One day of mine
8.35 waking up, taking a shower
8.45-9.15 would be cleaning time, but as am sick since almost 2 weeks now with the danish malaria called flu, i do not attend in the kitchen chopping some vegetables as i do not intend to spread it..
So we talk a bit with Dori, my roommie, having some breakfast
9.20- as tuesday, we have separate morning assemblies from the danes. we meet in our classroom with Sara. We go through the schedule of the upcoming days which is the core component of all morning meetings. Usually its Rikke, the school's principal to inform and tell us the most important programs, but she is in South Africa now for a few days. I miss her actually, I think her presence is like the bones for the body. As she runs the choire called 'Papaya' since quite a few years now, that visited South Africa she has some VIP friends there, so she might have some nice fancy visits out there...
So Sara has a Vignet for us this morning. I actually asked her to talk about her Master thesis she wrote for Roskilde University last year for International Development and Communication studies if I can remember correctly. She wrote about Working with the World as a class-room, so it was basically focusing about danish high-school students and how much they are prepared theoretically and practically to be global citizen.
Then Mette came, an other Krogerup teacher who talked about her additional work as a conflict resolution mediator. This is a very unique way of facilitating crime issues between offenders and victims, promoting the people's rigths and needs as opposed to the actual set of law process that defends only the State and not those involved in a specific case.
11.00-12.30 'E Study'- which is photography for me. We had some assignment such as taking photos about the school and its environment, some shapes and shades and so...the sourroundings, the forest ... and then about self-portrait and ordinary objects and such. It is strange to be forced to take photos. I dislike it. I have no inspiration to shoot.
I work with Benjamin, a danish guy. its easier then alone. He is funny and tall, spend his last year in Peru volunteering at a school living with a local family and from next year he plans to cross the US by bike with an other girl from Krogerup. I told You he was funny... :)
So we plan how to start developing in the afternoon.
12.30- Lunch
resting/discussing things
14.00-16.00 Developing our film in the darkroom. we try it so hard for half an hour but its just not succeed.so we put back my film into a box and start making the nega with our common film. Its a loooooong process, lots of liquids and time-keeping and checking and sooo on. We do good job i think.
16.00-16.30 preparation for leaving with Garba to Cph for the Crossing Border's ngo- annual general assembly.
16.30- 17.40 on the way to the meeting place we are 5 in the car- Mignote from Ethiopia, Salma from the Maldives, Garba from everywhere ( :) and Nikolaj from mainly denmark :), and me. nice group :) sophisticated and humorous discussions, i like it.
18.10- 21.30 Meeting- presentations, evaluation, board election, ... interesting experience, getting to know the operation of a civil org and also CB's issues- this is important cuz our education is part of their...
22.30-23.30 arriving back to Krogerup, metting with other CB students and discussing tomorrow"s workshops.
23-30 - am on the internet. its crazyyyy
2010. november 30., kedd
2010. november 29., hétfő
Brusszel
milyen lehetseges programok varhatok
http://www.cec-ong.org/
http://www.festivalmillenium.org/en/
http://www.bozar.be/activity.php?id=10261&selectiondate=2010-12-5
www.congo2010.be
http://www.8plusgoals.com/en/fashion-show.html
http://www.cec-ong.org/
http://www.festivalmillenium.org/en/
http://www.bozar.be/activity.php?id=10261&selectiondate=2010-12-5
www.congo2010.be
http://www.8plusgoals.com/en/fashion-show.html
Preparation for Brussels 4
A trip to Zambia - Development Youth Prize 2007
I just found this video and it made me think about the press trip some of the YRAP finalists will win after the EU Development Days.
Why is it necessary and key to visit these places and meet these people? The Zambian Minister of Tourism highlighted the essence: “You believe what you heard. So if you have a chance to get there, you've got to get first-hand information from the people and you've got to experience the atmosphere so you make up your own mind."- YES!!!!
I just found this video and it made me think about the press trip some of the YRAP finalists will win after the EU Development Days.
Why is it necessary and key to visit these places and meet these people? The Zambian Minister of Tourism highlighted the essence: “You believe what you heard. So if you have a chance to get there, you've got to get first-hand information from the people and you've got to experience the atmosphere so you make up your own mind."- YES!!!!
Preparation for Brussels 3
Stop EPA...
According to the "Stop EPA" Facebook group...
The consequences of EPAs:
- Developing countries must open their markets to European goods by eliminating tariffs on 80% of their goods within 15 years. For example, the Zimbabwe reduce its tariff barriers by 80% by 2022, the first 45% already be removed before 2012!
- Developing countries must eliminate their export duty.
