2015 is the first year in the history of the European thematic years to be dedicated to the EU foreign policy and have marked it out as European Year for Development. The purpose of the year is to engage European citizens, particularly young people, in debate about “Our World, Our Dignity, Our Future”.
It is a landmark year in 2 respects:
- The Millennium Development Goals will be reaching their conclusion.
- The international community will be coming together to agree on a new course of action to end poverty, promote sustainable development and address climate change.
During the year, two United Nations summit meetings will effectively define the parameters for international policy making:
- In September, the UN will agree new goals – a new “Sustainable Development Framework” – to tackle poverty, inequality and environmental destruction,
- And in December, the Climate Change summit in Paris will set new climate action targets, to replace the Kyoto Protocol.
These two summit meetings will have binding consequences for Ireland’s own development in a number of policy areas, including energy, transport, agriculture and environment.
Dóchas has been chosen as the coordinator of the Irish action plan for the European Year of Development and will be coordinating a number of events both with and without partners to mark this important year.
The vision is a year of 'Active Citizenship for a Better World', to celebrate the many ways in which people in Ireland are already working towards a better, more sustainable world. EYD is a year that encourages people in Ireland to think of themselves as change-makers and take action around some of the most critical issues facing our world today.
On 22 January President Michael D. Higgins formally launched the Year of action, at a conference in Dublin Castle.
To view the official calendar of events for details and registration, click here.
The vision of DSA Ireland is the creation of a vibrant and innovative development studies community, which will focus on cutting edge research, led by Irish research institutions, contributing to the reduction of poverty, inequality and vulnerability in the world. As such we will be engaging with EYD and will be posting EYD news and events on our website and through our social media platforms.
Keep checking DSA Ireland website as well as Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for details on our upcoming events in conjunction with the European Year of Development 2015.
Useful links and resources
- European Year for Development: https://europa.eu/eyd2015/enaction/2015
- Check out our EYD playlists on Youtube
- Media Briefing on European Year for Development 2015
- The European Year for Development and Beyond: MEPs' Visions
- The EU’s common agricultural policy - Ensuring the EU’s development and agricultural policies evolve together