The capacity building working group of the network held its second meeting this year to discuss the impact of the political changes in Europe on CIGS. The recent European elections have brought notable changes, with a rise in right-wing representation across multiple countries. This shift has significant implications for CIGS in the different countries. Across all countries, the rise of right-wing politics, implies potential cuts to international cooperation budgets, and therefore the need for stronger advocacy and more global citizenship education. Capacity building activities for CIGS should adapt to the changing political landscapes, emphasising relationship building, advocacy, and countering polarisation. With the change of the political wind also comes a trend of instrumentalisation of civil society and a increasing concerns regarding national security.
Important roles to be played by CIGS could be found in countering polarisation and disinformation and global citizenship education. The full report can be found here.
The next meeting of the working group is planned for Thursday the 13th of March 2025 from 11:00 till 12:30. The following themes have been suggested for this meeting: Successes and failures of ongoing public campaigns to promote international solidarity, how to engage young people for CIGS and how to engage people from rural areas or other people who are often not the target groups for global solidarity. If you would like to join please register through this link.