PARTNERSHIPS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT - Seminar
Sustainable Public Policies and Business Practices for Black Sea Countries
June, 15-24, 2008 Istanbul, TURKEY
September 29 – October 7, 2008 Venice, ITALY
The programme has been developed by the Regional Environmental Center (the REC) together with Venice International University, Istanbul Bilgi University and Agrinnova based on the needs of the private sector and governments.
The wide range of seminars will provide participants deeper knowledge on current sustainable development issues and its practical contexts both on a global and regional basis. The course is intended to bring together different stakeholders in upper management and to enable a platform of sharing and partnerships towards attaining the goal of sustainable development. The relationship of the three pillars of sustainable development will be assessed. Participants will also find the opportunity to have a deeper insight on climate change and sustainable resource management where sectors such as energy, shipping, fisheries and tourism will be discussed.
BENEFICIARY COUNTRIES
Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Moldova, the Russian Federation, Turkey, Ukraine
TARGET GROUP
The target audience encompasses specialists from central government, local authorities and the private sector from the Black Sea region. Participants will come from a range of educational and professional backgrounds and will have practical experience.
INTRODUCTION
The programme has been developed by the Regional Environmental Center (the REC) together with Venice International University, Istanbul Bilgi University and Agrinnova based on the needs of the private sector and governments. The wide range of seminars will provide participants deeper knowledge on current sustainable development issues and its practical contexts both on a global and regional basis. The course is intended to bring together different stakeholders in upper management and to enable a platform of sharing and partnerships towards attaining the goal of sustainable development. The relationship of the three pillars of sustainable development will be assessed. Participants will also find the opportunity to have a deeper insight on climate change and sustainable resource management where sectors such as energy, shipping, fisheries and tourism will be discussed.
RATIONALE
The rapid increase in economic activity and the growth rate of Black Sea countries have brought many opportunities and many challenges to the region. The Black Sea is very vulnerable to pressure from land-based activity and its sustainability is dependent on the well-being and good governance of coastal and non-coastal states of its basin. The implementation of sustainable development policies is extremely critical for the countries of the region. Clearly, unless development is secured in a sustainable way, the goods and services provided by the environment for many economic activities would be jeopardized, impacting the social and economic welfare of the inhabitants of this strategic region.
PROGRAMME DESIGN
The Programme has been designed based on a multi-stakeholder approach, by bringing government officials and business people together in order to showcase the importance of partnership to achieve the goals of sustainable development.
Special focus will be given to both practical and technical knowledge. It will not only provide general theoretical and practical information on various policies and instruments of sustainable development, it will also enable the participants to benefit from best practices and case studies from the region as well as from the EU member countries.
OUTPUTS
After the programme, participants are expected to:
Have a basic understanding of sustainability theory and practical contexts behind sustainable development;
Contribute to the development of national sustainable strategies and business practices;
Establish the necessary links between global, regional and national sustainable development initiatives;
Have increased knowledge on the mechanisms and institutions of sustainable development internationally, in the EU and in each individual country;
Acknowledge the importance of achieving sustainability in the interest of securing parallel economic, social and environmental progress for present and future generations;
Be more familiar with EU Environmental Policy and decision-making processes;
Adopt sustainable business practices in their organizations;
Build a network of business executives, public officials and other stakeholders.
METHODOLOGY
The program aims to increase familiarity and general knowledge on six different modules, with more detailed assessment of the below mentioned course topics. The lectures will be presented in a stimulating environment enabling the opportunity for dialogue, exchange of ideas, discussions and consensus building during participatory workshops and lectures. The language of the lectures will be English.
PARTICIPATION FEE
The enrollment fee is €3000 per person. Generous funding provided by the Italian Ministry of Environment Land and Sea has made possible scholarship opportunities. Central and local governments as well as SME representatives are eligible for full scholarship whereas multinational companies are eligible for partial scholarship only. Preference for full scholarships will be given to central government and local authority representatives. Thus, we encourage SMEs to apply for partial scholarships if possible. The applications of scholarship will be evaluated by the Steering Committee, based on the information provided in the CVs, Application Forms and Letter of Interests of the applicants.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
SEMINAR SERIES - I
June 15-24, 2008, Bilgi University, Istanbul, TURKEY
SEMINAR SERIES - II
September 29 – October 7, 2008, Venice International University, Venice, ITALY
