universalization, implementation and strengthening of the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects (CCW).

Under “Project 3: Facilitation of discussions on under-explored, emerging & cross-cutting issues of relevance to the CCW” in the document annexed to the Council Decision, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs’ (UNODA) Geneva Branch has the pleasure to invite you to a webinar on the legal and ethical implications of algorithmic bias in emerging technologies in the area of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) to take place on Tuesday, 26 July 2022, 1:15-2:45pm (CET).

The webinar will host panelists who will speak on a) machine learning and bias; b) legal and ethical implications of algorithmic bias in the area of LAWS; and c) implications of algorithmic bias for military AI governance.

Here is the link to register.

Format:

Moderator: Dr. Vincent Boulanin, Senior Researcher at SIPRI

1)  Presentations will be given by panelists.

2)  After the presentations the floor will be open for questions and comments, which will be typed by participants into the chat and selected by the moderator.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace, and Security, please visit  ngocdps.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee for Social Development, please visit ngosocdev.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org. For more information on the Committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations, please visit rngos.wordpress.com. 

Common security, nuclear risks and the OSCE in the wake of the Ukraine conflict

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yqRRAyjZR8KLbjkYmMi7Xw

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is impacting significantly on the European security framework. The European Union has facilitated a sweeping package of economic sanctions against Russia, unlike anything undertaken by the EU in any previous conflict. The invasion has elevated the risks of nuclear war, and stimulated Sweden and Finland to abandon their historical neutral status and apply to join NATO – a nuclear alliance.In light of Russia’s violation of the UN Charter and security arrangements such as the Budapest Memorandum and Minsk agreements, it would be tempting to conclude that common security frameworks such as the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) are becoming irrelevant to address security concerns. However, this event will highlight the opposite – that it is in times of such conflict and high tension that common security approaches and other mechanisms for diplomacy and nuclear risk-reduction are vital and should be strengthened, not abandoned. Common Security refers to building security between nations through international law, diplomacy and conflict resolution. It is based on the notion that national security cannot be achieved or sustained by threatening or reducing the security of other nations, but only by ensuring that the security of all nations is advanced.For more background see For Our Shared Future: Common Security 2022 Report, Olof Palme International Centre. Also of relevance is the recent resolution of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Forging a Path to Peace and Common Security.

Co-sponsors: Basel Peace Office, Détente Now, Initiatives pour le désarmement Nucléaire, G100 (Group of 100 Women Leaders) Defence and Security Wing, Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament, World Future Council, Youth Fusion

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace, and Security, please visit ngocdps.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Human Rights, please email the co-chairs at bobbinassar@yahoo.com or bknotts@uua.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Children’s Rights-NY, please visit childrightsny.org. 

“Corruption Inside-out – Fraud, bribery, and misuse of EU funds: A call for transparency, accountability, proper scrutiny and sanctions”

I am pleased to invite you to attend the CEIPA video conference – “Corruption Inside-out – Fraud, bribery, and misuse of EU funds: a call for transparency, accountability, proper scrutiny and sanctions”

The event will take place via Zoom.
18th June 2021
from 2pm to 4pm CET

Register here to participate and engage in a lively debate with policymakers, researchers, NGO’s and journalists about current anti-fraud schemes and the call for transparency, accountability, proper scrutiny and sanctions.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Are corruption, fraud and misuse of European subsidies hampering economic growth and diminishing citizens’ trust in the European project?
  •  Are political leaders and decision-makers determined to prevent further corruption, fraud, and the misuse of European funds?
  •  What are the incentives provided by the European Union to prevent the misuse of EU funds on the national level?
  • Are the European Institutions well equipped to combat corruption and fraud through effective and long-lasting sanctions?
  • Can future reforms of major EU instruments such as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) prevent further fraud and corruption?
  • How can the new CAP improve transparency and EU oversight?
  • What are the policies and practices of the European Institutions and Agencies such as the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, OLAF, EUROPOL, EUROJUST, and national authorities entrusted with fighting corruption in curtailing the misuse of EU funds?
  • What are the steps the national governments have to undertake in order to make the new initiative of the European Commission protecting whistle-blowers and journalists reporting on corruption and misuse of EU funds effective and deliver the expected results?
  • What new safeguards and legislative frameworks does Europe urgently need in order to protect investigative journalists in Europe from intimidation, harassment, blackmail and physical harm?
  • Is the sanctioning of fraudulent public institutions, national governments, and oligarchs by the European Commission and EU bodies such as the European Public Prosecutors Office feasible?
  • In what way is the EU whistle-blower protection directive helping to keep safe investigative journalists and whistle-blowers who are in countries where they may be exposed to severe sanctions or life-threatening circumstances?
More information on the topics for discussion can be found here.

