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The purpose of the program "Cyprus Forum 2024 - Policymaking Redefined" is to organize a political conference that aims to highlight significant political issues, with the participation of politicians, technocrats, academics, and other specialists from various fields.

The conference will serve as a platform for dialogue and the exchange of ideas, seeking to bring together different perspectives and approaches to challenges facing Cyprus and Europe. Through speeches, panels, and workshops, participants will have the opportunity to delve into critical topics such as social justice, economic development, education, healthcare, and climate change.

The participation of politicians and experts from various sectors will allow for the development of innovative solutions and policy proposals that address societal needs. The conference will also provide a unique networking opportunity for attendees, encouraging them to collaborate and create strategic alliances to promote common goals.

Additionally, the program includes educational activities designed to empower participants' skills in policy production. Workshops will be offered to develop skills such as public speaking, public discourse management, and participation in decision-making processes.

Through the organization of the conference, "Cyprus Forum 2024" also aims to raise public awareness about the importance of political participation and the democratic process. Awareness-raising activities, such as events and informational campaigns, will be combined with the conference to mobilize and encourage citizens' participation in decision-making that affects them.

The program is funded by the European Union, supporting efforts to create a more democratic and participatory political environment in Cyprus.

The purpose of the program "PoliCY Talks - Promoting Democratic Values through Podcasting" is to create and produce podcast episodes aimed at informing citizens, with a particular emphasis on young people, about important political and social issues.

The program aims to promote democratic values and political participation through the innovative use of podcasting as a communication tool. Through a series of thematic episodes, participants will have the opportunity to listen to and engage in discussions concerning critical issues such as human rights, equality, transparency in governance, and citizen participation in political processes.

The episodes will include interviews with politicians, academics, and representatives of civil society, who will share their knowledge and experiences regarding the challenges facing democracy today. Through these conversations, listeners will be encouraged to think critically, engage actively, and take action to improve their societies.

"PoliCY Talks" also aims to raise awareness among young people about the importance of political participation and being informed, highlighting the role that everyone can play in promoting democratic values. Through the podcasts, young individuals will have the chance to express their own opinions and proposals, actively participating in public discourse.

The program is funded by the European Solidarity Corps, which supports initiatives that promote social inclusion, active participation of young people, and the empowerment of civil society in Europe.

The purpose of the program "You(th) in Local Governance" is to implement and strengthen the institution of youth municipal councils in Cyprus. This initiative aims to create a stable framework that allows young people to actively participate in the decision-making process at the local level, thus enhancing their voice and influence on issues that concern them.

The establishment of youth municipal councils will provide young people with the opportunity to express their views and participate in public discussions regarding local governance, social services, and youth issues. Through this institution, young people will be able to propose policies, engage in initiatives, and take action that promotes their participation in the local community.

The program will include educational workshops, seminars, and consultations with young people to inform them about decision-making processes and the functioning of municipal councils. Additionally, initiatives will be promoted to strengthen cooperation between youth and local authorities, ensuring that their needs and suggestions are taken into account in the political agenda of their area.

Part of the program will also involve the development of tools and resources that will support the operation of youth municipal councils, such as guidelines for their functioning and methods of participation. Young people will be trained to become effective representatives of their peers and will be encouraged to engage in cross-border and international collaborations, thereby broadening their perspective on democracy and participation.

The program is funded by the European Union, as part of its efforts to enhance youth participation in local governance and promote social cohesion and active citizenship in Cyprus.

The purpose of the programme "Actions for the European Elections 2024 - Discussions on Democracy at the Cyprus Forum Cities" is to promote European ideas and highlight the importance of citizen participation in the electoral processes of the EU. Through this programme, relevant discussions will be held with politicians, technocrats, and academics, along with promotion on social media, the publication of a magazine, and other activities.

The programme aims to enhance European awareness and encourage active citizen participation in the upcoming European electoral processes, which are crucial for the future of democracy in Europe. It focuses on the significance of the 2024 European Parliament elections by providing a platform for informing citizens and encouraging them to engage actively, both in the elections and in the public discourse about the future of Europe.

As part of the programme, open discussions and forums will take place during the Cyprus Forum Cities conference, featuring the participation of politicians, technocrats, academics, and representatives from civil society. The discussions will cover a wide range of topics such as democracy, citizens' rights, EU governance, and the challenges facing Europe today, including climate change, migration, and technological innovation.

In addition to live discussions, the programme will emphasize public engagement and awareness through social media. The aim is to disseminate information about the importance of voting in the European elections and to promote the values of the European Union, such as democracy, solidarity, and the protection of human rights. The use of social media will facilitate interactive participation and reach younger demographics that are often disengaged from traditional electoral processes. Furthermore, the programme includes the publication of a special magazine that will compile articles and analyses from leading academics and experts on EU-related topics. This magazine will serve as an educational tool, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the electoral processes in Europe and their influence on policy-making at the EU level. The magazine will be distributed in both print and digital formats, aiming to raise public awareness and enhance the public discourse surrounding the European elections.

