Conference

CONFERENCE 2024

“Green and Just Transition: Lessons for youth and CSOs what needs to be learned”
28th November – 1st of December 2024, Narva, Estonia

The conference final agenda will be published on sscw.ee and EuroMed network educational web https://www.euromeduc.com/ by 1st of September 2024.

Conference “Green and Just Transition: Lessons for youth and CSOs what needs to be learn” is a three-day event (happening from 28.11.-1.12.2024 in Narva, Estonia)that will include an intensive programme of high-level discussions, skills workshops, working groups, development of the civil society and international stakeholders appeal (declaration on green transitions (climate change), social transition (inequalities and intercultural dialogue), peacebuilding (combating with hate and disinformation) to the international community. A one-day preparatory meeting will be organised for the high level experts and invited speakers on the 27th November 2024 in Tallinn.

The goals of the conference are to hold discussions on three main topics, find solutions to problems, exchange good practices and prepare proposals for stakeholders and decision-makers. It is important to promote cooperation and create functional cooperation networks between youth, non-governmental organizations, entrepreneurs and state representatives, creating a platform for joint initiatives and projects that support the development of innovative approaches in achieving a sustainable and intercultural world.

As a result of the conference, concrete proposals and cooperation initiatives are expected, which will contribute to the project goals both locally and internationally.

We will discuss the role of CSOs and different stakeholders in achieving sustainable peace and the importance of dialogue in healing divides to achieve sustainable, green and just transition to adapt societies to new realities. Peacebuilding, social, sustainable and environmental policy issues will be discussed from the perspective of the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Thes events is an opportunity to reaffirm the significance of the importance of the work of the CSs and networks (including ALF network) for promoting a sustainable future in the region and achieving a safer, greener, socially just and interculturally integrated society.

THE DRAFT PROGRAMME

The programme will consist of plenary lectures and speeches, panel discussions, workshops, study visits, a round table and Working groups in World Café discussions formate involving all participants. Participants will be expected to share their experience – and emphasise to younger participants and CSOs their perspectives on the ‘art of the possible.’ They will also be expected to deliver targets and action ideas for implementation at local, national and international levels. The focus of the conference will be dedicate on how to implement political promises and agreements, focusing on the implementation process and sharing lessons learned from achievements so far with both local and international guests. We will achieve that by and spreading knowledge and outcomes to CSOs, research and political institutions, communities and individuals involved back in their home countries.

The main topics of conference in 2024:
1. Green and fair transition from policy to implementation.
2. Sustainable tourism and green technology entrepreneurship.
3. The role of civil society organizations as catalysts for change in green transition and intercultural dialogue.
4. Capacity-building for human rights based approach in the implementation and monitoring the fight against hate speech and disinformation.
5. Youth vision of Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and its impact/spillover effect in EuroMed region?

CONFERENCE DRAFT AGENDA

Wednesday, 27th November 2024

The arrival of Officials and Speakers in Tallinn

Working meeting for conference preparation in Tallinn with high level experts from Nordic-Baltic and Euro-Mediterranean region.

Thursday, 28th November 2024
Arrivals and sightseeing’s in Tallinn

  • The arrival of Delegates
  • Registration to the Conference
  • 13.00 – 14.00 pm visiting Government institutions
  • 17.00 – 18.00 Sightseeing tours in Tallinn
  • 18.00 pm Departure from Tallinn to Narva (joint bus/train)
  • 20.00 – 21.00 Dinner at the Hotel (Meresuu Spa Hotell and Narva Hotel)
  • 21.00 – 22.00 Organising Committee meeting in Narva Hotel

DAY ONE. Friday, 29th November 2024
OFFICIAL CONFERENCE DAY at Vaba Lava Teathre Centre

09.00 – 10.00 Registration and coffee

10.00 – 11.15 Opening and keynote Speeches
– Welcome speech by Estonian Minister of Culture
– Welcome and keynote speech by Vivian Loonela, Head of European Commission Representation in Estonia – Keynote speech by Janne Rajala, president of “Green Habito” European Civil Society Network  (Finland) – “The role of Civil society organisations in the monitoring and implementation of just transition and empowerment of communities in achievement of intercultural dialogue”
– Keynote speech by Anna Lindh Foundation representative (TBA)

11.15 – 12.30 1st Panel discussion with Invited guests and participation of public *

“Key challenges in a making green and fair transition happening: from policy to implementation”.