- EPAs entails not only the liberalization of goods but also services, investment and government procurement (NOT a requirement from the WTO!). Eg ACP countries do not prioritize local companies against European to build up local production, which is a narrowing of the countries' policy space.
The cool thing for the EU is free access to ACP markets since European firms thus will have the same terms as locals in developing countries.
What is the problem?
- With the duty removed, the ACP countries lose a great resource on state budgets. It is estimated that African countries will lose approx. 2 billion. USD EPAs. For example, Zimbabwe lose 18.4 million. USD by signing the EPA.
- Tariff reduction will also result in Cote d'lvoire will lose 44% of the state budget.
- With free access for European companies, the ACP countries hard to protect their own production, which will lead to unemployment and poverty, as local companies will easily be ousted by European firms.
Other important facts:
- If the ACP countries do not sign the EU has threatened to cut sharply on their aid.
- Many countries would like to be compensated for the amount they lose by signing. The EU has been accommodating to. Unfortunately, there are just examples of the opposite! Including In the Caribbean, where compensation money has not yet arrived.
- Farm subsidies to European farmers make it impossible for ACP agriculture to compete in the EU.
- EU regional divisions in the African country of children goes against the already existing initiatives in Africa. Ie EU supports and divides Africa into a false splitting, which means that they destroy their current attempt to work together regionally.
- Although the EU believes that there should be free trade between countries, there are still barrier which means that it is difficult for ACP countries entering the EU market. For example, the ACP countries to document where all goods coming from - it will say that they might know what region every good comes from and the farmer who has outgrown it. It can be complicated for many at this time and therefore it will prevent a lot of exports from ACP countries.
THEREFORE...
get active and show your displeasure!
According to the "Stop EPA" Facebook group...
The consequences of EPAs:
- Developing countries must open their markets to European goods by eliminating tariffs on 80% of their goods within 15 years. For example, the Zimbabwe reduce its tariff barriers by 80% by 2022, the first 45% already be removed before 2012!
- Developing countries must eliminate their export duty.
- EPAs entails not only the liberalization of goods but also services, investment and government procurement (NOT a requirement from the WTO!). Eg ACP countries do not prioritize local companies against European to build up local production, which is a narrowing of the countries' policy space.
The cool thing for the EU is free access to ACP markets since European firms thus will have the same terms as locals in developing countries.
What is the problem?
- With the duty removed, the ACP countries lose a great resource on state budgets. It is estimated that African countries will lose approx. 2 billion. USD EPAs. For example, Zimbabwe lose 18.4 million. USD by signing the EPA.
- Tariff reduction will also result in Cote d'lvoire will lose 44% of the state budget.
- With free access for European companies, the ACP countries hard to protect their own production, which will lead to unemployment and poverty, as local companies will easily be ousted by European firms.
Other important facts:- If the ACP countries do not sign the EU has threatened to cut sharply on their aid.
- Many countries would like to be compensated for the amount they lose by signing. The EU has been accommodating to. Unfortunately, there are just examples of the opposite! Including In the Caribbean, where compensation money has not yet arrived.
- Farm subsidies to European farmers make it impossible for ACP agriculture to compete in the EU.
- EU regional divisions in the African country of children goes against the already existing initiatives in Africa. Ie EU supports and divides Africa into a false splitting, which means that they destroy their current attempt to work together regionally.
- Although the EU believes that there should be free trade between countries, there are still barrier which means that it is difficult for ACP countries entering the EU market. For example, the ACP countries to document where all goods coming from - it will say that they might know what region every good comes from and the farmer who has outgrown it. It can be complicated for many at this time and therefore it will prevent a lot of exports from ACP countries.
THEREFORE...
get active and show your displeasure!
Preparation for Brussels 2
AAA, GSP, DDA, GATT, EPA
What is AAA?
The Accra Agenda for Action (AAA), adopted in Accra on September 4, reflects the international commitment to support the reforms needed to accelerate an effective use of development assistance and helps ensure the achievement of the MDGs by 2015. The AAA, the result of an extensive process of consultation and negotiations among countries and development partners, focuses the aid effectiveness agenda on the main technical, institutional, and political challenges to full implementation of the Paris principles.
What is GSP?
Generalised System of Preferences
What is DDA?
The Doha Development Round or Doha Development Agenda (DDA) is the current trade-negotiation round of the World Trade Organization (WTO) which commenced in November 2001. Its objective is to lower trade barriers around the world, which allows countries to increase trade globally. As of 2008, talks have stalled over a divide on major issues, such as agriculture, industrial tariffs and non-tariff barriers, services, and trade remedies. The most significant differences are between developed nations led by the European Union (EU), the United States (USA), and Japan and the major developing countries led and represented mainly by China, Brazil, India, South Korea, and South Africa. There is also considerable contention against and between the EU and the USA over their maintenance of agricultural subsidies—seen to operate effectively as trade barriers.
