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EU Civil Society Alliance launched at start of first European Year of Development

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EYDChildren should not be left behind in the EU’s development plans this year, said World Vision today (15 January) as it joins other civil society organizations and members of CONCORD in Brussels to launch the EU Civil Society Alliance. The launch takes place at the beginning of the European Year for Development 2015 and represents a common effort by NGOs from different sectors to ensure that the post-2015 framework replacing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) addresses issues such as extreme poverty, peace and security, and reaches the most vulnerable children in the hardest places to live. 

Director of Advocacy and Justice for Children World Vision Brussels and EU Representation Deirdre de Burca said: “Progress made over the past 15 years has shown us that the possibility of ending the preventable deaths of children and eradicating extreme poverty is within sight. It is clear that a world where the next generation can not only survive, but thrive, is possible. The success of the new post-2015 framework that will replace the MDGs must be measured by its ability to reach the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children in those places that are most difficult to reach – and the EU is key to this.

“Today’s launch takes place at the start of The European Year for Development. This European Year represents an excellent opportunity not only to showcase the positive impacts of international development organizations like World Vision, made possible through generous supporters, but also to engage people with the challenge of securing justice, equality, opportunity and dignity for all global citizens,” she said.

The official launch of the European Year of Development took place in in Riga, Latvia on January 9 and was attended by high level EU political representatives including Commission President Jean Claude Juncker and EU High Representative Federica Mogherini. Today’s launch of the EU Civil Society Alliance focuses on strengthening the joint forces of civil society members involved in development so that the best possible outcomes can be achieved for people experiencing hunger, poverty, ill health and early mortality in developing countries. Environmental, human rights, poverty and climate campaigners amongst others intend to identify common issues and challenges and work together during the European Year of Development to raise awareness of what needs to be done to tackle these problems.

"As a child-rights organization, World Vision wants to make sure the succeess of the post-2015 is measured by its impact on the most vulnarable in the hardest-to-reach places benefit," said de Burca. "Reaching the most vulnerable children will require ensuring universal coverage of essential services for every child that will provide the foundation for a better life. Initiatives that target the most vulnerable will need to implement improved health, education and social protection systems that will directly benefit all.

“This year, world leaders must ensure that the post-2015 goals replacing the MDGs are ambitious and reflect a positive vision for the world and all of its people, including children,” de Burca added.

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