weltwärts
informs
weltwärts
informs
The power of the collective: 14th open stakeholder conference in Cologne
Around 90 weltwärts organisations came together at the open stakeholder conference on 24 and 25 January. Topics of discussion included specific challenges in day-to-day volunteer work as well as fundamental matters such as how to reach new target groups. The focus of this year’s conference was co-operation and networking.
The Pattenhalle in Ehrenfeld, Cologne, played host to the 14th open stakeholder conference. The main goal of the conference was to allow the exchange of thoughts and ideas. Representatives of German weltwärts organisations, civil society, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the weltwärts Coordination Unit took part in workshops and discussion groups. Participants were able to discuss the current issues and challenges facing volunteer work in a relaxed atmosphere.
The overall concept of the event – “Lift: A Symphony of Wings” – emphasised the exchange of ideas among equals. The concept came from the Kenyan artist Kefa Oiro. Just as with a murmuration of birds, human organisations also make progress when they harness the power of the collective. The interactions between stakeholder organisations, the Co-ordination Unit and the BMZ were shaped by mutual interest, collaboration and constructive suggestions.
Sandra Groß, BMZ Head of Division for citizen engagement, exchange and volunteer services, praised the creation of the weltwärts community. This newly created platform links former volunteers through a central point of contact. The community makes reference to returnee engagement in the implementing organisations. Together, the grenzenlos association and Engagement Global offer returnees events, advice and financial support for project ideas. The community represents a milestone in networking for former volunteers. Sandra Groß also emphasised that they would like to involve more young men in the future, since women are currently overrepresented. Jens Kreuter, CEO of Engagement Global, praised every attendee’s willingness to stand up for common values such as solidarity, justice and sustainable development. Benedikt Pees, Civil Society Co-Ordinator on the Programme Steering Committee, expressed his thanks for the increased funding last year and spoke highly of collaboration among stakeholders.
One problem frequently raised at the conference was the increased effort required to support young volunteers and the lack of commitment. Several sending organisations also complained of massive problems obtaining visas for Indian nationals, among others. A wide variety of topics was covered in the workshops and in individual groups: these included seminars on inclusion and awareness, joint networking for more public work and more targeted engagement of parents and teaching staff. Christian Wochele, who is responsible for programme development and communication in the Co-ordination Unit, emphasised the importance of schools. This lies in their ability to increase the visibility of the programme and to encourage new volunteers for weltwärts. Schools bring together three different and important target groups for weltwärts: parents, pupils and teaching staff.
The focus is on sharing knowledge and mutual learning. Another part of the conference programme was an exchange between sending organisations and the Co-ordination Unit regarding cost sharing and compensating for disadvantages with the aim of facilitating engagement by economically disadvantaged volunteers.
The stakeholder conference takes place annually and – together with the three or four partner conferences per year – enables people to meet in person and offers an opportunity for intensive collaboration between all of those involved.