The Doha Round began with a ministerial-level meeting in Doha, Qatar in 2001. Subsequent ministerial meetings took place in Cancún, Mexico (2003), and Hong Kong (2005). Related negotiations took place in Geneva, Switzerland (2004, 2006, 2008); Paris, France (2005); and Potsdam, Germany (2007).
In Doha ministers placed development at its centre. “We seek to place developing countries’ needs and interests at the heart of the Work Programme adopted in this Declaration,” they said. “… We shall continue to make positive efforts designed to ensure that developing countries, and especially the least-developed among them, secure a share in the growth of world trade commensurate with the needs of their economic development. In this context, enhanced market access, balanced rules, and well targeted, sustainably financed technical assistance and capacity-building programmes have important roles to play.”
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (typically abbreviated GATT) was negotiated during the UN Conference on Trade and Employment and was the outcome of the failure of negotiating governments to create the International Trade Organization (ITO). GATT was formed in 1949 and lasted until 1993, when it was replaced by the World Trade Organization in 1995. The original GATT text (GATT 1947) is still in effect under the WTO framework, subject to the modifications of GATT 1994. In 1993, the GATT was updated (GATT 1994) to include new obligations upon its signatories. One of the most significant changes was the creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The 75 existing GATT members and the European Communities became the founding members of the WTO on 1 January 1995. The other 52 GATT members rejoined the WTO in the following two years (the last being Congo in 1997). Since the founding of the WTO, 21 new non-GATT members have joined and 29 are currently negotiating membership. There are a total of 153 member countries in the WTO.
What is EPA?
EPA stands for Economic Partnership Agreements, also known as partnership agreements.
What are EPAs involve?
Free trade between EU and ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific regions, ie. The former colonies). EPAs have been formed to meet the WTO rules on FTAs, meaning removing almost all barriers to trade in commodities such duty.
The aim of the EPAs, as seen from the EU perspective:
- Poverty Reduction (integration of ACP countries in world trade).
- Breakdown of ACP countries into smaller "trading regions". The duty is lowered within the region, increasing regional trade. The regions must then be the EU's new trade partners.
- To take account of development of ACP countries (eg flexibility in relation to the pace of duty shall be reduced).
What is AAA?
The Accra Agenda for Action (AAA), adopted in Accra on September 4, reflects the international commitment to support the reforms needed to accelerate an effective use of development assistance and helps ensure the achievement of the MDGs by 2015. The AAA, the result of an extensive process of consultation and negotiations among countries and development partners, focuses the aid effectiveness agenda on the main technical, institutional, and political challenges to full implementation of the Paris principles.
What is GSP?
Generalised System of Preferences
What is DDA?
The Doha Development Round or Doha Development Agenda (DDA) is the current trade-negotiation round of the World Trade Organization (WTO) which commenced in November 2001. Its objective is to lower trade barriers around the world, which allows countries to increase trade globally. As of 2008, talks have stalled over a divide on major issues, such as agriculture, industrial tariffs and non-tariff barriers, services, and trade remedies. The most significant differences are between developed nations led by the European Union (EU), the United States (USA), and Japan and the major developing countries led and represented mainly by China, Brazil, India, South Korea, and South Africa. There is also considerable contention against and between the EU and the USA over their maintenance of agricultural subsidies—seen to operate effectively as trade barriers.
The Doha Round began with a ministerial-level meeting in Doha, Qatar in 2001. Subsequent ministerial meetings took place in Cancún, Mexico (2003), and Hong Kong (2005). Related negotiations took place in Geneva, Switzerland (2004, 2006, 2008); Paris, France (2005); and Potsdam, Germany (2007).
In Doha ministers placed development at its centre. “We seek to place developing countries’ needs and interests at the heart of the Work Programme adopted in this Declaration,” they said. “… We shall continue to make positive efforts designed to ensure that developing countries, and especially the least-developed among them, secure a share in the growth of world trade commensurate with the needs of their economic development. In this context, enhanced market access, balanced rules, and well targeted, sustainably financed technical assistance and capacity-building programmes have important roles to play.”
