The European Parliament adopts the written declaration on development education and active gloabl citizenship

The European Parliament calls on Member States and the European Commission to strengthen development education across Europe.

After an intense 4 months campaign, the European Parliament adopts the written declaration on development education and global active citizenship.

On July 5th, the European Parliament has officially adopted the written declaration on development education and active global citizenship, co-tabled by MEP Filip Kaczmarek, Maria Badia i Cutchet, Catherine Greze, Fiona Hall and Michael Gahler.

The very positive response of the European Parliament follows a strong campaign lead by CONCORD and DEEEP, and sets the frame for new political debates on the role of European citizens within development.

The declaration, which promotes the strengthening of development education policies, both at national and European level represents a paramount political milestone for the development education sector.

Although several member states have already adopted a national strategy on development education, a high number of countries is still missing one, or has not fully implemented it yet.

While Europeans largely support development, personal active engagement for global justice remains low: 89% of Europeans attach a high value to development cooperation, but only 4% actively engage through volunteering.

The EU is one of the most significant funders of DEAR in Europe with €30million coming through EuropeAid, and yet, there is still no explicit strategy on development education.

MEP Kaczmarek declared that “development education plays a key role in the eradication of poverty and the promotion of sustainable development. It strengthens the support to the active engagement of citizens in local and global level to promote justice, human rights, and sustainable development.”

Information:  http://citizens.concordeurope.org/