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to the European Union and to the world. To overcome these challenges, the European Green Deal is Europe’s new growth strategy, which will transform the Union into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy. The European Green Deal aims to make Europe climate neutral by 2050, boost the economy through green technology, create sustainable industry and transport, and cut pollution. Turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities will make the transition just and inclusive for all. The European Commission helps EU Member States design and implement reforms that support the green transition and that contribute to achieving the goals of the European Green Deal. From this perspective, we will look at the implementation of the green transition agenda in the European Union as a whole and in the Member States in particular.

Moderator: Ms. Anneli Ohvril, Let`s Do it World Foundation (Estonia)

Experts:

  • High level representative of the Nordic Council
  • Representative of the European Commission’s Representation in Estonia
  • Anis Boufrikha, We love Sousse, ALF Tunisia
  • Kaidi Tamm, Sustainable Development Programme Senior Expert, Stockholm Environment Institute Tallinn (Estonia)
  • Representative of European Sustainable Development Network (TBA)

12.30 – 13.00 Working group (By Anneli Ohvril)

13.00 – 14.00 Lunch 
14.00 – 15.00 2nd Panel discussion with Invited guests and participation of public *

“Sutainable tourism and green entrepreneurship”

We will focus on empowerment of green business model innovation and fostering a circular tourism considering the sustainability of ecosystem services using innovative technologies and promoting the preservation of natural resources and cultural heritage. Integrating Green business model in the tourism sector in example of Nordic-Baltic and Euro- Mediterranean regions.

Moderator: Michael G. Kavuklis, Coordinator in Chief of the Europe, Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Development Forum of Rhodes (ALF Greece)
Experts:

  • Viktoría Alfreðsdóttir, project manager of Green by Iceland
  • Anis Boufrikha, president of We love Sousse, ALF Tunisia
  • Liisa Kokkarinen, Head of Sustainable Development,Visit Finland
  • Imbi Lepik-Martinson,  Quality System Coordinator, Enterprise Estonia

15.00 – 15.30 Working group (by Anis Boufrikha)

15.30 – 16.00 Coffee Time

16.00 – 17.00 3rd Panel discussion with Invited guests and participation of public *

Capacity-building for Human rights based approach in the implementation and monitoring the fight against hate speech and disinformation.

When CSOs build their own capacity, it is important that they use a human rights-based approach, which is a useful tool in implementing and monitoring activities to combat hate speech and misinformation. How can we improve the media literacy knowledge of organizations and youth and reduce hate speech, taking into account human rights (freedom of speech and expression), where do the duties and responsibilities of individuals and organizations lie if they spread misinformation and by this action can cause extremism and conflict. In this regard, intercultural education and media literacy is a key solution for peacebuilding, trust and social justice initiatives, where people’s views will be expressed, respected and taken into account.

Moderator: Ph.D Mette Brogden, The University of Arizona (USA)

  • Susanne Kallanvare, Burgerden Gymnasium (ALF Sweden)
  • Mahmoud Ezzat, Center for Strategic Studies at Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Egypt)
  • Vassili Golikov, Sillamäe Society for Child Welfare (ALF Estonia)
  • Michael G. Kavuklis,  the House of Europe in Rhodes (ALF Greece) Burgerden Gymnasium

17.00 – 17.30 Working group (by Mahmoud Ezzat)

17.30 – 18.00 Conference concluding remarks  day I

19.00 – 21.00 Official Reception

Saturday, 30th November, 2024 (Panel discussions, workshops, study visits and networking day) in Meresuu Spa Hotel

09.00 –09.15 Report Back & Discuss agreements & ideas from Friday’s sessions
Recruit volunteers to serve on Drafting Group of Network statement

09.15 – 10.30 4th Panel discussion with Invited guests and participation of public *

“The role of civil society organisations as catalysts for change in the green transition and intercultural dialogue”.

