Crafting futures
Through Crafting Futures, artisans and communities are economically empowered ©

Jamil Olmedo

The European Development Days (EDDs) are Europe's leading forum on development and international cooperation. Organised by the European Commission, the forum brings the development community together each year to share ideas and experiences in ways that inspire new partnerships and innovative solutions to the world's most pressing challenges.

For its thirteenth edition, EDDs will look at "Addressing inequalities: Building a world which leaves no one behind" with a focus on promoting equality and sharing prosperity in sustainable development.

The British Council will be involved in the following sessions

Crafting Futures - ethical solutions to address global inequalities

Global village stand, Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 June

An interactive space to explore equality and sustainable development through craft. A female artisan from Thailand and an international designer will be present to share their experiences with the EDD community, demonstrating weaving techniques on a mini-loom, talking about the natural materials they work with, and showcasing local garments. Case studies from Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Pakistan, Panama and Thailand will also be highlighted.

Contact: Rosanna.Lewis@britishcouncil.be

Breaking the cycle of inequality in MENA through cultural approaches

Lab debate, Tuesday 18 June, 13:30 – 14:45

This session will explore the power of communication combined with culture, to enable individuals and groups to construct personal and cultural identities, bring people with influence and marginalised groups together to solve problems; and, in doing so, build resilience and provide an alternative to divisive narratives that exploit inequalities. This session will be moderated by Fatme Masri, Director Programmes, Syria, at the British Council, with speakers from the Tahawer Collective Iraq and Globally Connected Syria.

Contact: Axelle.Basselet@britishcouncil.be

Social enterprises: a relevant tool to reduce inequalities in the Sahel?

Project lab, Wednesday 19 June, 13:00 – 14:15 (in partnership with EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa)

The panel of speakers, which includes Paula Woodman, Head of Social Enterprise at the British Council, aims to shed light on the success of existing models that support the concept of sustainable social enterprises and how they are better equipped than normal businesses to address inequality and close gaps across gender, income, skills and financial inclusion.

Contact: Axelle.Basselet@britishcouncil.be

Promoting gender equality through culture and creativity

Brainstorming session, Tuesday 18 June, 10:00 – 11:15 (in partnership with Culture et Développement and others)

This session will invite relevant stakeholders from a variety of fields (including culture, education, health, private sector) to share recommendations and insights on the cultural dimension of gender inequalities, with the goal of creating new policy and projects to tackle these inequalities.

Contact: Rosanna.Lewis@britishcouncil.be

HOPES against inequalities!

Project lab, Tuesday 18 June, 15:15 – 16:30 (in partnership with the German Academic Exchange Service)

The HOPES project addresses the challenges faced by Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities in the countries neighbouring Syria. This session will explore how HOPES has improved the prospects of refugee youth in the region, through a symbiotic mix of education offers, including through academic counselling and language courses.

Contact: Caroline.Delan@britishcouncil.org

Working better together: good practices in joint implementation

Global village stand, Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 June (in partnership with the Practitioners’ Network)

The stand will showcase several projects that illustrate how maximising partnerships between European Development Agencies through joint implementation can enhance development results, and address inequalities, whilst contributing to the achievement of the SDGs.

Contact: Louise.Kallora-Stimpson@britishcouncil.be

VET toolbox

Global village stand, Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 June (in partnership with Enabel)

A stand focused on the VET Toolbox project, which supports reforms in aid of inclusive and demand-driven vocational education and training (VET), recognising that employment is key to reducing poverty and VET can equip people with skills in demand on the labour market. However, many VET systems in developing countries don't cater to labour market needs, and are often inaccessible to vulnerable groups. 

 Contact: Eva.Lutzmann@britishcouncil.be

 

 

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