We look forward to your participation at this next event,

Peter Josef von Bethlenfalvy
Executive Director

Promoting evidence-based drug policies and interventions enshrined in human rights in Europe

Dear all,

On behalf of the Association Proyecto Hombre, it is a pleasure to inform you that, in the celebration of the 64th session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, we are organising an on-line side event on behalf the EU Civil Society Forum on Drugs titled “Promoting evidence-based drug policies and interventions enshrined in human rights in Europe.”  It is supported by the European Union, the Governments of Portugal and Spain, and the Council of Europe. 

The event will take place online via Zoom on 15 April from 9.00 to 9.50 a.m. (CET – Vienna time). You do not need to register in advance.  

Please do not hesitate to contact me and/or Anna Ollo should you have any questions. 

Best regards,

—

Buenos días,

En nombre de la Asociación Proyecto Hombre, es un placer informarle de que, con motivo de la celebración de la 64ª sesión de la Comisión de Estupefacientes de las Naciones Unidas, organizamos un evento telemático en nombre del Foro de la Sociedad Civil sobre Drogas de la Unión Europea, con el título “Promoting evidence-based drug policies and interventions enshrined in human rights in Europe (Promoción de políticas e intervenciones de drogas en Europa, basadas en la evidencia y en los derechos humanos).” Contamos con el apoyo de la Unión Europea, los Gobiernos de Portugal y España, y el Consejo de Europa.

El evento tendrá lugar a través de la plataforma Zoom el próximo 15 de abril de 9.00 a 9.50 a.m. (CET – hora de Viena), y será en inglés. No es necesario registrarse con antelación.

Por favor, no dude en contactarnos si tiene alguna duda.

Atentamente,

Begoña Gómez del Campo, Tecnica de Incidencia y Proyectos Internacionales

Event access link here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_E71WRejcT9uFQDxRGWy_HA

Speakers:

  • Marie Nougier, International Drug Policy Consortium, on behalf of the EU Civil Society Forum on Drugs
  • Edith Hofer, European Commission, European Union
  • Péter Sárosi, Rights Reporter Foundation, representative of the EU Civil Society Forum on Drugs
  • Dr. Joan R. Villalbí, Delegate of the Government for the National Plan on Drugs, Ministry of Health, Spain
  • Hannah Bardell, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Rapporteur for the report on “Human rights and drug policies in Europe: a baseline reference”

Moderator: Oriol Esculies, International Commissioner of Association Proyecto Hombre

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the New York NGO Committee on Drugs, please visit nyngoc.org. For more information on the Vienna NGO Committee on Narcotic Drugs, please visit vngoc.org.

Transforming Agrifood Systems and Fostering Inclusive Rural Development in the Context of COVID-19 to End Rural Poverty

FAO, IFAD, WFP, UN DESA, in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of China to the UN and the Delegation of the European Union to the UN, invite you to the side-event in the context of the UN General Assembly special session in response to COVID-19

This side event will analyze the economic, social and environmental potential of an inclusive process of agrifood system transformation for the eradication of rural poverty and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Looking towards the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit, the discussion will highlight the holistic nature of the 2030 Agenda, and the strong interlinkages between the Sustainable Development Goals, their targets and the entire 2030 Agenda.

Register here.

For more information, please visit: un.org/development/desa/dspd/2020/11/end-rural-poverty.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-New York, please visit ngocsd-ny.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-Vienna, please visit ngocsdvienna.org. For more information on the NGO Committee for Rare Diseases, please visit ngocommitteerarediseases.org. 

Supporting gender mainstreamed policies, programs & actions in the fight against small arms trafficking/misuse

The European Union & the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs present:

Supporting gender mainstreamed policies, programmes and actions in the fight against small arms trafficking and misuse, in line with the Women, Peace and Security agenda

Register here: eventbrite.com/e/gender-mainstreaming-in-small-arms-control-in-line-with-the-wps-agenda-tickets-125967477115

The event presents initiatives in support of more effective, gender-responsive small arms control. Overview of opportunities and challenges to gender-responsive small arms control; In-country training programmes for national small arms commissions in Africa; Partnerships with parliamentarians, women’s organizations and the Women, Peace and Security community in Asia and the Pacific; Firearms investigations from a gender perspective & linkages between small arms legislation and the elimination of Violence against Women in Latin America and the Caribbean; Increasing engagement for a gendered approach to small arms control at the grass-root level.

This is a virtual, open event in the margins of the UN General Assembly’s First Committee and the UN Security Council debate on WPS.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace, and Security, please visit ngocdps.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on the Status of Women-Vienna, please visit https://ngocswvienna.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on the Status of Women-New York, please visit https://ngocsw.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on the Status of Women-Geneva, please visit ngocsw-geneva.ch.

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