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (typically abbreviated GATT) was negotiated during the UN Conference on Trade and Employment and was the outcome of the failure of negotiating governments to create the International Trade Organization (ITO). GATT was formed in 1949 and lasted until 1993, when it was replaced by the World Trade Organization in 1995. The original GATT text (GATT 1947) is still in effect under the WTO framework, subject to the modifications of GATT 1994. In 1993, the GATT was updated (GATT 1994) to include new obligations upon its signatories. One of the most significant changes was the creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The 75 existing GATT members and the European Communities became the founding members of the WTO on 1 January 1995. The other 52 GATT members rejoined the WTO in the following two years (the last being Congo in 1997). Since the founding of the WTO, 21 new non-GATT members have joined and 29 are currently negotiating membership. There are a total of 153 member countries in the WTO.
What is EPA?
EPA stands for Economic Partnership Agreements, also known as partnership agreements.
What are EPAs involve?
Free trade between EU and ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific regions, ie. The former colonies). EPAs have been formed to meet the WTO rules on FTAs, meaning removing almost all barriers to trade in commodities such duty.
The aim of the EPAs, as seen from the EU perspective:
- Poverty Reduction (integration of ACP countries in world trade).
- Breakdown of ACP countries into smaller "trading regions". The duty is lowered within the region, increasing regional trade. The regions must then be the EU's new trade partners.
- To take account of development of ACP countries (eg flexibility in relation to the pace of duty shall be reduced).
Preparation for Brussels
What is European Development Days?
A fast growing international forum, launched in 2006 and organized by the European Commission and the Presidency of the Council of the European Commission. This annual event is a platform to discuss development challenges. It brings together about 6000 people and 1500 organizations from the development community in the spirit of partnership. The whole development family is reprezented: partners, agencies, beneficiaries and donors. Each year, high-level decision makers, heads of state and government, politicians, ministers, Nobel laureates, parliamentarians and leaders of international organizations are welcome. World-acclaimed leaders have used EDD as a sounding board for their ideas. Desmond Tutu, Wangari Maathai, George Soros etc taken part...
In 2010, Brussels,the 15 high-level panels, two keynote speeches and 30 seminars (including one on Media and Development) will try to find European consensus and lay out existing differences on development issues as Europe seeks to strengthen its leading role as donor and partner for developing countries.
What are the main topics that is going to be discussed?
The hottest topics that shapes the development community. Climate, water, food security, gender equality, human rights, democracy, good governance, education, health, natural resource management, free and fair trade, economic and social growth.
What is the main goal of EDD?
EDD claims that its inclusive, geographically representative and gender balanced. The world is changing so differentiated approaches to development are required so EDD tries to serve as a laboratory where people from the field feed decision makers with their experiences. (I am very eager to recognize this aim!)
Who are the main big attendants in 2010?
Leading EU political figures will be joined by no less than seven African heads of state and government, the African Union Commission Chairperson, the ACP Secretary General, as well as the heads of UN organisations, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and former French President Jacques Chirac.
Other confirmed attendees are European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme (heading the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU), European Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek.
The EDD will address sensitive subjects such as the future of development given the changes wrought by the Lisbon Treaty, the future of development cooperation, access to energy, the Global Health Policy, support to the private sector and human rights.
A fast growing international forum, launched in 2006 and organized by the European Commission and the Presidency of the Council of the European Commission. This annual event is a platform to discuss development challenges. It brings together about 6000 people and 1500 organizations from the development community in the spirit of partnership. The whole development family is reprezented: partners, agencies, beneficiaries and donors. Each year, high-level decision makers, heads of state and government, politicians, ministers, Nobel laureates, parliamentarians and leaders of international organizations are welcome. World-acclaimed leaders have used EDD as a sounding board for their ideas. Desmond Tutu, Wangari Maathai, George Soros etc taken part...
In 2010, Brussels,the 15 high-level panels, two keynote speeches and 30 seminars (including one on Media and Development) will try to find European consensus and lay out existing differences on development issues as Europe seeks to strengthen its leading role as donor and partner for developing countries.
What are the main topics that is going to be discussed?
The hottest topics that shapes the development community. Climate, water, food security, gender equality, human rights, democracy, good governance, education, health, natural resource management, free and fair trade, economic and social growth.
What is the main goal of EDD?
EDD claims that its inclusive, geographically representative and gender balanced. The world is changing so differentiated approaches to development are required so EDD tries to serve as a laboratory where people from the field feed decision makers with their experiences. (I am very eager to recognize this aim!)
Who are the main big attendants in 2010?
Leading EU political figures will be joined by no less than seven African heads of state and government, the African Union Commission Chairperson, the ACP Secretary General, as well as the heads of UN organisations, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and former French President Jacques Chirac.
Other confirmed attendees are European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme (heading the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU), European Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek.
The EDD will address sensitive subjects such as the future of development given the changes wrought by the Lisbon Treaty, the future of development cooperation, access to energy, the Global Health Policy, support to the private sector and human rights.
Feliratkozás:
Bejegyzések (Atom)