I workshop: Interregional Cooperation

Cooperation is one of the main principles of the activity of organisations ensuring their development and efficiency. International programs and financial instrument for the sector aim to strengthen the partnerships in this sector, exchange of knowledge, experiences and competences, integration into common networks.

The working group will aim to overview the goals and benefits of international cooperation, the advantages and drawbacks of international programs and financial instruments, the specific features of their national implementation. Special attention will be paid to outline the unique features and strengths of the NGO cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region.

Moderator: Rasma Pipike, executive director, Civic Alliance Latvia (CAL)

Inputs (each presentation no longer than 20 min and 10 min for a question answer sesion):

1. Financial Instruments for NGO Cooperation in the Baltic Region under the EEA/Norway Financial Mechanisms: Regional Overview
Ms Patrizia Brandellero, sector officer , NGOs and social partners EEA and Norway Grants, Financial Mechanisms Office. 

2. Comparative Analysis of EEA/Norwegian and Swiss Financial Instruments
Ms Birutė Jatautaitė, director, Centre for Community Change, Lithuania

3. Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013: Opportunities and Benefits for Cooperation
Ms Vineta Griekere, project officer, Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013 Joint Technical Secretariat, State Regional Development Agency

4. EC Programmes Facilitating NGO Cooperation in the Region
Mr. Johan Magnusson, DG Regional Policy, European Commission

5. “Social” NGOs in Belarus: Analysis of Situation, Sources of Funding and Perspectives of Their Development
Mr Andrey Makhanko, executive director, NGO Understanding, Belarus

6. Fields, Principles and Added Value of the Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region
Ms Darja Akhutina, general director, Norden Association St. Petersburg, Russia 
 

II workshop: Innovations and Development of NGOs

The NGO sector is known for its vitality and ability to adapt to new developments, in reaction to continuously changing situation and the needs of the society. It is important to identify the impact of innovative ideas and activities for social and political developments, as well as their expediency with regard to the mission and objectives of the sector. What are the essential achievements and value-added of the sector in this field in the region?

The working group will review the competitive power of NGOs if compared to state institutions and private companies, its contribution to the national GDP, cooperation with businesses in introducing innovations, best practices in the Baltic Sea Region.

Moderator:  Mr Kastytis Gečas, Lithuanian Innovation Centre

Inputs: (each presentation no longer than 20 min and 10 min for a question answer sesion):

1. Possibilities of NGO and Business Cooperation
Ms Lyra Jakulevičienė, head, United Nations Development Programme in Lithuania 

2. Competition Betwee NGOs and State Institutions
Mr Giedrius Kadziauskas, vicepresident, Lithuanian Free Market Institute

3. Cooperation of NGOs with Private Businesses: Case Studies
Mr Šarūnas Končius, technology specialist, Microsoft Lithuania

4. Web 2.0 and Civic Activism: Success Stories
Ms Iveta Kažoka, researcher, Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS, Latvia

5. Participatory Appraisal and the Needs of Social Movements: Internal Limits for Growth and Going Beyond the Limits
Mr Alexander Karpov, director, Center ECOM of the St.Petersburg Society of Naturalists, Russia
 

III workshop: Strengthening of the NGO sector

Active civic participation in building a state ensures its democratic development, transparent management and positive international image. NGOs play the main role in the strengthening of civil society, the cooperation with national institutions and the representation of public groups.

The working group will examine the current NGO situation in the region, its place in decision making, contribution to the development of a democratic society. Also, the issues of public opinion about the sector, possibilities of increasing public reliance and participation in the activities of public benefit, the principles of transparency and accountability of NGOs will be considered.
 

Moderator: Jan William Grav, Danish focal point

Inputs: (each presentation no longer than 20 min and 10 min for a question answer sesion):

1. Overview of the NGO Situation in the Baltic Sea Region Countries (5 min each)

2. New Ways of Involving Citizens and NGOs in Decision-Making
Mr Jens William Grav, coordinator, Danish Focal Point

3. NGO Cooperation with the Government Institutions in the Decision-Making Process
Mr Martinas Žaltauskas, director, NGO Information and Support Centre, Lithuanian Focal Point

4. NGO Role in Public Benefit and Public Interest
Ms Kristina Mand, LTA Officer of CIVICUS World Alliance for Citizen Participation

5. Public Image of Polish NGOs: Challenges and Ideas for the Future
Ms Julia Kluczynska, director, Legal Clinics Foundation, Poland

6. Code of Good Practice for Civil Participation in Decision Making
Mr Oliver Henman, expert of the Council of Europe, National Council for Voluntary Organisations, England