In the framework of the European Earth Tribe project, funded by the Erasmus+ grant of the European Union, we are glad to invite you to participate in the second edition of the European Sustainability Forum, which will take place in Greece, from 16 to 20 of October 2024.
Aim and Objectives
The European Sustainability Forum aims at gathering representatives from NSOs and NSAs who are working or are deeply interested in Sustainability and the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) to connect, share, and build the next steps on the work of the Region and its NSOs towards more sustainable operations.
This Forum also doubles up as the Closing Conference of the European Earth Tribe project, where the main outcomes and outputs of the two-year-long set of actions, activities, initiatives, resources, and tools will be presented. All stakeholders, relevant partners and external guests and speakers will be invited so that the Forum is a crossroads of experiences and learning opportunities, as much as a milestone in the sustainability work in our Region and the world.
The objectives of the event include:
- Increase the knowledge about sustainability actions, programmes, and initiatives put in place by the Region and the NSOs in the European Region and beyond.
- Provide a networking platform for representatives of the NSOs working on sustainability to share common challenges, concerns, and best practices.
- Showcase results from the Regional Earth Tribe Project focusing on environmental sustainability via local actions and events.
- Explore innovative solutions to environmental education which will encourage more young people to understand and act for a sustainable future.
Dates and Venue
The European Sustainability Forum 2024 will start on the evening of Wednesday 16 October 2024 and will end on the afternoon of Sunday 20 October 2024.
The event will take place at “The Ranch” which is situated in the small town of Sofiko (Corinth), in the Peloponnese Region of Greece, about 120 kilometres from the International Airport of Athens. The organisers will assist with the travel from and to the airport.
Participants’ Profile
We are looking for participants at the Sustainability Forum who are:
- At least 18 years old,
- Passionate about sustainability,
- Members of any working group or similar structure at the national level of their NSO or NSA working in sustainability/Sustainable Development Goals.
Language
The working Language of the European Sustainability Forum will be English.
Participation Fee
Thanks to the generous funding from the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, we can propose a reduced participation fee of only EUR 100 for the full length of the event (covering accommodation in shared rooms, all meals and tea/coffee breaks, and additional programme expenses).
Furthermore, we will fund up to 80% of travel costs, not more than EUR 250. If the travel costs exceed EUR 250, the difference will be at the cost of the participant (e.g., for travel costs amounting to EUR 250 or more, the reimbursement will be EUR 200, which corresponds to 80% of the maximum budget provided of EUR 250). Reimbursements will be made on a real-cost basis after the event, provided all supporting documents are handed to the European Scout Region (including flight/train/bus tickets and proof of payment). A credit note or invoice will be sent directly to the sending organisation. No reimbursement will be made directly to participants.
Once the organising team confirms their participation, participants are requested to communicate with their NSO/NSA and coordinate their travel arrangements.
As per the decision of the European Scout Committee to provision reserves to provide financial support to NSOs/NSAs in their participation in our Regional Events, any participant requiring additional support can ask for it via the International Commissioner, through the Regional Support Request Form.
Registration
Applications for participation can be completed using the online registration form before the 10 September 2024. Please note that the venue has a limited space availability so we will be selecting up to 60 participants from across the European Scout Region. The selection criteria will ensure a balanced representation of NSOs and NSAs with priority being given to core sustainability participant profiles. The selected participants will be informed by the 15 September 2024. Please do not arrange for travel before hearing back from the organising team.
Visa and Travel Arrangements
Confirmed participants will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements. Please DO NOT book your flights or trains before receiving a confirmation letter from the European Scout Region, in which more information about the logistics will be provided. Please let us know in the event online registration form if you need a visa to enter Greece.
Insurance
The European Scout Region of WOSM does not cover participants' risks during the event or travel to or from the venue. Please note that it is the exclusive responsibility of the participant’s national association to check and be sure that the risks of participants are covered by insurance (illness, accidents, repatriation, etc).
Safe from Harm and Sustainability
We aim to make sure that, as any other Scout initiative, the Sustainability Forum is a safe place, where the wellbeing of all participants is of paramount importance. Therefore, it is mandatory for all attendees to complete the WOSM Safe from Harm e-learning course: https://lms.scout.org/courses/show/214285?force_course_hub=true
Additionally, we strongly recommend completing the WOSM Sustainability e-learning course, which will allow all participants a common understanding of the current ideas and areas of work around sustainability in World Scouting.
Team
The Planning Team of the European Sustainability Forum is composed of staff and volunteers from the European Scout Region:
- Pinja Salhoja, Finland
- Pedro Cabrita, Portugal
- Chris Meadows, UK
- Siri Ankarfors, Sweden
- Athina Tsekoura, Greece
- Radu Stinghe, World Scout Bureau Europe Support Centre
Further Information and Contact
Should you have questions, or require further information or additional support, please contact the Planning Team via Radu Stinghe ([email protected]).