🆕 Rethinking the world: it's going to take more than "new lenses" - CONCORD Newsletter March 2021

r Director's blog RETHINKING THE WORLD: IT'S GOING TO TAKE MORE THAN "NEW LENSES" For a long time now, I've been mulling over how difficult it is for decision-makers to move on from a general understanding of the fact that 'things have gone rather pear-shaped' to their being convinced that a fundamentally new approach to the world is needed in order to rebuild better. As I see it, it's not about solving the current problems – by addressing things issue by issue - but about putting in place profoundly new ways of working.  Which requires totally new ways of thinking. Only in this way, will we really solve inequalities and ensure we all have a far greater sense of well-being and freedom to lead our lives in a way that suits us. It was Albert Einstein who once said that we cannot solve our problems using the same thinking that created the problem. And yet time and again, this is what we see among EU decision-makers. Tanya Cox, CONCORD Director Read more CONCORD NEWS OF THE MONTH SCOREBOARD FOR THE EU'S ACTIONS TO TACKLE INEQUALITIES The EU and its Member States have committed to tackling inequalities in partner countries. But, are commitments being translated into action? By analysing some of the EU's most recent actions, our scoreboard evaluates whether or not this approach has been taken – or if inequalities have been addressed at all. This in-depth analysis provides valuable insights to #MainstreamEquality in the future. Our scoreboard APPROVAL OF THE PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT ON NDICI Last week, the European Parliament and the Council committees approved the provisional agreement on the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI). CONCORD Europe prides itself in having successfully influenced – with its members – the negotiations since the beginning, providing additional views and recommendations to the European Parliament and the Member States. Read provisional agreement BOSCH FOUNDATION FUND We are very excited to share the wonderful news that the Robert Bosch Foundation has agreed to fund a new piece of work within CONCORD.  This will allow us to focus (even more deeply) on examining inequalities and how the EU and Member States address them, as well as putting a spotlight on digitalisation as a key EU priority and how it may influence inequalities of all kinds in partner countries. Learn more UPDATES FROM OUR NETWORK INTERSECTIONALITY BETWEEN CLIMATE CRISIS AND SRHR The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) has recently released a position paper that discusses the impacts of the climate crisis on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), such as unavailable services in affected areas and harmful impacts on maternal health. IPPF describes its priorities for advocacy and engagement on the issue as a healthcare provider and advocate.  Learn more EDUCATION IS IN A STATE OF GLOBAL EMERGENCY In April 2020, 90% of the student population were not able to receive an education due to school closures as many governments' response to stop the spread of the virus. In a joint position paper, our members call the EU to ensure that education is prioritised in countries where it's needed the most. It also identifies how the EU should support education at a national level by applying a gender and inclusion lens to all aspects of education. Learn more EAEA's GRUNDTVIG AWARD Each year, the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) Grundtvig Award highlights initiatives that produce new ideas, foster partnerships and advance understanding of how we can work in adult education. This time, EAEA Grundtvig Awards will be given to the best projects or initiatives promoting digitalisation and democracy. Applications are open until 10 April 2021. Learn more A SAFETY NET AGAINST POVERTY: DISABILITY-INCLUSIVE SOCIAL PROTECTION Light for the World put together this issue brief on disability-inclusive social protection, outlining what social protection is, and its relevance to persons with disabilities. Including a short listing of social protection global policy framework, as well as key recommendations to ensure its inclusivity and in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Learn more JOB OPPORTUNITIES EU Partnership Officer Organisation: Handicap International Federation Deadline: 2 April 2021 Finance Officer Organisation: CONCORD Deadline: 5 April 2021 Consultant(s): Statistician for AidWatch 2021 Organisation: CONCORD Deadline: 5 April 2021 Consultant(s): Writer for AidWatch 2021 Organisation: CONCORD Deadline: 5 April 2021 CEO Organisation: ActionAid Ireland Deadline: 6 April 2021 Director of EU Advocacy & Policy Organisation: World Vision Deadline: 23 April 2021 CALLS FOR PROPOSALS & OPPORTUNITIES The latest open calls for proposals from DG INPTA From 24 February 2021 to 24 March 2021 Add your news Disclaimer: CONCORD cannot guarantee that information from external sources and links contained on this site is up to date or be responsible for external content contained in website links.