Local and regional governments – through their decentralised cooperation activities – can play a decisive role to create a concrete link between their citizens and the international, national and local development policies. Beyond offering first hand expertise on local development challenges, city-to-city cooperation have the potential to reach directly to the citizens of both communities and foster mutual understanding. 

Answers to the question “How to involve and raise awareness of European citizens on global development challenges?” will be given at a workshop organised by PLATFORMA during CEMR Congress in Nicosia (Cyprus) on 21 April from 10.30 to 12.00 (Brussels time).
 
This session will address the different initiatives by the European Union, the local and regional governments, and the civil society organisations from both Europe and partner countries to better integrate citizens in development cooperation partnerships.
 
Among the speakers are:
 

• Michel Laloge, Head of sector unit B2 Civil Society Organisations and Local Authorities, DG DEVCO, European Commission
• Massimo Toschi, Adviser to the President of Region Tuscany for cooperation and international relations (Italy)
• Nawel Rafik-Elmrini, Deputy Mayor of Strasbourg for European and International Affairs (France)
• Assamaou Kosseyti, Vice-President of REFELA for West Africa, Mayor of Birni N'Gaouré (Niger)
• Miguel de Clerk, Director of Echos Communication
• Secou Sarr, Director of Enda Energy, Environment, Development

 
You can already take part in the debate on Twitter with our hashtag #CEMR2016.

The meeting will be webstreamed live on 21 April from 10.30 to 12.00 (Brussels time).