
Regional Cooperation in Perspective – Towards Sustainable model of Transnational Support for Regional Cooperation
01. 12. 2014.Main goal of the conference is to outline perspectives for the development of a long-term, sustainable model of transnational institutional support for the cooperation of civil society organisations in the region. Present European trends, as well as the developed institutional practices of transnational support to cultural and other civil society actors, will be presented and discussed. The programme will provide insights into the current state of affairs in the development of cooperation between cultural and other civil society actors in the region, including key challenges and necessary steps to be taken for further development of regional cooperation. Through the conference programme, the representatives of decision-making and funding bodies, experts, cultural, and various other civil society activists from the region and beyond will be encouraged to mutually reflect, discuss and work on sustainable institutional solutions for the development of regional cooperation.
Draft Programme:
9.30
Opening address (EN)
Introducing the Purpose of the Conference
10.00 – 12.00
Session 1
Discussion (EN)
Transnational Institutional Support for Regional Cooperation – Practices and Perspectives from Europe and the Region
Panel will provide an overview of European institutional practices of transnational support to civil society in culture and other fields in regional contexts. Which societal and political presumptions enable the development of regional cooperation in different regions in Europe? What are the goals of transnational funds for regional cooperation and how are they reflected in the specific practices of various international institutions? Existing trends will be presented, as well as the work of various international institutions.
Speakers:
- Jiří Sýkora, International Višegrad Fund, Bratislava
- Kristina Babić, Local Democracy Agency and University Josip Juraj Strossmayer – The Art Academy, Osijek
- Moderator: Milica Pekić, Kooperativa
12.30 – 14.30
Session 2
Conversation (regional languages)
Widening the Field of Cooperation: Strengthening Ties Between Cultural Civil Society and Other Civil Society Actors – Key to Social Transformation
This part of the programme is conceived with purpose to provide insights into the cooperation between cultural and various different civil society actors, both on local levels and in the regional context, in order to present potentials for tangible changes through the synergistic actions of different actors in civil society in the mutual struggle for societal transformation.
Innovative, creative and interdisciplinary approaches to challenges in our communities, which combine variety of tools and methods, have enabled civil society actors to become key agents of positive social change throughout the region. However, these actors are facing many challenges and obstacles in their work, particularly in terms of the lack of enabling environment for the development of regional cooperation. What are the key needs of civil society actors for the development of tools supporting mutual activities in the region?
Speakers representing different CSO’s in the region:
Teodor Celakoski, Right to the City, Zagreb; Marina Ivandić, Organization for Workers’ Initiative and Democratization, Zagreb; Ivana Dragšić, Freedom Square, Skopje; Radomir Lazović, Ministry of Space, Belgrade; Žarko Trajanoski, Coalition ‘Sexual and Health Rights of Marginalized Communities’, Skopje; Samo Selimović, Initiative for Democratic Socialism, Ljubljana
Moderator: Katarina Pavić, Kooperativa
16.00 – 18.30
Session 3
Panel discussion (regional languages)
Initiatives and Challenges for Regional Cooperation: Perspectives and What Lies Beyond
What can different institutions of the countries in the region do together to strengthen the regional cooperation? What are the key challenges to be met in framing a sustainable model for transnational support for the cooperation in the region – which premises in terms of political circumstances and policy measures are to be taken into account in the near future?
Speakers:
- Milica Pekić, Kooperativa
- Jelena Pajović van Reenen, Government of the Republic of Serbia, Office for Cooperation with Civil Society
- Tamara Perišić – Ministry of Culture, Republic of Croatia
- Dea Vidović, Foundation Kultura Nova
- Cvjetana Plavša Matić, National Foundation for Civil Society Development
Moderator: Emina Višnić, POGON – Zagreb Centre for Independent Culture and Youth, Zagreb
18.30
Closing Discussion and Conclusions (regional languages)
Moderator: Katarina Pavić, Kooperativa
The Conference is supported by:
- Foundation “Kultura Nova”
- Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia
- Open Society Foundations
- Open Society Fund–Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kosovo Foundation for Open Society
01. 12. 2014.