IVS for Climate Justice News
Alliance at the Global Festival of Action for Sustainable Development
21-23 March 2018, the Global Festival of Action for Sustainable Development took place in Bonn, Germany, organised by the UN SDG Action Campaign in collaboration with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the German Federal Foreign Office. Serving as a platform for inspiration and exchange, the festival brought together more than 1.500 people from all around the world, united by a common aim: To fight for a sustainable world.
During the three days, over 250 speakers shared their knowledge and inspiring stories, over 50 sustainable innovations and exhibitions were showcased, dialogues held, 20 SDG films screened, and last but not least, participants were invited to choose from over 50 interactive sessions, focusing on 5 core thematic areas: Innovation approaches, citizen engagement, communicating the SDGs, mobilizing action, multi-stakeholder engagement.
The Alliance or European Voluntary Service Organisations was represented at the festival by four volunteers (members of its Environmental Sustainability Working Group, Access for All Working Group and the board). Aim of attending the event was to explore new ways of promoting sustainability within and beyond the Alliance network and collaborating with partners and external stakeholders in doing so, specifically by harnessing the power of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Particular learnings and “gems” we take away?
- contacts – there are many individuals and groups out there worth to connect and stay in touch with (“If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together”).
- inspiration – campaigns are a powerful tool and bear great potential for change. Learning from others, we take away inspiration for our own campaigns, e.g. 1Table4All.
- going ahead – carbon-neutral IVS? Strategic planning for a more sustainable IVS network? IVS and the SDGs? There are ways and means for going ahead.
The Alliance will now make best use of this experience – stay tuned for more!
