ENSA, European Network of Social Authorities, is hosting an interactive elderly and disability thematic working group meeting taking place 14 December 2020 from 10:00 - 12:30. 

The COVID 19 crisis has shaken the world and is affecting every area of our lives; this meeting is thought to open opportunities in adversity.

At an international level, we would like to provide information and reflect on possible contributions to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with at its heart the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Indeed they represent an urgent call for actions and provide orientations to build strategies, partnerships and exchange practices. The Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) provides substantive support and capacity building for the SDGs and their related thematic issues.

Essential in this present context is the next multiannual financial framework and recovery package: Council presidency just reached a political agreement with the European Parliament about the comprehensive financial package of €1 824.3 billion negotiated by EU leaders in July, which combines the next multiannual financial framework – €1 074.3 billion – and a €750 billion temporary recovery instrument, Next Generation EU. An overview of the new funding possibilities will be provided to participants.

The disruptive and changing crisis is first a human tragedy, beyond the efforts to tackle the health dimension the social dimension is to be prioritized by the EU notably by implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights this is why we also choose to follow up and address reflections on this possibility.

This meeting will be held with the collaboration of the Council of Europe Conference of OING’s, the democracy, Social Cohesion and Global Challenges Committee, with a specific call for ethical management and respect of Human rights in the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last but not least we offer you the possibility to interact in running and future thematic project proposals in an “Agora forum”. See Agenda enclosed.

Registration is free but compulsory.

Looking forward to welcoming you!

Miljana Dejanovic, Conseil Départemental du Val de Marne & Anthony Polychronakis, City of Rotterdam