The programme is funded by the European Union and is part of broader efforts to strengthen democracy in Europe by promoting increased citizen participation, particularly among young people, in electoral processes.

The purpose of the "Participatory Tools for Rule of Law in Cyprus" programme is to strengthen and implement legislative provisions that support the participation of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the wider public in decision-making processes. The programme aims to provide platforms and participatory tools to monitor the activity of the House of Representatives and to enable citizens and organised groups to create and publish public petitions, with the possibility of co-signing petitions by individuals.

The programme promotes transparency and accountability in the functioning of Parliament, providing the opportunity for citizens and CSOs to actively participate in overseeing parliamentary activities and formulating policy proposals. Citizens will be able to follow legislative initiatives, stay informed about discussions and decisions, and participate in public consultations by submitting comments, proposals, and requests to lawmakers.

This initiative is implemented under the BUILD programme, officially named "Building a robust and democratic civic space" (BUILD). The BUILD programme aims to protect, promote, and widely recognise the fundamental rights and values of the European Union, by supporting CSOs in Greece and Cyprus and strengthening their capacity and sustainability to effectively contribute to public life and decision-making processes.

The BUILD programme is co-funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme, the Bodossaki Foundation, and the NGO Support Centre in Cyprus, with a total grant of €2.9 million. The Bodossaki Foundation in Greece coordinates the BUILD programme, while the NGO Support Centre in Cyprus is the main partner responsible for the implementation of the actions in the country.

Through this initiative, the programme aims to enhance citizen participation in decision-making by promoting active involvement in the country’s political life, while also ensuring that the voices of civil society are heard and considered in critical political processes.

The purpose of the "metaCCAZE" programme (Flexibly adapted MetaInnovations, use cases, collaborative business and governance models to accelerate deployment of smart and shared Zero Emission mobility for passengers and freight) is to implement a series of measures and actions aimed at improving traffic congestion and reducing the use of private vehicles.

The actions include the development of innovative solutions to enhance public transportation, the creation of infrastructure to promote electric mobility, the promotion of shared transport (car-sharing), and the encouragement of using soft modes of transport, such as cycling and walking. An important part of the programme is also raising public awareness about the importance of reducing emissions and traffic congestion through information and educational initiatives.

The project partnership consists of 43 partners from across Europe, including universities, technology companies, local authorities, and public and private sector organisations, all working together to develop and implement these solutions.

The programme is funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe programme, under the Climate, Energy, and Mobility pillar. Horizon Europe is the largest European funding programme for research and innovation, supporting initiatives that address the challenges of climate change and the transition to a green and digital economy. Through this funding, the "metaCCAZE" programme aims to accelerate the development of smart, sustainable, and zero-emission solutions for both passenger and freight transport, with the goal of creating a more sustainable urban environment.

The purpose of the programme "Cyprus Forum-Youth Forum" is to organise a political conference aimed at highlighting important political issues, with the participation of politicians, technocrats, academics, and other experts from various fields. The conference provides a platform for discussing critical topics related to public policy, society, and future challenges, focusing on issues such as sustainable development, democracy, social justice, and technological innovation.

The participation of young people is particularly important for the conference, as the conference is designed to encourage the voice of the younger generation in the decision-making process. Through the conference, young people will have the opportunity to engage directly with politicians and technocrats, actively participate in discussions, and present their own ideas and proposals on issues that concern them.

Moreover, the conference serves as a space for learning and networking for young people, giving them the opportunity to develop their skills in political dialogue, public speaking, and critical thinking, while also connecting with individuals who can guide and inspire them.

The programme is funded by the European Union, which supports initiatives that promote the active participation of young people in the political process and strengthen their voice on matters that affect them.

The purpose of the programme "Legislation matters-youth matters!" is to organise informational workshops for young people, aiming to familiarise them with the legislative process, institutions, and key tools for participating in policymaking processes. Through these workshops, young people will have the opportunity to understand how democratic institutions work and how they can actively engage in shaping policies that affect them.

The programme focuses on improving young people's knowledge of the legislative process, from the conception of an idea to the passing and implementation of laws. Through experiential activities, such as legislative simulations and discussions with experts, participants will learn how they can influence the political agenda, take part in public consultations, and use tools like legislative proposals and public debates to advocate for their views.

These workshops promote democratic participation, encouraging young people to develop skills in public expression, collaboration, and critical thinking. The programme also aims to create a more informed and active youth, capable of effectively participating in decision-making at the local, national, and European levels.

The programme is funded by the European Union, which supports initiatives that promote active citizenship, youth education, and the enhancement of their participation in democratic processes.