Context

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe is offering to a group of selected representatives of local councils (“Sakrebulo”), municipal administrations (“Meria”) and national associations of local authorities from Georgia the opportunity to attend the World Forum for Democracy 2018 to be held in Strasbourg from 19 to 21 November 2018. This study visit is organised in co-operation with the National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia (NALAG).

Background Information

The World Forum for Democracy is a unique platform for political decision-makers and activists to debate solutions to key challenges for democracies worldwide. By identifying and analysing experimental initiatives and practices, the Forum highlights and encourages democracy innovations at the grassroots and their transfer on a systemic level in order to strengthen the foundations of democratic societies. The Forum thus contributes to the evolution of democracy towards more participatory and inclusive structures and institutions.

The World Forum for Democracy 2018 will be dedicated to gender equality and women’s rights. In particular, it will be focused on women’s public, political and economic participation and on combating violence against women in the wake of #MeToo. The discussions will be based –although not exclusively– on the extensive work of the Council of Europe, including the European Social Charter, the Council of Europe’s Gender Equality Strategy 2018-2023, the Istanbul Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, and other relevant standards and tools that feed into the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Further information can be found on the website of the Forum: www.world-forum-democracy.org

Eligibility and award criteria

A group of 15 participants will be selected to take part in the Forum, based on the following criteria. The applicant:

• is a representative of local council (“Sakrebulo”), municipal administration (“Meria”) or national association of local authorities;
• has proven experience in implementing local initiatives and activities aimed at promoting gender equality at local level;
• has full proficiency in English, and/or French.

The selection will ensure a fair balance of gender, geographical an urban/rural representation. Male applicants are encouraged to apply. In addition, applications from young councillors or municipal officials, as well as from representatives belonging to national and ethnic minorities are highly encouraged.

How to apply

All potential candidates should submit a motivation form (attached) before 17 October 2018, 18:00 CET. Application forms must be sent to congress.cooperation@coe.int. Please note that interviews with shortlisted candidates by phone or by Skype are expected to be held between 18-19 October 2018.

APPLICATION FORM