Moderator: Vassili Golikov, Programme director of Sillamäe Society for Child Welfare

Experts:

  • Stefanos Vallianatos , Co-Founder of Fotoessa, Head of Greek Network of Anna Lindh Foundation (Greece) – “Greek experience in the field of culture and Creative Sectors driving the Green Transition”
  • Mayri Tiido, Founder and CEO of Lowmerism (Estonia) – “The role and Estonian Civil Society in partnership with business and communities in planing, executing of green transition for a social, economical and environmental change”
  • Adel Albaghdadi, We Organisation (Netherlands) – “Syrian and Dutch contributions and experience of vulnurable groups (migrants) as actors in achieving intercultural dialogue”
  • Laura Maria Rajala, coordinator of Femina RY (ALF Finland) – “Finnish experience in catalyzing change in green transition and intercultural dialogue in example of collaboration projects for youth and women target groups”

10.30 – 11.00 Working group (by Mahmoud Ezzat)

11.00 – 11.15 Coffee break

11.15 – 12.15 6th Panel discussion with Invited guests and participation of public *

“Youth vision of Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and it’s impact/spillover effect in EuroMed region?”

 Moderator: Ingrid Raudsepp, Community Development Society

Experts:

  • Vassili Golikov, Estonia
  • Anis Boufrikha, Tunisia
  • Mahmoud Ezzat, Egypt
  • Alejandra Hansen, Denmark
  • Rudi Raes, Belgium

12.15 – 13.00 Workshops/ Working groups  (Ingrid Raudsepp)

13.00 – 14.00 Lunch

14.00 – 15.30 Skills workshops conducted by invited experts from Euro-Mediterranean and Nordic-Baltic regions.
 Skills workshop on intercultural dialogue, sustainable change and empowerment of leadership of CSOs.
Skills workshop on media literacy, intercultural politics and disinformation
Skills workshop on civil society communication and marketing
Skills workshop on sustainable life-style.
…

14.00 – 15.30 Working in groups:

  • I Group: development of conference statement
  • II Group: development of proposal for policy-makers on more involvement of CSOs into achievement of green transition and intercultural society;
  • III Group: development of joint initiatives / project plans between NGOs and other actors on local level to promote sustainable, cultural and innovative solutions for social transformation;

15.00 – 15.30 Presentation and networking of the results of workshops and working group (Presentation of joint statement draft and civil society project proposals for decision and policy makers on SDGs)

15.30 – 18.00 Study Visits and Networking (Fortaco, Enefit Green, Aquaphor, Mining museum, Narva College Tartu University, Local CSOs and cultural institutions) across the region.

19.00 – 20.00 Dinner and Free evening.

Sunday, 1st of December 2024 Conference results presentation and summary

09.00 – 09.30 Summary of the agreements – The conference Moderator & Working Group Rapporteurs

09.30– 10.00 Official Presentation and adoption of Conference Declaration

10.00 – 11.00 Conclusions and follow-up activities for 2025

11.00 – 11.30 Practical arrangements

11.30 – 13.00 Official closing in Meresuu Spa Hotel and reception

13.00 – 15.00 Driving to Narva Castle and Visiting Narva Museum and Narva City

15.00 Departure to Tallinn, Bus to the airport

18.00 – 20.00 Annual meeting of the EuroMed network board members in Tallinn, Hestia Hotel Europa. (Representatives of We Love Sousse, Center for Strategic Studies of Bibliotheca Alexandrina, The House of Europe in Rhodes, Burgerden Gymnasium, Femina RY and other institutions who will arrive on the conference).

Monday, 2nd of December 2024 Departure